Best Transportation Grants in Georgia

Georgia students in trade, technical, or community college programs related to the railway industry can receive US $5,000 scholarships for transportation and rail-focused vocational training. Norfolk Southern Foundation supports eligible learners in Georgia and other listed states preparing for careers such as locomotive engineers, conductors, maintenance, welding, electrical work, and heavy equipment operation.

State and local agencies, local governing boards, nonprofits, tribes, and higher education institutions in eligible Appalachian counties of Georgia can seek funding for critical infrastructure and workforce projects. With a mission to strengthen regional economies, Appalachian Regional Commission provides Georgia communities with support for transportation networks, broadband, water and wastewater systems, and related public infrastructure and workforce development.

Local governments and community-based nonprofits in small to mid-sized U.S. cities, including Georgia, can seek up to US $25,000 to plan and deliver temporary street safety pilot projects that address divisive or dangerous arterial roads. Smart Growth America supports joint city–community teams with a yearlong cohort, training, and a required in-person convening.

Georgia public agencies and authorities planning major surface transportation infrastructure projects can access funding through the US Department of Transportation’s BUILD Grant Program. Eligible sponsors include state and local governments, counties, Tribal governments, transit agencies, and port authorities across the U.S., with awards up to US $25,000,000 for multi-modal projects with significant local or regional impact.

Emergency and medical workers in Georgia needing help affording behavioral health prescriptions, counseling, psychotherapy, or related transportation can receive up to US $2,000 in copay assistance. Focused on behavioral health support, the Healthwell Foundation invites eligible, insured U.S. patients to apply based on their medical, financial, and insurance circumstances.

Organizations planning public-facing events or projects that benefit communities near Springdale, Arkansas or select events in Dakota Dunes, South Dakota can seek sponsorship funding to support highly visible community contributions. Tyson Foods welcomes proposals that clearly describe community benefits and visibility, leverage funding for the organization’s primary mission, and specify the tax-deductible portion of support.

Georgia nonprofits and churches providing community services like transportation, tutoring, meal programs, disability support, or home repairs in Macon-Bibb County can access funding through the Community Foundation of Central Georgia. The Perot-Fiero Foundation Fund prioritizes work with children, youth, families, education, health, and human services, with all funded activities taking place in Macon-Bibb County.

Individuals being treated in the U.S. for cancer-related behavioral health conditions can receive up to US $2,000 to offset prescription copays, counseling, psychotherapy, and transportation costs. This nationwide HealthWell Foundation fund may help Georgia patients manage travel and other cost-shares tied to behavioral health services ordered by licensed providers.

Professional elderly blues musicians in Georgia needing emergency help with transportation, medical, or basic living expenses can apply for support; payments go directly to creditors, not individuals. Pinetop Perkins Foundation’s Pinetop Assistance League offers US $500 grants that may cover rides to appointments, home care, utilities, or burial costs during crises.

Georgia history and transportation organizations, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, academic institutions, and government entities can access funding through the William G Pomeroy Foundation to install historic transportation markers. Eligible projects commemorate pre-1945 canals, bridges, tunnels, railroads, or aircraft, with markers placed at publicly accessible, existing sites that are historically significant and supported by primary source documentation.

Georgia nonprofits improving public transportation, mobility, or community safety can access funding through Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund, with awards of US $5,000 - US $10,000. Grants support projects in mobility, environmental conservation, and people-focused initiatives such as safer communities, inclusive education, and healthier neighborhoods across the U.S., including transportation-related work.

Georgia students pursuing transportation technology in higher education can access funding for tuition and related academic costs through the Eugene Frank Sommerlatte Endowment Fund. Austin Community Foundation awards US $3,000 to individuals with financial need, strong academic achievement, and demonstrated leadership and community involvement, which may benefit those preparing for careers in public transportation and mass transit systems.

Research institutions, policy organizations, and public agencies in Georgia working on transportation policy and infrastructure can seek funding for studies, data projects, or policy reforms that improve U.S. transportation systems. With a mission to improve lives through evidence-based solutions, Arnold Ventures provides up to US $200,000 for projects on transit costs, capital investment, permitting, governance, and related topics.

Transportation agencies and local governments in Georgia can seek funding to plan or demonstrate roadway safety improvements that reduce deaths and serious injuries for all road users. The Oregon Department of Forestry shares details on the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All grants, offering US $100,000 - US $5,000,000 for planning and demonstration projects nationwide.

The GM Corporate Giving Grants support U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations focused on STEM education and transportation initiatives. Applications are accepted from January to September, with a requirement to submit requests at least three months before the program’s start date. GM emphasizes charitable contributions in the communities where it operates, ensuring that organizations align with its values. The grant amount is not limited and is assessed based on the proposed program's merit and needs.

Public agencies and other eligible entities implementing road safety projects can seek US $2,500,000 - US $25,000,000 to improve transportation safety nationwide, including Georgia. The Safe Streets and Roads for All Implementation Grants from Oregon Department of Forestry support planning, infrastructure, and operational strategies for safer streets, public transit, and pedestrian and bicycle travel.

SITKA Ecosystem Grants support projects that enhance ecosystems and promote conservation efforts. These grants encourage both grassroots initiatives and larger organizational projects, aiming to improve habitat restoration, biodiversity, and the hunting experience. With funding ranging from $3,000 to $20,000, applicants must be 18 years or older and have relevant experience. The review process is ongoing, and projects should emphasize collaboration and measurable impacts on environmental goals, benefiting both society and ecosystems.

The Grassroots Grants Program (GGP) aims to enhance participation in golf among underrepresented communities, including racial minorities, women, and veterans. Launched in May 2021, it has awarded $1.8 million to 155 organizations, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the sport. The program supports tax-exempt organizations focused on self-sustainability and offers funding for golf instruction, equipment, and access to facilities. Priority is given to those not receiving substantial backing from major golf organizations.

The Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day Mini-Grant supports events that honor civil rights activist Ruby Bridges by encouraging students to walk to school and engage in discussions about activism, anti-racism, and anti-bullying. Grants of $500 or $1000 are available based on the number of students reached. This initiative aims to inspire positive changes within communities and promote meaningful dialogue among young people about social justice issues.

AARP Foundation

AARP Foundation strengthens financial resilience for and with older adults by empowering individuals and improving systems.

AARP empowers people to choose how they live as they age. There are 125 million Americans who are 50 or older, and people want their money, health and happiness to last as long as they do. We are a wise friend and fierce defender, focusing on the priorities of older Americans.

Purpose Prize® from AARP

Honoring extraordinary people 50-plus who put their purpose into action.

Purpose is a powerful force for good. The Purpose Prize from AARP honors extraordinary older Americans who put their purpose into action to support AARP’s mission of empowering people to choose how they live as they age. Winners receive $75,000 and a year of organizational support from AARP to grow the impact of their nonprofits. Examples of organizational support include data and evaluation, governance and succession planning, fundraising strategy, and prospectus development.

Quest Diagnostics Foundation

Established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Quest Diagnostics Foundation is committed to addressing the systemic root causes of health disparities. By combining corporate resources with trusted community leadership, we fund and scale evidence-based initiatives that promote wellness, prevent chronic disease, and empower individuals.

We focus our resources on three critical, interconnected clinical and social interventions to build sustainable health improvement:

• Strengthening the community health workforce
• Addressing social drivers of health (SDoH)
• Promoting the prevention, early detection, monitoring, and treatment of disease through diagnostic testing

About Quest for Healthy Communities Champions

The Quest for Healthy Communities Champion award was created to honor, uplift, and support outstanding organizations across the United States that are actively living our core purpose:

Working together to create a healthier world, one life at a time.

Whether you are expanding access to life-saving screenings, supporting maternal and family wellness, or addressing critical social drivers of health, your dedication is moving us closer to an equitable healthcare future. We want to recognize and celebrate your impact.

What we celebrate: Our core impact pillars

The Champions we look to honor are community-first organizations and coalitions tackling critical disparities head-on. We are especially excited to spotlight work that advances health, addresses social drivers of health, fosters community-clinical linkages and develops the community workforce. Examples of this work could include: 

• Programs actively dismantling clinical barriers to ensure every individual—regardless of zip code, background, or income—has access to high-quality care
• Innovators providing creative solutions for food security, transportation, health education, and maternal-child support networks
• Organizations bringing critical care directly to those in need through mobile clinics, community health workers, and localized diagnostic screenings
• Organizations finding creative ways to engage the communities they serve directly into the solutions they are delivering

The award: Selected organization champions will receive a $10,000 grant.

Please see FAQs for additional guidelines.

The Community Traffic Safety Grants, initiated by the Road to Zero Coalition, aim to eliminate traffic fatalities by 2050 through innovative, evidence-based approaches. The program invites proposals from Road to Zero Coalition members, particularly non-profits and government entities, to implement effective countermeasures that enhance traffic safety and address mobility disparities. Projects should be replicable and scalable, demonstrating measurable outcomes and contributing to a positive safety culture on U.S. roads.

The McKesson Foundation Grant provides funding up to $25,000 for organizations focused on improving health outcomes in underserved communities. Established in 1943, the foundation prioritizes health equity through strategic partnerships aimed at reducing cancer burdens, preparing healthcare professionals, and enhancing crisis response efforts. Eligible applicants include national and local nonprofits targeting specific regions in the U.S. and Canada. The foundation emphasizes projects that align with its mission and demonstrate significant community impact.

The Critical Needs List by Community Foundation Tampa Bay addresses urgent, unforeseen needs of nonprofits that threaten their ability to serve the community. This innovative program allows nonprofits to submit requests for funding up to $250,000 for critical expenses such as emergency repairs and essential equipment replacement. With a focus on supporting local organizations, the program aims to match funding with community philanthropists, ensuring timely assistance to those in need.

The Smart Growth Grants program, managed by the National Association of Realtors, aims to enhance community development through educational initiatives aligned with Smart Growth Principles. Available in three levels, the grants support REALTOR Associations in promoting sustainable land use, community planning, and stakeholder engagement. Maximum awards range from $3,000 to $15,000, depending on the grant level. Note that the program is currently not accepting applications for 2025 and will reopen in January 2026.

The Confluence Grant Program, initiated by the Conservation Alliance in 2021, aims to strengthen partnerships with historically racially excluded groups. It awards four grants of $100,000 over two years to support projects that protect or restore natural places. The program emphasizes building meaningful relationships and sharing resources, ensuring that funded projects center on solutions led by impacted communities. By fostering collaboration and addressing funding gaps, the program enhances the conservation landscape for diverse voices.

Truist Foundation

The Truist Foundation is committed to Truist Financial Corporation's (NYSE: TFC) purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities. Established in 2020, the foundation makes strategic investments in nonprofit organizations to help ensure the communities it serves have more opportunities for a better quality of life. The Truist Foundation's grants and activities focus on building career pathways to economic mobility and strengthening small businesses.

Inspire Awards

This year’s Inspire Awards seeks nonprofits supporting the career navigation and workforce development needs of workers across the United States. The challenge seeks applications that help individuals gain the skills, guidance, and support needed to access quality jobs, advance in their careers, and build long-term stability in an evolving world of work.

2026 Truist Foundation Inspire Awards Challenge Question

How are nonprofits providing innovative direct services, training programs, and career navigation supports for adult workers in the age of AI?

Challenge Dimensions

Nonprofit organizations have long been critical advocates and service providers for workers in the United States. Nonprofits provide workers necessary upskilling opportunities, AI literacy training, career navigation support, and wraparound services in conjunction with career pathways programming. All necessary for the modern workforce. Meeting the moment, Truist Foundation and MIT Solve want to hear the ways in which nonprofits headquartered in the Truist operating footprint are providing innovative career pathway programming in the age of AI. Although solutions don’t need to focus on generative AI specifically, teams should demonstrate how their career pathways programming align with the following dimensions:

• Training and Upskilling Programs – Providing holistic, accessible programming that equips workers with essential skills, industry-validated credentials, and technical literacy for the modern workplace.
• AI Readiness and Literacy – Offering high-quality training that helps workers understand generative AI and agentic technologies as augmented intelligence tools, helping to build practical skills like effective prompting, domain expertise application, and ethical use.
• Additional Wraparound Services and Basic Needs Support – Supporting unemployed and underemployed workers on their journey to economic mobility through comprehensive, integrated resources including childcare, transportation support, mentorship, mental health services, benefits navigation, and more.
• Career Navigation in the AI Economy – Enabling workers to navigate career choices with clarity and confidence by providing accessible information about how AI is reshaping job roles and industries, facilitating informed decisions about high-quality career trajectories that align with individual circumstances, and connecting workers to industry-validated credentials or trainings.

Here are the grants for this challenge

• First place: $250,000
• Second place: $150,000
• Runners-up: $25,000
• Audience favorite: $75,000