Best Transportation Grants in Ohio

The Area Development Grant Program, managed by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), supports economic growth in Appalachia through investments in critical infrastructure and workforce development. Targeting 423 counties across 13 states, the program encourages local communities to collaborate with state governments to identify and implement impactful projects. Key focus areas include enhancing utilities, promoting entrepreneurship, and strengthening local leadership. This initiative aims to uplift the 26 million residents of Appalachia, fostering sustainable economic opportunities.

CSX Charitable Investments provide essential in-kind donations to nonprofit organizations focused on supporting military members and community first responders. Through intermodal transportation services, CSX offers equipment and rail services to help reduce transportation costs for eligible organizations. The program also includes occasional donations of railroad materials and equipment based on availability. CSX prioritizes support for organizations operating within its service areas, promoting community betterment and development.

The Columbus Foundation

In 1943, during the darkness of World War II, a group of passionate citizens, led by Columbus businessman Harrison M. Sayre, envisioned a way to improve the well-being of the community and the quality of life in central Ohio. With little more than this sound idea and faith, The Columbus Foundation was established.

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

Digital Access Grants

Support for programming designed to offer training or technical support, or expanding the affordability and accessibility of digital technology and the internet to individuals and communities with limited access.

Not everyone has the same level of access to reliable internet service, or the devices and skills needed for work, commerce, education, healthcare, transportation, and civic engagement.

In response to the urgent technology needs of nonprofits and the communities they serve, The Central Ohio Digital Access Fund was established in July 2020. A group of local partners and institutions works on internet affordability, access to devices, and programs across the community that offer training and technical skill building for life and careers in the twenty-first century. 

The Pulitzer Center's Machine Learning Reporting Grants support innovative proposals utilizing machine learning and natural language processing to address significant journalistic challenges. These grants aim to enhance data-driven storytelling and encourage collaboration among journalists globally. Successful projects have included using machine learning to investigate oil-well abandonment and gold mining in the Amazon. The Center emphasizes transparency, diverse perspectives, and partnerships to empower impactful reporting.

The McKesson Foundation Grant provides funding up to $25,000 for organizations focused on improving health outcomes in underserved communities. Established in 1943, the foundation prioritizes health equity through strategic partnerships aimed at reducing cancer burdens, preparing healthcare professionals, and enhancing crisis response efforts. Eligible applicants include national and local nonprofits targeting specific regions in the U.S. and Canada. The foundation emphasizes projects that align with its mission and demonstrate significant community impact.

Ohio Department of Transportation

With a mission to provide a transportation system that is safe, accessible, well maintained, and positioned for the future, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) supports the state highway system and promotes transportation initiatives statewide. As a more than $3 billion per year enterprise, ODOT invests the bulk of its resources in system preservation through maintenance, construction, and snow and ice operations.

ODOT's regional district offices and Central Office divisions work together to fulfill the department's mission of providing safe and easy movement of people and goods from place to place.

Specialized Transportation Program (5310)

Program Goal and Description

The Specialized Transportation Program, as authorized by the Federal Transit Administration, 49 USC Section 5310, is intended to enhance mobility for seniors and persons with disabilities by providing Federal Transit Administration funds for programs in small urbanized and rural areas that serve the special needs of transit-dependent populations beyond traditional public transportation services and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) complementary paratransit services. The program provides 80% of the cost of capital projects; the remaining 20% must be provided by local funding, which may be derived from other federal (non-U.S. DOT) transportation sources or the Federal Lands Highway Program.

Project Types: Vehicle Funding; Preventive Maintenance (PM) Funding; Mobility Management Funding; Computer Hardware and/or Software & Equipment Funding; Operating Assistance; Contracted Transportation Service Funding

Computer Hardware and/or Software & Equipment Funding

What’s Eligible

Computer Hardware and/or software and equipment that supports facilities and equipment for Section 5310-funded vehicles. For example: computers and dispatch software to more effectively and provide transportation to the community.

The Specialized Transportation Program (5310) aims to enhance mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities through federally funded projects. This program supports various initiatives, including vehicle funding, preventive maintenance, and contracted transportation services. With an 80% federal cost coverage, local funding must cover the remaining 20%. The Ohio Department of Transportation oversees this program, ensuring accessible transportation options in urban and rural areas, thereby addressing the unique needs of transit-dependent populations.

Ohio Department of Transportation

With a mission to provide a transportation system that is safe, accessible, well maintained, and positioned for the future, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) supports the state highway system and promotes transportation initiatives statewide. As a more than $3 billion per year enterprise, ODOT invests the bulk of its resources in system preservation through maintenance, construction, and snow and ice operations.

ODOT's regional district offices and Central Office divisions work together to fulfill the department's mission of providing safe and easy movement of people and goods from place to place.

Specialized Transportation Program (5310)

Program Goal and Description

The Specialized Transportation Program, as authorized by the Federal Transit Administration, 49 USC Section 5310, is intended to enhance mobility for seniors and persons with disabilities by providing Federal Transit Administration funds for programs in small urbanized and rural areas that serve the special needs of transit-dependent populations beyond traditional public transportation services and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) complementary paratransit services. The program provides 80% of the cost of capital projects; the remaining 20% must be provided by local funding, which may be derived from other federal (non-U.S. DOT) transportation sources or the Federal Lands Highway Program.

Project Types: Vehicle Funding; Preventive Maintenance (PM) Funding; Mobility Management Funding; Computer Hardware and/or Software & Equipment Funding; Operating Assistance; Contracted Transportation Service Funding.

Mobility Management Funding

Mobility Management projects are considered capital projects meant to increase access to mobility for Ohioans by increasing understanding and awareness of transportation needs, promoting coordination of transportation options to meet those needs, and building sustainable and healthy communities by integrating transportation into planning programs. The OMM Program is an annual competitive grant program that can be utilized to fund OMM Projects.

Program Goals

The overall statewide goals of the OMM Program are as follows:

• To increase understanding and awareness of community transportation needs.
• To increase awareness of current community transportation options and programs.
• To ensure that transportation considerations are included in local and regional planning activities.
• To increase local capacity for transportation services.
• To assist individuals with accessing all community transportation options.

Ohio Department of Transportation

With a mission to provide a transportation system that is safe, accessible, well maintained, and positioned for the future, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) supports the state highway system and promotes transportation initiatives statewide. As a more than $3 billion per year enterprise, ODOT invests the bulk of its resources in system preservation through maintenance, construction, and snow and ice operations.

ODOT's regional district offices and Central Office divisions work together to fulfill the department's mission of providing safe and easy movement of people and goods from place to place.

Specialized Transportation Program (5310)

Program Goal and Description

The Specialized Transportation Program, as authorized by the Federal Transit Administration, 49 USC Section 5310, is intended to enhance mobility for seniors and persons with disabilities by providing Federal Transit Administration funds for programs in small urbanized and rural areas that serve the special needs of transit-dependent populations beyond traditional public transportation services and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) complementary paratransit services. The program provides 80% of the cost of capital projects; the remaining 20% must be provided by local funding, which may be derived from other federal (non-U.S. DOT) transportation sources or the Federal Lands Highway Program.

Project Types: Vehicle Funding; Preventive Maintenance (PM) Funding; Mobility Management Funding; Computer Hardware and/or Software & Equipment Funding; Operating Assistance; Contracted Transportation Service Funding

Operating Assistance

The objective of the 5310 operating assistance project is to provide financial support to subrecipients in the day-to-day transportation operations for seniors and persons with disabilities. Operating assistance funding is explicitly intended to be spent on operations. ODOT will reimburse 50% of the operating cost and the subrecipient is required to provide the 50% local match. All of the local match must be provided from sources other than U.S. Department of Transportation funds. To be eligible for Section 5310 operating funds, an applicant must provide open-door services. FTA defines open door as regular, continuing shared ride surface transportation services that is open to the public or open to a segment of the public defined by age or disability.

Ohio Department of Transportation

With a mission to provide a transportation system that is safe, accessible, well maintained, and positioned for the future, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) supports the state highway system and promotes transportation initiatives statewide. As a more than $3 billion per year enterprise, ODOT invests the bulk of its resources in system preservation through maintenance, construction, and snow and ice operations.

ODOT's regional district offices and Central Office divisions work together to fulfill the department's mission of providing safe and easy movement of people and goods from place to place.

Specialized Transportation Program (5310)

Program Goal and Description

The Specialized Transportation Program, as authorized by the Federal Transit Administration, 49 USC Section 5310, is intended to enhance mobility for seniors and persons with disabilities by providing Federal Transit Administration funds for programs in small urbanized and rural areas that serve the special needs of transit-dependent populations beyond traditional public transportation services and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) complementary paratransit services. The program provides 80% of the cost of capital projects; the remaining 20% must be provided by local funding, which may be derived from other federal (non-U.S. DOT) transportation sources or the Federal Lands Highway Program.

Project Types: Vehicle Funding; Preventive Maintenance (PM) Funding; Mobility Management Funding; Computer Hardware and/or Software & Equipment Funding; Operating Assistance; Contracted Transportation Service Funding

Preventive Maintenance (PM) Funding

The objective of the Section 5310 Capitalized Maintenance project is to provide financial support to subrecipients in the continued maintenance and functionality of their agency’s vehicle fleet. ODOT will reimburse 80% of the vehicle maintenance costs and the subrecipient is required to provide 20% local match Applicants eligible for 5310 capitalized maintenance funding are those agencies that have a vehicle fleet that is utilized to meet the transportation needs of seniors and persons with disabilities. Additionally, agencies may charge their 5310-vehicle fleet that has been approved through the disposition process, so long as those vehicles remain in service and the agency utilizes the vehicle(s) for 5310-related transportation.

Eligible costs include activities that preserve vehicle functionality—such as labor, parts, and supplies— and must not add to the permanent value or appreciably prolong the life of the vehicle.

Ohio Department of Transportation

With a mission to provide a transportation system that is safe, accessible, well maintained, and positioned for the future, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) supports the state highway system and promotes transportation initiatives statewide. As a more than $3 billion per year enterprise, ODOT invests the bulk of its resources in system preservation through maintenance, construction, and snow and ice operations.

ODOT's regional district offices and Central Office divisions work together to fulfill the department's mission of providing safe and easy movement of people and goods from place to place.

Specialized Transportation Program (5310)

Program Goal and Description

The Specialized Transportation Program, as authorized by the Federal Transit Administration, 49 USC Section 5310, is intended to enhance mobility for seniors and persons with disabilities by providing Federal Transit Administration funds for programs in small urbanized and rural areas that serve the special needs of transit-dependent populations beyond traditional public transportation services and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) complementary paratransit services. The program provides 80% of the cost of capital projects; the remaining 20% must be provided by local funding, which may be derived from other federal (non-U.S. DOT) transportation sources or the Federal Lands Highway Program.

Project Types: Vehicle Funding; Preventive Maintenance (PM) Funding; Mobility Management Funding; Computer Hardware and/or Software & Equipment Funding; Operating Assistance; Contracted Transportation Service Funding.

Vehicle Funding

Available Vehicles: Applicants can refer to the Vehicle Catalog & Selection Guide for more information on the vehicles offered through the Section 5310 program. The vehicle cost worksheet will list the available options and pricing for each vehicle.

Vehicle Use: Vehicles are to be used for program-related needs for which a Section 5310 grant is made. Subrecipients are encouraged to the extent feasible to also provide service to the general public, on an incidental basis if such service does not interfere with transportation services for seniors and people with disabilities. The recipient shall use the vehicle in the project or program for which it was acquired as long as needed, even if the project does not continue to receive federal funding.

The Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council aims to enhance transportation opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities through funded projects. By expanding access to transportation, the council seeks to empower individuals with I/IDD to achieve independence and improve their quality of life. Two projects may receive $50,000 annually for five years, supporting diverse entities in Ohio. This initiative aligns with the council's mission to foster inclusion and community involvement for people with disabilities.

Notice of Funds Available (RFP): Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council

DSP Workforce Expansion in Excellence Grant

(F) providing training or technical assistance for professionals (including individuals providing education and rehabilitation services), employers, or other individuals who provide services to, employ, or are otherwise substantially involved in the major life functions of, an individual with developmental disabilities.

Independence: People with I/DD will have tools and skills needed to lead self-determined lives.

By expanding pipelines into the DSP field and transportation options annually, people with I/IDD will have valuable support to live the life they want.

• Create new, and expand existing, pipelines into the field of I/DD.
• Development of methods to increase the number and training of DSPs.
• Determine methods to increase the retention of DSPs

The SHF Responsive Grant Program, offered by Sisters Health Foundation, supports projects aimed at enhancing healthy eating, active living, thriving neighborhoods, and mental health in the Mid-Ohio Valley. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public institutions targeting specific counties in West Virginia and Ohio. The program prioritizes evidence-based strategies to promote health and well-being, foster community resources, and improve access to essential services, making it a vital resource for local organizations seeking funding.

The Delaware County Foundation's Community Grants program aims to strengthen communities through charitable giving. Since its inception in 1995, the foundation has provided over $18 million in funding to support various nonprofit organizations in Delaware County, focusing on areas such as animal welfare, arts and culture, basic needs, education, economic opportunity, and environmental sustainability. Organizations addressing these critical areas are encouraged to apply for funding to enhance community well-being.

The Joyce Foundation's Environment Grants focus on addressing critical environmental challenges in the Great Lakes region, such as climate change and water safety. The foundation prioritizes equitable, carbon-free energy solutions and clean water access for all communities. Grants are awarded to organizations committed to environmental justice and innovation in climate policy, particularly in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin, ensuring that the voices of affected communities guide project development.

The Springfield Foundation Competitive Grant supports nonprofits addressing community needs in arts, civic affairs, environment, education, health, and human services. The foundation aims to enhance cultural vitality, civic engagement, environmental conservation, educational readiness, and overall community health. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and focus on Clark County, Ohio. The foundation prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion in its initiatives, promoting stability and financial independence for individuals and families.

The CFOV Community Impact Grants provide support for various community-focused initiatives, emphasizing youth leadership, recreation, and economic mobility. Targeting organizations in specific West Virginia and Ohio counties, these grants encourage programs that foster personal growth, civic engagement, and financial stability. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities. The foundation prioritizes projects that benefit a broad public segment while excluding general operating support or activities lacking measurable outcomes.

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), administered by the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service in Ohio, offers vital technical and financial assistance to farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners. This program addresses environmental challenges like soil erosion, water quality, and improved wildlife habitats, fostering sustainable agricultural practices. Applications are accepted year-round, providing ongoing opportunities for producers to enhance their land management while contributing to conservation efforts across Ohio.

The SummerTime Kids Grants, offered by the Stark Community Foundation, support innovative summer youth programs in Stark County, Ohio. Grants of up to $2,000 are available to tax-exempt organizations and government entities that enhance youth engagement through education, arts, and community service. Priority is given to programs that foster character development, provide healthy meals, and create opportunities for exploration, ultimately enriching the lives of participants and benefiting the community.

The Toledo Mud Hens Baseball Club's Helping Hens Fund, administered by the Toledo Community Foundation, supports nonprofit organizations in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan. The fund prioritizes projects focused on children's fitness, warm-weather activities, and capital improvements for sporting venues. Grants range from $1,500 to $10,000, with larger capital requests considered. Eligible organizations must hold 501(c)(3) status and demonstrate how their projects enhance youth engagement in sports and wellness.

The Community Health Foundation provides responsive grants to nonprofit organizations in Clark and Champaign Counties, Ohio, focusing on health and wellness initiatives. With a mission to preserve reproductive services and promote health equity, the foundation aims to reduce health disparities through diverse funding types, including program, project, and operating support. Grants are awarded annually to support programs addressing children's health, chronic disease management, maternal and infant health, and mental health services, fostering a healthier community for all.

The McKesson Foundation Grant provides funding above $25,000 to support health equity initiatives across North America. Founded in 1943, its mission focuses on removing barriers to quality healthcare for vulnerable communities. The foundation prioritizes projects that align with strategic pillars: reducing cancer burdens, preparing the healthcare workforce, and enhancing crisis response. Eligible organizations include national and local nonprofits. Funding is limited to specific regions and assessed based on demonstrated need and expected impact.

The IC25 Injury Prevention-Child Injury Prevention Solicitation by the Ohio Department of Health aims to fund programs that reduce child injuries and fatalities in Ohio. Through evidence-based strategies, this grant addresses issues like traumatic brain injuries, youth violence, and transportation safety. With a total funding of $220,000 over four years, eligible agencies can apply for up to $110,000, ensuring comprehensive support for local initiatives focused on enhancing child safety.

The Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) program, managed by the Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments (OKI), allocates federal funds for transportation projects aimed at enhancing regional planning. This funding, capped at $6 million for Ohio and $5 million for Kentucky, supports roadway improvements and various transportation initiatives within the OKI urban area, promoting efficient project implementation and sustainable development.

The Extradition Reimbursement Program, administered by the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services, provides funding to local law enforcement for in-state and out-of-state extraditions of dangerous offenders. There is no maximum reimbursement limit per extradition, and agencies can apply without restrictions. This program aims to enhance public safety by ensuring that violent offenders face justice in Ohio, supporting law enforcement agencies effectively.

The Rural Business Development Grants in Ohio aim to support small rural businesses through technical assistance and training. Eligible businesses, defined as having fewer than 50 employees and less than $1 million in revenue, can apply for grants with no maximum limit, although smaller requests receive priority. Fund usage includes project planning, equipment acquisition, and business training, helping foster economic development in rural communities.