Sustainable Communities Competitive
Can you apply?
This grant is for transportation planning projects in California. Eligible primary applicants include Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), Regional Transportation Planning Agencies (RTPAs), transit agencies, cities and counties with compliant housing elements, Native American tribal governments, and other public transportation planning entities. Sub-applicants can include universities, community colleges, nonprofits, and community-based organizations. The grant supports planning activities like active transportation, transit services, vision zero, complete streets, and integrated land use-transportation planning. A minimum 11.47% local match is required, which can be cash or in-kind contributions.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
This grant is for transportation planning projects in California. Eligible primary applicants include Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), Regional Transportation Planning Agencies (RTPAs), transit agencies, cities and counties with compliant housing elements, Native American tribal governments, and other public transportation planning entities. Sub-applicants can include universities, community colleges, nonprofits, and community-based organizations. The grant supports planning activities like active transportation, transit services, vision zero, complete streets, and integrated land use-transportation planning. A minimum 11.47% local match is required, which can be cash or in-kind contributions.
Program description
Sustainable Communities Competitive Grants are available on an annual basis and through a competitive application process. Grants are for transportation planning activities such as planning for active transportation, safe routes to schools, transit services, vision zero, complete streets, freight corridors, social equity, integrated land use and transportation planning. 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: State funds, approximately $17 million total; Approx. $3 million is set-aside for technical projects such as data acquisition or travel model updates; Approx. $500 thousand is set-aside for Tribal Governments; Program Goal: 50% of grants should benefit Disadvantaged or Underserved Communities. Grant Minimum:$50,000 for Disadvantaged or Underserved Communities, including Native American Tribal Governments and rural communities;$100,000 for all others Grant Maximum:$700,000 Who May Apply: The following are eligible to apply as a primary applicant: MPOs with sub-applicants; RTPAs; Transit Agencies; Cities and Counties with compliant Housing Elements and completed Annual Progress Reports; Native American Tribal Governments; and, Other Public Transportation Planning Entities. 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 with compliant Housing Elements and completed Annual Progress Reports; 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
Demographic focus
Details
This grant is for transportation planning projects in California. Eligible primary applicants include Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), Regional Transportation Planning Agencies (RTPAs), transit agencies, cities and counties with compliant housing elements, Native American tribal governments, and other public transportation planning entities. Sub-applicants can include universities, community colleges, nonprofits, and community-based organizations. The grant supports planning activities like active transportation, transit services, vision zero, complete streets, and integrated land use-transportation planning. A minimum 11.47% local match is required, which can be cash or in-kind contributions.
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Program contact
- 📧 Regional.Planning.Grants@dot.ca.gov
- 📞 1-916-653-6378
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 | 161 | 56 | 35% |
Source: California Grants Portal
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