Grant Funding For Storm Shelter Purchases

"How do I apply for FEMA grant funds to help pay for my storm shelter?" is a common question we hear from buyers. The answer, contact your local Emergency Management Agency, is pretty simple. But the funding process for the grants is much more complicated than that. This infographic explains the "trickle-down economics" of FEMA storm shelter funding.

Storm shelter grant funding has slowed dramatically in the past couple of years. FEMA grants are being prioritized for climate mitigation, aquifer storage and recovery, floodplain restoration, and pre- and post-wildfire disaster mitigation activities. Re-emphasis on storm shelter funding likely won't happen until the U.S. sees an increase in the number of severe tornado outbreaks as in years past.

The long and short of it is that storm shelter grant funds from FEMA are difficult to come by, often distributed by lottery, and typically have a long wait time between award and distribution. The American Red Cross also, sometimes, offers storm shelter funding assistance to qualified applicants. So, if you're looking for purchasing help and want to pursue grants, contact your local EMA and/or Red Cross office to find out what is available in your community. Good luck and happy hunting!