Local Coalition Grant Program

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) offers the Local Coalition Grant Program to empower community-based coalitions working to protect, expand, and promote public transportation. APTA, headquartered in Washington, DC, serves as a leading nonprofit advocacy organization representing all modes of public transportation. Its Local Coalition Grant Program is designed to support grassroots organizing and the advancement of public transit initiatives by providing financial support to local coalitions committed to this mission. The program emphasizes the vital role of localized advocacy in strengthening public transit systems nationwide. This grant opportunity is open to any local coalition focused on public transportation, provided they are supported by their local APTA member(s) and agree to join the National Alliance of Public Transportation Advocates (NAPTA) before receiving funding. Membership in NAPTA is free. A coalition, in this context, refers to a group of individuals and/or organizations united for the shared purpose of promoting transit. Either an APTA member transit agency can apply on behalf of a coalition, or the coalition may apply directly. Coalitions that demonstrate community involvement and collaboration are particularly encouraged to apply. Applicants must submit completed proposals by April 24, 2026. Applications must include a detailed project description, current project phase, fundraising plans, how APTA funds will be utilized, alignment with APTA’s funding priorities, strategies for community engagement, implementation steps, team qualifications, and anticipated project outcomes. Additionally, applicants must provide a letter of support from a public-sector APTA member and include both a project timeline and budget. Funding amounts generally range from $5,000 to $10,000. Although matching funds are not currently required, APTA encourages applicants to consider the grant as either a complementary source of funding or seed money for larger initiatives. APTA prioritizes proposals that focus on improving access to transportation, enhancing infrastructure and fare affordability, increasing public engagement, addressing economic impacts of transit, and advocating for resilient transportation systems that address the effects of extreme weather, especially for vulnerable populations. Grant recipients will be announced around June 2026. Grantees must submit a final report and invoice by November 20, 2026, detailing how funds were spent and highlighting measurable advocacy outputs, such as outreach activity counts. Reports must be submitted in PowerPoint format. Awardees will also have access to the full suite of APTA services, including messaging guidance and campaign support from the APTA Center for Transportation Excellence. For additional questions, applicants may contact Matt Dickens, Senior Director of Policy Development and Research, via email at [email protected]. APTA encourages all applicants to review the full guidelines and apply through its online platform.

Prioritize community engagement and messaging on transit's economic and environmental impact. Highlight community support and clear campaign strategy.