Funding Opportunities
MassMobility's Funding for community transportation website:
Funding Opportunities researched by Candria Gray
Name Community Transit Grant Program
Link https://www.mass.gov/community-transit-grant-program
Description The Community Transit Grant Program awards funds to help meet the
transportation and mobility needs of seniors and people with disabilities. Provides
funds for the purchase of vehicles, mobility management activities, and operating
costs. The annual competitive program distributes Federal Transit Administration
(FTA) Section 5310: Enhanced Mobility of Seniors & Individuals with Disabilities
funds and State Mobility Assistance Program (MAP) funds.
Timeline Apply for the next round of grants in Spring 2020. Annual competitive
application process usually opens in May with proposals due in June
Contact Alex Cox alex.cox@dot.state.ma.us
Name Public Transportation Innovation - 5312
Description Provides funding to develop innovative products and services
assisting transit agencies in better meeting the needs of their customers.
Timeline
Contact Office of Research, Demonstration and Innovation- Federal Transit
Administration
Phone: 202-366-4052
Link
https://www.transit.dot.gov/funding/grants/public-transportation-innovation-5312
Name Enhanced Mobility of Seniors & Individuals with Disabilities - Section
5310
Description This program (49 U.S.C. 5310) provides formula funding to states for
the purpose of assisting private nonprofit groups in meeting the transportation
needs of older adults and people with disabilities when the transportation service
provided is unavailable, insufficient, or inappropriate to meeting these needs.
Funds are apportioned based on each state’s share of the population for these two
groups. Formula funds are apportioned to direct recipients; for rural and small
urban areas, this is the state Department of Transportation, while in large urban
areas, a designated recipient is chosen by the governor. Direct recipients have
flexibility in how they select subrecipient projects for funding, but their decision
process must be clearly noted in a state/program management plan.
Timeline
Contact Office of Program Management
Phone: 202-366-2053
Link
https://www.transit.dot.gov/funding/grants/grant-programs/access-and-mobility-partnership-grants
Name TransitCenter
Description Dispatch Grant Program - TransitCenter award awards grants on a
rolling basis to allied organzaitons pursingemerignin campaign work with specific,
strategic outcome to improve transit in their cities. TransitCenter awards grants on
a rolling basis to allied organizations pursuing emerging campaign work with a
specific, strategic outcome to improve transit in their cities.These grants can be up
to, but not more than 25,000. This Dispatch Grant program is intended to support
grantee partners that seek to improve transit at the intersection of multiple issues,
especially those pursuing an improved transit policy that also advances equity or
environmental sustainability in American cities. They fund grassroot organizing.
Timeline Rolling basis
Contact Phone: (No name available, couldn't reach anyone by phone) (646)
395-9555
Email: info@tranistcenter.org
Link https://transitcenter.org/dispatch-grant-application-process/
Transportation Grants for Individuals/Organization
Overview- This weeks I searched for grants that focused on meeting the needs of
Nonprofit organizations that have an interest or focus on making transportation
acceptable or affordable for individuals with disabilities and low-income. I was
able to find only a few that could be applied to our current mission and objectives.
As I have previously stated, most grants that are out their have already closed,
there are some foundations that offer mini-grants (ranging from $500-$5000) on an
ongoing basis. Giving the time of the year, applying to mini grants from different
corporation is one way to bring in additional resources so late in the year.
For the next few weeks, I will continue to focus on small grants from business
(Banks, major retail company) and create a worksheet for grants that will be
available during the first quarter of 2020.
Name: Mobility for All Pilot Program Grants
Description : This new program, which seeks to improve mobility options through
strategies to enhance mobility and access to community services for older adults,
individuals with disabilities, and people with low incomes. The $3.5-million
program will fund projects that enable transportation connections to jobs,
education and health services.
This funding opportunity seeks to improve mobility options through employing
innovative coordination of transportation strategies and building partnerships to
enhance mobility and access to vital community services for older adults,
individuals with disabilities, and people of low income.
Deadline: Monday, January 6, 2020.
Contact: Office of Program Management (FTA) 202-366-2053
Link https://www.transit.dot.gov/funding/grants/grant-programs/mobility-all-pilot-program-grants
Name: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (Grand Challenges)
Description: We're seeking creative, compelling ideas from individuals and
organizations from all sectors in the U.S. to elevate diverse voices and broaden the
national conversation about poverty and economic mobility. Anyone with a great
concept is welcome to apply for a $100,000 grant to develop their idea. The goal of
this challenge is to elevate diverse voices that can help broaden the conversation
about the issues inhibiting economic mobility and generate deeper awareness and
actionable understanding. Most Americans believe it is right to help others, so that
they may have the opportunity to live healthy and productive lives.
They fund a wide range of projects that:Highlight barriers to economic mobility as
well as the impact of biases, intersectionality, and ideas around deservingness
related to race, gender, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age,
physical and mental health, ability, and geography.
Deadline : 13 NOV 2019 - 11:30AM
Contact: grandchallenges@gatesfoundation.org
Link: https://gcgh.grandchallenges.org/challenge/voices-economic-opportunity
Name Memorial Foundation for the Blind
Description The Memorial Foundation for the Blind is a private charitable
foundation that provides funding to those organizations in Worcester County that
serve the needs of persons with visual impairments. The foundation also provides
funding to individuals who are certified as legally blind with the Massachusetts
Commission for the blind, to purchase adaptive equipment, assistive technology,
and other equipment that enhances the quality of life for the individual. Program
Grants MFB welcomes grant proposals from nonprofit charitable organizations to
improve the quality of life and encourage the independence of people with visual
impairments. Proposals may include programs to improve access to the arts and
culture, employment training opportunities, recreation and leisure time activities,
and more.
Timeline Ongoing
Contact Applicants are encouraged to call (508) 854-9980 and leave a message
and a member of our Grants Committee will return your call to discuss your
request.
Link https://mfblind.org/grants/
Personal Grants
Name: Transportation Assistance Grant
Description: The goal of the grant is to help members of the MS community
remain as independent as possible, and ensure all people with MS have the
transportation necessary to get the best medical care.
The program provides funding for reasonable paratransit fees or minor auto repair.
In partnership with Lyft, the program can also provide transportation to and from
appointments for MS care, including neurologist visits and infusion centers, at no
cost to the person with MS.
Contact: Individuals with MS can apply for this program online at msfocus.org; or
request an application form by emailing transportation@msfocus.org, or call
888-673-6287.
https://msfocus.org/Get-Help/MSF-Programs-Grants/Brighter-Tomorrow-Grant
Name: National Organization for Vehicle Accessibility
Description: Provides grants for accessible vans, wheelchair lifts, scooter or truck
lifts, or car top carriers. The foundation will help with 25% of the cost with a cap
of $5,000. aid is given based on financial need.
Mobility Assistance Grant Program This program is directed to individuals with
disabilities who have secured the majority of the money needed to fund vehicle
modification products and just need some additional help to reach their goal. Our
mobility assistance grant program is designed to bridge the funding gap that
prevents people in need of mobility products from achieving their mobility goals.
Timeline: Our application is open during quarterly funding cycles. Funding Cycle
for 2019 has closed and should open again in January 2020.
Contact: Rosemarie Calvert 304-606-2984
Link: https://novafunding.org/grant-program/
Name: The National Center for Mobility Management
Description: NCMM’s Community Mobility Design Challenge 2019 Planning
Grants, with funding from the Federal Transit Administration, will support
communities seeking innovative ways to address the particular mobility challenges
experienced by low-income community members for whom a lack of
transportation is an obstacle to the pursuit of economic, health, and social well
being.
Contact: Amy Conrick , NCMM Director, 202-415-9692 or Alex King , Senior
Program Associate, Health Care and Transportation, 202-340-5284
Link: https://nationalcenterformobilitymanagement.org/challenge-2019/
Mini-Grants
Name: Walmart
Description : Walmart local community grants are awarded through an open
application process. Local Community grants range from a minimum of $250 to a
maximum of $5,000. An organization can submit up to 25 applications in one
fiscal year.
Timeline: The 2019 grant cycle begins Feb. 15, 2019 and the application deadline
is Dec. 31, 2019.
Link https://walmart.org/how-we-give/local-community-grants
Name: Greater Worcester Community Foundation
Description: Mini-grants are made to nonprofits for non recurring needs. Awards
are limited to 3,000 or 5,000 depending on the detatis. Decisions are made and
funding released in 4 to 6 weeks of application submission.
Timeline: Yearly
Contact: Jonathan Cohen (508) 755-0980
Link :
https://www.greaterworcester.org/Grants/Grant-Program-Deadlines/Mini-Grant-Program
Transportation Grants for Individuals/Organization
Overview- Over the last few days, I searched for personal grants that would
provide financial assistance to families or individuals, making transportation more
accessible for.
Name: AWS Foundation
Description : There are many aspects to this grant, one part that stood out was the
Transportation piece: Pursuing opportunities for accessible, affordable community
transportation increasing access to locations throughout the community for
individuals with disabilities.
Deadline: AWS Foundation has four grant application deadlines per fiscal year.
Applications open two weeks before their due date and must be received by 5
p.m. (EST) per the grant deadlines below and are accepted only via the
Foundation’s website.
Contact: Office of Program Management Joni Schmalzried, Chief Program
Officer at 260.207.5656.
Link: https://awsfoundation.org/grants/#mighty_money
Name: YouCaring
Description: Open to individuals or non-profits that are needing to raise funds for
personal, charitable, non-divisive causes in the following categories: medical
expenses, memorial/funeral expenses, tuition/education help, adoption fundraising,
service trips, nonprofits, veterans or helping a neighbor in need.
Deadline : on going
Contact: grandchallenges@gatesfoundation.org
Link: https://www.youcaring.com/
Name: Random Smile Project
Description – Random Smile Project provides a bridge of support to people going
through difficult times. Families in need are provided with clothing, groceries,
books, and toys through a network of local support. Accessibility options for those
in need are supplied through our construction and renovation projects like
wheelchair ramps, handicap bathroom conversions and home repair. Timeline
Ongoing
Contact Applicants are encouraged to call (508) 854-9980 and leave a message
and a member of our Grants Committee will return your call to discuss your
request.
Link https://mfblind.org/grants/
Name: MAPC Technical Assistance Program (TAP)
Description: MAPC Technical Assistance Program (TAP) is a funding program
that enables and assists municipalities in implementing projects.
Objectives
1. Promoting innovative transportation strategies , including congestion
mitigation, shared and appropriately-priced parking, streets that work for all
users, and transit solutions for both cities and suburbs
● Encouraging both residential and economic development that is
oriented to take advantage of its proximity to existing or planned
subway and light rail stops, commuter rail stations, and key bus stops
( transit-oriented development )
2. Partner with our cities and towns to promote regional collaboration,
enhance effectiveness, and increase efficiency
3. Play a leading role in helping the region to achieve greater equity
4. Help the region reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the
physical, environmental, and social impacts of climate change and
natural hazards.
Deadline: MAPC issues direct calls for applications twice a year, generally in the
fall and spring. Additionally MAPC also accepts applications on a rolling basis.
Contact: 60 Temple Place, Boston, MA 02111; Phone: 617.933.0700
Link https://www.mapc.org/about-mapc/funding-opportunities/
Funding for Community Transportation
December 17-20
Overview : As the end of the year approaches, I have noticed that most grants have
already reached their deadline. There are some grants that awarded yearly, or
quarterly depending on the foundation or corporation. These funding opportunities
can be useful to cover the cost of small events, projects, and the cost of food for
monthly meetings.
Name: The Fred Harris Daniels Foundation
Description: The Fred Harris Daniels Foundation provides grants in three program
areas: Program and Operating Grants, Capital Grants. The Foundation seeks to
support sustainable, creative solutions to Worcester’s most pressing societal
challenges by funding programs and institutions that help people become more
self-reliant in their lives and communities.
Not for profit organizations recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) and maintain
operations in the Worcester service area are invited to apply for program and
operating grants. Grants can support ongoing operations, special projects, or
general improvements to program effectiveness or operational efficiency of the
organization. Grants submitted for less than $5,000 use an application which is
slightly less rigorous; grants submitted for $5,000 or more will be required to
submit additional narrative and documentation.
Timeline: The regular deadlines for each quarterly grant cycle are the last day of
the months of January, April, July and October. Capital Grants are considered once
each year at the December meeting of the board. Capital Grant submissions are due
by September 30th each year.
Link: https://danielsfoundation.org/programs/#programs-operating
Name: Bank of America Grant Title: Economic mobility
Description: In 2020, the Bank of America Charitable Foundation will issue two
requests for proposals (RFPs) on the priority focus area of ECONOMIC
MOBILITY: One will focus on improving the lives of individuals and families by
investing in workforce development & education and basic needs, including family
stabilization and crisis prevention. We support nonprofit organizations that meet
low-to-moderate income individuals and families at their point of need and help
them remove barriers to economic opportunities.
Timeline: (Applications accepted 1/27/2020 – 2/21/2020)
Name: The Kresge Foundation’s
Description: Advancing Student Transportation Solutions
The Kresge Foundation’s Education Program invites partnerships between higher
education institutions, transit agencies or mobility companies, research
organizations or other entities to submit a letter of inquiry for projects that address
transportation barriers to student success. Respondents can propose to the
Foundation one of four project types: planning grants, implementation grants,
research grants, and hybrid grants that qualify as both an implementation and
research grant.
Contact: Kresge's Program Operations team at programoperations@kresge.org .
Link: https://kresge.org/library/advancing-student-transportation-solutions
Name: Van GO: Surplus Vehicle Grant Program
Description: Through Community Transit's Van GO program, vehicles that are
earmarked for surplus auction are instead granted to non-profit agencies.
Contact Phone: Kristen Ryan at (425) 348-7196 or vango@commtrans.org .