The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is offering grant opportunities to organizations with impactful project ideas for reducing crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving large trucks and buses. With the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the federal government received funding for national transportation improvements. Those funds are allocated for re-building aging infrastructure of bridges, highways, rail and airports, capital improvements, technology investments, and safety improvements.
Now is the best time for not-for-profit organizations, educational institutions, law enforcement agencies, licensing agencies, recognized Tribes and Alaskan Natives, and other organizations to apply for funding.
Finding Current FMCSA Grant Opportunities
To find the current available grants, visit http://www.grants.gov and enter FMCSA in the search box. Each grant’s objective furthers FMCSA’s mission to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving large trucks and buses. Yet, eligibility and award criteria differ for each grant program. Refer to the grant’s Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for specifics.
FMCSA Grant Applications Open Through April 3
FMCSA is accepting applications for four different competitive grant opportunities through April 3, 2023.
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Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator's Safety Training (CMVOST)
The CMVOST grant funds ways to increase enhanced operator safety training among Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) holders and assist current or former members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their spouses transition to commercial motor vehicle (CMV) careers.
The grant application should include the number of qualified students expected to complete the training and receive a CDL. Check the NOFO at http://www.grants.gov for details.
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Commercial Driver's License Program Implementation (CDLPI)
The CDLPI grant is focused on the execution, improvement, and compliance of the national CDL program to achieve the mission of “One Driver– One License – One Record.”
The projects may include activities that correct a state’s CDL regulatory compliance findings or partnerships among driver licensing agencies, law enforcement, and judicial partners. Check the NOFO at http://www.grants.gov for details.
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High Priority Commercial Motor Vehicle (HP-CMV)
The HP-CMV grant funds activities and projects that improve CMV safety, including increasing public awareness, conducting safety data improvement projects, and developing new technologies.
Projects may address excessive speed, distractions from cell phones, impaired driving, driver fatigue, human trafficking, passenger safety, rural road safety, work zone safety, compliance reviews, and more. Check the NOFO at http://www.grants.gov for details.
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High Priority Innovative Technology Deployment (HP-ITD)
The HP-ITD grant provides funding for the development, deployment, and maintenance of intelligent transportation system technology to support CMV operations.
Projects include any innovative technology solutions meeting ITD program goals such as interstate data exchange of CMV credential and safety information, electronic screening of commercial vehicles, electronic identification of commercial vehicles, electronic work zone notifications for drivers, and more. Check the NOFO at http://www.grants.gov for details.
Who Can Apply for FMCSA Grants?
While individuals and businesses are not eligible, many different types of organizations and government agencies are invited to apply. Refer to each grant’s official NOFO for specifics. You can also check a list of last year’s grant recipients below:
Resources and Training for FMCSA Grant Writers
Applications must be submitted via Grants.gov. FMCSA has webinars, training, funding conferences, and other resources to help you prepare.
Start the Grant Application Process Now
NOFOs are generally released in the first and last quarter of the year, but preparing a compelling grant application can happen year-round. Once a NOFO is released, you have a short deadline to complete your application. It’s never too early to begin the process to be ready for the next grant opportunity
