After more than a year of uncertainty, FEMA has officially reopened one of the nation’s most important resilience funding programs.

On March 25, 2026, FEMA announced the return of the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, making $1 billion in funding available for infrastructure and hazard mitigation projects across the country. For public-sector organizations, school districts, universities, municipalities, and critical infrastructure providers, this represents a major opportunity to secure funding for projects that improve operational resilience and disaster preparedness.

What Is the BRIC Program?

The BRIC program was created by FEMA to help communities proactively reduce the impact of natural disasters and infrastructure disruptions before they occur. Funding is intended for projects that strengthen resilience, improve continuity of operations, and protect critical services.

Eligible projects may include:

• Emergency communication systems
• Cybersecurity and network resilience initiatives
• Backup power and UPS systems
• Wireless infrastructure upgrades
• Data center hardening
• Critical facility improvements
• Public safety communications
• Flood and wind mitigation projects
• Utility and infrastructure redundancy

For schools and universities, BRIC funding can support technologies and infrastructure that help maintain communication, security, and operational continuity during hurricanes, severe weather events, and other emergencies.

What Changed for 2026?

FEMA’s reopening of the BRIC program comes with several important updates that organizations should understand before applying.

1. FEMA Is Prioritizing “Shovel-Ready” Projects

Projects that already have planning, engineering, permitting, and environmental reviews completed are expected to be more competitive during this funding cycle.

Organizations that already have identified infrastructure needs and documented project scopes may have a significant advantage.

2. States Will Play a Larger Role

State emergency management agencies will have increased influence over project priorities and submission timelines. In Florida, organizations should work closely with the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) and local emergency management offices.

3. Previous Applications Must Be Resubmitted

Organizations that applied during earlier BRIC cycles should not assume prior submissions will automatically carry forward. Existing applications may need updates or revisions based on the new program guidance.

4. Timelines Are Tight

FEMA’s application deadline is currently set for July 23, 2026, with many states implementing earlier internal deadlines for subapplications.

Organizations considering infrastructure projects should begin discussions now to allow time for planning, budgeting, and application development.

Why This Matters for Schools and Universities

Educational institutions are increasingly recognized as critical infrastructure entities because they serve as communication hubs, emergency shelters, operational centers, and continuity sites during disasters.

Projects involving cybersecurity, emergency communications, wireless infrastructure, and backup power systems are becoming more important as schools and universities continue to modernize operations and strengthen resilience planning.

Public universities and colleges may also qualify under public-sector and state-supported infrastructure initiatives, especially when projects align with continuity of operations and public safety objectives.

Infrastructure Costs Continue to Rise

At the same time organizations are evaluating resilience initiatives, many manufacturers are continuing to announce pricing increases on networking and infrastructure equipment.

Industry partners, including HPE and Aruba, have recently indicated additional pricing adjustments may take effect in June 2026. Organizations that begin planning early may be better positioned to align procurement timelines with available funding opportunities and promotional pricing programs.

Preparing for the Opportunity

Organizations considering BRIC-funded initiatives should begin evaluating:

• Existing infrastructure vulnerabilities
• Emergency communication capabilities
• Cybersecurity resilience
• Backup power readiness
• Wireless and network modernization needs
• Continuity of operations planning

The organizations that move early and prepare strong, well-defined projects will likely be in the best position to compete for available funding.

Final Thoughts

The reopening of the BRIC program represents more than just another grant cycle. It is an opportunity for schools, universities, municipalities, and public-sector organizations to invest in long-term resilience and infrastructure modernization.

With funding available, timelines moving quickly, and resilience remaining a national priority, now is the time for organizations to begin evaluating projects that can improve operational continuity, strengthen communications, and better prepare for future disasters.