Funding Topic Guide

Banks, foundations, and local governments may have funding available for transit, either as grants or tax revenue opportunities. Human service agencies such as United Way may have funding opportunities. They also may provide unique opportunities to partner with transit agencies, therefore extending access to many more grant opportunities surrounding mobility management and human service transportation. Other local groups, such as faith-based organizations, may be able to provide financial backing to transit agencies, particularly as part of a partnership. Chambers of Commerce, local business groups, and travel/tourism centers are other places to look for funds. State Transit Associations sometimes have funding opportunities for members.

For additional transportation-related grant resources, contact your state RTAP program. who may even have state-specific information that will help hone the search for grants. 

This section lists resources that provide information about funding, funding sources, and writing grant applications.

Administration for Community Living (ACL) awards grants to states and organizations that provide services and support for older adults and people with disabilities, 2022

American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Survey of State Funding for Public Transportation, 2024

Candid (formerly Foundation Center) offers free guidance to grant seekers and databases of grants available to subscribers.

Community Heart & Soul Seed Grant Program provides startup funding for resident-driven groups in small cities and towns to implement the Community Heart & Soul model

Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA) grant programs

Cigna Foundation World of Difference Grants help people overcome barriers to their health and well-being

Council on Foundations Foundation Locator is an interactive map of U.S. foundations that provide funding

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sometimes offers grants for transit related to environmental initiatives

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides funding through their Transit Security Grant Program

Federal Transit Administration (FTA) distributes formula and discretionary funding to states, tribes, and non-profit organizations through various funding programs. Find more information about FTA’s grant programs, or contact your state RTAP/5311 Program Manager or FTA Regional Office. 

Ford Foundation grants support organizations that address the underlying drivers of inequality. 

GrantWatch lists grants for organizations to provide transportation to individuals in rural areas

Grants.gov displays all federal grants and allows users to apply to them (it's required to use this database to apply for federal grants)

Grantsmanship Center provides general resources on grantmaking, grants available, consulting, and resources by state 

Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides grants that may include a component for transportation improvement

Instrumentl - grant finder with browse mode. Note that this is a fee based product, but the website provides some free transportation grant opportunity links. National RTAP does not recommend or endorse any specific commercial products.

National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC) provides funding and resources for older adults and mobility

National Center for Mobility Management (NCMM) has a grants web page that lists their own and other mobility related grants

National RTAP offered Community Rides Grants in 2021 for projects that would develop or strengthen transportation partnerships that improve social determinants of health in rural and Tribal communities. As of now, it was a one-time grant program.

Rural Health Information Hub (RHIHub) lists transportation to support rural healthcare funding

Universal Service Administrative Company Healthcare Connect Fund Program provides discounts on eligible broadband connectivity expenses.

USDA Rural Development provides grant assistance to rural communities, including some that may apply to the development of rural transit.

U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) offers grants to train and support workers

U.S. DOT grants web page

U.S.Grants.org includes government grants, stimulus packages, and funding opportunities from your local state and federal government agencies

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) grants aim to support entrepreneurship through counseling and training programs

DISCLAIMER: The resources provided in each topic guide are not an exhaustive survey of every available resource on each topic. If you would like to add a resource to a Topic Guide, please email info@nationalrtap.org.  This document was prepared by National RTAP with the financial assistance of the U.S. Department of Transportation. The contents do not necessarily represent the opinions or policy of any agency of the U.S. Government, and the U.S. Government assumes no liability for the contents or use thereof. It does not have the force and effect of law and is not meant to bind the public in any way.



Updated February 18, 2025