Tennessee – On behalf of Governor Bill Lee, Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) Director Patrick C. Sheehan announced today that applications are now open for the Governor’s Response and Recovery Fund (GRRF), a $100 million initiative designed to provide flexible financial assistance for current and future unmet disaster recovery needs, including those stemming from Tropical Storm Helene.
“Tropical Storm Helene was an unprecedented disaster for our state, and the Governor’s Response and Recovery Fund is part of a comprehensive plan to provide flexible financial resources for current and future emergencies,” said Governor Lee. “I thank the General Assembly for their partnership and acting swiftly to provide necessary relief for Tennesseans.”
The GRRF’s initial application phase offers grant funding to support local governments, non-profit organizations, businesses, farmers, and forest landowners in Carter, Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Greene, Hamblen, Hancock, Hawkins, Jefferson, Johnson, Sevier, Sullivan, Unicoi, and Washington counties, all of which were impacted by Tropical Storm Helene.
“We are incredibly grateful to Governor Lee for his leadership and swift action in establishing the Governor’s Response and Recovery Fund,” said TEMA Director Sheehan. “This fund provides a critical lifeline to Tennesseans working to recover from disaster, and it reflects the state’s deep commitment to supporting our communities when they need it most.”
The Governor’s Response and Recovery Fund is considered a vital part of Tennessee’s disaster recovery strategy, ensuring that affected communities have the resources they need to overcome immediate challenges, restore essential services, and accelerate long-term recovery efforts. By providing this type of flexible financial assistance, the initiative aims to strengthen statewide resilience and help Tennesseans return to normalcy as quickly and safely as possible.
Local governments, non-profit organizations, businesses, farmers, and forest landowners in Carter, Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Greene, Hamblen, Hancock, Hawkins, Jefferson, Johnson, Sevier, Sullivan, Unicoi, and Washington counties are eligible to apply. Eligible applicants must submit an online application at www.tn.gov/tema/recover/governor-s-response-and-recovery-fund.html. Supporting documentation will be required as part of the application process. All applications must be submitted by May 31, 2025.