Funding to support mobility management, transportation coordination and community-based transportation services can come from a variety of sources. While a number of federal and state grants and programs specifically target transportation, there are also social and human service funding sources for which transportation is an eligible expense. In Massachusetts a number of local foundations and other non-traditional sources offer financial support for local mobility initiatives.

This page provides summary information on:

Federal Funding

The Federal Transit Administration is the primary source of federal funding for public transit and community transportation programs. The three primary programs are:

  • Transportation for Elderly Persons and Persons with Disabilities ("5310")
    This federal program (49 U.S.C. 5310), known as "5310," provides formula funding to assist private nonprofit groups and certain public agencies in meeting the transportation needs of the elderly and persons with disabilities when existing mass transportation service is unavailable, insufficient, or inappropriate .
  • Job Access and Reverse Commute ("5316")
    The federal Job Access and Reverse Commute (JARC) Program, also known as "5316," was established to address the unique transportation challenges faced by welfare recipients and low-income persons seeking to obtain and maintain employment.
  • New Freedom Program ("5317")
    The federal New Freedom formula grant program, also known as "5317." provides funding opportunities for additional tools to overcome existing barriers facing Americans with disabilities seeking integration into the workforce and full participation in society.

Program information about all FTA grants

The MassDOT Rail and Transit Division administers many of these federal programs at the state level. Look under the Grants tab for information on both state and federal transportation grant programs.

Other Resources on Federal Funding

Notices of FTA funding availability

US Department of Health and Human Services grants page

Building Mobility Partnerships for People with Disabilities: Opportunities for Federal Funding by Easter Seals Project Action, Jan 2007.  This document serves as a compendium of federal sources of funding for transportation of individuals with disabilities. For each program a general description, how the program funds may be used, and contact information is provided.

Federal Investment Guide by CTAA, 2005
Although somewhat dated, this guide contains useful descriptions of 61 federal programs that could be a source of funds to help states and communities address transportation needs.

Grants.gov
This is the official government site for information on federal grants and funding. Managed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the site offers a database of more than 1,000 grant programs, searchable by agency, category, eligibility or CFDA number.

Use of TANF, WtW and Job Access Funds for Transportation (joint guidance from FTA, HHS and DOL)
Discussion of three specific Federal funding sources that can be used to address the transportation needs of people transitioning from welfare to work.

State Funding or State Administered Programs

Mobility Assistance Program
In Massachusetts the federal "5310" funding is combined with state funds into the Mobility Assistance Program, administered by MassDOT. It provides capital assistance to public agencies for the purchase of vehicles and related equipment to be used in the provision of transportation services to the elderly, persons with disabilities, and others on a "seats available" basis for whom existing public and/or private mass transportation is unavailable, insufficient, or inappropriate

Other State Programs
Many other state programs will allow some of the funds awarded to community agencies to be used for consumer transportation expenses. The best way to search for upcoming procurements of community based services is to check CommPASS (the Commonwealth Procurement Access and Solicitation Site) which provides free, around-the-clock access to all bid documents valued over $50,000 issued by Massachusetts executive departments.

Other Sources of Financial Support

Foundations
Community Foundations are nonprofit, tax-exempt, publicly-supported grantmaking organizations which often maintain diverse grant programs that are not limited in scope. These foundations often play a leadership role in their communities and serve as a resource for grant information and technical assistance for local nonprofits. The Grantsmanship Center has a list of Massachusetts based community foundations

The Boston Foundation is the largest and most well known of the state's community foundations. Its two main strategic goals are that Greater Boston residents are successful and thriving and Greater Boston communities are vibrant.

Barr Foundation, the state's largest foundation, is located in Boston and awards grants that address its priorities, especially those related to climate change. As a result, the Barr Foundation also focuses on improving the links between where people live, work, learn and play, and to making all forms of transportation - driving, biking, walking, public transit - safer and more affordable, accessible.

Smith Family Foundation launched a small capital grants initiative to fund one-time capital expenses that directly enhance smaller non-profits' ability to serve their clients. The grants range in size from $5,000-$50,000, and may be used for such purposes as facility improvements, vehicles, equipment purchases and other non-expendable assets.

Other Funding Resources

Associated Grantmakers is the regional association of grant makers, both foundations and corporations with giving programs, serving in, or making grants in Massachusetts and New Hampshire

Foundation Center is a comprehensive source of information on private philanthropy in the United States. Their searchable database of foundations requires a subscription fee to access, however it also offers free online resources.

 

This information is provided by Human Service Transportation Office.