PeopleForBikes accepts grant applications from non-profit organizations with a focus on bicycling, active transportation or community development; from city or county agencies or departments and from state or federal agencies working locally. PeopleForBikes only funds projects in the United States. Requests can support a specific project or program and we also support awarding funds for general operating costs.

PeopleForBikes focuses most grant funds on bicycle infrastructure projects, such as:

• Bike paths, lanes, trails and bridges
• Mountain bike facilities
• Bike parks and pump tracks
• BMX facilities
• End-of-trip facilities such as bike racks, bike parking, bike repair stations and bike storage

PeopleForBikes will fund engineering and design work, construction costs including materials, labor and equipment rental and reasonable volunteer support costs. We will fund staffing that is directly related to accomplishing the goals of the initiative.

PeopleForBikes accepts requests for funding up to $10,000. We do not require a specific percentage match, but we do look at leverage and funding partnerships very carefully. We will not consider grant requests in which our funding would amount to 50% or more of the project budget.

• Feasibility studies, master plans, policy documents or litigation
• Signs, maps and travel
• Trailheads, information kiosks, benches and restroom facilities
• Parking lots for motorized vehicles
• Bicycles, helmets, tools and other accessories or equipment
• Events, races, clinics/classes or bicycle rodeos
• Bike recycling, repair or earn-a-bike programs
• Education programs
• General operating costs
• Staff salaries, except where used to support a specific advocacy initiative
• Rides and event sponsorships
• Planning and retreats
• Projects in which PeopleForBikes is the sole or primary funder
• Projects outside the U.S.

PeopleForBikes generally holds 1 cycle per year in the fall. In an effort to make our grants process more environmentally friendly, we have moved to a fully online grant application system. Please see the Apply Now page for more information on the application process.

The Grant Committee will evaluate each application based on the following criteria:

• Project quality — project scope, applicant’s ability to complete project successfully, resources available, alignment between community need and project response and thoughtfulness in location and purpose
• Benefits to the community — population(s) reached, reason and methods for picking this project at this time and potential to increase ridership
• Measurement and evaluation — measurement methodology and applicant’s ability to conduct measurement
• Community support and partnerships — reasons for project prioritization, capacity to make the project a success and community, business and leadership engagement
• Role of PeopleForBikes’ funding — ability of our funds to make a difference and a match or leverage of PFB funds
• Diversity — geographic, project type and size of community

If your proposal is denied, it is not likely to be funded in a future cycle. Please do not resubmit a rejected proposal unless asked to do so.

PeopleForBikes does not consider additional funding requests from grantees for at least three years from the time of the original grant. This policy is designed to promote geographic and project diversity amongst our grant recipients.

Questions?

Please contact PeopleForBikes at info@peopleforbikes.org.