A lesson we can take away from the recent severe weather and fires across the country is disasters can happen anytime, anywhere. No one can control where or when emergencies may happen but we can take steps in advance to prepare. Today, I am excited to announce a step towards better preparing local communities before disaster strikes – the 2012 Community Resilience Innovation Challenge.
This new opportunity is designed to assist local areas in building and revitalizing community-based partnerships through innovative initiatives and programs designed to advance the nation’s resilience to disasters. Funding levels range with a maximum of $ 35,000 and applications are open to all local, state, and tribal agencies and governments, business entities, associations, organizations and groups.
The Challenge program is supported by the Rockefeller Foundation and FEMA and will be administered by the Los Angeles Emergency Preparedness Foundation to encourage local communities to engage in creative activities that enhance disaster resilience. FEMA’s goal through the Community Resilience Innovation Challenge program is to emphasize the importance of planning and engaging the whole community, across all social sectors, to effectively respond to disasters.
The application period for the Community Resilience Innovation Challenge is open now through October 26, 2012. Information on the Challenge criteria and application process can be found at www.ResilienceChallenge.org.
Join me in spreading the word to those in your community who are passionate about disaster resilience!
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