Best Transportation Grants in Montana

Organizations planning community or transportation-related events, especially involving public transit or mass transit systems, may be eligible for sponsorships supporting highly visible projects, including in Montana. Tyson Foods welcomes proposals that align with its core values, clearly describe community benefits and visibility, and show how funding advances the organization’s primary mission and tax-deductible portion.

Local governments and community-based nonprofits in small to mid-sized U.S. cities, including Montana communities, can access up to US $25,000 to plan and deliver temporary street safety pilot projects. Smart Growth America’s Community Connectors program supports teams addressing dangerous or divisive arterial roads, with training, in-person convening, and a focus on reconnecting harmed neighborhoods.

Montana public agencies and other eligible transportation project sponsors can seek funding for major surface transportation infrastructure projects through the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) program. Administered by the US Department of Transportation, these competitive grants offer up to US $25,000,000 for projects with significant local or regional impact, including public transportation and mass transit systems.

Nonprofits and qualifying government entities serving Montana’s greater Big Sky region can seek Yellowstone Club Community Foundation support for transportation, livability, health, environment, arts, and education initiatives. Grants, including Catalyst Grants up to US $10,000, may fund new or expanded programs, capital projects, or capacity building, with most opportunities available by invitation after a letter of interest process.

Emergency and medical workers in Montana needing help affording behavioral health prescriptions, counseling, psychotherapy, or transportation may be eligible for grants up to US $2,000. Focused on behavioral health access, the HealthWell Foundation supports underinsured workers whose treatment occurs in the U.S., including costs tied to travel for appointments and related services.

Individuals in the U.S. receiving cancer-related behavioral health treatment can receive up to US $2,000 from the HealthWell Foundation to help cover prescription copays, counseling, psychotherapy, and transportation costs. Patients in Montana may be eligible if they are underinsured, have qualifying insurance coverage, and meet the foundation’s income and diagnosis guidelines.

Professional elderly blues musicians needing emergency help with transportation, medical care, or basic living expenses can receive US $500 in assistance, including in Montana. Pinetop Perkins Foundation provides payments directly to creditors for services like rides to appointments, temporary home care, utilities, and burial costs for qualifying low-income artists aged 50 and older.

Montana transportation and history-focused 501(c)(3) organizations, nonprofit academic institutions, and government entities can access funding through the William G Pomeroy Foundation to install historic transportation markers at publicly accessible sites. Eligible projects commemorate pre-1945 canals, bridges, tunnels, railroads, or aircraft, with inscriptions backed by primary sources and significant to the wider community.

Grants from Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund help Montana transportation and mobility-focused nonprofits fund projects improving public transit, reducing congestion, and increasing transportation accessibility. U.S.-based organizations may also apply for support in environmental conservation, community safety, education access, and healthier communities, with awards of US $5,000 - US $10,000 for community impact initiatives.

Montana students majoring in transportation technology can access funding through the Eugene Frank Sommerlatte Endowment Fund for higher education expenses. Administered by Austin Community Foundation, this US $3,000 scholarship supports those with financial need, strong academic achievement, and demonstrated leadership and community involvement, and may benefit future public transportation and mass transit professionals.

Research institutions and public agencies in Montana working on transportation policy and infrastructure can seek up to US $200,000 for studies, data projects, or policy reforms improving U.S. transportation systems. With a mission to improve lives through evidence-based solutions, Arnold Ventures supports work on capital investment, cost control, mobility access, permitting, procurement, and related transportation governance issues.

Oregon Department of Forestry

Vision: Complex and resilient forest ecosystems that endure and adapt.

Mission: To protect and promote resilient forests that benefit all Oregonians.

US Dept. of Transportation Grant - Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program

The purpose of this Notice of Funding Opportunity is to solicit applications for Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grants.

Funds for the fiscal year (FY) 2026 SS4A grant program are to be awarded on a competitive basis to support planning, infrastructural, behavioral, and operational initiatives to prevent death and serious injury on roads and streets involving all roadway users, including pedestrians; bicyclists; public transportation, personal conveyance, and micromobility users; motorists; and commercial vehicle operators.

The SS4A Grant Program includes: 1) Planning and Demonstration Grants; and 2) Implementation Grants.

Planning and Demonstration Grants

Planning and Demonstration Grant Eligibility Requirements

Eligible activities for a Planning and Demonstration Grant include: develop a new Action Plan, conduct supplemental safety planning to update an existing Action Plan, or carry out safety demonstration activities to inform the development of or update to an Action Plan.

These activities may be bundled in any combination, provided that the requirements in this Notice are met. DOT encourages complementary but distinct activities, including but not limited to safety demonstration activities that will help inform the development of an Action Plan. Any applicant that meets the eligibility requirements may apply for a Planning and Demonstration Grant to develop an Action Plan. 

• Expected number of awards: 400 to 700

Oregon Department of Forestry

Vision: Complex and resilient forest ecosystems that endure and adapt.

Mission: To protect and promote resilient forests that benefit all Oregonians.

US Dept. of Transportation Grant - Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program

The purpose of this Notice of Funding Opportunity is to solicit applications for Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grants.

Funds for the fiscal year (FY) 2026 SS4A grant program are to be awarded on a competitive basis to support planning, infrastructural, behavioral, and operational initiatives to prevent death and serious injury on roads and streets involving all roadway users, including pedestrians; bicyclists; public transportation, personal conveyance, and micromobility users; motorists; and commercial vehicle operators.

The SS4A Grant Program includes: 1) Planning and Demonstration Grants; and 2) Implementation Grants.

Implementation Grants

Implementation Grants fund projects and strategies identified in an Action Plan that address roadway safety problems. Implementation Grants may also fund supplemental planning and demonstration activities, as well as project-level planning, design, and development activities for projects and strategies identified in an Action Plan (e.g., project-level 21 National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance, associated environmental review activities, permits and approvals, construction design, etc.). 

• Expected number of awards: 40 to 70

The FY25-FY26 Advanced Transportation Technology and Innovation (ATTAIN) grant program aims to enhance transportation through the deployment of innovative technologies. It focuses on improving safety, mobility, and efficiency while fostering economic competitiveness. Projects funded will prioritize core infrastructure improvements and address roadway congestion, aligning with the Trump Administration's goals. The program emphasizes economic opportunities and community benefits, ensuring that selected projects contribute positively to families and communities, ultimately enhancing their quality of life.

The FY26 Bus Safety, Accessibility, and Innovation Notice of Funding Opportunity offers up to $10 million for innovative projects aimed at enhancing bus safety and accessibility. Administered by the Federal Transit Administration, this competitive grant invites applications for the development of concepts that improve safety for operators and vulnerable road users, ensuring that public transportation is safer and more accessible for all passengers.

The PROTECT Competitive Grant Program aims to enhance the resilience of surface transportation systems, including highways and public transit, through innovative projects. With up to $787 million available from FYs 2024-2026, the program focuses on protecting transportation assets and communities, ensuring they can withstand challenges and recover quickly. This initiative also emphasizes the importance of coastal and natural infrastructure in safeguarding transportation networks. More details can be found in the full NOFO on Grants.gov.

Nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations in Wheatland County and nearby Central Montana counties can seek funding for educational, medical, essential services, civic, cultural, and transportation-related projects. Grants from Central Montana Foundation help Montana groups, including those improving public transportation and mass transit systems, through the Wheatland County Community Foundation’s annual rural community endowment program.

Nonprofit or tax-exempt organizations in good standing and located in Petroleum County, Montana can apply for Central Montana Foundation’s Petroleum County Endowment to support community projects, including public transportation and mass transit needs. Eligible projects must benefit educational, medical, essential services, civic, cultural, or related community services in Central Montana.

Montana nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations located in Fergus, Garfield, Judith Basin, Petroleum, or Wheatland Counties can seek funding for projects that include public transportation and mass transit services. Local groups working on educational, medical, essential services, civic, cultural, or related transportation initiatives may be eligible through Central Montana Foundation’s rural community endowments, including the Denton Endowment.

Central Montana nonprofits and tax-exempt organizations in Fergus, Garfield, Judith Basin, Petroleum, and Wheatland Counties can access funding for public transportation and other community services projects. Central Montana Foundation supports educational, medical, essential services, civic, cultural, and recreational initiatives through rural community endowments such as the Grass Range Community Foundation Grant, reviewed on a quarterly basis or as needs arise.

Nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations in Judith Basin County, including Hobson, can seek up to US $3,000 for educational, medical, essential services, civic, cultural, and community projects that may include public transportation and transit needs. Central Montana Foundation’s Hobson Endowment committee reviews requests twice yearly for projects benefiting Central Montana residents.

Nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations in Central Montana supporting public transportation, essential services, or related community projects can apply for local funding. Central Montana Foundation provides Montana transportation and community service groups with support through its Moore Endowment, which meets as needs arise and prioritizes projects benefiting the most Central Montanans.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

The McKesson Foundation Grant provides funding above $25,000 to support health equity initiatives across North America. Founded in 1943, its mission focuses on removing barriers to quality healthcare for vulnerable communities. The foundation prioritizes projects that align with strategic pillars: reducing cancer burdens, preparing the healthcare workforce, and enhancing crisis response. Eligible organizations include national and local nonprofits. Funding is limited to specific regions and assessed based on demonstrated need and expected impact.

The Impact Fund provides recoverable grants to legal services nonprofits and small law firms working on social, environmental, and economic justice issues. With over $10 million awarded since 1992, the fund supports impactful litigation addressing systemic injustices. Grants range from $10,000 to $50,000 and prioritize cases directly involving affected communities. Recipients must repay the grant amount with interest if they recover fees or costs, ensuring sustainability for future funding.