How to Apply

TEF supports the community through three ongoing programs: Transit Pass Program, Microgrants, and Demonstration Projects.

Transit Passes

TEF awards eligible 501c3 organizations, tax exempt veteran organizations, and governmental entities with discounted and no-cost transit passes through an annual application process. The purpose of passes is to empower individuals to access employment, education, healthcare, or social services.

Passes must be used for individuals who are at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level, are transit dependent, and reside within the Capital Metro service area. Upon award, participating agencies are required to report on distribution of passes quarterly to TEF.

TEF is not currently accepting applications for the Transit Pass Program. Please sign up for our mailing list to receive announcements on upcoming calls for applications.

Demonstration Projects

The Transit Empowerment Fund (TEF) invites local non-profits and community organizations to submit letters of interest for planning or demonstration projects designed to address mobility and transportation gaps for low-income populations within the CapMetro Service area.

To apply, please submit a letter of interest (LOI) including a project description, timeline, and budget. Please follow the instructions outlined in this document. The TEF Board reviews Demonstration and Planning Projects on a quarterly basis.

The Board is interested in learning about projects that:

(1) address a demonstrated need in the community;

(2) leverage existing resources or partnerships efficiently;

(3) support or leverage environmentally efficient modes of transportation such as shared rides, public transit, or active modes; and

(4) could be sustained through follow-on funding after the demonstration period. The Board will consider both planning and demonstration projects.

Microgrants

Microgrants are intended to support a single event or project that meets the TEF mission of empowering people by increasing access to transit options. Microgrants may also be used to address a short-term need for transit passes in special circumstances. The maximum grant award is $1,000. To learn more about the Microgrant program and eligibility criteria, please click here.

To submit an application, please complete the form below. Applications will be reviewed by the TEF Board on a quarterly basis: in January, April, June, and October.

Microgrant Application

Organization*
Organization Address*
Contact Person*
Contact Phone Number*
Contact Email*
Organization's Mission*
Will the microgrant be used to support an event or short-term project that assists individuals to access education, employment, healthcare, or social services?*
(Applications aiming to meet an ongoing need will not be approved. Please instead apply for the annual TEF Transit Pass Program.)
- Yes
- No
Will the microgrant be used to support a short-term need for transit passes that assist individuals to access education, employment, healthcare, or social services?*
(Eligibility for applying microgrant funds for passes would be organizations in existence less than 5 years and/or a budget under $250,000.)
- Yes
- No
Describe how this microgrant will support the mission of TEF and assist individuals to access education, employment, healthcare, or social services? (Max 2,000 characters with spaces)*
How many individuals will be impacted?*
Who will be targeted?*
If this is for an event, what is the date, time, location, and purpose of the event?
If this is for transit passes, please describe your plan for determining eligibility and plan for distribution?
If this funding is going to be used as match or leverage for another grant, please let us know here.
Please provide any additional information you'd like the TEF Board to consider.
Please attach a proposed budget in a protected Excel document for this microgrant (maximum of $1000).*
Accepted file types: xls, xlsx, pdf, Max. file size: 512 MB.
Please attach your organization's 501c3 certificate.
Accepted file types: pdf, Max. file size: 512 MB.
TEF is only able to grant to 501c3 or governmental agencies.