- 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
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:
- 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 2024 cycle are due on March 6, 2024 at 5 PM ET.
- Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program: The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) established the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) discretionary program that provides $5-6 billion in grants between 2022 and 2026. 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. 2024 grant applications are now open! The first grant deadline is April 4, 2024 at 5 PM. For more information on grant deadlines by application type, visit the SS4A page today.