The Fiscal Year 2025 Community Safety Grant (CSG) administered by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, aims to enhance community safety by supporting nonprofit organizations in preparing for and responding to hazardous materials (HAZMAT) transportation incidents. This funding opportunity aligns with PHMSA's responsibility to ensure the safe and secure movement of HAZMAT and is guided by statutory authority under 49 U.S.C. § 5107(i), reauthorized under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).
The CSG program offers a total of $1,000,000 in funding, with awards expected to range from $100,000 to $500,000 per recipient. Awards are discretionary and support either national outreach and training efforts or the training of state and local enforcement personnel on the safe transport of HAZMAT, including Class 3 flammable liquids. Grant periods of performance range from 12 to 24 months, starting as early as October 1, 2025. Applicants must be 501(c) nonprofit organizations; however, entities engaging in lobbying activities are ineligible. No cost-sharing or matching funds are required.
Applicants must submit their completed applications through Grants.gov by June 20, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EST. Questions related to the NOFO must be submitted by June 13, 2025. Required application components include standard federal forms (SF-424, SF-424A), a lobbying certification, a Title VI civil rights assurance, a project narrative, budget narrative, and any applicable indirect cost agreements or support letters. PHMSA encourages early registration in Grants.gov, SAM.gov, and FedConnect to avoid submission delays.
The project narrative must address organizational capacity, contact details, a clear statement of need, a timeline of proposed training activities, curriculum description, measurable outputs and objectives, and a plan for monitoring and evaluation. The budget narrative should clearly explain and justify costs aligned with SF-424A object class categories. Indirect costs are allowed if supported by a valid cost rate agreement or a 15% de minimis statement.
PHMSA evaluates applications through administrative, technical, and programmatic reviews. Selection criteria assess outreach plans, curriculum quality, training delivery capacity, impact on HAZMAT safety, cost-effectiveness, and rural community relevance. Applications are rated from "Highly Recommended" to "Not Acceptable," and funding decisions will be made by the Secretary of Transportation, following final recommendations by PHMSA leadership.
For more information or technical assistance, applicants may contact Carla Sheppard at Carla.Sheppard@dot.gov or 202-366-1109. Final award announcements are expected by September 30, 2025.
