Best Cycling Grants

Cycling grants are funded by well-known cycling organizations like PeopleForBikes, the League of American Bicyclists, and the National Highway Traffic Safeway administration. Private groups like the Finish Line Youth Foundation and the Gilead Sciencies Foundation, as well as companies like REI and Trek, support cycling initiatives. Local governments and transportation departments may also offer grants to improve biking infrastructure and promote alternative transportation in their communities.

Organizations working to make biking safer and more accessible are eligible for cycling grants. Many funders prioritize projects that promote sustainable transportation, accessibility for underserved communities, and infrastructure improvements like new bike lanes or safer crossings. Cycling grants are also available to groups further supporting bike safety, encouraging people to bike rather than drive, and promoting eco-friendly transportation as a whole.

Based on Instrumentl’s live grant database for cycling, grant deadlines are most common in Q2, accounting for 38.1% of all submission dates. The slowest period for new grant opportunities in this category falls in Q3, making it a less competitive time for preparation and strategic planning.

The goal of cycling grants is to encourage more people to ride bikes, improve bike safety, and develop bike lanes and trails that make cycling an option for both practical transportation and recreation. Cycling grants support projects that reduce pollution, support healthy lifestyles, and make communities more welcoming to cyclists. Some focus-areas for these grants include bike-share programs, safe routes for kids biking to school, and urban planning efforts that make cities more bike-friendly.

Funding for cycling grants varies widely, with award amounts ranging from a minimum of $500 to a maximum of $24,690,000. Based on Instrumentl’s data, the median grant amount for this category is $5,000, while the average grant awarded is $3,533,214. Understanding these funding trends can help nonprofits set realistic expectations when applying.

To improve the chances of receiving cycling grants, applicants should:

• Show clear community benefits – Explain how your project will improve cycling safety, increase bike use, and make your community healthier.
• Partner with groups in your community – Funders love to see public engagements, so connect with local government organizations or cycling advocacy groups to increase your impact and chances of success.
• Highlight sustainability and accessibility – Projects that make cycling easier and safer for all ages and income levels are more likely to get funding.

Need help writing a strong funding request? Follow our step-by-step guide to crafting compelling grant proposals.