Best Transportation Grants in Ohio

State and local agencies, local governing boards, nonprofits, tribes, and higher education institutions in eligible Appalachian Ohio counties can seek funding for transportation and related infrastructure projects. Appalachian Regional Commission supports public transportation, roads, broadband, water systems, and workforce and business development through its Area Development Program, using a bottom-up, community-driven approach.

Ohio nonprofits improving digital access and literacy can apply for support to expand affordable internet, devices, and technology training for residents with limited access. Transportation-related organizations in Ohio that rely on digital tools for scheduling, navigation, or rider information may be eligible for these Digital Access Grants from The Columbus Foundation.

Journalists and data reporting teams worldwide, including those covering transportation issues in Ohio, can receive US $10,000 - US $25,000 to apply machine learning and advanced data analysis to investigative stories. Ohio public transit or infrastructure reporters may be eligible for Pulitzer Center support covering reporting costs, data work, and collaborative, data-driven storytelling that holds power to account.

Nonprofit organizations in Ohio and across the U.S. and Canada can seek up to US $25,000 to advance health equity, cancer prevention and care, workforce diversity, and crisis response. With a mission to remove barriers to quality healthcare, McKesson Foundation provides program support, especially for vulnerable and underserved communities, through its three strategic giving pillars.

Public transportation and transit providers in Ohio serving seniors and people with disabilities can access funding through grants from Ohio Department of Transportation to contract with local transportation service providers. Section 5310 Contracted Transportation Service funding reimburses 80% of eligible capital costs, requiring a 20% local match from non-U.S. DOT sources for open-door shared-ride services.

Public and nonprofit transportation providers in Ohio offering open-door shared-ride services for seniors and people with disabilities can seek operating assistance to support day-to-day transit. Ohio Department of Transportation’s Section 5310 program reimburses 50% of eligible operating costs in small urban and rural areas, with a required 50% local match from non-U.S. DOT sources.

Environmental and policy organizations working on climate solutions or Great Lakes and drinking water in Ohio can seek funding to advance clean energy and freshwater protection. The Joyce Foundation supports Great Lakes–region efforts on carbon-free power, safe and affordable drinking water, and environmental justice, with a portfolio focused on Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin.

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and government entities offering youth leadership, recreation, or economic mobility programs can seek up to US $7,500 for structured, measurable initiatives. Focused on community-driven priorities, the Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley invites applicants serving Belmont and Jefferson Counties with mentoring, youth activities, or financial stability services to apply.

The Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities (Section 5310) program aims to improve transportation options for seniors and individuals with disabilities by removing barriers to access. It provides federal funds for necessary services, including vehicle purchases for paratransit. Eligible applicants include private nonprofits and local authorities approved to coordinate such services. This initiative enhances mobility for essential activities like employment, medical appointments, and grocery shopping, ultimately supporting community integration and independence.

Agricultural producers, non-industrial private forest owners, Tribes, and water management entities in Ohio can receive technical and financial assistance to implement conservation practices on working lands. Grants from USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Ohio help address soil health, water and air quality, wildlife habitat, energy efficiency, and other natural resource concerns that may benefit transportation-related land and watershed projects.

Ohio 501(c)(3) organizations, tax-exempt private agencies, and government entities offering summer youth programs in Stark County can receive up to US $2,000 for educational, arts, outdoor, literacy, campus-based, or field trip activities, including transportation and meals. Stark Community Foundation’s SummerTime Kids Grants prioritize programs that challenge youth, fill gaps in low-income areas, and enrich the community.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and public institutions improving public transportation and access to services in Ohio can access funding through grants from Sisters Health Foundation; awards are more than US $5,000. Projects must benefit Athens, Meigs, or Washington County residents and advance healthy living, thriving neighborhoods, or mental health and addiction in the Mid-Ohio Valley.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Ohio can apply for Toledo Community Foundation’s Helping Hens Fund, which offers $1,500 to $10,000 for youth fitness and wellness programs, plus capital requests up to $30,000 for sporting venues. Projects that support warm-weather activities and increase children’s participation in sports may be especially competitive.

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government units supporting community health can access funding through Community Health Foundation for programs, projects, operating costs, or capital needs. Eligible work must serve Clark and/or Champaign County residents and may include access-to-care initiatives, chronic disease prevention, mental health and substance use services, or other health equity efforts that improve wellbeing and related transportation access.

Nonprofit organizations improving health outcomes in Ohio and across North America can seek McKesson Foundation grants over US $25,000 for cancer prevention and care, healthcare workforce development, and crisis response. Eligible 501(c)(3) or equivalent charities, especially those serving vulnerable communities, may be competitive if they align with these strategic health equity pillars.

The Transportation Alternatives Program (TA) funded by the Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments supports projects that enhance transportation options in the OKI region. Eligible activities include both infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects as outlined in the Ohio Metropolitan Transportation Plan. This funding aims to promote safer and more accessible transportation alternatives, contributing to the overall improvement of community mobility and connectivity.

Public agencies and transportation entities in Ohio can seek Surface Transportation Block Grant funding for roadway, transit, bike, pedestrian, and freight projects within the OKI urban area. Grants from Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments support projects on the functional roadway network and other eligible transportation improvements, with awards up to US $6,000,000.

Rural public entities, nonprofits, tribes, and educational institutions in Ohio can use this funding to support small rural businesses through technical assistance, infrastructure, and economic development projects. Focused on rural development, USDA: Rural Development invites applicants to propose projects that may include transportation improvements, business incubators, revolving loan funds, and other community or technology-based economic development efforts.

Organizations of any type working to expand or improve transportation options for people with disabilities in Ohio can receive funding, with two five-year projects totaling US $100,000 each. Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council supports projects enhancing public transit access for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities; matching funds are required, with reduced match for poverty-area projects in Athens and Gallia counties.

Organizations in Ohio working to expand and strengthen the direct support professional (DSP) workforce for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities can access funding through the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council. Grants of US $50,000 support training, pipeline development, and retention strategies, which may include improving transportation options that help individuals with I/DD live more independently.

Notice of Funds Available (RFP): Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council

Untapped Potential

People with I/DD and their family members will have access to services and resources so they can participate fully in their communities.

Annually, key stakeholders will receive information on the benefits and resources to hire people with disabilities. This will allow employment and self-employment outcomes to improve for people with disabilities.

In Ohio, state policymakers are committed to ensuring individuals with developmental disabilities have greater opportunities for employment and advancement of their careers. Individuals with developmental disabilities can use their strengths and talents to increase their income, have a sense of accomplishment and create their own social identity. Employer engagement is essential to furthering this progress.

Hiring people with disabilities is good for business. However, many employers are not aware of this untapped resource or how to effectively recruit, retain and advance people with disabilities.

Business associations in Ohio promote the growth and prosperity of a specific community, region, sector or function of business, by supporting businesses, attracting new investment, and creating jobs. They offer various services like networking opportunities, advocacy, and resources to help businesses grow and thrive within the community. They act as a voice for the region or community and work to improve the local economy. These can include Chambers of Commerce, economic development organizations, safety councils, manufacturing associations, Ohio Means Jobs Centers etc.

Business associations could be a valuable resource in reaching employers who are not aware of this untapped resource. The Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council (ODDC) will fund a project to reach business associations across Ohio to inform them of the benefits of hiring people with disabilities.

ODDC will support activities that build capacity and systemic change through outreach, training, research, technical assistance, supporting and educating communities, interagency collaboration and coordination, demonstration of new approaches, informing policymakers and eliminating barriers, and system design and redesign.

ODDC will provide funding as outlined below for each year of the project. Proposals should address each year of the project. Proposals should address, if necessary: transportation, accessibility, use of technology, replication, sustainability, if the project reaches entire state or a specific region, cross-disability, and cultural diversity.

Ohio public transportation and mass transit organizations serving Delaware County residents can access funding through Delaware County Foundation community grants, with awards from US $2,500 - US $20,000 for local projects. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government entities, or groups with a qualified fiscal sponsor working on community improvement, including transportation access and related basic needs.

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

Nonprofit organizations, churches, and government units serving Clark County community needs can apply for competitive grants supporting arts and culture, education, health, human services, civic affairs, and environmental initiatives. With a mission to strengthen local quality of life, Springfield Foundation provides Ohio organizations with project support that may benefit transportation-related outreach, access, or services within these broader program areas.