Now accepting applications
A total of $51,150 is available for projects and activities from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022. Applications will be scored and awarded on a rolling basis until funds are expended.
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The Regional Travel Options program provides federal transportation funds to support initiatives that improve air quality, address community health issues and reduce auto congestion through the increased use of walking, biking, taking transit, and ridesharing. Metro RTO Sponsorship and Travel Options Assistance funds (formerly called RTO Sponsorships) are designed to provide ancillary support to initiatives, programs, and events, and provide Metro and partners with strategic marketing or outreach opportunities. No match is required for Sponsorships and Travel Options Assistance.
Being responsive to the changing state of travel options and communities due to COVID-19, the Sponsorship and Travel Options Assistance funds are being adjusted to meet community needs, including:
- Increase in funding amount limit from $3,500 to $5,000
- Broader interpretation of “travel safety items” to include items that can help people use travel options and be safe from COVID-19; see suggestions below
- All funding for FY 2020-21 is available July 1, 2020 (replacing previous two bi-yearly funding cycles)
RTO Sponsorship and Travel Options Assistance are restricted to materials, events and activities that promote travel options as a core function. RTO Sponsorship and Travel Options Assistance funds are not eligible to support fundraising events or compensation for staff time. The following are examples of eligible activities for this funding category. If you are interested in funding for items or projects that are not listed below, please submit a Letter of Interest (instructions on page 15 of the Grant Application Handbook) explaining your project and include any questions. An RTO staff member will determine if your request is eligible for this funding and get back to you.
Examples of eligible activities in this funding category are:
- Maps, educational videos or materials, or supplies for transportation outreach or events
- Translation of transportation materials
- Transportation safety items, such as lights, helmets, bike locks. COVID-19 specific safety items could include face masks, hand sanitizer or safety related signage
- Supportive infrastructure to enhance active transportation, such as wayfinding signage, bike fix-it stations, or bike parking
- Bike repair services or support
- TDM program or challenge incentives, such as gift card incentives or transit incentives for essential workers (excludes vehicle incentives such as bikes or scooters, and Safe Routes incentives)
- Training people on travel options, which includes transit, biking, walking, telecommuting, e-scooters, carpooling, and vanpooling.
Important note: Safe Routes to School incentives are not eligible for Sponsorship and Travel Options Assistance funds at this time. If you are interested in incentives for a Safe Routes to School program, contact Noel Mickelberry, Metro’s Safe Routes to School Program Coordinator at [email protected]
For projects over $5,000, consider applying for an Infrastructure & Innovation grant category.
Who is eligible?
Nonprofit organizations, local governments and educational institutions within the Metro boundary can request a sponsorship.
Regional Travel Options sponsorship funds cannot be used to support:
- fundraisers
- political committees or campaigns
- lobbying
- services which extend beyond the Metro boundary