Best Transportation Grants in Pennsylvania

Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status or a fiscal sponsor, working on environmental and climate justice, can seek funding for public transportation and mass transit initiatives in Pennsylvania. Scherman Foundation supports BIPOC-led, movement-building efforts that connect transit equity with climate resilience, racial justice, and related policy or grassroots organizing across New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

Local governments, Pennsylvania universities, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on traffic safety data and programs in Pennsylvania can apply for funding to conduct a distracted driving observational survey and related behavioral initiatives. Pennsylvania Department of Transportation supports transportation and road safety projects that use data-driven strategies and include programmatic or behavioral safety components, not equipment-only requests.

Focused on transportation infrastructure, this program invites Pennsylvania municipalities, councils of governments, businesses, economic development organizations, public transit agencies, and rail and freight ports to seek funding for multimodal projects. The Multimodal Transportation Fund supports development, rehabilitation, and enhancement of transportation assets, including streetscapes, lighting, sidewalks, pedestrian safety, connectivity, and transit-oriented development, with awards over US $100,000.

Norfolk Southern Foundation provides Pennsylvania vocational and trade students with $5,000 scholarships for rail-related transportation careers. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a post-secondary trade, technical, community college, or railway training program in approved states and pursuing roles like locomotive engineer, conductor, maintenance, welding, electrical, safety, construction, or heavy equipment operation.

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.

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.

Municipalities, councils of governments, and nonprofits working with municipalities in Pennsylvania can receive up to US $50,000 to plan and design pedestrian and bicycle transportation projects that enhance active travel connections. Grants from Allegheny County help fund planning, engineering, and design for bike- and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure consistent with county transportation and health improvement plans.

Pennsylvania state and local governments, Tribal governments, transit agencies, port authorities, and similar public project sponsors can seek funding for surface transportation infrastructure projects with significant local or regional impact. These BUILD grants from the US Department of Transportation support multi-modal, multi-jurisdictional public transportation and infrastructure projects, with awards up to US $25,000,000 across eligible U.S. jurisdictions.

Grassroots, community-led organizations in Pennsylvania working on climate justice and related issues like public transportation, housing, food access, health, or racial justice can receive capacity-building support through this fund. Bread & Roses Community Fund offers US $15,000 for organizing training, strategy development, and strengthening climate justice campaigns centered on impacted communities.

Grassroots, community-led organizations in Pennsylvania implementing climate justice organizing strategies can use this grant for campaigns, direct actions, coalition building, and mobilizing residents, including around public transportation and transit equity. Grants from Bread & Roses Community Fund provide US $25,000 to small groups, especially those in Philadelphia County, with budgets under $500,000 and leadership from climate-impacted communities.

Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status or fiscal sponsorship providing transportation for healthcare and human or social service appointments in Pennsylvania can use this mini grant for Lyft, Uber, or SEPTA rides. Grants from Phoenixville Health Care Foundation help invited partners in the greater Phoenixville area offer up to US $2,500 in Ride for Health support.

Emergency and medical workers in Pennsylvania needing help affording behavioral health prescriptions, counseling, psychotherapy, or related transportation can receive up to US $2,000 in copay assistance through the Emergency/Medical Workers Behavioral Health Fund. Focused on behavioral health access, HealthWell Foundation supports underinsured workers receiving treatment in the U.S., which may include transportation to appointments.

Individuals in Pennsylvania receiving treatment in the U.S. for cancer-related behavioral health conditions can receive up to US $2,000 from the HealthWell Foundation for prescription drug copays, counseling, psychotherapy, and transportation. This national program may benefit patients facing travel costs to access behavioral health services connected to their cancer care.

Elderly professional blues musicians in Pennsylvania facing emergency medical or basic living expenses can receive US $500 in assistance for transportation to appointments, temporary home care, utilities, or similar needs. The Pinetop Perkins Foundation’s Pinetop Assistance League pays creditors directly, and may help with transport-related costs that support access to care and essentials.

Pennsylvania transportation and history organizations can access funding through William G Pomeroy Foundation to install historic transportation markers at publicly accessible 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 goods or people before 1945, supported by primary source documentation.

Transportation and mobility-focused nonprofits in Pennsylvania can seek US $5,000 - US $10,000 to improve public transit, reduce congestion and accidents, and increase transportation accessibility. Grants from Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund help organizations advancing mobility, environmental conservation, and community well-being across the U.S., including projects that enhance public transportation and safer travel options.

Pennsylvania students majoring in transportation technology and continuing their studies next semester can receive scholarship support for higher education costs. This endowment from Austin Community Foundation awards US $3,000 based on financial need, academic achievement, and demonstrated leadership and community involvement, and may benefit those preparing for careers in public transportation and mass transit systems.

Transportation research institutions and policy organizations in Pennsylvania can seek funding to study and improve U.S. transportation systems, including public transit and surface infrastructure. With a mission to improve lives through evidence-based policy, Arnold Ventures provides up to US $200,000 for research, data, and policy reform projects on capital investment, cost control, access, and project delivery nationwide.

Schools and nonprofit entities in Pennsylvania can apply for up to US $40,000 to pilot a one-year program improving access to basic human needs and community resources. Berks County Community Foundation seeks a partner to staff and manage a localized resource guide, networking events, and collaboration efforts in Northern Berks County, including public transportation information.

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 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 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.