Best Transportation Grants in Minnesota

Municipal governments in Minnesota and other eligible Great Lakes and Southern states seeking ARPA or IIJA transportation, infrastructure, or community development funding can apply for National League of Cities’ free Federal Grant Navigation Program. Participants receive one-on-one technical assistance, data support, and peer cohort learning to strengthen competitive applications for federal public transportation and related grants.

Eligible government units, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and public institutions in rural Minnesota communities under 10,000 residents can apply for Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation’s Taylor Rural Improvements Grant; awards up to US $30,000 for capital projects. Funding supports essential services like transportation, food access, shelters, clothing, or internet for underserved populations in SMIF’s 20-county region.

Local public agencies and Tribal governments in Minnesota seeking to build or improve transportation infrastructure that increases safe, non-motorized travel to and from schools can apply for grants of US $50,000 - US $1,000,000. Grants from Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) support Safe Routes to School capital projects that enhance walking and bicycling options for students.

The McKnight Foundation provides Minnesota transportation and climate-focused nonprofits and government entities with funding for operating or project work that advances clean energy, public transit, and greenhouse gas reduction. Organizations working on public transportation, electrification, and equitable climate resilience in Minnesota, Wisconsin, or Iowa may be eligible; other Midwest states are by invitation only.

The Hypertherm HOPE Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations with a mission to create sustainable, positive change in communities. Established in 2010, the foundation prioritizes projects in areas like disaster relief, education, and health. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and align with the foundation's values of respect and inclusivity. Grant decisions are made by HOPE teams composed of Hypertherm Associates across various regions, ensuring local needs are met effectively.

The Hypertherm Good Neighbor Grant, offered by the HOPE Foundation, provides financial support of up to $500 to non-profit organizations. Founded in 2010, the Foundation aims to foster collaboration and sustainable change within communities. Grant allocations are made quarterly by a team of volunteer Associates, ensuring alignment with the Foundation's mission of respect and inclusivity. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) or educational entities focused on health, education, and environmental initiatives in specific geographic areas.

Minnesota students majoring in transportation technology and continuing their studies next semester can receive scholarship support for higher education costs. Austin Community Foundation’s Eugene Frank Sommerlatte Endowment Fund offers US $3,000 to individuals with financial need, strong academic achievement, and demonstrated leadership and community involvement, which may benefit those preparing for careers in public transportation and mass transit systems.

Nonprofit organizations improving public transportation and mass transit in Minnesota can seek US $5,000 - US $10,000 for mobility, environment, or community-focused projects. Grants from Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund help fund initiatives that reduce congestion and accidents, increase transportation accessibility, and support safer, healthier, and more inclusive communities.

Organizations planning highly visible community or transportation-related events in Minnesota and other U.S. locations can seek sponsorship funding to support projects that align with Tyson Foods’ core values. Tyson Foods welcomes proposals that clearly state community benefits, outline event visibility, and show how sponsorship dollars advance the organization’s primary mission and any tax-deductible portion.

Local governments and community-based nonprofits in U.S. cities of 50,000–500,000 residents can access up to US $25,000 from Smart Growth America to design and implement temporary street safety pilot projects. Minnesota transportation and planning teams may be eligible if they jointly apply and seek to improve dangerous arterial roads or reconnect divided neighborhoods.

Minnesota transportation and history organizations can access funding through the William G Pomeroy Foundation to install historic markers at publicly accessible transportation sites. Eligible 501(c)(3)s, nonprofit academic institutions, and government entities across the U.S. may propose canals, bridges, tunnels, railroads, or aircraft used for moving people or goods before 1945, supported by primary source documentation.

Nonprofit organizations improving transportation and related services for people living with paralysis in rural, low-income, or unserved communities in Minnesota can apply for Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation’s Quality of Life Priority Impact Tier 3 grants, offering up to US $40,000. Funding supports accessible transportation, assistive technology, telehealth, employment, education, and peer or family support projects.

Professional elderly blues musicians in Minnesota needing help with transportation, medical costs, or basic living expenses can apply for emergency assistance; awards are paid directly to creditors, not individuals. Pinetop Perkins Foundation’s Pinetop Assistance League offers US $500 for needs like rides to treatments, home care, utilities, and burial costs, which may include transit to health and social services.

Minnesota public agencies and other eligible project sponsors seeking support for major surface transportation infrastructure projects can access funding through the US Department of Transportation’s BUILD Grant Program. This program offers up to US $25,000,000 for multi-modal, multi-jurisdictional projects with significant local or regional impact, including public transportation and broader public infrastructure initiatives across the U.S. territories and states.

Nonprofit organizations improving adult health access and transportation in Hartford, CT, or St. Louis, MO can apply for up to US $250,000 from Cigna Foundation’s Health Equity Impact Fund. With a mission to reduce health inequities, this program supports hyper-local projects that may benefit groups working on public transportation and transit in Minnesota-like communities.

Emergency and medical workers in Minnesota seeking help affording behavioral health prescriptions, counseling, psychotherapy, or related transportation may be eligible for up to US $2,000 in copay assistance. Focused on behavioral health support, HealthWell Foundation invites U.S.-treated workers to apply if they meet income, insurance, and diagnosis requirements, including covered transportation costs.

Individuals in the U.S. receiving cancer-related behavioral health treatment can get up to US $2,000 from the Healthwell Foundation to cover prescription copays, counseling, psychotherapy, and transportation. Minnesota patients using public or medical transportation to access these services may be eligible if they are insured and meet the foundation’s income guidelines.

The Silver Bay Charitable Fund Grant aims to support low-income communities through initiatives in the arts, education, community, and economic development. The fund prioritizes projects that address urgent community needs, promote collaboration, and yield significant results with moderate funding. Eligible organizations must be classified as charitable and serve residents within designated areas. Examples of funded projects include community arts, housing, and job development programs, focusing on improving the quality of life for underserved populations.

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

The Minneapolis Climate Action and Racial Equity Fund Grant supports community-driven initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. With approximately $300,000 available this year, grants will range from $20,000 to $50,000. This funding opportunity is available to 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, churches, and other organizations. Proposals should align with the Minneapolis Climate Action Plan and the Strategic Racial Equity Plan, ensuring a focus on environmental sustainability and racial equity.

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

The E2 Energy to Educate Grant, offered by Constellation Energy Resources, empowers students from sixth grade to college to tackle current and future energy challenges. With grants up to $50,000, projects can enhance understanding of STEM and energy careers, particularly for underserved communities. Innovation themes include sustainability, nuclear technology, and clean energy solutions, aiming to inspire diverse participation in the energy sector while addressing climate change through advanced technologies.

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 Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation's Community Solutions Grant Program aims to enhance the quality of life in the East Metro by supporting organizations and initiatives that are shaped by and benefit local residents. Through general operating, project, and capital support, the program prioritizes funding for community and economic development, health and human services, and youth and education initiatives, fostering sustainable growth in Dakota, Ramsey, and Washington counties.

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.

Minnesota public transportation agencies, state DOTs, and designated Section 5310 recipients seeking capital support for coordinated transit and non-emergency medical transportation projects can access funding through the Federal Transit Administration’s Innovative Coordinated Access and Mobility pilot program. Projects must serve transportation-disadvantaged older adults, people with disabilities, and low-income riders across the U.S.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is offering $610 million in competitive grants through the Fiscal Year 2026 Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program. This funding aims to support capital projects related to buses and bus facilities, including the replacement, rehabilitation, and purchase of buses and equipment, as well as the construction or leasing of bus-related facilities, encouraging advancements in public transit infrastructure.