Best Transportation Grants in Rhode Island

Rhode Island transportation and climate-focused 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and public agencies can seek support to advance low-carbon mobility and climate resilience projects. Focused on equitable clean energy, transportation, and resilient communities in the Northeast, Barr Foundation prioritizes community-driven, equity-centered efforts, especially POC-led groups and those serving communities most impacted by the fossil fuel economy.

Emergency and medical workers in Rhode Island needing help affording behavioral health prescriptions, counseling, psychotherapy, or related transportation can receive up to US $2,000 in copay assistance. Focused on behavioral health support, the HealthWell Foundation invites eligible workers treated in the U.S. to apply; this may also benefit those facing transportation costs.

Rhode Island public agencies planning surface transportation infrastructure projects with significant local or regional impact can access funding through the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) program. Administered by the US Department of Transportation, this program offers up to US $25,000,000 for multi-modal, multi-jurisdictional projects, including public transportation and other eligible public infrastructure across the U.S. territories and states.

Individuals being treated in the U.S. for cancer-related behavioral health conditions can receive up to US $2,000 to offset prescription copays, counseling, psychotherapy, and transportation costs. HealthWell Foundation bases eligibility on diagnosis, insurance coverage, and income; Rhode Island patients needing help with treatment-related travel may benefit.

Elderly professional blues musicians needing emergency help with medical, transportation, or basic living expenses can receive US $500 in assistance, including support for rides to appointments and essential errands. The Pinetop Perkins Foundation’s Pinetop Assistance League pays creditors directly and may benefit artists in Rhode Island facing urgent transportation or health-related costs.

Nonprofit organizations improving transportation and related accessibility for people living with paralysis, including those in Rhode Island, can request up to US $40,000 for projects in rural, low-income, and unserved communities. With a mission to enhance quality of life, Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation supports efforts like transit access, assistive technology, telehealth, employment, and peer or family support programs.

Rhode Island transportation and history organizations can access funding through the William G Pomeroy Foundation to install historic transportation markers at publicly accessible sites. Eligible 501(c)(3)s, academic institutions, and government entities across the U.S. may commemorate pre-1945 canals, bridges, tunnels, railroads, or aircraft, with inscriptions backed by primary source documentation and clear historical significance.

Local governments and community-based nonprofits in U.S. cities of 50,000–500,000 residents can access Smart Growth America’s Community Connectors support to plan and test temporary street safety pilot projects. This yearlong cohort offers up to US $25,000 plus training to address dangerous arterial roads and reconnect divided neighborhoods, which may benefit Rhode Island transportation initiatives.

Public transportation and mobility-focused nonprofits in Rhode Island can seek funding to improve transit access, reduce congestion and traffic-related accidents, and enhance transportation safety. Grants from Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund also support related environmental conservation and community health efforts within the U.S., including projects that strengthen safer, more accessible mobility systems.

Organizations planning highly visible community events or projects that align with Tyson Foods’ core values and benefit local residents can seek sponsorship support, including in Rhode Island. Tyson Foods welcomes proposals that clearly state community benefits, outline event visibility, and show how funding advances the organization’s mission and any tax-deductible portion.

Rhode Island students pursuing transportation technology degrees can access funding for higher education through the Eugene Frank Sommerlatte Endowment Fund, which awards US $3,000. Administered by Austin Community Foundation, this scholarship supports those with financial need, strong academics, leadership, and community involvement who are enrolling in the following semester.

Research institutions and public agencies in Rhode Island working on transportation policy, infrastructure, or public transit can seek funding for U.S.-focused studies and reforms from Arnold Ventures, with awards up to US $200,000. Projects may include policy research, expanded data sets, or implementation models addressing costs, permitting, governance, or access in transportation systems.

State, local, and regional entities planning road safety projects in Rhode Island and nationwide can seek funding to improve transportation safety infrastructure and planning. Oregon Department of Forestry highlights the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All program, offering US $100,000 - US $5,000,000 for planning, demonstration, and implementation projects that reduce deaths and serious injuries for all roadway users.

Government entities and other eligible organizations implementing roadway safety projects in the U.S., including Rhode Island, can seek Implementation Grants to carry out Action Plan strategies that prevent deaths and serious injuries for all road users. The Oregon Department of Forestry notes this U.S. Department of Transportation SS4A program, which also supports supplemental planning, demonstration, and project-level design activities; awards range from US $2,500,000 - US $25,000,000.

Nonprofit and educational programs enhancing student understanding of energy, sustainability, and transportation-related technology in Rhode Island and nationwide can receive support for hands-on STEM projects. Constellation Energy Resources supports initiatives on topics like public transportation, electrification, clean energy, and energy efficiency, with awards up to US $50,000 for college-level projects and up to US $25,000 for grades 6–12.

Tribal governments and tribal organizations needing support for public transportation projects in rural areas can access funding through the Federal Transit Administration’s Tribal Transit Program. Grants support planning, capital projects, operating costs, job access reverse commute projects, and purchasing transit services. Rhode Island tribes in qualifying rural areas may be eligible under this national program.

Organizations focused on tribal transportation safety and public transit research, including those in Rhode Island, can seek up to US $2,000,000 to support a university-led consortium improving road safety for American Indian and Alaska Native communities. Grants from 69A355 Research and Technology fund strategic safety planning, AI-driven risk analysis, and pilot safety infrastructure demonstrations.

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.

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.

AARP Foundation

AARP Foundation strengthens financial resilience for and with older adults by empowering individuals and improving systems.

AARP empowers people to choose how they live as they age. There are 125 million Americans who are 50 or older, and people want their money, health and happiness to last as long as they do. We are a wise friend and fierce defender, focusing on the priorities of older Americans.

Purpose Prize® from AARP

Honoring extraordinary people 50-plus who put their purpose into action.

Purpose is a powerful force for good. The Purpose Prize from AARP honors extraordinary older Americans who put their purpose into action to support AARP’s mission of empowering people to choose how they live as they age. Winners receive $75,000 and a year of organizational support from AARP to grow the impact of their nonprofits. Examples of organizational support include data and evaluation, governance and succession planning, fundraising strategy, and prospectus development.

The Banfield Foundation's Disaster Relief Grants support nonprofit animal welfare organizations and government agencies affected by natural disasters. Since 2015, the foundation has provided resources to help pets in crisis, including medical supplies, food, and temporary shelter. Grants are also available for organizations assisting those impacted by disasters. Eligible applicants must have 501(c)(3) status and directly help animals and their owners in the U.S., ensuring that pets receive the care they need during emergencies.

The PEDIGREE Foundation offers Program Development Grants aimed at enhancing dog adoption rates by supporting shelters and rescues across the U.S. Established in 2008, the foundation prioritizes initiatives such as transport, matching, and foster programs. Funding is available to 501(c)(3) designated organizations committed to improving the quality of care for dogs and ultimately increasing their chances of adoption, ensuring that every dog finds a loving home.