FEMA 2012 Community Resilience Innovation Challenge

Link and press release issued in May for the 30 recipients of FEMA directed seed money related to the resilience challenge:

 

"WASHINGTON—Today, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is pleased to announce the selection of 30 recipients to receive funding under the FEMA 2012 Community Resilience Innovation Challenge program. The program focuses on building local community resilience to man-made and natural disasters, with an emphasis on innovation, collaboration with community stakeholders, sustainability, repeatability and measurable benefits to the community.

 

FEMA knows that preparedness is a process that requires continued focus year-round. This year’s award recipients are recognized for programs designed to continue to move community preparedness forward, and assist local areas in building and revitalizing community-based partnerships to advance the nation’s resilience to disasters.

 

“The best resiliency ideas originate from our states and tribal nations.” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “The goal of this effort is to further empower communities to collaborate and develop innovative approaches to effectively respond to disasters.”

 

The program is being funded by The Rockefeller Foundation and administered by the Los Angeles Emergency Preparedness Foundation who acted as a third-party intermediary to encourage local communities to engage in creative activities that enhance disaster resilience. Funding levels ranged to a maximum award level of $35,000, and applications were open to most local, state, and tribal agencies and governments; business entities; associations; organizations and groups.

 

“We live in a time of unpredictable shocks and chronic stresses, from climate change to natural or manmade disasters, and helping local communities become more resilient to these disruptions is more important than ever. Yet we’ve also seen that potential solutions to meet the needs of a community are often best surfaced by those who live with the stresses, and perhaps see them from a different perspective,” said Dr. Judith Rodin, president of The Rockefeller Foundation. “The Rockefeller Foundation is committed to helping people prepare for, withstand, and emerge stronger from disruptions, and is proud to support this program and the innovative efforts of local residents to build resilience in communities across the United States.”

 

Over 1,900 applications were received across the country. FEMA is grateful to all applicants for their dedication and commitment to building community resilience. FEMA recognizes that a government-centric approach to disaster management is insufficient to meet the challenges posed by a catastrophic incident. To meet our nation’s preparedness goals, the whole community must be actively involved in all phases of the preparedness, response, and recovery cycle. These awards are designed to invest in and enhance the whole community effort.

    

As we applaud the award winners, we also encourage all applicants to remain vigilant in their commitment to their programs and supporting community resilience."