Funding and Programming Opportunities

Funding and Programming Opportunities

  • Regional Opportunities - Local funding sources and programming opportunities are generally administered by Metropolitan Planning Organizations, Congestion Management Agencies, Transportation Improvement Authorities, or other regional agencies. Counties or cities may administer some funding sources. These funding sources are supported by federal, state, or local revenue streams.
  • Statewide Opportunities- State-level funding sources and programming opportunities are generally administered by Departments of Transportation, state transportation programs, Offices of Traffic Saftey or other state agencies. 
  • Federal Opportunities - Federal funding sources and programming opportunities are generally administered by federal agencies, authorities or federal revenue streams. 
  • Outside Opportunities - Outside funding sources and programming opportunities are generally administered by organizations, grants or other revenue streams outside of state, local or federal transportation funding revenue streams. 
  • Conceptual Approaches to Funding

Regional Opportunities

Southern California

Southern California Association of Governments

  • Since 2005, SCAG’s various sustainability planning grant programs (Compass Blueprint, Sustainability Planning Grants, Sustainable Communities Program) have provided resources and direct technical assistance to jurisdictions to complete important local planning efforts and enable implementation of the Regional Transportation Plan and Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS), which today is called Connect SoCal. The 2020-2021 Sustainable Communities Program (SCP) provided local jurisdictions with multiple opportunities to seek funding and resources to meet the needs of their communities, address recovery and resiliency strategies considering COVID-19, and support regional goals. The SCP Active Transportation & Safety Call for Applications included three specific project types to fund planning and quick build projects that result in increased rates of walking and biking, promote traffic safety. Applications closed on Friday, December 11th, 2020. Stay tuned for future funding opportunities.
  • 2022 Go Human Mini-Grants Program: With support from the California Office of Traffic Safety, the Mini-Grants program provides funding to non-profits and community-based organizations to implement local traffic safety projects. As a program of SCAG’s Go Human campaign, the Mini-Grants program aims to build street-level community resiliency and increase the safety of people most harmed by traffic injuries and fatalities, including without limitation Black, Indigenous and People of Color; people with disabilities; and frontline workers, particularly those walking and biking. Community-based organizations, non-profits, and social enterprises are eligible for a Mini-Grant. Funding is available to recipients across the SCAG region, which encompasses the counties of Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura. Find more information including the project guidelines and application form. Applications closed on April 29, 2022. Stay tuned for future funding opportunities.
  • Smart Cities & Mobility Innovations (SCMI) projects: There are four project types listed below that applicants can choose to apply for. More details about each project type, program area goals, and the Sustainable Communities Program's Smart Cities & Mobility Innovations Guidelines is available here. Eligible applicants include local agencies, cities, counties, and tribal governments. The Smart Cities & Mobility Innovations (SCMI) Call supports the implementation of three Connect SoCal Key Connections: Smart Cities & Job Centers, Go Zones, and 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. Applications closed on April 23, 2021. Stay tuned for future funding opportunities.

Los Angeles 

  • Built Environment Policy Advocacy Fund (BEPAF) Program. With funding from First 5 LA and The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation, Prevention Institute supports a cohort of six community-based organizations, policy advocacy networks, and coalitions working to improve neighborhood conditions for children 0-5 and their families in Los Angeles County. In Year 2 of the BEPAF program (June 2021 – May 2022), Prevention Institute provides grant funding and technical assistance to the grantee cohort. This is a unique opportunity to improve the built environment, with a goal of promoting healthy early childhood development. Grantees will participate in a kickoff convening, learning sessions, and a closing convening; grantees will also receive site visits and tailored technical assistance. Grantees will participate in a program evaluation led by Ersoylu Consulting. Current application period closed. Stay tuned for future funding opportunities.
  • Great Streets Challenge: The Great Streets Challenge is a program of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti’s Great Streets Initiative to envision, collaborate on, and build transformative street infrastructure projects. Current application period closed, stay tuned for future funding opportunities. 
    • The Great Streets Challenge aims to:
      • Build strong partnerships between communities and the City of Los Angeles.
      • Empower communities to develop a vision to transform their corridors.
      • Design streets with a community’s vision of how to improve our neighborhoods for all people.
      • Implement projects that transform our streets into safe, accessible, and vibrant public spaces in alignment with adopted City policies.

San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG)

  • San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) Board of Directors allocates federal funds through several grant programs. Projects generally indirectly or directly enhance San Diego's quality of life. Grants are available for a variety of projects including infrastructure safety and improvement, habitat management, and specialized transportation services for senior and disabled populations. There are currently three active grant programs: Smart Growth Incentive and Active Transportation, TransNet Environmental Mitigation, and Specialized Transportation. 

Central California

  • Know of Central California funding opportunities? Email us at Please contact us at safetrec@berkeley.edu.

Northern California

San Francisco Bay Area

  • Clif Bar Family Foundation has a Small Grants Program that provides funds for general organizational support as well as funding for specific projects. Applications are reviewed three times a year; the deadlines are the 1st of February, June, and October. Grants awarded during a particular cycle will be announced at the beginning of the following cycle.Priority is given to applicants that address their funding priorities from a holistic perspective: Protect Earth's beauty and bounty; Create a robust, healthy food system; Increase opportunities for outdoor activity; Reduce environmental health hazards, and build stronger communities. The current cycle of small grants closed on June 1, 2022. Stay tuned for future funding opportunity details. 
  • Oakland: Paint the Town was established to provide residents the opportunity to engage with their neighbors, friends, and community organizations to create murals directly on their neighborhood streets. This program is run in partnership between the Oakland Department of Transportation, Eastside Arts Alliance, and Safe Passages. There are no fees associated with the application process and support is available for community groups based on financial need and funding availability. Murals by community groups in historically underserved neighborhoods will receive the highest priority for funding. Those interested in applying are encouraged to view the guidelines and submit an application. 

  • Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) is the transportation planning, financing, and coordinating agency for the nine Bay Area counties.

    • The third round of the One Bay Area Grant (OBAG) program will fund more than $750 million in federal funding for projects from 2023 to 2026. The Regional Program division will receive $375 million over 4 years, and should focus on Climate Initiatives, Transformational Transit Action Plan near-term investments, near-term multimodal operational improvements, such as Bay Bridge Forward, Priority Development Areas (PDAs), Priority Conservation Areas (PCAs), and other new growth geographies planning and implementation, Complete Streets Policy and Regional Active Transportation Plan, Regional Safety/Vision Zero Policy, and Pavement Management Programs. County Transportation Agencies will release their calls for projects beginning in May 2022 and submit project nominations to MTC for final review in fall 2022. MTC staff will identify which projects will have the biggest impact in meeting Plan Bay Area 2050 goals, and then recommend those to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission for adoption in January 2023.
    • Priority Development Areas (PDA) Planning Program funds plans specific to land use of public transit hubs and rail corridors across the nine Bay Area counties. Examples of eligible projects include emphasis on increasing active transportation multimodal connections, carpooling and carsharing usage, and transit ridership. The current application period is closed. Stay tuned for future funding opportunities.
    • Transportation Development Act Article 3 (TDA 3) provides funding for bicycle and pedestrian projects annually. TDA generates funding through a quarter-cent sales tax to support transportation projects including bus and rail projects, special transit services for disabled riders, and bicycle facilities. MTC allows each of the nine counties to determine how to use two percent of allocated TDA funds. Some counties competitively select projects while some countries disseminate funds based on population count. 
    • Lifeline Transportation Program (LTP) is designed to improve mobility for low-income residents across the nine San Francisco Bay Area counties. The goal is of LTP is to address transportation gaps or barriers identified in community-based transportation plans. Applications closed in February 2019. Stay tuned for future funding opportunity details.
    • Program for Arterial System Synchronization (PASS) delivers financial and technical assistance to cities and counties to enhance traffic signal synchronization. Signal coordination projects include signal-timing priority, traffic-responsive timing plans, and "flush" plans for managing traffic incidents. 
    • OneBayArea: Climate Initiatives Program aims to reduce the carbon footprint from Bay Area transportation. The program helps meet emissions-reduction goals set by state law. Since 2009, MTC has invested $80M in innovative solutions to reduce transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions. Some solutions include car sharing and vanpooling programs, commuter benefits programs, and grant funding to support climate mitigation projects.
  • The Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) provides funding for Bay Area municipalities, government agencies, and public educational institutions. The Air District provides funding to public agencies for trip reduction, bike parking and bike-way expansion, and clean air vehicle projects. 
    • Vehicle Trip Reduction Grant Program: As of November 2019, approximately $3 million in funding was available for award to public agencies through the Vehicle Trip Reduction Grant Program, for transportation services (including first- and last-mile connection) and bicycle infrastructure projects that will reduce vehicle trips. This program is funded through the Air District’s Transportation Fund for Clean Air Regional Fund, which provides grants to improve air quality within the nine-county Bay Area by reducing emissions of criteria pollutants from on-road vehicles. For the FYE 2022 cycle, the Air District will be offering up to $2M to public agencies to co-fund trip reduction projects in the Bay Area that have been awarded either a Clean Mobility Project Voucher under the Clean Mobility Options Voucher Pilot Program or an Implementation Grant under the Sustainable Transportation Equity Project. Applicants applying to these programs with projects located in the Bay Area are welcome to contact the Air District for support. Interested parties are encouraged to sign up to receive TFCA email alerts and return to the Vehicle Trip Reduction Grant Program web page for regular updates.
    • Clean Mobility Options Voucher Pilot Program: The Clean Mobility Options Voucher Pilot Program (CMO) provides voucher-based funding for zero-emission carsharing, carpooling/vanpooling, bikesharing/scooter-sharing, innovative transit services, and ride-on-demand services in California’s historically underserved communities. The program had $20 million available in 2020. Applications have closed, stay tuned for future funding opportunities. 

San Joaquin County

  • San Joaquin Council of Governments (SJCOG) 2021 Regional ATP Call for Projects: The 2021 Regional Active Transportation Program includes approximately $18.35 million of various state, local, and federal funding sources. Learn more about the regional call projects, funding sources for these projects, project resources, and schedule for submittal here. The 2022 Regional Active Transportation Program (ATP) closed in June 2022. Stay tuned for future funding opportunities. 

San Mateo County

  • Under Measure A, three percent of all sales tax revenues is dedicated to bicycle and pedestrian projects. 
  • San Mateo: Transportation Demand Management Agency is a public agency focused on reducing single-occupancy vehicle (SOV) commuting in the San Mateo County. The agency provides information and commute planning alternatives, employer incentive programs and cross-collaboration with city transit. For more information, review the Resources page here.

Sonoma County

  • Sonoma County: Under Measure M, four percent of its sales tax revenue to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Projects Program. The overall goal of these construction projects is to increase overall safety, and provide safe routes to school and to transit.

Statewide Opportunities

  • AARP Community Challenge supplies small grants to nonprofits, government agencies and other groups intending to improve housing, transportation, smart cities and other community elements in short-term, community-based projects. Projects can encourage healthy, safe, inclusive communities by reimagining streets for pedestrians, wheelchair users, cyclists, transit-riders and motorists of all ages and abilities.
    • Applications for the 2022 cycle closed on Tuesday, March 22. Stay tuned for future funding opportunity details.

  • The Active Transportation Program (ATP)(link is external) consists of federal and state transportation programs including the Bicycle Transportation Program (BTA), Safe Routes to School (SR2S), and Transportation Alternatives Programs (TAP). The purpose of ATP is to encourage increased modes of active transportation such as walking and biking. Learn more about the program in the ATP Fact Sheet.(link is external) The Cycle 6 Call for Projects is expected to launched in 2022.

  • The California Conservation Corps (CCC) is a public service program that occasionally provides assistance on construction projects. The CCC administers several programs and grants to conserve, restore and enhance California’s natural resources. Projects can include watershed protection, wildland fire prevention and non-motorized transportation improvements. Learn more about funding opportunities for your project.
  • The California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) Environmental Justice (EJ) Small Grants Program offers funding opportunities authorized by California Code of Regulations Title 27, Division 1, Chapter 3, Article 1 to assist eligible non-profit community organizations and federally-recognized Tribal governments address environmental justice issues in areas disproportionately affected by environmental pollution and hazards. The EJ Small Grants are awarded on a competitive basis. Sample projects include improving community resilience through activities like Increasing access to ride-sharing and safe biking and walking routes. Applications closed in August 2021. Stay tuned for future funding opportunities.
  • California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) grants are supported by Federal funding under the National Highway Safety Act and SAFETEA-LU. In California, the grants are administered by the Office of Traffic Safety. Grants are used to establish new traffic safety programs, expand ongoing programs or address deficiencies in current programs. Pedestrian and bicycle safety is included in the list of traffic safety priority areas. Eligible grantees are governmental agencies, state colleges, state universities, local city and county government agencies, school districts, fire departments, and public emergency services providers. Grant funding cannot replace existing program expenditures, nor can traffic safety funds be used for program maintenance, research, rehabilitation, or construction. Grants are awarded on a competitive basis, and priority is given to agencies with the greatest need. Evaluation criteria to assess need include potential traffic safety impact, collision statistics and rankings, seriousness of problems, and performance on previous OTS grants. FFY 2023 applications closed January 31, 2022. Stay tuned for future funding opportunities. 
  • Caltrans Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP): The Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act (FAST) was signed into law on December 4, 2015. Under FAST, the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP), codified as Section 148 of Title 23, United States Code (23 U.S.C §148), is a core federal-aid program to States for the purpose of achieving a significant reduction in fatalities and serious injuries on all public roads. The Division of Local Assistance (DLA) manages California's local agency share of HSIP funds. California's Local HSIP focuses on infrastructure projects with nationally recognized crash reduction factors (CRFs). Local HSIP projects must be identified on the basis of crash experience, crash potential, crash rate, or other data-supported means. Currently there are three different funding programs:
    • Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) (Caltrans announced HSIP Cycle 11 Call-for-Projects on May 9, 2022. The application deadline was September 12, 2022. Please click here for the details.
    • Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program (SSARP) (no current call for projects).
    • Local Roadway Safety Plan (LRSP) Program (no current call for projects).

  • Caltrans Sustainable Transportation Planning Grants: Caltrans has announced the FY 2022-23 Sustainable Transportation Grant Application Guide and Call-for-Applications. These grants include:

    • Sustainable Communities Grants ($29.5 million) to encourage local and regional planning that furthers state goals, including, but not limited to, the goals and best practices cited in the Regional Transportation Plan Guidelines adopted by the California Transportation Commission.
    • Strategic Partnerships Grants ($4.5 million) to identify and address statewide, interregional, or regional transportation deficiencies on the State highway system in partnership with Caltrans. A sub-category funds transit-focused planning projects that address multimodal transportation deficiencies.
    • Please visit the Office of Regional Planning to obtain the FY 2022-23 Grant Application Guide, application forms, and required templates. 
    • Applications for the FY 2023-24 are expected to launch in December 2022. Stay tuned for future funding opportunities.
  • Community Development Block Grants fund projects and programs that develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for persons of low and moderate income. Federal Community Development Block Grant Grantees may use CDBG funds for activities that include (but are not limited to) acquiring real property; building public facilities and improvements, such as streets, sidewalks, and recreational facilities; and planning and administrative expenses, such as costs related to developing a consolidated plan and managing CDBG funds. The state makes funds available to eligible agencies (cities and counties) through a variety of different grant types. Grantees enter into a contract with the state.
  • Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Program provides grant opportunities for projects that indirectly mitigate environmental impacts of new transportation facilities. Projects should fall into one of the following three categories: urban forestry, resource lands, or mitigation projects beyond the scope of the lead agency. Funds are available for land acquisition and construction. The local Caltrans District must support the project. The 2022 EEM proposal period closed on June 3, 2022. You can learn more at the program's website.
  • The FTA 5310 Program aims to improve mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities by removing barriers to transportation services and expanding the transportation mobility options available. The FTA 5310 Program provides grant funds for:
    • Public transportation projects planned, designed and carried out to meet the needs of seniors and individuals with disablities when public transportation is lacking;
    • Public transportation projects that exceed the requirements of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA);
    • Public transportation projects that improve access to fixed-route service and decrease reliance on complementary paratransit; and 
    • Alternatives to public transportation projects that assist seniors and individuals with disabilities with transportation. 
    • The Call for Projects for the FTA 5310 are now open for 2022. You can learn more at the project page.
  • The Funding Wizard is a searchable database to locate funding across state and federal agencies for reducing the impacts of climate change and supporting sustainable communities. 
  • Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) is a federally funded program, run through the National Park Service that provides grants for planning and acquiring outdoor recreation areas and facilities, including trails. 2022 applications closed on February 1. Stay tuned for future funding opportunities. 
  • The Mello-Roos Community Facilities Act allows any county, city, special district, school district, or joint powers of authority to establish a Community Facility Districts (CFD) for the purpose of selling tax-exempt bonds to fund public improvements within that district.
  • The National Safety Council's Road to Zero Coalition has now closed applications for the 2019 Safe System Innovation Grants. Grants are open to organizations with innovative approaches to making roadways safer and eliminating preventable roadway deaths. Applicants must clearly explain how their programs will reduce motor-vehicle crashes, set a time frame for the reduction, outline how the program will be evaluated and detail how the organization intends to reach its target audience, among other elements. Stay tuned for future funding opportunity details.
  • Regional Surface Transportation Program (RSTP) was established by California State Statute utilizing Surface Transportation Block Grant Program (STBGP) funds that are identified in Section 133 of Title 23 of the United States Code. This program promotes flexibility in State and local transportation decisions and provides flexible funding to best address State and local transportation needs.
  • State Highway Operations & Protection Program (SHOPP) is a Caltrans funding source with the purpose of maintaining and preserving the investment in the State Highway System and supporting infrastructure. The 2020 State Highway Operation and Protection Program (SHOPP) funded the repair and preservation, emergency repairs, safety improvements, and some highway operational improvements on the State Highway System (SHS). SHOPP projects also provide opportunities to address other vital State priorities such as the implementation of Complete Streets elements such as pedestrian and bicycle facilities. The most recent SHOPP Guidelines were adopted June 24, 2020. View the 2020 State Highway Operation and Protection Program (SHOPP) (May 13, 2020).
  • State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP): The STIP is a multi-year capital improvement program of transportation projects on and off the State Highway System, funded with revenues from the Transportation Investment Fund and other funding sources. STIP programming generally occurs every two years. The programming cycle begins with the release of a proposed fund estimate in July of odd-numbered years, followed by California Transportation Commission (CTC) adoption of the fund estimate in August (odd years). The fund estimate serves to identify the amount of new funds available for the programming of transportation projects. Once the fund estimate is adopted, Caltrans and the regional planning agencies prepare transportation improvement plans for submittal by December 15th (odd years). Caltrans prepare the Interregional Transportation Improvement Plan (ITIP) and regional agencies prepare Regional Transportation Improvement Plans (RTIPs). Public hearings are held in January (even years) in both northern and southern California. The STIP is adopted by the CTC by April (even years). The current adopted 2020 STIP Guidelines (adopted March 25, 2020), project forms and fund estimate information is available here.

  • Sustainable Communities Competitiveis a grant program from Caltrans that funds local and regional projects, including planning for active transportation, safe routes to schools, transit services, vision zero, complete streets, freight corridors, social equity, integrated land use and transportation planning. Those working at metropolitan planning organizations, regional transportation planning agencies, transit agencies, cities and counties, Native American tribal governments, and other public transportation planning entities can apply for grants up to $700,000 to fund their work. The grant application window will open between December 2022 and January 2023. To learn more about the process and upcoming webinars on how to apply, visit the grant program page. 

  • Transformative Climate Communities Planning Grant is a program that empowers the communities most impacted by pollution to choose their own goals, strategies, and projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and local air pollution. TCC’s unique, place-based strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions is designed to catalyze collective impact through a combination of community-driven climate projects in a single neighborhood. Planning activities should focus on responding to planning issues or priorities that directly benefit low-income and disadvantaged communities. TCC Planning Grants support planning activities to advance community-led goals and projects. All final Implementation and Planning Grant Applications were due Friday, July 1, 2022. Please contact tcc@sgc.ca.gov if you need any assistance. 

  • Wildlife Conservation Board Public Access Program provides grants to public agencies and non-profit groups and organizations in California. The focus of the Board’s grant funding program is the acquisition of lands or improvements that preserve wildlife habitat or provide recreational access for hunting, fishing, or other wildlife-oriented activities. Projects eligible for funding include interpretive trails, river access, and trailhead parking areas. The State of California must have a proprietary interest in the project. Local agencies are generally responsible for the planning and engineering phases of each project

Federal Opportunities

  • Dwight David Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship Program (DDETFP) Grants for Research Fellowship (GRF) provides funding for Masters or Doctoral students in transportation-related disciplines. The funding agency is Department of Transportation/Federal Highway Administration. Applications closed on July 25, 2022. Stay tuned for future opportunities. 
  • Pilot Program for Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) awards 35 grants to support comprehensive planning that supports ridership, multi-modal connectivity and accessibility, and increased transit access for pedestrians and bikers. The funding agency is Department of Transportation/Federal Transit Administration. Applications closed on July 25, 2022. Stay tuned for information on future funding opportunities.
  • The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) allocates funds to states to develop and maintain recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both non-motorized and motorized recreational trail uses. Examples of trail uses include hiking, bicycling, in-line skating, equestrian use, and other non-motorized and motorized uses. The State Department of Parks and Recreation administers RTP funds in California. A minimum 12 percent of local match is required. RTP projects must be ADA-compliant and may be used for:
    • Maintenance and restoration of existing trails
    • Purchase and lease of trail construction and maintenance equipment
    • Construction of new trails, including unpaved trails
    • Acquisition of easements or property for trails
    • State-administrative costs related to this program (limited to seven percent of a State's funds)
    • Operation of educational programs to promote safety and environmental protection related to trails (limited to five percent of a State's funds). 
  • The Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program is a National Parks Service program that provides technical assistance via direct staff involvement, to establish and restore greenways, rivers, trails, watersheds and open space. It provides only for planning assistance—there are no implementation monies available. Projects are prioritized for assistance based upon criteria that include conserving significant community resources, fostering cooperation between agencies, serving a large number of users, encouraging public involvement in planning and implementation and focusing on lasting accomplishments.

  • U.S. Department of Transportation:

    • Reconnecting Communities Pilot (RCP) Program: The $1 billion discretionary grant program was established in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and is the first-ever program to help reconnect communities previously cut off from opportunities by transportation infrastructure, such as highways and rail lines, through solutions like high-quality public transportation, infrastructure removal, and main street revitalization. In Fiscal Year 2022, the RCP Program will provide up to $195 million for public engagement, planning activities, capital construction projects, and technical assistance to reconnect communities where transportation infrastructure has created barriers. Visit the RCP Program website to access the Notice Of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) and learn about eligibility, funding, application and submission processes, and evaluation criteria. The application submission deadline is Thursday, October 13, 2022. 
    • Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program: The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) establishes the new Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) discretionary program that will provide $5-6 billion in grants over the next 5 years. Funding supports regional, local, and Tribal initiatives through grants to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries. The SS4A program supports Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg’s National Roadway Safety Strategy and a goal of zero deaths and serious injuries on our nation’s roadways. The FY22 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for Safe Streets and Roads for All grants is live on Grants.gov. The deadline for applications closed on September 15, 2022. Stay tuned for future opportunities.
    • Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) Grants Program: The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) established the Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) discretionary grant program with $100 million appropriated annually for fiscal years (FY) 2022-2026. The SMART program was established to provide grants to eligible public sector agencies to conduct demonstration projects focused on advanced smart community technologies and systems in order to improve transportation efficiency and safety.The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) was amended and is accepting applications through November 18, 2022 at 5 PM ET. Those interested in applying are encouraged to review the application instructions and resources before completing their application.

    • The Thriving Communities Program aims to build the community’s capacity to take transformative projects from concept to completion. The $25 million grant program was funded through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022 with a goal of providing the technical tools and organization capacity needed for disadvantaged communities adversely or disproportionately affected by environmental, climate, and human health policy to create infrastructure projects that allow their communities to thrive.

    • Active Transportation Funding and Finance Toolkit (FHWA). This toolkit is for anyone interested in expanding bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. While transportation agencies typically spearhead this type of project, this toolkit also covers projects from a variety of other entities, including community improvement districts, universities, nonprofit organizations, and even a hospital. Public officials and community leaders can also use this toolkit to build support for active transportation and to point to success stories from other communities. The toolkit includes an overview of funding and financing strategies; public-private partnerships; emerging and supporting strategies to deliver active transportation projects; case studies; and additional resources. Visit the toolkit webpage.
  • U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration (FHWA):
    • Pedestrian and Bicycle Funding Opportunities: This table provides potential eligibility for pedestrian and bicycle projects under U.S. Department of Transportation surface transportation funding programs.
    • Tribal Transportation Program Safety Fund: Transportation fatalities and injuries severely impact the quality of life in Indian country.  Each year under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), as enacted by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58), 4% of the available TTP funds are set aside to address transportation safety issues identified by federally recognized Indian tribes through a competitive, discretionary program. Projects are chosen whose outcomes will reduce fatal and serious injuries in transportation related incidents, such as motor vehicle crashes. The FY2022-2026 TTP Safety Fund Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the TTP Safety Fund was published on June 7, 2022.  Applications for the FY2023 funding cycle will be accepted now through January 15, 2023.

  • US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awards more than $4 billion in grant funding to a plethora of local, regional, and state projects. In addition to EPA's Office if Sustainable Community, the federal agency is committed to developing smart growth strategies that help communities expand economic opportunity and infrastructure, while protecting human health and the environment. 

Outside Opportunities

  • AARP Community Challenge

    • 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.To be eligible for the program, you must be a 501(C)(3), 501(C)(4) and 501(c)(6) nonprofit, a government entity, or another type of organization which will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Although communities that belong to the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities are encouraged to apply, projects that benefit any community and satisfy all other criteria are eligible for consideration. More information can be found here. Applications for the 2022 cycle closed on Tuesday, March 22. Stay tuned for future funding opportunity details. 

  • America Walks 2022 Community Change Grant

    • America Walks and generous Active People, Health Nations partners are excited to announce another round of their popular Community Change Grant program. This program will award grantees $1,500 in community stipends for projects related to creating healthy, active, and engaged places to live, work and play. The goal for this year’s grant awards is to knit together seemingly disparate threads too often considered in isolation, including, but not limited to: racism and the public sphere; climate and environmental justice; access and inclusion; walking and moving as a mechanism for bringing about political change; and how COVID-19, the need for economic recovery and a growing awakening around racial injustice might alter the landscape of our work. The program aim is for proposed projects to have a particular focus on engaging in key issues of the day with new perspectives and diverse partners/ audiences while highlighting the vital role that walking and transportation patterns can play in a new era. Applications EXTENDED! Applications now close on October 10, 2022. Visit the website to apply. 

  • Bloomberg Initiative for Cycling Infrastructure

  • League of American Bicyclists' Community Sparks Program

    • The League of American Bicyclists launched their Community Sparks Program to be able to help continue the momentum for biking across the country. The program is meant to empower communities to create more Bicycle Friendly Communities through funding bike-related projects. The League will award 10 grants of up to $1,500 to organizations seeking to improve their communities through biking. To be eligible to apply, organizations must be based in the United States and be a non-profit (501c3, 501c4 and 501c6) and/or a public or government agency/organization. The deadline to apply for the Community Spark Grant closed on July 15, 2022. Stay tuned for future opportunities. 

  • National Center for Mobility Mangagement: Community Mobility Ready-to-Launch Grants 

    • The National Center for Mobility Management's (NCMM)Community Mobility Ready-to-Launch Grants program provides grants up to $75,000 to non-profits or government agencies to fund the pilot phase of an already designed solution to allow low-income community members to become more fully engaged in economic opportunities, improve their health and well-being, and/or become more integrated into their community. The Ready-to-Launch grants are supported with funding from the Federal Transit Administration and open to any non-profit or government agency that is able to receive, or be a subrecipient of, federal funding. Applications closed on October 15, 2021. Stay tuned for future funding opportunity details.

  • Outride

    • 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.Applications for the Spring grant cycle closed on May 17, 2022. Stay tuned for future opportunities. 

    • 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. Applications for the Summer 2022 cycle closed on Friday, April 15. Stay tuned for future funding opportunity details. 

  • Road to Zero Community Traffic Safety Grants

    • The Road to Zero Coalition, founded in 2016 as a partnership between the U.S. Department of Transportation and the National Safety Council, has launched the 2022 Road to Zero Community Traffic Safety Grants. The program focuses on innovative and promising approaches for implementing evidence-based countermeasures, supporting a Safe System Approach, and performing necessary research to address traffic fatalities and improve traffic safety. Applicants must be a Road to Zero Coalition Member (easy to join for free here) and proposed projects should have measurable objectives and generalizable results. Applications closed on January 7, 2022. Stay tuned for future funding opportunity details. 

  • Safe Routes to Parks Activating Communities

    • The Safe Routes Partnership invites communities and organizations working to improve safe, equitable access to local parks to apply for the 2021 Safe Routes to Parks Activating Communities program. The program provides tailored technical assistance, along with a $12,500 award for seven nonprofit organizations to develop and initiate action plans to increase safe and equitable access to parks and green space in their communities. The program is supported by generous funding from The JPB Foundation.

    • Applications for 2021 closed in December 2020, stay tuned for the upcoming 2022 cycle and opportunity details.

  • Smart Growth America: Arts & Transportation Rapid Response

    • In response to COVID-19, Smart Growth America has launched the Arts & Transportation Rapid Response, a new opportunity for cities looking to creatively and quickly address pandemic-related transportation challenges. Transportation agencies seeking creative expertise in their COVID-19 transportation response are invited to apply. Applications closed on May 26, 2020. Stay tuned for future funding opportunity details. 

  • Streets for Kids Leadership Accelerator
    • The Global Designing Cities Initiative (GDCI) has opened applications for the Streets for Kids Leadership Accelerator professional development program. Program participants are eligible for project implementation grants of up to $20,000 to support local projects. The Accelerator encourages applications from teams of three people from the same city, that represent an interdisciplinary group of government departments and other organizations. Applications closed on Friday, March 18, 2022. Stay tuned for future funding opportunity details.

  • Transportation For America: Smart Cities Collaborative Year Three

    • Transportation for America (T4A) launched the Smart Cities Collaborative to build a forum for collaboration and provide direct technical assistance to a number of leading-edge cities advancing smart mobility policies and projects. The Smart Cities Collaborative Year Three grant provides technical assistance to three cities interested in learning about improving curb management strategies to bolster broader regional goals, make the transportation system operate more efficiently, and serve the community more equitably. Applications closed October 20, 2019. Stay tuned for future funding opportunity details.

Conceptual Approaches to Funding

Integration into Larger Projects “Routine accommodation” policies at Caltrans and MTC require agencies to design, construct, operate, and maintain transportation facilities using best practices for pedestrians and bicyclists. Local jurisdictions can begin to expect that some portion of pedestrian and bicyclist project costs, when they are built as part of larger transportation projects, will be covered in project construction budgets.
New Construction Future construction projects are a means of providing sidewalks and other pedestrian facilities. To ensure that roadway construction projects provide facilities where needed and feasible, it is important that an effective review process be in place so that new roads meet the counties’ and cities’ standards and guidelines for the development of sidewalks and pedestrian facilities. A developer may also attempt to reduce the number of trips (and hence impacts and cost) by paying for on- and off-site bicycle and pedestrian improvements designed to encourage residents, employees and visitors to the new development to walk rather than drive.
Parks and Recreation  Funds are generally derived from property and sales taxes and some fee revenues, and they are sometimes used directly for pathway or pathway-related facilities, including bathrooms, pocket parks, lighting, parking, and landscaping.
Special Improvement Districts Counties and cities may establish special improvement districts to provide funding for specified public improvement projects within the designated district. Business Improvement Districts and Special Assessment Districts are example of special improvement districts.

Topics