Best Transportation Grants

The BUILD Grant Program, managed by the USDOT, focuses on enhancing surface transportation infrastructure with substantial local impact. It supports a variety of project sponsors, including state and local governments, in pursuing complex multi-modal initiatives that are often challenging to fund through traditional grants. Established under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, this program reflects a commitment to sustainable and equitable infrastructure development.

The Business Attraction Prime Sites program, administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, aims to foster economic growth by supporting large-scale capital investments. This initiative targets companies relocating or expanding in Illinois, promoting job creation through diverse projects, including infrastructure development. Eligible applicants must commit to significant investments and job creation, contributing to a robust economic landscape in the state. The program aligns with strategic industry focuses outlined in the Illinois Economic Plan.

The Transportation Alternatives Program (TA) funded by the Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments supports projects that enhance transportation options in the OKI region. Eligible activities include both infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects as outlined in the Ohio Metropolitan Transportation Plan. This funding aims to promote safer and more accessible transportation alternatives, contributing to the overall improvement of community mobility and connectivity.

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 Rotary Charities of Traverse City offers the Assets for Thriving Communities Grant, aimed at supporting initiatives that enhance community assets in Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau counties. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and local governments. This grant encourages significant groundwork to engage the community and establish partnerships. Priority is given to projects that demonstrate clear community needs and have a plan for broad asset accessibility, promoting a fair and resilient region.

The Cancer-Related Behavioral Health Fund, established by the HealthWell Foundation, provides financial assistance to individuals diagnosed with cancer for behavioral health treatments. This fund covers costs associated with prescription drugs, counseling services, and transportation. Aiming to alleviate financial burdens, it ensures that underinsured patients can access necessary care without delay. In 2024, the foundation awarded over $1.2 billion, emphasizing its commitment to improving health outcomes for cancer patients across the United States.

The Emergency/Medical Workers Behavioral Health Fund aims to support emergency workers facing trauma and anxiety due to their roles. Established by the HealthWell Foundation, it provides financial assistance for treatment-related costs, including copayments for prescription drugs, counseling, and transportation. In 2024, the Foundation awarded over $1.2 billion to underinsured patients, ensuring no one is denied essential healthcare due to financial barriers. This initiative helps address the critical mental health needs of those who serve on the front lines.

The Jewell Schweitzer Quality of Life Grant Program, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, aims to support nonprofit organizations and government entities addressing pressing issues in Springfield-Greene County. With $120,000 available and individual awards up to $30,000, the program encourages innovative proposals without a matching requirement. Partnerships are welcomed, and all applicants must affirm non-discrimination in service provision, ensuring equitable access for all communities in need.

The Froedtert Holy Family Memorial Hospital Community Grant Program aims to support organizations enhancing community health through collaborative practices in Manitowoc County. Grants up to $25,000 are available for non-profits addressing priority health needs and social determinants, focusing on underserved populations. The program encourages initiatives that improve health status, promote education, employment, safety, and foster collaboration among organizations while aligning with community health improvement priorities.

The Froedtert Hospital Community Investment Fund aims to enhance community health in Milwaukee County through collaborative, evidence-based projects. Grants start at $10,000, with funding not exceeding 40% of the total budget, ensuring financial stability. Priority is given to programs addressing health needs and supporting underserved populations. Eligible applicants include IRS tax-exempt organizations that contribute to improving health through education, employment, safety, and wellness initiatives, while fostering collaboration among community organizations.

The Froedtert West Bend Hospital Healthy Community Fund aims to enhance community health in Washington County by supporting programs that address priority health needs and social determinants. This fund prioritizes non-profit organizations focused on underserved populations, fostering collaborative efforts that improve health outcomes. Qualifying projects include health education, job training, and community safety initiatives. The fund excludes individual benefit requests and political campaigns, ensuring resources are directed toward community-wide health improvements.

The Community Outreach Steering Committee Grant aims to enhance community health in Waukesha County by funding non-profit organizations that focus on evidence-based practices. This grant supports initiatives that address social determinants of health, foster collaboration, and specifically benefit marginalized communities. Eligible projects may include educational, employment, health, and safety programs that improve overall health outcomes. Note that funding is not provided for individual benefits or political campaigns.

The Multimodal Transportation Fund Grant, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, aims to enhance economic development through improved transportation systems. This grant supports municipalities, businesses, and public agencies in rehabilitating and developing transportation assets to ensure safe and reliable transit. With a focus on pedestrian safety and community connectivity, the program encourages innovative solutions that foster a stronger, more resilient Pennsylvania.

Sustainable CT's Community Match Fund is a unique funding initiative that empowers individuals and informal groups to engage their communities in sustainability projects. With no traditional application process or deadlines, it offers dollar-for-dollar matching for crowdfunding efforts. This program supports diverse initiatives, including green spaces, renewable energy, and community gardens, fostering a more equitable and vibrant environment. Participants can receive assistance in developing campaigns to turn their innovative ideas into reality.

The Rocky Mountain Health Foundation's Basic Needs Fund provides vital support for organizations addressing essential services like food, temporary housing, transportation, and safety. This multi-year, general operating grant program emphasizes strengthening community health by funding nonprofits committed to meeting the basic needs of vulnerable populations. Eligible organizations are encouraged to participate in a pre-application Zoom call to discuss their funding requests and organizational details.

The EnergIIZE Commercial Vehicles project, funded by the California Energy Commission, offers incentives for zero-emission vehicle infrastructure for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles in California. The Transit Set-Aside funding lane specifically supports electric vehicle charging and hydrogen refueling stations for zero-emission transit buses. With $8 million available, it can cover up to 100% of eligible costs, providing a maximum award of $5 million per project for qualifying applicants. This initiative aims to enhance California's clean energy transition.

The Columbus REALTORS® Foundation, established in 1991, provides essential emergency financial assistance to members of the Columbus Association of REALTORS® and their families facing extreme circumstances. With a commitment to improving the housing environment in central Ohio, the Foundation has invested over $600,000 in the community. This benevolence fund aims to support those in urgent need where other resources fall short, reinforcing its role as a key partner in affordable housing initiatives.

The Cigna Group Health Equity Impact Fund aims to reduce health disparities by supporting local nonprofits in Hartford, CT, and St. Louis, MO. With an annual commitment of $3 million, the Fund focuses on enhancing access to culturally appropriate healthcare, transportation, and mental health services. By addressing root causes of health inequities, the Fund empowers communities to improve overall health outcomes and foster sustainable change in underserved areas.

The FY26 Rural Support Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for older adults in rural Illinois by addressing specific challenges such as transportation, technology access, and volunteer recruitment. Organizations eligible for funding must be designated Area Agencies on Aging and comply with various requirements. The grant focuses on initiatives that reduce social isolation, improve health outcomes, and strengthen community connections. This funding opportunity promotes sustainable solutions through capacity building and partnership engagement.

The Career and Technical Education Transportation Incentive Grants, funded by the New Hampshire Department of Education, aim to support the transportation of students between high school regional CTE programs and receiving CTE programs. With an appropriation of $4 million for the biennium, the program will award grants competitively, based on specific criteria. This initiative is designed to enhance student access to technical education opportunities and promote career readiness in the state.

The B26 Occupant Protection Regional Coordination Solicitation offers grants starting at $30,000 to support programs aimed at enhancing occupant protection. Funded by the Ohio Department of Health and Human Services, this initiative requires first-tier subrecipients to manage operational costs until grant payments are received. The application process involves submitting program updates, budgets, and necessary attachments, adhering to specific policies and procedures, with funding covering a designated budget period from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026.

The Zero-Emissions Access Program Grant (WA) aims to fund zero-emission carshare pilot programs in underserved communities with limited public transportation access. Grants range from $50,000 to $200,000, requiring applicants to match at least 10% of project costs. This initiative, supported by Washington's Climate Commitment Act, promotes clean transportation options to enhance mobility in areas facing high emissions.

Kovar Corporation Grants support nonprofit organizations in Virginia aiming to enhance the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities. Established in 1971 by the Virginia Knights of Columbus, KOVAR provides financial assistance for housing, transportation, job training, and sports participation. With over $19 million raised, grants can reach up to $20,000, with a limit of one grant within an 18-month period. Applications must be submitted before the first of the month preceding a board meeting for review.

Nebraska Public Transit

Promotes and supports safe, affordable and efficient public transit.

The Nebraska Department of Transportation's (NDOT) Nebraska Public Transit is more than transportation—it’s a lifeline. It connects residents to healthcare, education, jobs and more while fostering independence, mobility and stronger community connections.

Section 5311, Rural Public Transportation

Federal and State funding is available to support public transportation projects in rural Nebraska. This support includes reimbursement for operating expenses subsidies to purchase transit vehicles and awards to construct or renovate transit-related facilities. Eligible subrecipients of funds to administer a public transportation project include private nonprofit organizations, state or local governmental authorities, operators of public transportation services or intercity bus operators.

The Section 53|| program awards grants for operating assistance on a two-year grant cycle. Applications are due in March prior to the grant cycle ending on September 30 of that fiscal year. However, NDOT may allow new applicants to apply for funding at any time on a case-by-case basis. Existing 53|| program participants can apply for vehicles throughout the fiscal year. Startup rural transit agencies should apply for operating assistance and vehicles) at the same time.

Wisconsin Department of Transportation

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) was officially established in 1967 by combining formerly independent agencies and the Department of Motor Vehicles (which included the State Highway Commission, State Aeronautics Commission and State Patrol).

WisDOT supports all forms of transportation. The department is responsible for planning, building and maintaining Wisconsin's network of state highways and Interstate highway system. The department shares the costs of building and operating county and local transportation systems - from highways to public transit and other modes. WisDOT plans, promotes and financially supports statewide air, rail and water transportation.

Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP)

The Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) is the State of Wisconsin’s program for what is now the federal Transportation Alternatives (TA) set-aside Program. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), enacted in November 2021, replaced the FAST Act-era TA Set-Aside guidelines with enhanced funding availability and programming guidelines. With certain exceptions, projects that met eligibility criteria for the Safe Routes to School Program, Transportation Enhancements, and/or the Bicycle & Pedestrian Facilities Program are eligible TAP projects.

All TAP projects require project sponsors to pay 100% of project costs up front and are then reimbursed up to 80% of approved project costs after conducting project activity. All TAP projects require sponsors to pay a minimum of 20% of the approved project costs. Federal TAP funds are capped at the time of the project. A TAP project may not be substituted for another project and per Wisconsin Statute §85.021(2)(b), TAP projects must commence within four years of their award date. No exceptions or extensions can be made.

TAP projects within the jurisdiction of a Transportation Management Area (TMA) are selected at the regional level by TMAs, which are metropolitan planning organizations with a census-designated population over 200,000.

Texas Education Agency

The Texas Education Agency is the state agency that oversees primary and secondary public education. It is headed by the commissioner of education. The Texas Education Agency improves outcomes for all public school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems.

The Division of Governance Interventions supports TEA’s mission and vision by providing exceptional leadership, guidance, and support to school system leadership teams and governing boards. The division collaborates with external field support agents appointed by the TEA Commissioner of Education to build sustainable systems aligned to core TEA initiatives, so that the school system thrives after the release of agency intervention. 

School Bus Safety Grant Program

Program Description

The purpose of this grant program is to assist school systems with retrofitting school buses with three-point seat belts. The seat belts should comply with the safety standards established by the Department of Public Safety in accordance with Texas Education Code, Section 34.002, Texas Administrative Code, Title 37, Chapter 14, and any other applicable laws. 

The FTA Section 5310 program, managed by WYDOT, provides essential funding for acquiring vehicles and equipment aimed at enhancing transportation services for the elderly and individuals with disabilities. This capital-only initiative supports both private nonprofits and public bodies in securing accessible vehicles, ensuring they meet the unique transportation needs of these populations. With a mandatory local match and focus on collaboration with existing services, the program aims to improve mobility and accessibility across Wyoming.