What is the Funding and Programming Opportunities page and how do I navigate it?
The updated and refreshed Funding and Programming Opportunities page features funding and programmatic resources for transportation safety professionals, planners, advocates, community members, and others alike who want to create more equitable, walkable, and bikeable communities. Resources are organized into five topic areas:
- Regional Opportunities;
- Statewide Opportunities;
- Federal Opportunities;
- Outside Opportunities; and
- Conceptual Approaches to Funding.
Click the links above to navigate directly to each topic area. Our page is continuously being updated as more resources are launched. Do you know of a resource we can add to the list? Please let us know at safetrec@berkeley.edu.
Funding can make or break an active transportation project, which makes equitable funding opportunities important for communities to access. In recent years, many planners and agencies have recognized how redlining and disinvestment in certain communities has led to lack of safe infrastructure and less access to public transportation options. Here are a few key funding opportunities that aim to address this:
Reconnecting Communities Institute (RCI)
RCI is a new US DOT center for learning to help reconnect communities that were harmed, isolated, and cut off from opportunity by transportation infrastructure. RCI support is available to grantees and prospective grantees of the Reconnecting Communities Pilot (RCP) Program to strengthen local capacity in planning and implementing innovative community reconnection projects. The form to express interest in RCI support is now live! For more information, visit the Institute's website.
RCI is hosting two upcoming webinars to provide a program overview, explain how to request support from RCI, and take audience questions in real time. Register now for the webinar:
- September 26, 2024, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm EDT. Register here.
- October 8, 2024, 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm EDT. Register here.
Reconnecting Communities Pilot (RCP) Program
The RCP 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 2024, the RCP Program will provide up to $200 million for planning grants, technical assistance funding, and capital construction funding. The Notice of Funding Opportunity is now available and applications are due by 11:59 PM EDT on Monday, September 30, 2024. Visit the program's website for more information.
Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day Mini-Grant Program
Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day honors the living legacy of civil rights activist Ruby Bridges. In 1960, six-year-old Ruby Bridges etched her name in history when she integrated into the all-white William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans. Since then, Ruby has become a national icon for her courageous action. Every November 14th, we celebrate Ruby’s courageous and historic act by encouraging students to walk to school and engaging in a day of dialogue about activism, anti-racism, and anti-bullying. The goal is to inspire kids to make positive changes in their school and community.
The program, offered by the Safe Routes Partnership, distributes grants in the amounts of $500 and $1000 to support Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day celebrations. Submissions are due by Friday, September 13, 2024 and grants will be awarded by Friday, October 4, 2024. Visit the program website(link is external) for more details on how to apply.