Child Passenger Safety Training and Distribution Grant 2025-2026

The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) Traffic Safety Division (TSD) is seeking proposals for the 2025-2026 Child Passenger Safety Training and Distribution (CPSTD) Grant. This grant is designed to reduce child traffic-related fatalities and injuries by increasing the proper use and distribution of child restraints. The funding supports Child Passenger Safety (CPS) projects that focus on training and distributing safety equipment through a network of Child Passenger Safety Inspection Stations (CPSIS), professionals, and law enforcement officers across Indiana.

The CPSTD Grant is federally funded through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and administered by ICJI. The funding prioritizes reducing child injuries and fatalities by educating communities on the correct use of child restraint systems, increasing the number of certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs) and Instructors (CPSTIs), and providing essential safety training to law enforcement. The program also facilitates continuing education for CPS professionals and ensures the proper installation and distribution of child restraint systems, particularly in areas with high birth and marriage rates.

Eligible applicants include state agencies, local government units, higher education institutions, and nonprofit organizations. Applicants must comply with federal and state requirements, including submitting quarterly performance measures, adhering to 2 CFR Part 200 regulations, and participating in grant monitoring. The program requires a 20% match, which can come from personnel time, equipment purchases, or cash contributions. All projects must align with NHTSA’s Countermeasures that Work guidelines and demonstrate data-driven, evidence-based approaches to child passenger safety.

The application process is managed through the IntelliGrants system. Proposals must be submitted electronically by March 31, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET. Required documents include the applicant’s most recent audit, federal indirect cost rate approval (if applicable), and CPST wallet cards for certified staff. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications at least 48 hours before the deadline to avoid technical issues.

Funding decisions will be based on a competitive review process that assesses project alignment with program priorities, use of crash data, eligibility, and adherence to federal and state laws. Award notifications will be issued before the project start date of October 1, 2025. All grant activities must be completed by September 30, 2026, with final financial reports due within 30 days after project completion. Any unspent funds will not be reimbursed beyond this deadline. Recipients are required to maintain compliance with federal regulations, participate in grant monitoring, and submit quarterly reports to ensure program accountability.