OPEN CFDA 20.218 ↗ Mandatory Grant ⚖️ Match Required Competitive ~100h typical effort

Development of Fiscal Year 2027 Commercial Vehicle Safety Plans to Support National Safety Goals

🏛 DOT-Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Sep 4, 2026

⏰ Deadline
Sep 30, 2026 in 25 days
💰 Award amount
$470K – $55M
📊 Total program funding
$494.96M
🎯 Expected awards
56 recipients
📍 Scope
National

Can you apply?

This grant is for states and U.S. territories to improve commercial motor vehicle (CMV) safety. Eligible applicants include state highway safety agencies and similar state/territorial entities. The program aims to reduce crashes, injuries, fatalities, and hazardous material incidents involving commercial vehicles.

Activities funded include developing comprehensive safety plans, enforcement operations, safety training programs, and data collection efforts. Projects must align with national CMV safety goals and demonstrate measurable outcomes.

Geographic scope covers all 50 states, DC, and U.S. territories. Cost sharing is required but specific percentage not detailed in grant facts.

Eligible applicants
Check your eligibility — what type of organization are you?

⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.

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Program description

The Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP) is a Federal formula grant program that provides financial assistance to States, and U.S. Territories to reduce the number and severity of crashes, injuries, and fatalities and hazardous material incidents involving commercial motor vehicles.

Who can apply

Eligible applicants

How to apply

Application links

Key dates & requirements

Required documents

  • SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
  • Project Narrative/Safety Plan
  • Budget and Budget Narrative
  • Cost-Share Documentation
  • Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable)

Program contact

  • 👤 DOT-Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
  • 📧 support@grants.gov
  • 📞 202-754-2031

Funding track record

Recent awards under CFDA 20.218 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.

100
awards (3 yrs)
$1.2B
total funded
36
unique recipients
$11.6M
average award

Top 10 Largest Recent Awards

  1. $50,560,049
  2. $49,529,040
  3. $31,480,151
  4. $30,478,798
  5. $30,144,318
  6. $21,220,876
  7. $20,788,145
  8. $19,965,684
  9. $19,022,967
  10. $18,797,235

Top States by Funding

  • TX 4 awards $160.7M
  • NY 6 awards $90.1M
  • CA 4 awards $86.6M
  • PA 5 awards $62.4M
  • GA 4 awards $53.9M

Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.

Funding history

Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 20.218). How funding has trended year over year.

2024 $504,300,103
2025 $512,592,802
2026 est. $520,885,511

FAQ

Who can apply for this grant?

States and U.S. territories with official motor carrier safety agencies. Private companies and nonprofits cannot apply directly. Most applicants are state highway safety offices.

What activities does this grant fund?

CMV safety plan development, enforcement operations, training programs, and data systems. Projects must address crash reduction, injury/fatality prevention, and hazmat safety.

When is the deadline?

September 30, 2026. This is a fixed deadline, not rolling. Plan your application timeline accordingly.

What makes applications competitive?

Clear alignment with national safety goals, realistic metrics, strong data analysis, and sustainability plans. Demonstrated commitment to CMV safety improvement is essential.

What's the funding range?

Awards range from $470,000 to $55,000,000. Most awards are formula-based by state population and roadway exposure.

💡 Tips for applicants

  • Start with your state's historical CMV safety data and trends. Use crash, injury, and fatality statistics to justify need.
  • Align your safety plan with NHTSA's national safety priorities. Review recent federal guidance on CMV risk areas.
  • Build strong partnerships with state police, commercial carriers, and safety advocates. Include letters of commitment.
  • Clearly explain how you'll measure success beyond the grant period. Sustainability matters to reviewers.
  • Ensure cost-sharing sources are secured and documented before submission. Verify all funding commitments from partners.

⚠️ Common mistakes

Vague safety goals without data to support need. Missing detailed cost-sharing commitment letters. Weak sustainability plans for post-grant period.

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