Explore our selection of upcoming funding opportunities for advancing safety and micromobility in California!
Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) 
Smart Cities and Mobility Innovations
On February 8, 2021, the Southerin California Association of Governments (SCAG) released a call for applications with a focus on Smart Cities & Mobility Innovations (SCMI) projects. There are four project types that applicants can choose to apply for. More details about each project type, program area goals, and the SCP overall can be found in the Sustainable Communities Program Smart Cities & Mobility Innovations Guidelines. Eligible applicants include local agencies, cities, counties, and tribal governments. Applications close on April 23, 2021 at 5:00 p.m.
The Smart Cities & Mobility Innovations (SCMI) Call supports the implementation of three Connect SoCal Key Connections:
- Smart Cities & Job Centers
- Go Zones
- Shared Mobility/Mobility as a Service.
These 3 are the "Key Connections" that focus on advancing expanded mobility ecosystems and management strategies using innovative policy and/or technology to realize regional planning goals. The resources that result from this call of applications will support local jurisdictions to use technology and innovation to improve the efficiency and performance of the transportation system by implementing curb space management measures that encourage shared modes, manage parking effectively, and support commerce and the growth of housing and employment in job centers.
SCAG will hold two Application webinars so that applicants can learn more about the SCP SCMI Call for Applications.The webinar will provide guidance on application preparation and additional information and examples for each project type. Register HERE for one of the upcoming Application Webinars.
- Monday, March 8, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- Monday, April 5, 10:00 a.m. – Noon
Applicants can also sign up for one to one coaching sessions with SCAG staff to assist with additional questions and application preparation. Please register HERE for a coaching session with SCAG staff.
Outride 
The non-profit organization Outride currently has two open funding opportunities available including the Outride Fund and the Riding for Focus program.
The Outride Fund
The Outride Fund empowers communities to launch youth cycling programs. Through matching grants (dollar-for-dollar) in youth cycling education, youth rider development, or for trails and pump track projects, the Outride Fund makes fundraising faster and easier. In an Outride Grant, an organization launches a fundraising campaign with Outride’s fundraising platform and applies for match funds up to $15,000. Historically, the Outride Fund has awarded over $500,000 in matching grants to dozens of organizations across the country. Find more information here. Winter Applications Open January 11- March 11
1) START A FUNDRAISER BY CREATING A CLASSY CAMPAIGN.
2) APPLY FOR A MATCHING GRANT.
3) SHARE YOUR CAMPAIGN TO RAISE MONEY FOR YOUR COMMUNITY
Selected projects may receive a matching grant, up to $15,000. Use this matching award as a tool to accelerate fundraising and reach your goal. Since its inception in the fall of 2019, the Outride Fund has awarded over $500,000 in matching grants to more than 75 organizations across the country. Let’s add your dream project to the list! Read about previous matching grant recipients here.
INFORMATIONAL WEBINARS—Outride will be holding live public webinars on our youth cycling grants on February 18th at 4 pm Pacific Time and March 2nd at 11 am Pacific Time. Information at each webinar will be the same. Contact them here for login information. Recording from the January 27th webinar and FAQ shared on our grants page.
Riding For Focus
Riding for Focus (R4F) is a middle school-based PE program developed as a result of initial research findings. The program promotes cycling as an outlet for students to improve their cognitive, physical, and socio-emotional well-being. Schools can acquire R4F via two pathways - by purchasing the program, or for schools serving marginalized communities, by applying for a program grant. Schools are provided with everything they need to get their 6th-8th grade students riding, including bikes, helmets, curriculum, and intensive teacher training. Riding for Focus has been implemented in nearly 200 schools—providing cycling education and access to 50,000 students to bikes during their school day—and 57% of schools in our R4F network serve communities where the majority of their students qualify for free/reduced lunches.
Riding for Focus has been implemented in nearly 200 schools—providing cycling education and access to 50,000 students annually—and 57% of schools in our R4F network serve communities where the majority of the students qualify for free/reduced lunches.
Apply to the Riding For Focus Grant here.
AARP Community Challenge 
The application period for the 2021 AARP Community Challenge is now open!
The AARP Community Challenge provides small grants to fund quick-action projects that can help communities become more livable for people of all ages. Applications are accepted for projects to improve public spaces, housing, transportation, civic engagement, coronavirus recovery, diversity and inclusion, and more. After reading the information below, click the yellow button to apply.
AARP will prioritize projects that deliver inclusive solutions that meet the needs of diverse populations, as well as those that directly engage volunteers through permanent or temporary solutions that aim to achieve one or more of the following outcome areas:
Important Dates
- April 14, 2021: Applications are due by 8:00 pm (ET)
- June 2021: All applicants will be notified of their status by email
- July 14, 2021: MOU (memorandum of understanding) and vendor forms to be completed and returned by grantees
- July 28, 2021 (tentative): Public announcement of selected grantees — work on the projects may begin
- November 10, 2021: All funded projects must be completed
- December 8, 2021: Deadline for after-action reports
Applicants and others with questions can email CommunityChallenge@AARP.org.
Eligibility
The program is open to the following types of programs:
- 501(C)(3), 501(C)(4) and 501(c)(6) nonprofits
- Government entities
- Other types of organizations will be considered on a case-by-case basis
Find More Information on the AARP Community Challenge Here
Be sure to regularly check our webpage here for funding opportunities for improving walking, biking and rolling safety throughout the year at the state, regional and local level.