WalkWorks

The WalkWorks Active Transportation Planning Program, led by the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) through its Bureau of Health Promotion and Risk Reduction, Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity, and administered in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Downtown Center (PDC), announces its tenth funding round. The initiative supports municipalities and planning organizations in Pennsylvania in the development of Active Transportation Plans (ATPs) aimed at creating equitable, accessible, and health-promoting environments by facilitating safer and more connected pedestrian, bicycle, wheelchair, and public transit infrastructure. This funding is made available via the CDC’s Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant and A Strategic Approach to Advancing Health Equity for Priority Populations with or at Risk for Diabetes Grant. WalkWorks ATP grants are designed to assist communities in developing local or regional plans that align with principles of Complete Streets and Vision Zero. These plans target the improvement of walkability, ADA compliance, bicycle access, and transit connectivity, ultimately enhancing physical activity, reducing health disparities, and improving community health outcomes. Funding can be used to develop stand-alone ATPs or plans that are integrated with broader planning documents, such as Comprehensive or Safety Action Plans. Projects may focus on areas such as Safe Routes to School or Parks, depending on the applicant’s needs and community context. Engineering design or construction is not eligible under this funding. Eligible applicants include municipalities (boroughs, townships, cities, and counties) and Metropolitan or Rural Planning Organizations (MPOs/RPOs) within Pennsylvania. Nonprofit organizations and consultants may participate as project partners, but the primary applicant must be a public entity. Priority will be given to applicants located in State Physical Activity and Nutrition (SPAN) and Diabetes Priority Counties, or in areas with an overall Environmental Justice rating above 60% in the DEP PennEnviroScreen Tool. These areas often face significant health disparities and lack safe, active transportation options. Funding levels are scaled by population size and priority status. Awards range from $15,000 to $50,000, with no match required for priority communities. Non-priority applicants must provide a 1:1 cash match. All funding is disbursed on a reimbursement basis, except for an initial 50% disbursement upon finalizing the subaward agreement. The remainder is released upon project completion with required documentation. Projects must be completed by June 30, 2027. A draft plan is due by April 30, 2027. Reporting and community engagement are mandatory, with metrics tracked annually for five years post-grant. The application deadline is March 20, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET. Applications can be submitted using a provided form via email or through an online submission platform. Key application components include a detailed narrative covering health data, infrastructure gaps, equity goals, and planning alignment; letters of support; a budget; documentation of match (if applicable); and confirmation of state agency outreach. A non-mandatory informational webinar is scheduled for February 4, 2026. Questions are accepted via email until March 6, 2026, with responses distributed by March 13, 2026. Applications will be reviewed by an interagency team from DOH, PennDOT, DCNR, DCED, and others. Evaluation criteria include community health needs, planning integration, equity impact, stakeholder engagement, budget clarity, and project feasibility. The award announcements are expected by June 30, 2026. Selected grantees must establish a diverse steering committee and engage in bi-monthly calls, public outreach, and progress reporting. Final plans must include project prioritization, cost estimates, and implementation strategies. WalkWorks will provide press release materials upon award confirmation, and all public communications must cite CDC and DOH funding sources.

Clearly address equity, health needs, and planning integration; ensure complete supporting documents including planning body and agency letters.