Planning Grants for North Carolina Communities
GrantID: 6116
Grant Funding Amount Low: Open
Deadline: Ongoing
Grant Amount High: Open
Summary
This grant opportunity is designed to help local governments and their partners plan for safer and more efficient transportation systems. The program focuses on multimodal planning, meaning it supports efforts to consider and integrate multiple types of transportation — including walking, bicycling, transit, and vehicle traffic — so that communities can be more connected, accessible, and easier to navigate for people of all ages and abilities.
Eligible applicants typically include municipal governments, regional planning organizations, colleges and universities and transportation or community partners working within the state. These entities may apply for funds to develop studies, plans, or design concepts that make it easier for residents to move around their communities by foot, bicycle, public transit, or car. The aim is to help communities think ahead, identify priorities, and prepare strategies that improve mobility, promote safety, and create more livable streets and public places.
Grant awards vary by year and community needs, but funding is generally intended to cover planning-related costs such as data collection, public engagement, technical analysis, mapping, design alternatives, and development of actionable recommendations. Funds are not typically used for actual construction work; instead, they help communities develop the strong foundation of research and planning needed before major projects can be built.
The overarching intent of the program is to support comprehensive, coordinated planning that leads to more connected transportation networks. This can help local governments improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists, expand access to transit options, reduce congestion, and ensure that transportation investments reflect community goals. It encourages communities to plan thoughtfully for future growth and mobility needs so that residents can travel safely and efficiently regardless of how they choose to get around.
If you’d like, I can offer examples of the kinds of planning studies that often get funded through programs like this or break down how to approach a strong application.
To find more grants, go to The Grant Portal and use the Search Grant tool to find your next grant.
Eligible Regions
Interests
Eligible Requirements
