Strategic Partnerships
Can you apply?
This grant is for transportation planning activities in California. Eligible primary applicants are Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) and Regional Transportation Planning Agencies (RTPAs). Sub-applicants can include transit agencies, universities, community colleges, tribal governments, cities and counties, nonprofits (501c3), and community-based organizations.
A minimum 20% local match is required in cash or in-kind contributions. Staff time from the primary applicant counts toward the cash match requirement. Awards range from $100,000 to $500,000.
Eligible activities include planning for freight, corridors, regional, and interregional travel. Applications are submitted through the Caltrans Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant Program website.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
This grant is for transportation planning activities in California. Eligible primary applicants are Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) and Regional Transportation Planning Agencies (RTPAs). Sub-applicants can include transit agencies, universities, community colleges, tribal governments, cities and counties, nonprofits (501c3), and community-based organizations.
A minimum 20% local match is required in cash or in-kind contributions. Staff time from the primary applicant counts toward the cash match requirement. Awards range from $100,000 to $500,000.
Eligible activities include planning for freight, corridors, regional, and interregional travel. Applications are submitted through the Caltrans Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant Program website.
Program description
Strategic Partnerships Grants are available on an annual basis and through a competitive application process. Grants are for transportation planning activities such as planning for freight, corridors, regional, and interregional travel. The annual call-for-applications is posted on the grants website, which is advertised by Caltrans through various grant workshops for interested applicants. Grant applicants receive an award or non-award email notification in late spring/early summer. A list of award and non-awarded grants is posted to the Caltrans Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant Program website. Grant Budget: Federal funds, approximately $1.5 million total Grant Minimum:$100,000 Grant Maximum:$500,000 Who May Apply:The following are eligible to apply as a primary applicant: MPOs and RTPAs The following are eligible to apply as a sub-applicant: MPOs/RTPAs; Transit Agencies; Universities and Community Colleges; Native American Tribal Governments; Cities and Counties ; Community-Based Organizations; Non-Profit Organizations (501.C.3); Other Public Entities Local Match:20% minimum (in cash or an in-kind* contribution). The entire minimum 20% local match may be in the form of an eligible in-kind contribution. Staff time from the primary applicant counts as cash match
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Details
This grant is for transportation planning activities in California. Eligible primary applicants are Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) and Regional Transportation Planning Agencies (RTPAs). Sub-applicants can include transit agencies, universities, community colleges, tribal governments, cities and counties, nonprofits (501c3), and community-based organizations.
A minimum 20% local match is required in cash or in-kind contributions. Staff time from the primary applicant counts toward the cash match requirement. Awards range from $100,000 to $500,000.
Eligible activities include planning for freight, corridors, regional, and interregional travel. Applications are submitted through the Caltrans Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant Program website.
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Program contact
- 📧 Regional.Planning.Grants@dot.ca.gov
- 📞 1-916-639-6378
Funding track record
Past applications & awards under this program (California Grants Portal) — how competitive it is.
By fiscal year
| Fiscal year | Applications | Awarded | Award rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-2023 | 6 | 5 | 83% |
Source: California Grants Portal
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