Funding Opportunities

Grant Resources

Federal and state transportation funding opportunities for the Inland Empire. Use these programs to fund sidewalk improvements, transit access, pedestrian safety, and community connectivity projects.

2 Currently Open6 Programs Listed

$6B+

Available Federal Funding

$440M+

CA Active Transportation

60,270

IE Zero-Vehicle Households

Funding Programs

Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A)

U.S. Department of Transportation

Open Now

Competitive grant program supporting local initiatives to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries. Funds both Action Plan development and Implementation projects for pedestrian, cyclist, and motorist safety improvements.

$1 billion (FY2026)

May 26, 2026

IE Relevance

Directly supports sidewalk improvements, crosswalk safety, and pedestrian infrastructure in the IE. Aligns with Every Place Counts Sidewalk Report Card data.

Who Can Apply

Metropolitan planning organizationsLocal governments and tribal nationsMulti-jurisdictional groups of eligible entities

Match: 20% local match required

BUILD (Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development)

U.S. Department of Transportation

Closed

Provides grants for planning or constructing surface transportation infrastructure projects. Prioritizes projects in rural areas, areas of persistent poverty, and historically disadvantaged communities.

Up to $25 million per project

March 2026 (FY2026 cycle)

IE Relevance

Ideal for large-scale IE transportation projects connecting underserved communities. Census data showing 60,000+ zero-vehicle households strengthens applications.

Who Can Apply

State and local governmentsTransit agenciesMetropolitan planning organizationsPort authorities

Match: 20% local match (may be reduced for rural/disadvantaged areas)

Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods (RCN)

U.S. Department of Transportation

Upcoming

Restores community connectivity by removing or mitigating transportation barriers that divide neighborhoods. Funds planning grants, capital construction grants, and regional partnerships.

$3.3 billion total program

Check for FY2026 NOFO

IE Relevance

Highly relevant for IE communities divided by highways and rail corridors. Addresses equity gaps identified through Census tract-level data.

Who Can Apply

State and local governmentsMetropolitan planning organizationsTribal governmentsNonprofit organizations (as co-applicants)

Match: 20% local match (may be reduced for disadvantaged communities)

FTA Section 5310: Enhanced Mobility for Seniors & Individuals with Disabilities

Federal Transit Administration

Upcoming

Improves mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities by funding public transportation projects, including vehicle purchases, mobility management, and travel training programs.

$288 million nationally (FY2026)

Varies by state (Caltrans administers for CA)

IE Relevance

Directly addresses senior transportation gaps identified at the Riverside Senior Forum. Funds exactly the type of services IE seniors need most.

Who Can Apply

Private nonprofit organizationsState or local government authoritiesOperators of public transportation

Match: 20% local match for capital, 50% for operating

Carbon Reduction Program (CRP)

Federal Highway Administration

Open Now

Funds projects designed to reduce transportation emissions, including EV infrastructure, public transit improvements, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and congestion management.

$1.2 billion nationally (FY2026)

Administered through state DOTs and MPOs

IE Relevance

IE has some of the worst air quality in the nation. CRP funds can support active transportation infrastructure that reduces vehicle dependency.

Who Can Apply

State DOTs (primary recipients)Metropolitan planning organizationsLocal governments (through suballocation)

Match: 20% local match

Active Transportation Program (ATP) - Cycle 8

California Transportation Commission

Upcoming

California's primary funding source for walking and biking projects. Funds infrastructure improvements, non-infrastructure programs (education, encouragement), and Safe Routes to School projects.

$440 million+ (Cycle 8)

Applications expected Summer 2026

IE Relevance

Perfect fit for IE sidewalk and bike lane improvements. Sidewalk Report Card data provides the community needs assessment that ATP applications require.

Who Can Apply

Local governments and agenciesRegional transportation planning agenciesTransit operatorsSchool districtsNonprofit organizations (for non-infrastructure only)

Match: 11.47% local match required

How Every Place Counts Supports Your Application

Our platform provides the community engagement data, infrastructure assessments, and equity analysis that federal and state grant applications require.

Sidewalk Report Card

Block-by-block infrastructure data that demonstrates community need. Provides the evidence base grant reviewers look for.

Community Engagement

Documented public participation through polls, forums, and events. Shows authentic community support for proposed projects.

Census Data Integration

Tract-level demographic, poverty, and commuting data for the IE. Quantifies equity gaps that strengthen funding justifications.

Key IE Data for Grant Applications

4.6M

IE Population (Riverside + SB Counties)

<1%

Public Transit Commuters

125,737

Commuters with 90+ Minute Commutes

60,270

Zero-Vehicle Households

18.2%

SB County Child Poverty Rate

$7.5B

Transportation Sector Annual Payroll

6,147

Transportation Establishments

984

Census Tracts (Both Counties)

Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, Economic Census, Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates (SAIPE)

Ready to Apply for Funding?

Every Place Counts can help you build a stronger grant application with community data, engagement metrics, and infrastructure assessments. Partner with us to bring transportation funding to the Inland Empire.