If you’re a grant writer or someone learning how to apply for federal grants, reviewing prior successfully funded grant proposals can assist with shaping your organization’s submission.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, will begin accepting grant applications in March. Now is a good time to check out previously awarded FMCSA grant projects. These projects can spark potential ideas or provide inspiration for your organization to increase commercial motor vehicle safety.
Many local law enforcement, state and local government agencies; federally recognized tribal communities, institutions of higher learning and nonprofit entities are eligible for FMCSA grants, yet are unaware of these opportunities. While individuals cannot apply for FMCSA grants, commercial motor vehicle (CMV) safety affects everyone.
In 2023, FMCSA awarded more than $125 million to fund 142 projects for CMV safety. The following successful grant application examples are just a few of the funded projects. These examples also show how FMCSA taps local industry experts to improve roadway safety and reduce accidents.
1. A law enforcement agency’s successful grant proposal
FMCSA awarded a state highway patrol $1.9 million to obtain a measurable decrease in the number of CMV crashes. They accomplished this by directing additional law enforcement resources towards high-risk corridors and collecting data on the number and type of drivers, and vehicle violations of the CMVs in these areas. They received FMCSA’s High Priority Commercial Motor Vehicle (HP-CMV) Grant.
2. A university’s successful grant proposal
A large state university was awarded $1.7 million to research the prevalence and risks of substance use among CMV drivers and strategies for better compliance oversight and driver education. FMCSA also awarded the university funding to host a Commercial Vehicle Substance Use Safety and Compliance Summit to increase knowledge of substance use trends, associated risks, best practices, resources and lessons learned. They received FMCSA’s High Priority Commercial Motor Vehicle (HP-CMV) Grant.
3. A nonprofit organization’s successful grant proposal
FMCSA awarded a CMV industry nonprofit organization $166,929 to share emerging issues and best practices for enforcement and CMV inspections throughout North America through their magazine and programs. Their staff will solicit and publish articles from industry-wide sources such as law enforcement, federal officials, safety consultants, nonprofits and industry businesses. They received FMCSA’s High Priority Commercial Motor Vehicle (HP-CMV) Grant.
4. A community college’s successful grant proposal
An accredited community college was awarded $193,677 to recruit and enroll qualified students and/or members of underserved communities in the college’s Commercial Driver’s License program. The school anticipates enrolling at least 38 students with a tuition cost of $5,195 each. They received the Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator Safety Training (CMVOST) Grant.
5. A state transportation department’s successful grant proposal
Several states applied for and received the High Priority Innovative Technology Deployment (HP-ITD) grant. One successful grant project example is for deploying e-screening technologies and infrared inspections, decreasing the need for some manual inspections. This technology can detect faulty tires or brakes on commercial vehicles at weigh stations and checkpoints. Last year, FMCSA awarded close to $38 million to local government through the HP-ITD grant. Learn more by downloading the ITD Annual Report.
6. A state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) successful grant proposal
FMCSA awarded a state DMV $792,109 to increase its ability to provide properly trained and certified CDL examiners. This will increase available appointments by 40 percent and reduce backlogs of individuals awaiting testing. They received the Commercial Driver’s License Program Implementation (CDLPI) grant.
FMCSA’s grant writing tips
FMCSA encourages potential applicants to start early. Gathering information and composing a grant application takes time and teamwork. Applications require problem statements with specific data and information. It is important to use available resources such as the FMCSA Grant Resource Center and online webinars. Additional resources can be found at the grants.gov Learning Center.
Success is no accident.
Now that you have several successful grant proposal examples, think about your organization. Does your agency have a similar CMV or CDL project that needs funding? With 2024 FMCSA grant opportunities open for application soon, interested parties should prepare now.
