Strategic Partnerships Transit
Can you apply?
This grant is for multimodal transportation planning activities, particularly regional and interregional public transit planning. MPOs (Metropolitan Planning Organizations) and RTPAs (Regional Transportation Planning Agencies) may apply as primary applicants. Sub-applicants can include transit agencies, universities, community colleges, tribal governments, cities, counties, CBOs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and other public entities.
This is a California state grant administered by Caltrans (California Department of Transportation). An 11.47% local match is required, which can be cash or in-kind contributions. Staff time from the primary applicant counts as cash match.
Award amounts range from $75,000 (rural RTPAs) to $500,000. Approximately $3 million in federal funds is available annually through a competitive process.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
This grant is for multimodal transportation planning activities, particularly regional and interregional public transit planning. MPOs (Metropolitan Planning Organizations) and RTPAs (Regional Transportation Planning Agencies) may apply as primary applicants. Sub-applicants can include transit agencies, universities, community colleges, tribal governments, cities, counties, CBOs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and other public entities.
This is a California state grant administered by Caltrans (California Department of Transportation). An 11.47% local match is required, which can be cash or in-kind contributions. Staff time from the primary applicant counts as cash match.
Award amounts range from $75,000 (rural RTPAs) to $500,000. Approximately $3 million in federal funds is available annually through a competitive process.
Program description
Strategic Partnerships Grants are available on an annual basis and through a competitive application process. Grants are for multimodal transportation planning activities such as planning for regional and interregional public transit. 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 $3 million total Grant Minimum:$75,000 for rural RTPAs; $100,000 for MPOs 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:11.47% minimum (in cash or an in-kind* contribution). The entire minimum 11.47% 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
- City / Municipal Government
- Colleges (all higher ed)
- County Government
- Nonprofits
- Public Authority
- Tribal Nation
Details
This grant is for multimodal transportation planning activities, particularly regional and interregional public transit planning. MPOs (Metropolitan Planning Organizations) and RTPAs (Regional Transportation Planning Agencies) may apply as primary applicants. Sub-applicants can include transit agencies, universities, community colleges, tribal governments, cities, counties, CBOs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and other public entities.
This is a California state grant administered by Caltrans (California Department of Transportation). An 11.47% local match is required, which can be cash or in-kind contributions. Staff time from the primary applicant counts as cash match.
Award amounts range from $75,000 (rural RTPAs) to $500,000. Approximately $3 million in federal funds is available annually through a competitive process.
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 | 5 | 3 | 60% |
Source: California Grants Portal
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