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Nonprofit organizations including houses of worship that were destroyed or damaged when Tropical Storm Helene swept across Eastern Tennessee have until Friday, Dec. 6, to submit a Request for Public Assistance from FEMA.

For private nonprofits, including houses of worship, the application process depends on whether a private nonprofit is classified as offering critical services or essential non-critical social services.

Private nonprofit organizations that provide critical services, such as health-care facilities and utilities, can apply directly to FEMA for Public Assistance funding. Other examples of critical services include water, sewer and electrical systems; private schools providing primary or secondary education; or institutions of higher education.

If your private nonprofit organizations, including houses of worship, do not provide critical services, then these organizations are classified as providing essential non-critical social services. In that case, they must apply for a low-interest disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The deadline to apply for SBA disaster loans for physical property damage is Monday, Dec. 2. The deadline to return Economic Injury Disaster Loan applications is July 2, 2025. Private nonprofit organizations including houses of worship should also submit a Request for Public Assistance to FEMA at the same time so they can meet the July 2025 deadline.

If a house of worship or other nonprofit offering essential non-critical social services is turned down for an SBA loan, or if the loan amount does not cover the cost of all repairs, FEMA may be able to help. FEMA may provide funds to pay for what SBA or insurance does not cover.

Organizations do not have to wait for a decision from SBA in order to submit a Request for Public Assistance.

SBA applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information, and download applications at sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 for information on SBA disaster assistance.

Besides houses of worship, other examples of non-critical essential services include educational enrichment activities, supervised care and daycare services, residential services for people with disabilities, assisted living and low-income housing, homeless shelters and rehabilitation service, and community and performing arts centers.

Houses of worship and other nonprofits are encouraged to file an application for Public Assistance, known as a Request for Assistance or RPA, as soon as possible. You can contact Public Assistance Lead Erin Chafatelli of the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency by calling 615-351-7445.