The Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Mini Grant is now accepting applications for the 2025-2026 school year. The Mini Grant program is designed to promote active transportation for students by encouraging walking, biking, and rolling to and from school safely. This initiative aims to create safer school environments and healthier transportation habits while reducing traffic congestion and pollution. Applications for this grant are due by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 7, 2025. Awards will be announced in June.

The Mini Grant provides funding to schools and their associated organizations to support active transportation programs. Funding can be used to encourage students to adopt healthier and safer travel habits and may contribute to broader community improvements in pedestrian and cycling infrastructure. Each school can receive up to $15,000, with a cap of $120,000 for applicants applying on behalf of eight or more schools. At least $7,500 per school must be allocated for a Program Coordinator or personnel costs related to the project.

Eligible applicants for this grant include schools, school districts, municipalities, anchor institutions such as universities and health departments, and non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations. The funding is competitive, with limited resources available. Schools serving students in grades K-12 or affiliated nonprofit organizations may apply. Interested applicants must register their schools before applying and ensure that registration information is up to date if it has not been updated in the past two years.

To assist potential applicants, the SRTS team is offering an informational session titled "How to Apply for a Mini Grant" on February 13 at 3:30 p.m. This session will guide applicants through the submission process and provide an opportunity for a question-and-answer discussion.

Applicants must complete several required documents, including the Mini Grant Instructions, the Request for Proposals (RFP), the Mini Grant Signatures form, the Mini Grant Budget, and Attachment B for applicants applying on behalf of multiple schools. These documents must be uploaded as part of the application submission. The submission should include the organization’s name and the community served.

For additional assistance or inquiries regarding the Mini Grant, applicants can contact Program Coordinator Erin Paskus. The Safe Routes to School initiative is a federal program aimed at improving pedestrian and cyclist safety for children traveling to school. The program supports community efforts to create safer, more accessible routes to school while promoting physical activity and environmental benefits.