Federal disaster funding available for private nonprofits after Hurricane Lala
Private Nonprofits, including houses of worship, may qualify for federal disaster assistance after Hurricane Lala.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Public Assistance program is available for organizations in the City and County of Honolulu, Hawaiʻi County and Maui County to help recover from damage caused by the Category I storm that occurred Aug. 14–16.
The federal program can be used to reimburse eligible state and local governments and certain nonprofits for the costs associated with emergency protective measures, debris removal and restoring disaster-damaged roads, bridges and public facilities. The deadline to file a Request for Public Assistance is Nov. 6, 2026.
Eligible private nonprofits include organizations that provide critical or essential social services, such as:
- Hospitals and other medical treatment facilities
- Utilities, including water, sewer and electric systems
- Senior citizen and community centers
- Houses of worship
- Private elementary and secondary schools, and institutions of higher education
- Custodial and day care facilities
- Residential services for people with disabilities
- Assisted living facilities and low-income housing
- Homeless shelters and rehabilitation services
- Performing arts and community arts centers
Organizations that sustained damage are encouraged to submit a Request for Public Assistance as soon as possible. To request assistance with your application, contact the State of Hawai‘i as soon as possible by emailing dod.hiema.publicassistance@hawaii.gov.
For an overview of the Public Assistance program, visit www.fema.gov/assistance/public/apply.
