Local-Motion Grant Program

The Local-Motion Grant Program is administered by the Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Commission through the Bloomington Transportation Commission (TC). This program reflects the city’s commitment to cultivating a walk- and bike-friendly culture. It supports projects that creatively integrate walking and bicycling into community life through events, performances, classes, tours, and other local activities. The fund seeks to celebrate Bloomington’s unique culture while simultaneously reinforcing active transportation values. Initiatives that are cultural, routine, or experimental are eligible, as long as they promote bicycle and pedestrian mobility. The program provides direct support for new or existing local projects, especially those from emerging organizations. Each year, there is a single application cycle, and applicants may submit only one proposal per cycle. Projects must be located within Bloomington city limits and must involve organizations such as nonprofits, locally owned businesses, or neighborhood associations. Individuals may not apply directly and must partner with an eligible organization that will act as the fiscal agent. The 2025 grant cycle opens in September with an application deadline of November 3 at 5:00pm. Applicants are expected to submit their materials through the online portal and to deliver a five-minute presentation with visual aids to the TC on November 17. All presentation materials must be submitted by November 14. Decisions are made following the meeting, with awardees notified shortly thereafter. Grant recipients must use the funds within one year and submit a final report within 30 days of project completion. Failure to comply with these requirements may affect future funding eligibility. The program will award a maximum of $2,400 per project, and applicants must provide at least a 10% cash match. In-kind support is considered favorably but is not required. Grants will not be provided for activities completed before the funding period, capital-only projects, training-only projects, indirect costs, or events not open to the public. Projects designed purely for fundraising or lasting longer than a year are also ineligible. Evaluation is based on three major criteria: transformative quality, community impact, and organizational capacity. Projects should demonstrate collaboration with other initiatives, increase public awareness about non-motorized transportation, show creativity, and indicate potential for sustainability without continued public funding. Reviewers will consider the project's reach, relevance to the community, and whether it enriches local pedestrian and biking culture. Additionally, applicants must show clear planning and capability to execute and sustain the project effectively. For assistance, applicants can contact Hank Duncan, Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator, at hank.duncan@bloomington.in.gov. Submission of an application indicates an understanding and acceptance of all program rules and obligations. Funds not claimed within 60 days of award notification will be forfeited. The Local-Motion Grant represents an opportunity for Bloomington-based organizations to contribute to an active, inclusive transportation culture through creative, community-based projects.

Emphasize creativity, collaboration, sustainability, and public access.