Innovative Mobility Program microgrants were created as a response to community feedback for a low barrier grant program that offers immediate funding. These $15,000 grants are intended to support new and existing projects that support historically underserved communities' access to public and active transportation.
The microgrant program will be open for grant applications in 2024 and 2026, with a $350,000 funding allocation in 2024. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis from March 25 – November 29, or until the funding allocation is met. Although microgrant funding is not competitive, $175,000 of funding will be reserved for nonprofits.
| | | |
| September 2022 – June 2023 | | |
| March 25, 2024 – November 29, 2024 | | |
| March 2026 – November 2026 | | |
Who is eligible to apply?
The following entities are eligible to apply for a microgrant:
- Local, regional, Tribal, and state government agencies (excluding the Oregon Department of Transportation).
- Public schools, school districts, colleges, and universities.
- Transportation providers.
- Businesses providing community services.
- Nonprofits and entities with 501(c)(3) status.
- Organizations with fiscal sponsorship from a nonprofit with 501(c)(3) status or public agency.
IMP microgrants can be used to fund a wide variety of projects and activities so long as they meet the goals of the program. Examples include events, demonstration projects, lending libraries and shared mobility services, and transportation needs assessments, among others. We encourage innovation, collaboration and creativity in meeting the needs of underserved groups across Oregon. Please refer to the Program Guidance for a comprehensive list of eligible activities and restrictions on uses of funds.
Interested in learning more?
Please review the application process and program resources below before you apply. Still have questions or need technical assistance after reviewing? Please contact IMP staff at
innovativemobility@odot.oregon.gov to schedule a meeting or sign up for a meeting through our
booking page.
Step 1: Review the following documents before applying.
Microgrant Budget Template: Required template for listing projected expenses related to your proposed project to be summited with your application.
Microgrant Insurance Guidelines: All nonprofit and private applicants will need to submit a Certification of Insurance (COI) that meets State of Oregon requirements. This document outlines the types of insurance coverage and the minimum coverage limits set within the grant agreement that are needed to receive a microgrant award.
Microgrant 3-party Agreement Template: This is the 3-party grant agreement used to award microgrants to organizations with fiscal sponsorship. (Link coming soon!)
Microgrant Progress/Final Report Form: A link to the online reporting form that all microgrant grantees are required to use to submit a progress report and/or a final report. All questions can be previewed.
Microgrant Application Form: A link to the online application form that all applicants are required to use. All questions can be previewed.
Microgrant FAQ: This is a living document updated with answers to questions about the microgrant program organized by topic. Last updated: 3/21/24.
1
Step 2: Review and complete the budget template.
2
Step 3: Fill out the online application.
3
Cycle 1 Information
Cycle 1
From September 2022 – June 2023, the IMP awarded over 60 microgrants of up to $5,000 totaling more than $300,000. These funds helped support the purchase of safety gear, educational activities, subsidized transit fare, and other innovative projects that make it easier to walk or roll, share rides, or take transit in an equitable and sustainable manner. A full list of executed microgrant projects can be found here.
Competitive grants
The IMP intends to award competitive grants to projects that support historically underserved communities' access to public and active transportation.
ODOT completed its first round of community engagement for the IMP in the summer of 2022, which included community-based organizations, government agencies, and transportation providers. ODOT received feedback on which services people need, who is interested in providing them, and what the barriers might be for taking part in the IMP, especially for members of historically underserved groups. You can read a summary of what we heard and how we're incorporating it into our design of the IMP here (en español) or read our 2022 IMP Engagement Report.
What is the status of the competitive grants?
Over the past several months, we have been working to confirm the activities and expenses that will be eligible for funding through the IMP. Because of the innovative nature of the types of projects we hope to fund, this process has taken longer than anticipated. The IMP is still fully funded but the timeline for the competitive grants has changed. Staff anticipate providing an update soon.
Contracted services
Contracts will be awarded through a competitive public process. Contracted services under the IMP may include, but is not limited to, technical support for prospective grant applicants and grant awardees, rural vanpool, and other projects that meet the IMP goals.
The first contract has been awarded to Ontiveros and Associates to coordinate the development, planning, and implementation of the competitive grants.
IMP Technical Advisory Committee
The IMP Technical Advisory
Committee (TAC) was created to provide feedback to ensure that competitive
grants are reflective of the IMP goals and that equity is centered in the
design, implementation, and outcomes of the IMP. The TAC is comprised of eight
members and will meet up to six times, after which ODOT staff will determine
whether the committee should continue. ODOT staff will finalize decisions
regarding the scope, design, and implementation of the IMP grants and
contracts. The Oregon Transportation Commission will make grant award funding
decisions. Public comment will be available on work products the IMP TAC
reviews.
The IMP TAC adopted its charter on Nov. 29, 2023. Read the charter here:
IMP TAC Charter
IMP Technical Advisory Committee Meetings
- Start Date and Time
- 4/18/2023 1:00:00 PM
- End Date and Time
- 4/18/2023 2:00:00 PM
- Meeting Address
- Additional Information
- Start Date and Time
- 5/24/2023 2:00:00 PM
- End Date and Time
- 5/24/2023 3:45:00 PM
- Meeting Address
- Additional Information
- Start Date and Time
- 11/29/2023 1:00:00 PM
- End Date and Time
- 11/29/2023 2:00:00 PM
- Meeting Address
- Additional Information