The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is seeking applications for its Community Planning and Capacity Building (Planning) Grants, a competitive funding opportunity under CARB’s Sustainable Community-Based Transportation Equity suite of programs.
Donor Name: California Air Resources Board
State: California
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 02/10/2026
Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000
Grant Duration: 2 Years
Details:
Community Planning and Capacity Building (Planning) grants per project to help communities plan for clean, equitable transportation solutions. These grants support early-stage planning, outreach, workforce development, and local readiness – especially for Tribal governments, rural communities, schools, and first-time applicants.
Planning grants provide funding to under-resourced California communities to strengthen outreach, build partnerships, and assess local transportation and mobility needs. These grants are designed to meet communities where they are – whether just beginning to plan or continuing to build capacity – while supporting long-term priorities for clean, safe, and equitable transportation.
Planning grants prioritize Tribal Governments, rural areas, schools, and Community-Based Organizations that have not previously worked on State grants, expanding opportunities for communities across California to shape and advance transportation equity.
A Planning grant does not require a fully developed plan. Applicants need to show readiness to engage their community, a clear vision for assessing local needs, and a commitment to building capacity for clean and equitable transportation. Support is available to help applicants develop their proposals.
By funding early-stage planning and capacity building, these grants help communities prepare for and compete more effectively for larger State and federal opportunities – such as California’s Clean Mobility Options (CMO) and Sustainable Transportation Equity Project (STEP) programs, or similar funding sources.
Goals and Objectives
The Planning and Capacity Building program supports disadvantaged communities by ensuring they have the opportunity to assess local transportation needs, build partnerships, and organize effectively to access CARB and other funding. The program is designed to empower communities to develop the groundwork needed to implement changes that both meet community priorities and reduce emissions. Planning grants help communities in a variety of ways:
- Fund and support capacity-building, data collection, and community engagement in communities with limited resources, providing a foundation of readiness for future transportation projects.
- Document and understand community-specific transportation needs, including gaps in access, affordability, safety, and environmental equity.
- Engage local governments, Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), and residents — including youth, parents, elders, and Tribal members — in identifying and planning clean transportation improvements.
- Build readiness for transportation planning that reflects community priorities and ensures equitable participation.
- Develop plans, partnerships, and knowledge to pursue future funding for transportation or other sector initiatives.
- Promote safe, clean, and accessible transportation options for students, workers, and families.
- Strengthen internal community capacity through trainings, technical assistance, partnerships, and outreach.
Funding Information
- $7.3 million total with up to $500,000 per grant.
- Projects must start by May 4, 2026, and must be complete by January 31, 2028.
Eligible Activities
Planning grants can support a variety of activities, such as:
- Conducting community transportation needs assessments
- Planning clean mobility options or safer streets
- Engaging people most impacted to shape local transportation decisions
- Developing local workforce training tied to transportation projects
- Building partnerships and shared visions across community groups
Eligibility Criteria
- Community-Based Organizations
- Local Governments
- Tribal Governments
- Public Schools
The Lead Applicant:
- Is the main point of contact for the application
- Signs the grant agreement (if selected)
- Oversees the project and manages funds
For more information, visit CARB.
