June 26, 2023:
Application Period Open
July 28, 2023:
Application deadline (extended)
August 11, 2023:
Applicants notified of status
September-November, 2023
Project window
November 1, 2023
Projects that are not on track to complete by November 17 are identified, for possible return or exchange of purchased items.
November 17, 2023
Deadline for completion of all installations.
November 2023:
Representative of ILC Mini Awards invited to present a project overview (3-5 minutes) at an ECA Fall Workshop (dates to be announced).
November 30, 2023
Completion of ECA's project evaluation survey and deadline for unused items to be returned
Overview
- The ECA Mini Awards Program for Independent Living Centers provides materials, guidance, and support to complete projects that improve resilience by fastening furniture, TVs, cabinets, and other items in ILC offices and residences they support.
- The program is supported with funding from FEMA’s National Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program (NEHRP) state assistance program, based on an annual application by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) for earthquake mitigation and education in California. Cal OES then provides a sub award to the Southern California Earthquake Center (SCEC), headquartered at USC) to administer ECA overall, including the ILC Mini Awards program.
- All requested packages will be purchased by SCEC and shipped directly to ILC office locations.
- Most projects will receive 2 packages, each valued at $500.00; one package is for securing the ILC office; the other provides fastening supplies for items within 10 to 15 homes.
- Installation assistance for installing fasteners within offices and residences may be provided by local members of Team Rubicon (upon request).
Eligible Applicants
- Independent Living Centers within the State of California (as listed on the menu within the application)
- The Mini Award Application must be submitted by a registered Earthquake Country Alliance member (join for free at EarthquakeCountry.org/join).
- Applicants must have full support of their organization’s leadership for receiving and managing the Mini Award.
Package options
- Available packages for offices and residences are and their contents can be selected on the application.
- NOTE: For residential locations, landlord or manager approval may be necessary for items that must be bolted into studs within walls (furniture straps, closed hooks for hanging artwork or other items) and for installing cabinet latches.
Implementation and Reporting
- Mini Award recipients can coordinate (via phone, email, etc.) with ECA’s Mark Benthien (benthien@usc.edu) and Cal OES’ Bobbie Ray (bobbie.ray@caloes.ca.gov) for support and status updates.
- Installation of ALL mitigation items received must be completed before November 17 (any unused materials must be returned by November 30 at the recipient’s expense).
- Recipients must complete a summary survey by November 30 (including project activities, impact and/or lessons learned, etc., and share digital images or videos of product installation).
- If requested, recipients can present a brief (2-3 minute) summary of their project at a November ECA Regional Workshop (location and date to be determined).
Application Instructions
- First, review all packages listed on the Online Application. If none of these options are appropriate for your facility, contact Mark Benthien at benthien@usc.edu for assistance.
- Once you have identified the packages of materials to be purchased for you, develop a plan for how your project will be implemented and evaluated, including how all materials will be installed or used by November 17).
- We recommend reviewing the application, writing your answers to the questions, and then when ready copying them into the online form.
- Next, complete and submit the Online Application, by July 28, 2023 (extended deadline).
Questions?
Contact Bobbie Ray (bobbie.ray@caloes.ca.gov) and cc info@earthquakecountry.org.