Best Transportation Grants in District of Columbia

About

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is committed to maintaining open communication and engagement with the community, Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (ANCs), and the Council of the District of Columbia to find solutions for transportation-related matters. DDOT's Community Engagement Division (CED) coordinates, assesses, and addresses community and ANC requests, informs ANCs and communities on the status of DDOT projects and service requests, and identifies strategic and routine actions to build community support for the District's transportation infrastructure projects and program initiatives. 

DC Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP)

The TAP or TA Set-Aside is a reimbursable federal aid funding program for transportation-related community projects designed to strengthen the intermodal transportation system. The program aims to expand travel choice, strengthen the local economy, improve the quality of life, and protect the environment by supporting non-traditional projects linked to the transportation system.

Projects will be reviewed through a competitive process and selected based upon a number of criteria, including the project’s expected benefits to the community, feasibility and project readiness, consistency with agency plans and missions, and the sponsor’s demonstrated ability to manage a federal-aid project.

The Transportation Planning Board (TPB) encourages TAP projects that support the following:

• Multimodal Transportation Options (with emphasis on non-auto modes)
• Activity Centers
• Access to Transit
• Safe Routes to School
• Disadvantaged Communities
• Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act

FY 25-26 Funding 

DDOT will be accepting projects on a 2-year cycle. Projects for both FY25 and FY26 will be selected and approved through this application cycle. A total of approximately $2,269,378 million in funding will be available through a citywide competitive process for qualifying, non-traditional projects. Awarded projects will be funded in either FY25 or FY26 based on project readiness and availability of funds, so Applicants should be prepared that they might not receive funding until 2026. The Transportation Planning Board (TPB) will work with DDOT to conduct the competitive selection process for funds. 

The Transportation Alternatives program is a part of the Federal-aid Highway Program. Although the program is a “grant” program under Federal regulation, it is not an “up-front” grant program and funds are available only on a reimbursement basis. Only after a project has been approved by the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) division office can costs become eligible for reimbursement. This means project sponsors must incur the cost of the project prior to being repaid. Costs incurred prior to FHWA division office project approval are not eligible for reimbursement

The Cloudbreak Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations focused on aiding underprivileged children, the homeless, and the elderly. Letters of Inquiry are accepted year-round, with specific deadlines for summer and winter cycles. Eligible applicants must hold a valid 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. The Foundation prioritizes projects that address critical needs in these communities, particularly those located in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. This grant offers vital funding for mission-driven initiatives.

MileOneCares offers community grants aimed at enhancing lives through improved access to transportation and community support. Non-profits with 501(c)(3) status, operational for two years, can apply for funding to address local needs. The program prioritizes initiatives that uplift youth and the elderly in underserved areas. Applications are accepted year-round, but those for the current calendar year must be submitted by November 8. Grants do not support endowments or individuals.