Appendix E › II, V, VI Recreation and Community Centers

When does FEMA treat a nonprofit center as an eligible community center rather than an ineligible recreation center?

FEMA term

PNP eligibility examples: recreation and community centers

Short answer

It depends on what the center was established for and how it is actually used, not its name. A “recreation center” running senior, day care and family programs most of the week can qualify, prorated by eligible use time. A center built around pools, courts and a gym is ineligible even with some senior activities. A broad community center with minimal recreation and a nominal fee is eligible.

What FEMA requires

Facilities established or primarily used for athletic or recreational activities are ineligible community centers.
An eligible community center is established and primarily used as a gathering place for a variety of social, educational enrichment and community service activities.
Where space isn’t dedicated to one activity, the share of time used for eligible purposes decides eligibility and the level of assistance, so funding may be prorated even when the whole facility is used for eligible services.
FEMA looks at the organization’s founding documents, such as articles of incorporation filed with the state, and at routine use.
A nominal membership fee does not stop a facility from being open to the public.

<table class="pt-table"><thead><tr><th>Example</th><th>Facts</th><th>FEMA’s result</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Springtown Recreation Center</td><td>Despite its name, runs elder day care, senior programs, domestic abuse family programs and sheltered workshops five days a week; recreation only evenings and weekends</td><td>Can be eligible after detailed review; funding prorated by the share of time used for eligible services</td></tr><tr><td>Westover Recreation Center</td><td>Large pool, courts, weight room and gym; rented for parties and conferences; some senior card games and art workshops; incorporated for recreation</td><td>Not eligible: on its face overwhelmingly athletic and recreational, so no time or space calculation is needed</td></tr><tr><td>Somerset Community Center</td><td>Library, social and health services, senior lunches, classes, health screenings, transport; some exercise; nominal membership fee</td><td>Eligible community center: recreation is minimal, and the nominal fee keeps it open to the public</td></tr></tbody></table>

Documentation

Articles of incorporation and bylaws, a calendar of activities showing day-to-day use, schedules showing time spent on eligible services in shared spaces, floor plans by use, and the membership fee and waiver policy.

Watch out · Govstar practitioner advice

Articles of incorporation carry real weight. If your organization was founded for recreation but now mainly provides social services, document the change with board actions, program calendars and attendance before a disaster, not after.

Govstar summarizes FEMA’s Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide in plain language and links to the official text. Govstar is independent and not affiliated with FEMA. This is general guidance, not legal advice.