New Grant Cycle: Community Partner Program

Audience seated in a hall attentively listening to a presenter. The presenter stands beside a large screen displaying a "Commutestar" slide with mobile app visuals during the Community Workshop. The room boasts high ceilings and an abundance of natural light from large windows.

Commute.org is thrilled to announce the Community Partner Program, a new initiative aimed at collaborating with and supporting up to five Community Partner organizations. In 2023, the agency conducted outreach to priority audiences who have been under-represented in our programs and we have now developed this grant program to improve awareness and participation with these groups. The partner organizations’ role will involve engaging their community members with information about Commute.org’s commuter programs and services. 

Each grantee will receive $10,000/year to carry out activities over two years, starting on July 1, 2026. Eligibility for the program is open to all 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, or their fiscally sponsored projects, with a proven record of public outreach, communication, social service provision, or case management in San Mateo County. 

The main goal of the program is to increase engagement and feedback from communities underrepresented in our programs and introduce new audiences to commuter benefits in San Mateo County. The Community Partner Grant Program will not only raise awareness of Commute.org’s programs but also aims for mutually beneficial outcomes. The agency envisions a supportive relationship where financial aid enhances transportation access, deepens connections, and benefits diverse communities. Despite the modest grant size, effective collaboration and communication are expected to impact the communities served by our partners.

For more information about the grant application and full materials, visit the Community Partner Program webpage.  

Grant Application Timeline:  

  • March 2, 2026: Call for Applications posted on Commute.org website and promotion
  • March 6, 11 am: Virtual Workshop (will be recorded), Register here!
  • March 11: Questions due for Q&A. Please send questions to Emma Shlaes emma@commute.org with the subject line “Community Partner Grant Program questions”
  • March 16: Q&A posted on Commute.org website
  • March 20: Proposals due by 5 pm PT
  • March 23-April 3: Review committee meets
  • April 16: Board meeting to approve grantees; Grantees notified
  • May and June: contracting
  • July 1, 2026: Grant period begins

 

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