Strategic Partnerships Transit
Can you apply?
This grant is for multimodal transportation planning activities, especially regional and interregional public transit. Primary applicants must be MPOs (Metropolitan Planning Organizations) or RTPAs (Regional Transportation Planning Agencies). Sub-applicants can include transit agencies, universities, community colleges, tribal governments, cities, counties, nonprofits, and other public entities.
Local match of 11.47% is required in cash or in-kind contributions. Staff time from the primary applicant qualifies as cash match.
Award amounts range from $75,000–$500,000 depending on applicant type (lower minimum for rural RTPAs).
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
This grant is for multimodal transportation planning activities, especially regional and interregional public transit. Primary applicants must be MPOs (Metropolitan Planning Organizations) or RTPAs (Regional Transportation Planning Agencies). Sub-applicants can include transit agencies, universities, community colleges, tribal governments, cities, counties, nonprofits, and other public entities.
Local match of 11.47% is required in cash or in-kind contributions. Staff time from the primary applicant qualifies as cash match.
Award amounts range from $75,000–$500,000 depending on applicant type (lower minimum for rural RTPAs).
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
Details
This grant is for multimodal transportation planning activities, especially regional and interregional public transit. Primary applicants must be MPOs (Metropolitan Planning Organizations) or RTPAs (Regional Transportation Planning Agencies). Sub-applicants can include transit agencies, universities, community colleges, tribal governments, cities, counties, nonprofits, and other public entities.
Local match of 11.47% is required in cash or in-kind contributions. Staff time from the primary applicant qualifies as cash match.
Award amounts range from $75,000–$500,000 depending on applicant type (lower minimum for rural RTPAs).
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-2022 | 11 | — | 0% |
Source: California Grants Portal
Similar grants
- OPEN 27-0343-10 FFY27 Local Agency General Non-Enforcement — Illinois Department of Transportation
- ROLLING Annual Agency Threshold Application Applicants for Funding Start Here — Texas City of Austin - Austin Public Health
- CLOSED Virginia’s Black Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) Grant – FY26 — Virginia The Virginia Department of Historic Resources
- ROLLING RTAP Grant Program (Rolling) — Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation
- ROLLING Rail Industrial Access Grant (RIA) — Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation