Best Transportation Grants in Vermont

Grants of up to US $5,000 help Vermont nonprofits and public agencies cover unexpected, urgent expenses that affect basic human services, including transportation-related access and support. Organizations serving Vermont communities through social services, housing, health, food access, or public transportation and mass transit systems may be eligible for Special and Urgent Needs (SUN) funding from Vermont Community Foundation.

Organizations in Vermont working on community-based projects that improve systems, including public transportation and transit access, can seek Regional and Local Impact (RALI) support; awards are typically US $15,000 - US $25,000 per year. Grants from Vermont Community Foundation back collaborative, community-engaged efforts in areas like economic equity, climate, health, and democracy-focused initiatives.

Focused on climate action, Barr Foundation invites Vermont transportation and clean energy organizations to seek support for equitable mobility, renewable energy, and climate-resilient communities. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) public charities, public schools, fiscally sponsored projects, and government agencies, with a priority for people of color-led, equity-centered climate initiatives in the Northeast.

Nonprofits, businesses, municipalities, and schools in Vermont can seek funding to strengthen food security and transportation systems for children prenatal to age 8 and their families, with awards of US $10,000 - US $25,000. Building Bright Futures supports one-time projects that expand capacity, improve infrastructure, and increase reach, including regional transportation pilots and low-barrier transit solutions.

State and local governments, counties, Tribal governments, transit agencies, and port authorities in Vermont can seek funding for major surface transportation infrastructure projects through the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) program. US Department of Transportation supports multi-modal, public transportation and other public infrastructure projects with significant local or regional impact, offering awards up to US $25,000,000 nationwide.

Vermont emergency and medical workers needing help affording behavioral health prescriptions, counseling, psychotherapy, or related transportation can access funding through the Healthwell Foundation’s Emergency/Medical Workers Behavioral Health Fund. Eligible U.S.-based workers with qualifying insurance may receive up to US $2,000 toward out-of-pocket copays, including transportation costs that support access to treatment-related appointments.

Individuals in the U.S. receiving cancer-related behavioral health treatment and needing help with transportation and related costs may be eligible for up to US $2,000 in assistance. Healthwell Foundation supports public transit and other travel to covered appointments, along with prescription copays and counseling, for underinsured patients who meet its medical, insurance, and income guidelines.

Professional elderly blues musicians needing emergency help with transportation, medical, or basic living expenses can receive US $500 in assistance, including in Vermont. Pinetop Perkins Foundation provides support for those 50 or older with low income and a professional performance or recording history, paying creditors directly rather than individuals.

Nonprofit organizations improving transportation, accessibility, and related services for people living with paralysis in rural, low-income, or unserved communities can apply for Priority Impact Tier 3 grants of up to US $40,000. Focused on mobility and community participation, the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation invites projects that may benefit Vermont transportation initiatives and similar programs nationwide.

With a mission to preserve transportation history, the William G Pomeroy Foundation provides Vermont 501(c)(3) organizations, nonprofit academic institutions, and government entities with funding for historic transportation markers. Eligible projects commemorate pre-1945 canals, bridges, tunnels, railroads, or aircraft, installed at publicly accessible existing sites with inscriptions backed by primary source documentation.

Nonprofit organizations working on mobility, public transportation, environmental conservation, or community well-being in Vermont and across the U.S. can apply for Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund support. Bridgestone provides US $5,000 - US $10,000 grants for projects that improve transportation access and safety, protect the environment, or enhance education and healthier communities.

Students in Vermont majoring in transportation technology and enrolling in the following semester can receive support for higher education costs through the Eugene Frank Sommerlatte Endowment Fund, with awards of US $3,000. Grants from Austin Community Foundation help those demonstrating financial need, academic achievement, and leadership or community involvement pursue transportation-related studies.

Focused on transportation research and policy, Arnold Ventures invites Vermont transportation agencies, research institutions, and policy organizations to propose U.S.-focused studies and reforms. Grants up to US $200,000 support work on transit and road infrastructure policy, cost and delivery challenges, permitting, governance, and other evidence-based projects that improve transportation systems and outcomes.

Transportation and public safety agencies in Vermont can seek funding for planning, demonstration, or implementation projects that improve road safety for all users through the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program. Oregon Department of Forestry connects applicants to this U.S. Department of Transportation opportunity, offering US $100,000 - US $5,000,000 for safety-focused transportation initiatives.

State, local, and tribal governments working on road safety and public transportation in Vermont and nationwide can seek Implementation Grants to carry out projects from an approved Action Plan. The Oregon Department of Forestry notes this U.S. Department of Transportation SS4A program, which offers US $2,500,000 - US $25,000,000 for infrastructure, behavioral, and operational safety initiatives.

Federally recognized tribes and tribal organizations in rural areas can receive funding for public transportation planning, capital projects, operating costs, and job access services, including in Vermont. The Federal Transit Administration’s Tribal Transit Program supports transit services on Indian reservations through competitive FY 2026 grants under Assistance Listing 20.509.

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.

Public agencies or partners developing marine highway transportation projects, including those serving Vermont, can apply for the US Department of Transportation’s United States Marine Highway Program grants; awards up to US $12,000,000 support alternatives to landside transport. Projects must enhance designated Marine Highway Routes, easing congestion and promoting public transportation and infrastructure.

Vermont public transportation agencies, state DOTs, and Section 5310 designated recipients can seek capital funding to improve coordinated transit and non-emergency medical transportation for older adults, people with disabilities, and low-income riders. Focused on coordinated access and mobility, the Federal Transit Administration’s ICAM pilot supports innovative public transportation and health care access projects nationwide.

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.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is offering approximately $589 million in competitive grants through the Low or No Emission Grant Program. These funds support the purchase or lease of low-emission and zero-emission transit buses, along with the construction and leasing of necessary facilities. This initiative aims to enhance sustainable public transportation solutions. Further details and the full announcement will be available on Grants.gov under opportunity FTA-2026-011-TPM-LWNO.

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 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.

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.

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.