Community Grants

The RTA is committed to being a community partner in helping promote livable community initiatives. This partnership allows RTA to leverage funds that would otherwise go to other parts of the state or country. Originally established in 1996 by the RTA Board of Trustees, the Community Grants Program was established to promote transit-related planning and development in the RTA service area through public/private partnerships and cooperative efforts.

Community Grants assist with transit-related investments above and beyond those which RTA can normally provide, thereby enhancing mobility alternatives for RTA's riders.

The following information provides an overview of the program and outlines requirements for project eligibility.

Eligibility

All jurisdictions within the RTA service area may apply for RTA Community Grants funding. Jurisdictions may also sponsor joint applications with private entities located within their jurisdictional boundaries. Multiple applications may be submitted by a jurisdiction for the same funding year. Projects evaluated as having regional or community significance will also be considered for RTA Community Grants Funding.

Available Funding

RTA will make available Federal 5307 formula funds for the Community Grants program. The Community Grants program will provide 80 percent match to a projects’ budgeted or actual costs, whichever is smaller. Jurisdictions interested in submitting applications must certify that they will provide a 20 percent local match. This program is a reimbursement grant; RTA will reimburse funds expensed to the awarded recipient. Projects must be completed within 12 months of the execution of grant award date to assure RTA's financial commitment to a project.

Guidelines

Applications will be evaluated according to the following policy guidelines:

1. Must be a transit related capital project. Funds cannot be used for events, operating costs, and/or salaries.
2. Provides a positive impact in RTA's service area boundaries.
3. Leverages private, nonprofit and/or other government monies.
4. Does not increase RTA's operating costs.
5. Must be completed within 12 months of the execution of a grant award.

For more information

For more information on the RTA Community Grants program, please contact the RTA Capital Projects Manager at 937-425-8362.