Funding Improved Building Safety, Resilience, and Sustainability

As the frequency and severity of hazard events increase, household energy bills grow and the nation looks to reduce energy related emissions, U.S. federal grant programs are now available to assist state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) governments in implementing solutions. These grants are either exclusively or significantly designated for building code related activities.

The Code Council stands ready to work with SLTT governments to access these funds. We’ve also established relationships with other industry leaders to provide a suite of solutions that can meet any jurisdiction’s needs.

Why Apply

See how Federal Grants can support community goals.

What to Apply For

See what types of Federal Grants are available.

How to Apply

See how to apply for federal grants.

ICC is here for you throughout the process.

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Decision Tree for Grants

Jurisdictions may be able to use funding to support these goals

Adopt a new code or update their current building codes
Support custom code development through consultant services and publication (including stretch codes)
Train code officials, designers, and contractors on code provisions
Fund code official certifications
Seek building department accreditation
Develop and implement software tools
Build departmental capacity and capabilities including through digitization
Implement innovative approaches to enforcement
Conduct compliance studies
Access codes electronically through Digital Codes Premium, to provide continuity of services during public health or disaster events.
Enhance plan review capacity through ICC NTA Plan Review Services

Why use your funding for building codes?

Building codes are the foundation for safety in the built environment. A 2019 report, Natural Hazard Mitigation Saves, by the congressionally-established National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) found that adopting and enforcing the 2018 International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC) provides communities with an $11 benefit for every $1 invested. These benefits represent avoided casualties, property damage, business interruptions, first responder expenses, and insurance costs, and are enjoyed by all building stakeholders – from developers, titleholders, and lenders, to tenants and communities. The NIBS report also found that retrofitting structures to current codes’ flood mitigation requirements can provide $6 in mitigation benefits for every $1 invested and that retrofitting structures to the Code Council’s Wildland-Urban Interface Code could provide $2 to as much as $8 in mitigation benefits for each $1 invested.

Communities that regularly adopt energy codes like the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) save money for residents and businesses and improve community health and resilience. According to the DOE Pacific Northwest Laboratory (PNNL), the 2021 IECC represents a 9.4% site energy savings improvement and an 8.7% improvement in carbon emissions for residential buildings relative to the 2018 IECC, saving homeowners an average of $2,320 over the life of a typical mortgage. Although there is significant evidence of the value of energy code implementation, studies also show millions of dollars of untapped energy savings in states across the country. DOE has also observed, across 7 states studied, that training code officials on adopted codes can help reduce annual energy costs due to varying levels of code compliance by an average of about 45 percent.

Current Funding Programs & Deadlines

Energy Focused Grants

Technical Assistance for the Adoption of the Latest and Zero Building Energy Codes or Standards

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) provides $1 billion for states and local governments with the authority to adopt traditional building energy codes and innovative building energy codes, such as zero energy building codes and building performance standards, to lead the way in decarbonizing the new and existing residential and commercial buildings. Access ICC’s factsheet which provides an overview of the Department of Energy's (DOE) Assistance for Latest and Zero Building Energy Code Adoption (Sec. 50131) program. The program is split into formula and competitive funding opportunities, which are outlined below.

Formula Program

DOE has released the Administrative and Legal Requirements Document (ALRD) for the formula grant funding portion of the Assistance for Latest and Zero Building Energy Code Adoption program, which provides additional information on eligible recipients, qualifying activities, and program guidance. Eligible states and territories must submit a letter of intent to IRACodes@hq.doe.gov by January 31, 2024, to reserve their funding, with full applications due by September 30, 2025. States are encouraged to submit a letter of intent irrespective of their current update status to assure potential future access to this funding. An optional template letter of intent is available to download. The formula funding breakdown includes:

$240 million will be available to adopt and implement the latest building energy code, the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) for residential buildings and the ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1–2019 (or 2021 IECC) for commercial buildings, or other codes that achieve equivalent or greater energy savings.
$160 million will be available to adopt and implement the zero energy provisions in the 2021 IECC, or other codes with equivalent or greater energy savings.

To find out how much your state is eligible for please review the allocations from DOE by state.

States can ensure more energy-efficient and resilient homes and businesses by adopting the
latest building energy codes, which lower utility bills, improve resilience to natural hazards,
improve construction quality, create local jobs, and support workforce training for Americans. Learn More!

Competitive Program

On December 18, 2023, the DOE issued a Funding Opportunity Announcement for $530 million in new competitive grant funding through the Assistance for Latest and Zero Building Energy Code Adoption program. Applicants must submit a Concept Paper by February 9, 2024 at 5pm ET to be eligible to submit a Full Application in the first round of funding. Applications will be accepted in three rounds, but DOE may elect to allocate all available funding in the first round of proposals. The first Full Application submission deadline is April 30, 2024 at 5pm ET. The programs eligible activities are divided into three topic areas:

Topic Area 1: Provides funding to units of local government to adopt and achieve full compliance with the 2021 IECC (commercial or residential), the 2021 IECC zero energy appendix (commercial or residential), ASHRAE 90.1-2019, or subsequent editions of these codes that DOE has determined will improve energy efficiency.
Topic Area 2: Provides funding to states and units of local government for the adoption and implementation of a building energy code with combinations of strengthening and weakening amendments that achieves equivalent or greater energy savings as compared to the 2021 IECC, 2021 IECC zero energy appendix (Appendix RC or CC), ASHRAE 90.1-2019, or subsequent editions of these codes that DOE has determined will improve energy efficiency.
Topic Area 3: Provides funding to states and units of local government for the adoption and implementation of “innovative” building codes, including building performance standards (BPS) for existing buildings or stretch codes for new and renovated buildings.

DOE is hosting an information webinar on these grants January 17, 2024, at 2:00 PM PT. Click here to register. Additional information is available within a DOE Q&A Spreadsheet, Code Council Factsheet, and DOE-provided Application Forms and Templates.

Resilient and Efficient Codes Implementation (RECI) Program: Energy Code Funding

This U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) grant program has allocated $225 million, $45 million annually (FY22 through FY26), to support SLTT governments in the effective implementation of updated energy codes. Local governments must apply with a state agency and partnerships with public and private sector team members are encouraged.

To learn more about the Code Council's resilient and efficient codes solutions, access our factsheet.

Application Deadline (s): On July 12, 2023, DOE announced $90 million (of the $225 million) in competitive awards through the Resilience and Efficient Codes Implementation (RECI) program to help states, cities, tribes, and partnering organizations implement updated energy codes for buildings. The awards made through the first round of allocations will support 27 projects across 27 states and the District of Columbia. More information on the second round of funding and next steps will be available soon.

For more information about the RECI grant, contact Stella Carr at scarr@iccsafe.org or review our FAQs.

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program

This DOE program assists state and local governments in implementing strategies to reduce energy use and emissions and improve energy efficiency in transportation, buildings and other sectors. Funding of $550 million is allocated by formula to different units of government but also includes a competitive portion for governments not otherwise eligible. Eligible activities include development and implementation of building codes and inspection services to promote building energy efficiency.

Competitive Program
Entities that are ineligible for formula grant funding may participate in a competitive grant program. Read and share your perspectives to the Request for Information (RFI) for EECBG’s Competitive Program. View the RFI.

Formula Grant Program
The EECBG Program Formula Grant Application is now open for eligible entities! Visit the Application Hub to learn how to apply for $430 million in clean energy and energy efficiency funding.

Application Deadline: Pre-Application Information Checklist Due April 28th, 2023.
See the EECBG Program Formula Grant Application Hub for more information.

Fire Focused Grants

FEMA Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grant Program

The FP&S Program provides financial assistance directly to eligible fire departments, national, regional, state, local, tribal and non-profit organizations such as academic (e.g., universities), public health, occupational health, and injury prevention institutions for fire prevention programs and supporting firefighter health and safety research and development. Eligible FP&S activities include Community Risk Reduction, Wildfire Risk Reduction, Code Enforcement/Awareness, Fire and Arson Investigation, and National/State/Regional Programs and Projects. FP&S information here and here.

Application Deadline: Applications are typically accepted annually beginning in mid-January with the application period running through and closing in mid-February.

FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program

The AFG Program provides financial assistance directly to eligible fire departments, nonaffiliated emergency medical service (EMS) organizations, and State Fire Training Academies (SFTAs) for critical training and equipment. AFG provides critically needed resources that equip and train emergency personnel to recognized standards, enhance operational efficiencies, foster interoperability, and support community resilience. Eligible activities include Operations and Safety Training, Equipment, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Wellness and Fitness, and Modifications to Facilities such as fire stations. AFG information here and here.

Application Deadline: Applications are typically accepted annually at the beginning of November with the application period running through and closing in mid-December.

Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Program

The SAFER Program provides funding directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations to assist in increasing the number of firefighters to help communities meet industry minimum standards and attain 24-hour staffing to provide adequate fire protection from fire and fire-related hazards, and to fulfill traditional missions of fire departments. Eligible activities include those aimed at meeting national deployment standards as well as new hires, rehires, and recruitment and retention activities. Information on SAFER here and here.

Application Deadline: Applications are typically accepted annually at the beginning of January with the application period running through and closing in early February.

Resilience Focused Grants

American Rescue Plan (ARP) Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds

ARP provided $350 billion in assistance to SLTT governments through the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. These resources can be used for code department hardware and software investments. Code Council members, partners, and allies are encouraged to reach out to their state, county, city, or other local government and advocate for their code department’s needs, including expanding their virtual capabilities.

Application Deadline: SLTT recipients have until December 31, 2024, to incur eligible costs. The period of performance for funds ends December 31, 2026.

Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC)

This Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) administered program is allocating $1 billion (FY 2023) to support pre-disaster mitigation and resilience activities. The program prioritizes the adoption and enforcement of hazard-resistant building codes. Local governments must apply through their states.

Notice of Funding Opportunity

Building Code Plus-Up
▪ To further demonstrate the importance of building codes, new this year, FEMA is setting aside an additional amount of funding dedicated to building codes we are referring to as a plus-up. We are making available $112 million for states and territories and $25 million for tribal nations to use as the building code plus-up.

▪ The maximum allocation for a state or territory under this category is $2 million and the maximum total allocation for tribal under this category is $25 million to carry out eligible building code adoption and enforcement activities such as:

o Evaluate the adoption and or implementation of codes that reduce risk.

o Enhance existing, adopted codes to incorporate more current requirements or higher standards.

o Develop professional workforce capabilities related to building codes through technical assistance and training.

▪ Building code plus-up funds may only be applied to eligible building code activities and not be used for other BRIC-eligible projects or activities. Funds not allocated to eligible building code activities will result in a loss of funds.

Click here for the BRIC Webinar from ICC.

Click here for the BRIC grant fact sheet.

Application Deadline: February 29th, 2024 3 pm EST, but most states have interim deadlines the prior fall for localities to submit projects.

Community Development Block Grants – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) and Mitigation (CDBG-MIT)

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) CDBG Disaster Recovery Programs supplement unmet needs and provide long-term recovery where FEMA and other assistance ends. Congress provides disaster-specific funding for CDBG-DR and a varying percentage (recently 15-20%) of the total award is set aside for MIT activities. HUD encourages grantees to include resilient building code adoption and implementation in required spending “Action Plans”. CDBG funds can also be used towards FEMA grant programs’ local cost share.

Click here for the HUD slides from the 2022 ICC Annual Conference Forum on U.S. Federal Funding Opportunities.

To learn more about the previously awarded HUD CDBG awards by calendar year, click here.

Application Deadline: Awards and deadlines vary by impacted/eligible state and locality. HUD maintains a list of current grantees and contacts here.

Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)

FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program provides funding to state, local, tribal and territorial governments so they can develop hazard mitigation plans and rebuild in a way that reduces, or mitigates, future disaster losses in their communities. When requested by an authorized representative, this grant funding is available after a presidentially declared disaster. In this program, homeowners and businesses cannot apply for a grant. However, a local community may apply for funding on their behalf. All state, local, tribal and territorial governments must develop and adopt hazard mitigation plans to receive funding for their hazard mitigation projects. Project eligibility spans four primary areas that include Planning and Enforcement (including post-disaster code enforcement), Flood Protection, Retrofitting, and Construction.

Click here to view our HMGP fact sheet.

Application Deadline: Funding becomes available when authorized under a Presidential major disaster declaration, in the areas of the State requested by the Governor. Federally recognized tribes may also submit a request for a Presidential major disaster declaration within their impacted areas. The period of performance for HMGP begins with the opening of the application period following a Presidential major disaster declaration and ends no later than 36 months from the close of the application period.

FEMA DRRA Section 1206 – Building Code/Floodplain Management Administration & Enforcement

DRRA 1206 provides communities with the post-disaster resources needed to effectively administer and enforce state and locally adopted building codes and floodplain management ordinances. Administered through FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) program, the overarching goals of DRRA 1206 are to increase the overall speed of recovery and enhance compliance with state and local building codes and floodplain management ordinances. Eligible activities include building code administration, code enforcement, and substantial damage determinations. Eligible costs include overtime for budgeted employees, straight and overtime for extra hires, mutual aid resources for post-disaster building safety evaluations and the purchase of supplies and equipment necessary to complete eligible work. FEMA DRRA 1206 information here.

Video to Learn More

Click here to view our DRAA fact sheet.

Application Deadline: DRRA 1206 assistance is triggered within areas subject to a major disaster declaration. Reimbursement is available for eligible activities undertaken within 180 days after the date of the major disaster declaration. FEMA will not fund activities under this program if a community has been suspended from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or has otherwise been sanctioned for not participating in the NFIP.

Texas Building Code and Floodplain Management Grants

Administered by the Texas General Land Office (GLO) and only available to a subset of disaster-impacted local jurisdictions in Texas, this funding can assist communities in development, adoption, and implementation of modern and resilient building codes. Cities, counties, councils of government, and federally recognized tribes in CDBG-MIT eligible areas are eligible to apply for up to $300,000 per applicant.

Applications opened June 1, 2022 and will be accepted on an ongoing basis until funding is expended.

Pro Tip: Bookmark this quarterly updated page to stay up to date on availability of federal funding programs for building departments.

How to apply for federal funding for building safety

The grant application process can be daunting if you don’t know where to start. Some tips are provided below to start the process. The Code Council, working with other leading solution providers, can help identify eligible activities and work with jurisdictions to develop their grant applications. For common building safety strategies including training, personnel certifications, department accreditation, and department modernization, we’ve developed templates to help start the application process. We also can work with jurisdictions to develop innovative strategies to address specific challenges.

Before applying for your grant ▼

Research which grants you are eligible for and make a spreadsheet of all available grants and their deadlines; set calendar notifications to remind yourself.

Develop relationships with potential partners, co-applicants and entities responsible for submitting state level grant applications (state energy offices, state hazard mitigation officers, state building code departments, etc.)

Understand the proposal criteria including award limitations, scoring, formatting and deadlines. Pay particular attention to any cost-share requirements and what can be applied to fulfill these requirements.

Note which building codes in your jurisdiction are out of date and familiarize yourself with the up-to-date versions of those codes.

Assemble all the necessary supporting documents you’ll need to apply for the grants.

Identify the government entity or department with authority to apply for the grant and discuss the opportunity and the importance of submitting the application.

During the grant application process ▼

Be clear on your needs and your asks when developing your applications.

Clearly articulate your desired outcomes and how external funding is needed to achieve those outcomes. Also focus on how initiatives will be maintained once funding is no longer provided.

Identify potential public and private sector partners to help develop the grant application and implement the funded activities.

Begin filling out your applications and have someone proofread them thoroughly.

After applying for your grant ▼

Make yourself available for any follow-up from the grant administrator.

Set up a grant tracking spreadsheet including expense tracking and project management tools.

Maintain discussions with co-applicants and other stakeholders to assure a smooth ramp up upon receiving the award.

Be prepared for audits.

Express Interest Here

This fall ICC is launching a Grant Basics for Code Officials training which will be available for members. If you are interested in hosting this training for your community, chapter, or at a conference please fill out this interest form.

Other resources for communities applying for grants

The following resources will help you get organized and make the grant application process easier.

How to apply for federal grants

Tools to assist with FEMA Grants

Tips and advice for better grant seeking.

National League of Cities Grant Application Bootcamp

Federal Funding to Help Municipalities Implement Modern Energy Codes

Contact the Code Council for Assistance on Developing Your Grant Application

Innovative technical and policy-driven solution development with the ICC Centers of Focus

Grant application development assistance

To leverage our expertise and for information concerning federal grants contact federalgrants@iccsafe.org.

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