Press Release: 2021-11-29

MEMA Hosts COVID-19 Recovery Webinars for Non-Profits

MEMA Hosts COVID-19 Recovery Webinars for Non-Profits:



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 11/26/2021



FRAMINGHAM — The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is hosting two webinars in December for non-profits and government agencies in Massachusetts to provide information on how they may be eligible to recoup costs related to the COVID-19 pandemic.



The webinars will be held on Tuesday, December 7 at 10:00 AM and Thursday, December 9 at 1:00 PM. Information on how to register for the sessions can be found at: https://bit.ly/MEMAwebinars. For those unable to attend the webinars, recordings of the briefings will also be available on MEMA’s website.



Since the COVID-19 Federal Disaster Declaration for Massachusetts was announced on March 28, 2020, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has made changes to its Public Assistance Program related to COVID-19. Those changes have expanded the types of eligible costs for reimbursement, which organizations can participate, and the period of time for covered expenses.



FEMA Public Assistance is available to reimburse 100% of all eligible COVID-19 response expenses from January 21, 2020, to April 1, 2022. Applicants that can receive this funding include local and state government agencies and the institutions that have a current 501(c)(3) IRS Ruling Letter, including, but not limited to:




  • Museums;

  • Zoos;

  • Houses of Worship;

  • Assisted Living Facilities; and

  • Community Centers.



Types of Eligible Costs




  • PPE: Purchase and distribution of face masks, including cloth face coverings.

  • Cleaning and Disinfection of Facilities: necessary supplies and equipment that exceed regularly budgeted costs and meet CDC guidelines.

  • COVID-19 Diagnostic Testing.

  • Screening and Temperature Scanning: hand-held temperature measuring devices or temperature screening equipment.

  • Temporary Physical Barriers: plexiglass, screens, and dividers.

  • Signage: communications to provide warnings about COVID-19 risks and support social distancing, such as floor decals.



Project applications for the FEMA Public Assistance Program are submitted to FEMA from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), which coordinates the process and provides assistance to eligible applicants.