Safe Routes To School - Funding

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As your SRTS program grows, you'll need to secure funding to continue the program. This brief funding guide outlines three major types of funding for SRTS programs: federal funds through SAFETEA-LU, Capital Funding and Program Funding.

National Safe Routes to School Funding
On August 10, 2005, President Bush signed into law the newest national transportation bill: the “Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act — A Legacy for Users” (SAFETEA-LU). Over the next six years, this bill makes available more than $286 billion to add to and improve our roads and bridges, rail and bus service, and (yes) bicycle and pedestrian facilities.

Section 1404 of the bill establishes a national Safe Routes to School program, with each state receiving -- on average -- about $2 million in funding per year. This money may be used to pour concrete and repaint crosswalks near schools; it can also be used for programs to actively encourage walking and bicycling to school, public awareness campaigns to educate students, parents, and drivers, and for training.

Each state can choose how it will distribute the money, and design its own application form. Your first step is to contact your state's Safe Routes to School coordinator (SAFETEA-LU requires that each state have one). For a current contact list for the state coordinators, click here.

For Updates on using the Transportation Funding Bill (SAFETEA-LU) monies for Safe Routes to School, check this page at America Bikes.

Capital Funding

Capital funding is used to create infrastructure. Cities and counties are always seeking grants for capital funding to build sidewalks, create bicycle lanes, develop multi-use pathways, and to complete other projects identified in the “Safe Streets” section of this Toolkit. It is important to note that cities and counties generally must be the “applicant” for any capital funding projects that relate to changing civic infrastructure. By collaborating with your local jurisdiction, you can help them “find the money.” Because funding programs vary state to state (and are always changing), the following list of funding sources is only intended as a general guide:

Transportation Enhancements -- There are many programs within SAFETEA-LU (introduced above), one being Transportation Enhancements (TE), which includes bicycle and pedestrian projects. Both construction and safety programs are eligible for TE funds. Each state is given a share of Transportation Enhancements funds to distribute on a competitive basis, and local funding may also be made available through a Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO).

Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) funds are another transportation bill funding source often used to pay for improvements for walking and bicycling.

State Highway Safety Funds, “402 Funds”
Each state has a traffic safety office that allocates federal Section 402 highway safety funds. Although each state handles this program differently, most funding is available on a competitive basis for projects that increase road safety. Over the years, many states have used a portion of their 402 funds to pay for bicycle and pedestrian safety projects related to education, enforcement, and encouragement.

The Legislative Angle
An engineering component is part of a comprehensive SRTS program, and that means money for infrastructure. One way to finance these necessary changes is to convince state legislatures to earmark part of their transportation funds for SRTS projects. In 1999, California became the first state to pass such legislation, specifically designating a third of its federal (TEA-21) safety set-aside money, about $20 to $25 million per year, for construction projects that would make corridors leading to school safer.

State Funding Programs
Several states have bicycle and/or pedestrian funding accounts that are available on a competitive basis. In California, for example, there is the Bicycle Transportation Account and the Safe Routes to School account.

Local County and City Funding
Most cities and counties adopt budgets on an annual basis. Many cities and counties have included funding in their general fund budgets for bicycle and pedestrian projects. In addition, some projects are inexpensive and can often be handled without a grant (such as striping crosswalks, installing signage, and marking bicycle lanes on roads with adequate width).

Sales Tax Funding
Many counties have passed transportation sales taxes that specify funding for transportation infrastructure. For example, in Alameda County, California, five percent of the county’s transportation sales tax funding will go to bicycle and pedestrian projects.

Program Funding

As you run your Safe Routes to School program, you may also find that you need funding to support the overall program, including hiring a coordinator, purchasing incentives, printing newsletters, etc. When looking for funding to run the program, be sure to emphasize that Safe Routes to School improves the entire community by relieving traffic congestion, improving the environment, creating alternative transportation routes, and improving the health of children and the community. In order to receive tax-deductible donations (which is important to most donors), you will need to affiliate your Safe Routes to School group with a non-profit agency or school district.

Corporations and Businesses
Contact local corporations and businesses to ask if they will support your program with cash, prizes, and/or donations such as printing services. It’s good to ask your parent leaders where they work; they often can help you get a “foot in the door.” When contacting a company, ask for information about their “community giving programs.”

Foundations
There are institutions throughout the country that provide funding to non-profit organizations. The Foundation Center is an excellent source of potential funding sources. Narrow your funding possibilities by first searching for geographic region of giving. Look under categories for transportation, health, environment, and community building.

Individuals
Statistically, individuals give more money than corporations and foundations combined. You can begin a local fund drive by working within your existing network of team leaders, and outreaching to the larger community.

Events
Many programs have raised funds by holding special events. Use the Safe Routes to School theme to attract funding. Hold a walkathon or a bicycling event. You also can choose more traditional fundraising efforts, such as bake sales, concerts, talent shows, etc.

Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) and School Districts
Many PTAs have funds to distribute to school programs and often schools have safety funding. Contact your local PTA and the School District to see if there is a method for applying for a grant.

Ultimately, finding capital and program funding for your Safe Routes to School program will be an ongoing effort that requires cooperation with local government. Funding takes time, so don't be discouraged. You can start your program small and build on your successes.