Eligibility
Any local transit coalition is eligible, provided it has the support of the local APTA transit system member(s) and is a member of the National Alliance for Public Transportation Advocates (NAPTA). For this grant program, a coalition is defined as a collection of groups and/or individuals joined together for the common purpose of promoting transit. An APTA transit system member may apply for the funds on behalf of a coalition or a coalition may apply directly for the funds. Click here to join NAPTA.
Grant Funding Amounts
Grant amounts awarded to coalitions for projects generally will not exceed $5,000. However, projects with a focused advocacy component may be considered for additional funding. All funds are to be spent in accordance with the project scope between the date of the grant award letter and June 30, 2009. Matching funds are not required as a condition of grant approval.
Funding Restriction
These funds are not intended to be used for partisan political activities. Costs incurred before the date of the approval letter are not eligible for funding.
Project Scope
Projects should focus on grassroots activities advocating for increased public transportation funding on the local and state levels with an emphasis on improving service to increase transit ridership. Grant recipients are also expected to be vocal advocates with their respective federal representatives pertaining to annual Congressional appropriations for transit.
Application Development
Applications must demonstrate that the organization to receive the money is already in existence and that the organization is capable of carrying out the project scope. This demonstration may consist of: bylaws; articles of incorporation; or other similar documentation.
Application
The application must be submitted to APTA by Friday, May 30, 2008. The project narrative should not exceed 3 pages. Applications can be submitted via email or in a written format by either fax or mail. The letter of support can be submitted only by fax or mail. Please send all information to:
Kylah Hynes
American Public Transportation Association
1666 K Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20006
(202) 496-4807
Fax: (202) 496-4322; Email: khynes@apta.com
The following information must be included in your application:
- Cover Letter including all information below:
- Applicant name, phone and fax numbers and email
- Address
- Coalition name
- Amount of grant request
- Identify payee
- APTA member transit system(s) in the affected area if different from applicant
- Organizational Capacity Information
- Project Narrative (Not to Exceed 3 Pages)
Organizational Capacity
Every applicant must:
- Describe the organizational capacity to implement the proposed project. Please include a list of officers and organizations that are members of your coalition.
- Include a letter of support for the grant proposal from the general manager of the local APTA member transit system(s).
Project Narrative
Provide a summary of your project, and include:
- A description of the project
- The goals and objectives of the project
- How you plan to implement the project
- The project's timeline, milestones and deliverables
- The project budget
- An evaluation and performance measurement component
Review Process
APTA/NAPTA will review each application and make a recommendation of eligibility based on:
- Need
- Strength of project plan
- Likelihood of achieving positive results
- Geographic diversity
- Political targets
All applicants will be notified in writing as to the status of their applications in July, 2008.
Grant Conditions
APTA will distribute the first half of the amount awarded upon receipt of the signed grant agreement. The grantee must provide a progress report before receiving the second and final payment. APTA reserves the right to terminate the grant at its discretion.
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