FY 2026-2027 CERT/Citizen Corps Notice of Funding Opportunity
Volunteer Florida is proud to announce the availability of FY 2026-2027 Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)/Citizen Corps (CC) Program funding.
Volunteer Florida is awarding $100,000 in grant awards. Interested parties may apply for funding for a CERT program, a Citizen Corps program, or both. If seeking funding for both CERT and Citizen Corps, a separate application must be submitted for each. Each grant application may request what they anticipate is needed with a minimum of $5,000 and a maximum request of $10,000.
Volunteer Florida administers Florida’s CERT/Citizen Corps program and funding is administered by Volunteer Florida. The CERT program is a training program that allows citizens to receive training in basic disaster response skills which allow these volunteers to provide critical support by delivering immediate assistance to those impacted by an emergency prior to the arrival of professional responders.
The Citizen Corps program was created to coordinate volunteer activities that will make local communities safer, stronger, and better prepared to respond to any emergency situation. Citizen Corps Councils focus on emergency planning and education that will enhance community post-disaster resiliency.
Eligible applicants include local units of government, counties and cities within the State of Florida, Fire Tax Districts, other tax districts, regional planning councils, state-supported community colleges, colleges and universities, and federally recognized tribes or nations within the State of Florida. Please note that 501(c)3 non-profit organizations are not directly eligible; however, local jurisdictions may subcontract with 501(c)3 organizations to perform these functions.
Click here to download the FY 2026-2027 CERT/Citizens Corps NOFO
FY 2026-2027 CERT/Citizen Corps Timeline:
| Task | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Notice of Funding Availability & Application Release | March 16, 2026 COB |
| Technical Assistance Webinar | April 8, 2026 2:00pm – 3:00pm EDT |
| Technical Assistance Responses Posted | April 10, 2026 COB |
| Technical Assistance: Finance Webinar | April 20, 2026 2:00pm – 3:00pm EDT |
| Technical Assistance: Finance Responses Posted | April 22, 2026 COB |
| Deadline for Receipt of Applications via Blackbaud | May 6, 2026, 5:00PM EDT |
| Grant Review Period | May 7 – May 20, 2026 |
| Intent to Award Posted | May 22, 2026, COB |
| Budget Clarification/Approval | May 26, 2026 – June 12, 2026 |
| Anticipated Contract Award | July 1, 2026 |
| Contract Period of Performance | July 1, 2026 – May 31, 2027 |
Technical Assistance:
Interested parties may attend the Technical Assistance Webinar to be held April 8, 2026, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm EDT.
Link to the Teams Meeting Here: Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 223 085 010 585
Passcode: Ji7H4dG9
Interested parties may attend the Technical Assistance: Finance Webinar to be held April 20, 2026, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm EDT.
Link to the Teams Meeting Here: Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 236 103 294 165
Passcode: Qu7rS9pb
Application Submission:
Applications are due to Volunteer Florida by Wednesday May 6, 2026, by 5:00 PM EDT via Blackbaud.
Click here to access the FY 2026-2027 CERT/Citizen Corps Blackbaud funding application
Any questions concerning the grant funding opportunity should be submitted via email to Robin@volunteerflorida.org