Best Transportation Grants in Montana

Emergency and medical workers in Montana needing help affording behavioral health prescriptions, counseling, psychotherapy, or transportation may be eligible for grants up to US $2,000. Focused on behavioral health access, the HealthWell Foundation supports underinsured workers whose treatment occurs in the U.S., including costs tied to travel for appointments and related services.

Nonprofits and qualifying government entities serving Montana’s greater Big Sky region can seek Yellowstone Club Community Foundation support for transportation, livability, health, environment, arts, and education initiatives. Grants, including Catalyst Grants up to US $10,000, may fund new or expanded programs, capital projects, or capacity building, with most opportunities available by invitation after a letter of interest process.

Montana public agencies and other eligible transportation project sponsors can seek funding for major surface transportation infrastructure projects through the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) program. Administered by the US Department of Transportation, these competitive grants offer up to US $25,000,000 for projects with significant local or regional impact, including public transportation and mass transit systems.

Individuals in the U.S. receiving cancer-related behavioral health treatment can receive up to US $2,000 from the HealthWell Foundation to help cover prescription copays, counseling, psychotherapy, and transportation costs. Patients in Montana may be eligible if they are underinsured, have qualifying insurance coverage, and meet the foundation’s income and diagnosis guidelines.

Professional elderly blues musicians needing emergency help with transportation, medical care, or basic living expenses can receive US $500 in assistance, including in Montana. Pinetop Perkins Foundation provides payments directly to creditors for services like rides to appointments, temporary home care, utilities, and burial costs for qualifying low-income artists aged 50 and older.

Nonprofit organizations improving transportation and related services for people living with paralysis in rural, low-income Montana communities can apply for the Quality of Life Priority Impact Tier 3 grants, offering up to US $40,000. With a mission to enhance access, independence, and community engagement, Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation supports projects like accessible transit, assistive technology, telehealth, and employment or education initiatives.

Montana transportation and history-focused 501(c)(3) organizations, nonprofit academic institutions, and government entities can access funding through the William G Pomeroy Foundation to install historic transportation markers at publicly accessible sites. Eligible projects commemorate pre-1945 canals, bridges, tunnels, railroads, or aircraft, with inscriptions backed by primary sources and significant to the wider community.

Local governments and community-based nonprofits in small to mid-sized U.S. cities, including Montana communities, can access up to US $25,000 to plan and deliver temporary street safety pilot projects. Smart Growth America’s Community Connectors program supports teams addressing dangerous or divisive arterial roads, with training, in-person convening, and a focus on reconnecting harmed neighborhoods.

Grants from Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund help Montana transportation and mobility-focused nonprofits fund projects improving public transit, reducing congestion, and increasing transportation accessibility. U.S.-based organizations may also apply for support in environmental conservation, community safety, education access, and healthier communities, with awards of US $5,000 - US $10,000 for community impact initiatives.

Organizations planning community or transportation-related events, especially involving public transit or mass transit systems, may be eligible for sponsorships supporting highly visible projects, including in Montana. Tyson Foods welcomes proposals that align with its core values, clearly describe community benefits and visibility, and show how funding advances the organization’s primary mission and tax-deductible portion.

Montana students majoring in transportation technology can access funding through the Eugene Frank Sommerlatte Endowment Fund for higher education expenses. Administered by Austin Community Foundation, this US $3,000 scholarship supports those with financial need, strong academic achievement, and demonstrated leadership and community involvement, and may benefit future public transportation and mass transit professionals.

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

Nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations in Wheatland County and nearby Central Montana counties can seek funding for educational, medical, essential services, civic, cultural, and transportation-related projects. Grants from Central Montana Foundation help Montana groups, including those improving public transportation and mass transit systems, through the Wheatland County Community Foundation’s annual rural community endowment program.

Nonprofit or tax-exempt organizations in good standing and located in Petroleum County, Montana can apply for Central Montana Foundation’s Petroleum County Endowment to support community projects, including public transportation and mass transit needs. Eligible projects must benefit educational, medical, essential services, civic, cultural, or related community services in Central Montana.

Nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations in Central Montana supporting public transportation, essential services, or related community projects can apply for local funding. Central Montana Foundation provides Montana transportation and community service groups with support through its Moore Endowment, which meets as needs arise and prioritizes projects benefiting the most Central Montanans.

Nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations in Judith Basin County, including Hobson, can seek up to US $3,000 for educational, medical, essential services, civic, cultural, and community projects that may include public transportation and transit needs. Central Montana Foundation’s Hobson Endowment committee reviews requests twice yearly for projects benefiting Central Montana residents.

Central Montana nonprofits and tax-exempt organizations in Fergus, Garfield, Judith Basin, Petroleum, and Wheatland Counties can access funding for public transportation and other community services projects. Central Montana Foundation supports educational, medical, essential services, civic, cultural, and recreational initiatives through rural community endowments such as the Grass Range Community Foundation Grant, reviewed on a quarterly basis or as needs arise.

Montana nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations located in Fergus, Garfield, Judith Basin, Petroleum, or Wheatland Counties can seek funding for projects that include public transportation and mass transit services. Local groups working on educational, medical, essential services, civic, cultural, or related transportation initiatives may be eligible through Central Montana Foundation’s rural community endowments, including the Denton Endowment.

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

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 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.

The FY 2026 Competitive Funding Opportunity for the Public Transportation on Indian Reservations (Tribal Transit) Program provides $18,954,885 in grants. This program supports tribes in rural areas, enhancing public transportation through planning, capital projects, operating costs, and job access initiatives. It is part of the Section 5311 program, ensuring tribes have the resources to improve transportation services effectively. Additionally, the Tribal Transportation Self-Governance Program empowers tribes with greater control over DOT funds for their transportation needs.

The Tribal Transportation Safety Strategy Pilot Program, funded by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology, aims to address high traffic fatality rates among American Indian and Alaska Native populations. With a $2 million budget over three years, the program will create a university-led consortium to develop a strategic safety plan using artificial intelligence for risk analysis, culminating in a pilot project that showcases effective safety infrastructure in a Tribal community.

The Interdisciplinary Transportation Law and Policy Technology Training Program aims to enhance the skills of policymakers and legal professionals in adapting to rapid advancements in transportation technology, including AI and automated vehicles. This initiative will allocate $600,000 to develop a comprehensive training curriculum, including a week-long course for support staff and a semester-long program for law students. The project will be executed over a 24-month period, targeting University Transportation Centers and their consortia.

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.

The Fiscal Year 2026 United States Marine Highway Program (USMHP) aims to reduce congestion on land by designating Marine Highway Routes, enhancing alternatives to land transportation. Administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation, this program encourages the use of Marine Highway Transportation, supporting projects that promote expansion and development of this sustainable transport option. Eligible projects may include innovative logistics solutions that alleviate traffic and contribute to environmental sustainability.

The FY 2026 Innovative Coordinated Access and Mobility Pilot Program offers $11,959,671 in grant funding to enhance transit services for the transportation-disadvantaged. This initiative, led by the Federal Transit Administration, aims to improve coordination for non-emergency medical transportation, benefiting older adults, individuals with disabilities, and low-income communities. Eligible applicants include state transportation departments and local entities that provide public transit services. This competitive funding opportunity supports innovative projects to better serve these populations.