Best Transportation Grants in Arkansas

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At AEDC, we know economic advancement doesn't happen by accident. We work strategically with businesses and communities to create strong economic opportunities, making Arkansas the natural choice for success.

Community Assistance Grant Program

The Arkansas Community Assistance Grant Program (CAGP) is intended to provide grant funds to cities, counties, and non-profit organizations of the State of Arkansas for eligible community and economic development projects and eligible non-profit organization projects. The amount of funding available to any one (1) project in any state fiscal year shall not exceed $1,500,000. The amount of the grant award shall be determined by AEDC based on eligibility criteria, availability of funding, and program demands, which may result in grant offers that are less than application requests. 

Is there a matching requirement?

The applicant must be able to match its grant award with cash, in-kind labor, in-kind materials, or in-kind land at a flexible 20% rate. The amount of matching funds/in-kind provided by the applicant will be taken into account in the application review process; a match is dependent on the project need and not all matches will be waived.

The value of all matching (including in-kind) must be documented by bank statements, official cost estimates for in-kind materials and labor, or official appraisals for land. Official cost estimates for in-kind materials and professional labor should document what the material or professional labor would cost if it were not being donated. Community labor being donated is equal to $18.04 per hour. Official appraisals for land may be in the form of an appraisal from a certified appraiser or a copy of the property assessment from the county clerk.

Municipal governments in Arkansas and other eligible Great Lakes states seeking federal transportation and infrastructure funding can apply for the National League of Cities’ free Federal Grant Navigation Program. This pilot offers one-on-one support, data collection assistance, and peer cohorts to help cities pursue ARPA and IIJA grants for transit, housing, workforce, and related community needs.

Female students in Arkansas pursuing education for careers in transportation-related fields can receive scholarship support for college or technical training. Arkansas Community Foundation provides this scholarship as part of its statewide program for higher education, helping future public transportation and mass transit professionals advance their studies.

Arkansas public agencies and other eligible project sponsors seeking to develop major surface transportation infrastructure may be eligible for the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) program. This US Department of Transportation grant offers up to US $25,000,000 for multi-modal, multi-jurisdictional projects with significant local or regional impact, including public transportation and mass transit systems.

Focused on behavioral health support, the HealthWell Foundation invites Arkansas emergency and medical workers to seek help with treatment-related costs. Eligible individuals in the U.S. can receive up to US $2,000 toward prescription copays, counseling, psychotherapy, and transportation, which may ease access to care for those who rely on transportation services in Arkansas.

Individuals in Arkansas receiving treatment in the U.S. for cancer-related behavioral health conditions can get up to US $2,000 in help with prescription copays, counseling, psychotherapy, and transportation costs from the HealthWell Foundation. This assistance may benefit patients facing travel expenses to access behavioral health services related to their cancer care.

Elderly professional blues musicians in Arkansas needing help with transportation, medical costs, or basic living expenses can receive emergency assistance covering specific bills. Pinetop Perkins Foundation, through its Pinetop Assistance League, pays creditors directly for services like rides to treatments, doctor visits, home care, utilities, and burial costs for eligible low-income artists.

The Smart Growth America Community Connectors Grant Program supports small and mid-sized cities in addressing divisive infrastructure caused by dangerous roads. With funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, this program aims to reconnect communities through temporary street safety projects while fostering skills and partnerships. Eligible teams must represent populations of 50,000 to 500,000 and include both government and community-based organizations. Priority will be given to projects benefiting low-income communities historically affected by disinvestment.

Arkansas transportation and history nonprofits, 501(c)(3) organizations, academic institutions, and government entities can access funding through William G Pomeroy Foundation to install historic transportation markers. Eligible projects commemorate pre-1945 canals, bridges, tunnels, railroads, or aircraft, must be tied to existing, publicly accessible sites, and require primary-source documentation of their broader historical significance.

Tyson Foods invites sponsorship proposals that reflect its core values and contribute to community welfare, particularly in Springdale, Arkansas, and Dakota Dunes, South Dakota. Proposals should demonstrate clear community benefits, visibility of the event, and outline how funds will be utilized effectively. Organizations are encouraged to apply if they align with Tyson's mission of integrity and stewardship, ensuring that funding can support primary objectives while considering tax-deductible options.

Grants supporting nonprofit organizations improving mobility, public transportation, and community well-being in Arkansas and across the U.S. can receive US $5,000 - US $10,000 for programs in mobility, environment, or people-focused initiatives. Grants from Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund help Arkansas transportation and transit-focused groups advance safer, more accessible, and healthier communities.

Students majoring in transportation technology and enrolling in the following semester can receive scholarship support for higher education, including public transportation and mass transit studies, in Arkansas and across the U.S. The Eugene Frank Sommerlatte Endowment Fund from Austin Community Foundation awards US $3,000 based on financial need, academic achievement, and demonstrated leadership and community involvement.

Universities, research institutions, and public agencies working on transportation policy and infrastructure in Arkansas can seek up to US $200,000 for research, data, and policy development projects. With a mission to improve U.S. transportation systems, Arnold Ventures supports work on capital investment reform, cost accountability, mobility access, permitting, procurement, and related public transit and surface transportation issues.

Transportation agencies and local governments working on road safety planning, pedestrian and bike infrastructure, and transit-related safety in Arkansas and nationwide can seek funding to develop or update roadway safety Action Plans and demonstrations. Oregon Department of Forestry’s referenced SS4A opportunity offers US $100,000 - US $5,000,000 for planning and demonstration projects through the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Public agencies and other eligible entities seeking to improve transportation safety infrastructure and operations in Arkansas can apply for the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All Implementation Grants, offering US $2,500,000 - US $25,000,000. Oregon Department of Forestry highlights this opportunity supporting projects for public transit, pedestrian and bike infrastructure, and automotive safety nationwide.

Public agencies and transportation entities in Arkansas seeking to deploy advanced transportation technologies can apply for competitive ATTAIN grants, with awards up to US $12,000,000, to improve safety, mobility, and system performance. DOT Federal Highway Administration supports projects that enhance public transit, congestion management, intermodal connectivity, and other core transportation infrastructure needs.

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.

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.

The Banfield Foundation's Disaster Relief Grants support nonprofit animal welfare organizations and government agencies affected by natural disasters. Since 2015, the foundation has provided resources to help pets in crisis, including medical supplies, food, and temporary shelter. Grants are also available for organizations assisting those impacted by disasters. Eligible applicants must have 501(c)(3) status and directly help animals and their owners in the U.S., ensuring that pets receive the care they need during emergencies.

The PEDIGREE Foundation offers Program Development Grants aimed at enhancing dog adoption rates by supporting shelters and rescues across the U.S. Established in 2008, the foundation prioritizes initiatives such as transport, matching, and foster programs. Funding is available to 501(c)(3) designated organizations committed to improving the quality of care for dogs and ultimately increasing their chances of adoption, ensuring that every dog finds a loving home.

The Petco Foundation offers grants aimed at animal welfare organizations, focusing on enhancing adoption and medical care initiatives. With a commitment to lifesaving programs, they invest in organizations that demonstrate accountability and significant impact in their communities. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, municipal agencies, and SPCA/humane societies that provide sheltering services. The grant cycle allows for one proposal submission per year, ensuring support for those dedicated to improving the welfare of companion animals.

The Jason Debus Heigl Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations dedicated to animal welfare in the U.S. It aims to maximize the benefit to animals through education, spay and neuter initiatives, and positive advocacy. The foundation focuses on impactful programs, encouraging grants that align with their mission to end animal overpopulation and cruelty. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits, while individuals and political lobbying efforts are excluded from funding.

J.B. Hunt Transport Services offers financial support for various community projects through its Company Giving program. Focused on four key areas—Health Care, Veterans' Support, Education, and Crisis Management—this initiative aims to enhance the well-being of local communities. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and civic groups, while organizations that primarily benefit their members or have high management overhead may be excluded. The program underscores J.B. Hunt's commitment to corporate social responsibility.

The STEM Innovation Grant by Colocation America supports innovative STEM programs for K-12 students, offering up to $7,500 in funding. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and schools with STEM-specific programming. The grant aims to inspire youth through unique learning approaches and real-world applications of STEM knowledge. Interested parties must attend a mandatory informational call, with funding available for tools, curriculum development, and professional training.