Best Transportation Grants in Washington

Local governments, tribes, chambers, destination organizations, and other tourism-focused nonprofits in Washington can apply for Washington Tourism Alliance’s Tourism Regeneration Grant, offering up to US $40,000 for tourism infrastructure, outdoor recreation, transportation access, and visitor experience projects. Funding can support bike and pedestrian improvements, parking and transportation strategies, wayfinding, and downtown beautification that enhance sustainable travel.

Local governments, tribes, chambers, destination organizations, and tourism-focused nonprofits in Washington can seek funding for transportation-related tourism projects, including public transit access, bike and pedestrian infrastructure, and outdoor recreation facilities. Washington Tourism Alliance supports safer, more inclusive, and sustainable visitor experiences with US $10,001 - US $30,000 Tourism Regeneration Grants for rural and underserved communities.

Local governments, tribes, chambers, destination organizations, and tourism-focused nonprofits in Washington can seek funding for transportation-related tourism projects, including public transit access and bike- and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. Washington Tourism Alliance supports safer, more sustainable visitor experiences statewide, from cycling facilities and parking strategies to wayfinding, downtown beautification, outdoor recreation access, and visitor education campaigns; awards up to US $10,000.

Focused on public transportation infrastructure, this program invites Washington transit agencies to seek funding to replace, expand, or rehabilitate buses and related facilities. Grants from Washington State Department of Transportation also support facility construction, modifications, and technology upgrades, backed by anticipated Climate Commitment Act funding for the 2025–2027 biennium.

Federally recognized tribes in Washington can fund transit-related planning, vehicles and equipment, operations, mobility management, and small construction projects up to US $2,500,000. With a mission to support public transportation and tribal mobility, Washington State Department of Transportation provides state-funded support through the Tribal Transit Mobility Grant Program.

Public agencies and transit providers in Washington can apply for the Washington State Department of Transportation’s Consolidated Grant Program, which funds rural and tribal public transportation, intercity services, new buses and equipment, and transit for seniors and people with disabilities. Projects improving public transportation and mobility across the state may be supported.

Governmental, tribal, and nonprofit organizations in Washington can receive approximately US $3,000,000 in state transportation funds to establish or administer e-bike lending and ownership programs. With a mission to expand sustainable transportation options, Washington State Department of Transportation supports e-bike libraries that increase access to biking and support climate-friendly, bike-friendly transportation choices.

Organizations planning zero-emission carshare pilot programs in underserved Washington communities can seek US $50,000 - US $200,000 per project to expand clean transportation access. Grants from Washington State Department of Transportation help Washington public transportation and mass transit efforts serve low- to moderate-income areas with limited transit options or high emissions, with a 10% match required.

State and local governments, counties, Tribal governments, transit agencies, and port authorities in Washington can seek funding for major surface transportation infrastructure projects with significant local or regional impact. The US Department of Transportation’s BUILD program offers up to US $25,000,000 for multi-modal, multi-jurisdictional public transportation and other public infrastructure projects across the U.S. and territories.

Washington 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. workers with qualifying insurance and incomes within HealthWell guidelines may receive up to US $2,000 toward covered copays and treatment-related travel, which can support transportation-focused programs.

Individuals in the U.S. with cancer-related behavioral health needs can receive up to US $2,000 to offset prescription copays, counseling, psychotherapy, and transportation costs. Healthwell Foundation supports access to these services, and Washington residents who meet its medical, insurance, and income guidelines may be eligible for this transportation-related assistance.

Elderly professional blues musicians needing help with transportation, medical, or basic living expenses can receive emergency assistance, including support for trips to health services and grocery or pharmacy stores. Pinetop Perkins Foundation provides this U.S.-wide support, which may benefit Washington artists facing urgent transportation or health-related needs.

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 up to US $40,000. Focus areas include public transportation, assistive technology, telehealth, employment, and other quality-of-life projects that may benefit Washington residents with disabilities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, academic institutions, and government entities preserving pre-1945 transportation history can seek funding to install historic markers at publicly accessible sites, including in Washington. With a mission to honor historic transportation, William G Pomeroy Foundation provides support for markers recognizing canals, bridges, tunnels, railroads, and aircraft used to move people and goods.

Individual artists in Washington or Oregon working in illustrative storytelling, cartooning, comics, or related visual media can apply for 4Culture’s Moving Stories opportunity; awards US $54,000 per artist to create short-form graphic novels. Selected artists will develop transit-themed visual narratives for King County Metro’s RapidRide public transportation system.

Nonprofit organizations improving public transportation or mass transit systems in Washington can access funding through Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund, with awards of US $5,000 - US $10,000. Projects may also address mobility, environmental conservation, community safety, education access, or healthier communities, including efforts involving Bridgestone volunteer or community engagement activities.

Students in Washington majoring in transportation technology and continuing their studies the following semester can receive scholarship support for higher education costs. Grants from Austin Community Foundation help U.S. students with financial need, strong academics, and demonstrated leadership or community involvement, and may benefit those preparing for careers in public transportation and mass transit systems.

Focused on transportation research and policy, Arnold Ventures invites Washington public agencies, researchers, and policy organizations to propose projects improving U.S. transportation systems. Funding up to US $200,000 supports studies, data sets, and policy reforms on surface transportation, transit infrastructure costs, permitting, procurement, and related public transportation and infrastructure issues.

Transportation agencies and local governments seeking funding for road safety planning or implementation projects in Washington can apply to the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program, which offers US $100,000 - US $5,000,000. Oregon Department of Forestry highlights this U.S. Department of Transportation opportunity for initiatives that reduce deaths and serious injuries for all roadway users.

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 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.