Other Federal Grant Opportunities

This page highlights recent federal grant opportunities. We provide these links to help users find information on federal grants and funding. Other federal grant programs are listed at www.grants.gov. We suggest subscribing to grant e-mail alerts that notify you electronically when new funding is available.

Other resources that may be of interest:

• Shared Mobility FAQ’s: Eligibility Under FTA Grant Programs
• NADTC Blog Posts:
  • Navigating Funding Opportunities for Technology Planning and Deployment
  • An Embarrassment of Riches: Multiple Funding Sources and Technology Projects
  • Section 5307, 5310, and 5311: Using Non-DOT Funds for Local Match
• How to Improve Your Transit Grant Application, A blog by Ecolane

Open Opportunities

FTA Passenger Ferry Grants

The Federal Transit Administration announces the availability of $30 million of Fiscal Year 2019 Section 5307 Urbanized Area Formula Program funds to assist financing capital projects to support existing passenger ferry service, establish new ferry service, and to repair and modernize ferry boats, terminals, and related facilities and equipment.

Applications due April 15, 2019.

Recently Closed Opportunities

Corporation for National and Community Service Senior RSVP Grants

Established in 1971 and now one of the largest senior volunteer programs in the nation, RSVP offers a diverse range of volunteer activities that serve communities to create measurable impact, benefit volunteers through the service experience, and create community capacity. Senior Corps RSVP volunteers choose how, where, and how often they want to serve. Through this competition, the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) seeks to increase the impact of national service in specific geographic service areas CNCS has the following Focus Areas: Disaster Services; Economic Opportunity; Education; Environmental Stewardship; Healthy Futures; and Veterans and Military Families.

Application deadlines: 

Notice of Intent to Apply Deadline:
Applicants are strongly encouraged to send a Notice of Intent to Apply by 5:00 PM Eastern Time on Wednesday, October 10, 2018. The Notice of Intent to Apply should be completed via Survey Monkey.

Application Deadline:
Applications are due by 5:00 PM Eastern Time on Wednesday, November 7, 2018. Successful applicants will be notified by February 2019.

Note: Informational conference calls will be held on this grant. Please see the 2019 RSVP Competition page for complete details.

Special Notice

FY 2018 FTA Apportionment Notice

Supplemental FY 2017 Apportionment Notice

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has posted the Supplemental FY 2017 Apportionment Notice and tables making available over $12 billion in formula and discretionary funds for public transportation, pursuant to the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2017. The information is available at https://www.transit.dot.gov/funding/apportionments/fiscal-year-2017-apportionment-tables-full-year.

FTA’s January 19, 2017 Federal Register Notice provided interim guidance for FTA’s programs in 2017.   The Supplemental Notice provides additional guidance in three key areas.

• First, it reminds all States with operating rail transit systems, that FTA is prohibited by federal transportation law from obligating any funds to public transportation agencies in those States that have failed to establish a State Safety Oversight Program that has been certified by FTA, by April 15, 2019.
• Secondly, the Supplemental Notice implements and provides guidance on Section 165 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2017 that amended the special provision for operating assistance under the Urbanized Area Formula Program (5307 (a)(2), commonly known as the 100-bus special rule.   The amendment permits an alternative approach to determining an agency’s operating assistance cap.
• Finally, the Supplemental Notice implements Section 161 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2017 by extending the period of availability of FY 2017 Fixed Guideway Capital Investment Grant program funds through September 30, 2021.

Closed Opportunities

Federal Transit Administration Low or No Emission Program (Low-No Program) 2018 Notice of Funding (5339 c)

The main purpose of the Low-No Program is to support the transition of the nation’s transit fleet to the lowest polluting and most energy efficient transit vehicles. The Low-No Program provides funding to state and local governmental authorities for the purchase or lease of zero-emission and low-emission transit buses, including acquisition, construction, and leasing of required supporting facilities.

Eligible Applicants: An Eligible Applicant is a designated recipient of FTA grants, states, local governmental authorities and Indian Tribes.

Submission Deadline: June 18, 2018 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern
Submit applications using grants.gov.

U.S. Department of Transportation BUILD Program Notice of Funding Opportunity

BUILD Transportation grants replace the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant program. FY 2018 BUILD Transportation grants are for investments in surface transportation infrastructure and are to be awarded on a competitive basis for projects that will have a significant local or regional impact. BUILD funding can support roads, bridges, transit, rail, ports, or intermodal transportation.

Eligible Applicants: State, local, and tribal governments, including U.S. territories, transit agencies, port authorities, metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), and other political subdivisions of state or local governments.

Informational Webinar:
All applicants: Thursday, May 24
Rural and Tribal applicants: Tuesday, May 29
Benefit Cost Analysis prep: Thursday, May 31
All webinars will take place from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Eastern. Details and registration information regarding these webinars will be made available at the U.S. DOT BUILD grants page. U.S. DOT will schedule additional webinars on these topics in June.

Submission Deadline: July 19, 2018
Submit applications using grants.gov

Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) Grants Recipients

The U.S. Department of Transportation (US DOT) announced the list of 41 recipients of nearly $500 million in discretionary grant funding for road, transit, maritime and rail projects.  The fiscal year (FY) 2017 TIGER program gave special consideration to projects which emphasized improved access to reliable, safe, and affordable transportation for communities in rural areas, such as projects that improve infrastructure condition, address public health and safety, promote regional connectivity, or facilitate economic growth or competitiveness. A complete list of funded projects is available on the U.S. DOT website. Transit and pedestrian-related projects include:

Georgia – Summerhill Bus Rapid Transit from Summerhill to Georgia State University
Wisconsin – Chippewa Valley (Eau Claire) Regional Transit Transfer Center
Nevada – Carson City Gateway Complete Streets Corridor
Ohio – Akron Downtown Promenade Complete Streets Project
Iowa – Burlington Riverfront Revitalization Project
Florida – Immokalee Complete Streets Network
Kentucky – Frankfort Second Street ADA, Signaling and Sidewalk Improvements
Mississippi – Hightower Road and Mississippi State University Corridor Project

Empowered Communities for a Healthier Nation Initiative

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health (OMH) has announced The Empowered Communities for a Healthier Nation Initiative. This initiative seeks to demonstrate the effectiveness of collaborations with academic research centers, prevention research centers, teaching hospitals, and Native American Tribes and Tribal organizations to reduce significant health disparities impacting minorities and disadvantaged populations through the implementation of evidence-based strategies with the greatest potential for impact. The program will serve residents in counties disproportionately impacted by the opioid epidemic; reduce the impact of serious mental illness and improve screening for serious mental illness at the primary care level for children, adolescents and/or adults; and reduce obesity prevalence and disparities in weight status among disadvantaged children and adolescents.

• Total Funding Amount Available: $5,000,000
• Proposals Due: July 31, 2017, at 5:00 pm ET. Projects will start September 30, 2017.
• For More Information: Contact Sonsiere Cobb-Souza, Director, Division of Program Operations, Office of Minority Health (OMH). Email:  Sonsiere.Cobb-Souza@hhs.gov. Phone: 240-453-2882.

Low or No Emission (Low-No) Program FY 2017 Notice of Funding

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO): Solicitation of Project Proposals for the Low or No Emission (Low-No) Vehicle Program. The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announces the availability of $55 million of Fiscal Year 2017 funds for the purchase or lease of low or no emission vehicles as well as related equipment or facilities.

• Total Funding Amount Available: $55 Million for Fiscal Year 2017.
• Proposals Due: June 26 2017 at 5 p.m. E.T.
• For More Information: Full announcement posted on Grants.gov site as opportunity FTA-2017-003-LowNo. Contact Tara Clark, Office of Program Management, 202-366-2623.

Public Transportation on Indian Reservations Program; Tribal Transit Program FY 2017

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announces the availability of approximately $5 million in funding provided by the Public Transportation on Indian Reservations Program (Tribal Transit Program (TTP)), as authorized by 49 U.S.C. 5311(c)(1)(A), as amended by the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (FAST), Public Law 114-94 (December 4, 2015). This is a national solicitation for project proposals and includes the selection criteria and program eligibility information for Fiscal Year 2017 projects. The primary purpose of these competitively selected grants is to support planning, capital, and, in limited circumstances, operating assistance for tribal public transit services. Funds distributed to Indian tribes under the TTP should not replace or reduce funds that Indian tribes receive from states through FTA’s Section 5311 program.

• Total Funding Amount Available: $5 Million
• Proposals Due: 11:59 pm Eastern Time on March 20, 2017
• For More Information: Contact Elan Flippin, Tribal Transit Program, Office of Program Management. Email: elan.flippin@dot.gov.  Phone:(202) 366-3800.

Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) Program: Using Robotics and Automation to Improve Accessible Transportation Options for Individuals with Disabilities

The purpose of NIDILRR’s DRRPs, which are funded through the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program, is to improve the effectiveness of services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act by generating new knowledge or developing methods, procedures, and rehabilitation technologies that advance a wide range of independent living and employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities, especially individuals with the most significant disabilities. The purpose of this DRRP is (a) to advance the application of automation and a robotics to enhance accessible transportation for travelers with disabilities and (b) to improve opportunities for a seamless travel chain that meets the diverse needs of travelers with disabilities, including but not limited to mobility, vision, hearing and cognitive disabilities.

• Total Funding Amount Available: $500,000
• Proposals Due: March 21, 2017, at 11:59 pm ET
  • Conference Call for Potential Applicants: January 25, 2017 (Contact Marlene Spencer to reserve a space)
  • Letter of Intent Due: February 9, 2017
• For More Information: Contact Marlene Spencer, Marlene.spencer@acl.hhs.gov

Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS): 2017 RSVP Expansion Competition

Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) has released an opportunity focused on increasing the impact of national service in certain counties across the country – with a potential project focus on Transportation.  CNCS intends to fund RSVP grants that support volunteers age 55 years and older in activities that serve community needs and respond to one or more of the following National Performance Measures: Disaster Services; Education; Economic Opportunity; Environmental Stewardship; Healthy Futures; and Veterans and Military Families. In addition to addressing one or more of the Focus Areas above, which is a requirement, CNCS is particularly interested in supporting applications that propose to include one or more of the priorities listed:

1. Elder Justice: applicants focus on the Elder Justice Act priorities by placing volunteers in assignments that mitigate the potential that clients and caregivers served by RSVP volunteers will be victims of financial fraud, abuse, and/or neglect and/or that provide assistance and support services to victims of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
2. Education—Intergenerational Programming: applicants address ways to increase older adult engagement with young people in the areas of school readiness and K-12 success.
3. Access to Care—Opioid Abuse: applicants address ways to increase access to care and participation in health education, including prevention activities, related to opioid abuse.
4. Aging in Place—Transportation: applicants focus on the access to preventive/medical appointments or other services that allow them to live independently.Economic Opportunity—Housing: applicants contribute to the provision of services for individuals who are
5. Economic Opportunity—Housing: applicants contribute to the provision of services for individuals who are economically disadvantaged, including individuals who are homeless, to transition into safe, healthy, affordable housing.

• Total Funding Amount Available: Award amounts will vary, as determined by the scope of the projects but CNCS expects to make awards of a minimum of $75,000
• Proposals Due: April 4, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time
  • Letter of Intent Due: Notifications of Intent to Apply should be submitted by March 7, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
• For More Information: https://www.nationalservice.gov/build-your-capacity/grants/funding-opportunities/2017/2017-rsvp-expansion-competition

Accessible Transportation Technology Research Initiative (ATTRI) Application Development Proposals

The U.S. Department of Transportation has extended the due date for responses to the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for ATTRI Application Development. Proposals are now due October 3, 2016.  The BAA seeks proposals for the development of applications that will lead to transformational changes and revolutionary advances in accessible transportation, personal mobility, and independent travel for all travelers and to offering a totally new travel experience in intermodal surface transportation.

Under the BAA, ATTRI will award funds for the development of applications in each of the ATTRI priority application areas identified through robust stakeholder outreach and user needs assessment. The application areas include:

1. Smart Wayfinding and Navigation Systems
2. Pre-Trip Concierge and Virtualization
3. Safe Intersection Crossing

• Total Funding Amount Available: Refer to BAA
• Proposals Due: October 3, 2016
• For More Information: Contact Dewhyte G. McPherson. Email: dewhyte.mcpherson@dot.gov

The Administration for Community Living, National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) has announced the following funding opportunity: Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) Program: Accessible Transportation Grant. The purpose of this funding is (a) to advance the application of automation and robotics to enhance accessible transportation for travelers with disabilities and (b) to improve opportunities for a seamless travel chain that meets the diverse needs of travelers with mobility, vision, hearing and cognitive disabilities and provides them the ability to plan and execute an on-demand trip anytime of the day and from any location.

• Total Funding Amount Available: $500,000
• Letter of Intent Due: July 7, 2016
• Application Deadline: August 1, 2016
• For More Information: Contact: Marlene Spencer. Email: Marlene.spencer@acl.hhs.gov

The Rides to Wellness Demonstration Grants are part of a series of activities to support FTA’s Rides to Wellness Program (R2W Program). The R2W Program seeks to address challenges for the transportation disadvantaged in getting access to healthcare, such as getting to the doctor; returning home from a hospital procedure; getting to rehabilitation services; getting to behavioral health services; getting to the pharmacy; and getting to free health screenings.

• Total Funding Amount Available: $5.3 million
• CLOSED Application Deadline: Tuesday, May 31, 2016. Applications are accepted on the Grants.gov website.
• For More Information: Refer to the Rides to Wellness Demonstration and Innovative Coordinated Access and Mobility Grants program notice or contact Danielle Nelson, FTA Office of Program Management, (202) 366-2160, danielle.nelson@dot.gov.

FTA Mobility on Demand Funding will fund projects that adopt innovative business models to deliver high quality, seamless and equitable mobility options for all travelers.

• Total Funding Amount Available: $8 million
• Application Deadline: Tuesday, July 5, 2016, and applications are accepted on the Grants.gov website.
• For More Information: Please send any questions to MODsandbox@dot.gov, or contact Christina Gikakis, MOD Program Manager, Office of Research, Demonstration and Innovation, (202) 366-2637, or christina.gikakis@dot.gov.