Deadline Now February 17 for Applying for Federal Disaster Assistance in Puerto Rico

February 5, 2018—The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) wants to remind arts and cultural organizations that recovery help may be available from a variety of sources. To take advantage of the full range of assistance that may be available, it’s important that these organizations submit a Request for Public Assistance (RPA) to the Governor’s Authorized Representative (GAR) before the new deadline of February 17.

To learn more about eligible essential and critical service providers and private nonprofit eligibility, refer to the Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide on the FEMA website at https://www.fema.gov/public-assistance-policy-and-guidance.

Potential applicants must submit the following documents: 

• The RPA form at https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/10145
• Private Nonprofit Facility Questionnaire at https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/10579
• IRS letter of 501 (c), (d) or (e) tax exemption or documentation from the territory that certifies that the organization is a non-profit, non-revenue producing entity
• Organizational charter or by-laws
• If an educational institution, please include accreditation or certification documentation

All documentation must be provided to the following before the February 17 deadline: aortega@dcmcpartners.com with a copy to gar@ogp.pr.gov. 

Detailed information about applying for Public Assistance – in English and Spanish. 

 FEMA and the Smithsonian Institution co-sponsor the Heritage Emergency National Task Force, a partnership of 42 national service organizations and federal agencies created to protect cultural heritage from the damaging effects of natural disasters and other emergencies.