The Governor’s Highway Safety Program (GHSP), administered by the North Carolina Department of Transportation, offers grant funding to reduce traffic crashes and improve road safety across the state. The program supports a range of organizations, including law enforcement agencies, local governments, schools, and nonprofits. Funding is provided on a federal fiscal year basis (October 1 to September 30), and applications are generally accepted from January 1 to January 31, though rare exceptions may be made.

GHSP grants focus on key areas such as reducing drunk driving, promoting seat belt use, improving traffic services, and addressing safety for young drivers and motorcyclists. They also target distracted driving and improve safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, older drivers, school buses, and commercial motor vehicles. Eligible projects may include educational programs, law enforcement initiatives, or improvements to traffic record-keeping.

Eligible applicants include local governments, law enforcement, schools, and community organizations. Successful applications must align with GHSP priorities, presenting clear plans for measurable safety improvements. Applicants should include a detailed budget and timeline, and show how their project will reduce crashes or enhance road safety.

Applications are evaluated based on their alignment with GHSP’s goals, project feasibility, and the applicant’s ability to manage the grant. Selected projects are funded for the federal fiscal year beginning October 1. Interested applicants can access training resources, like the GHSP Grant Orientation Video, to ensure they meet all program requirements.