Community Partner Program

Overview

Commute.org is a government agency in San Mateo County dedicated to reducing vehicle miles traveled and solo commutes by offering free, sustainable transportation programs. These include shuttle connections to Caltrain, BART, and the SF Bay Ferry, as well as incentives for biking, carpooling, and vanpooling. In 2023, Commute.org identified participation gaps among priority communities and launched a pilot grant program for 2024-26 to better engage historically underrepresented audiences. Grants were issued for FY 24-25 in July 2024 to three organizations: El Concilio of San Mateo County, Friends for Youth, and Climate Resilient Communities.

The Community Partner Program forms intentional, two-way partnerships with trusted community-based organizations. Through collaboration and shared learning, the program ensures transportation benefits are well-communicated and responsive to diverse community needs. Financial support for partners expands access, strengthens long-term relationships, and increases awareness, participation, and meaningful input from underrepresented communities across San Mateo County.

For 2026-28, Commute.org is launching a new outreach microgrant program for up to 5 Community Partner (non-profit) recipients. Grants will be awarded $10,000 per organization per year for work to be completed over two years, starting July 1, 2026. (See grant guidelines and links to the application and workplan template at the bottom of this page).

 

A group of people are seated in a semicircle in an outdoor setting, engaging in a discussion. Some are on chairs, others on benches surrounding a table with papers detailing outreach and next steps. An umbrella provides shade to the table. Houses and power lines are visible in the background.

Grant Program Eligibility
All 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, or their fiscally sponsored projects, with an established track record of public outreach, communications, providing social services, or case management in San Mateo County are eligible and encouraged to apply.

Grant recipients will be asked to:

  • Provide accurate information about Commute.org’s programs and services to their community
  • Help enroll their constituents in Commute.org programs
  • Collaborate with Commute.org on the development and refinement of programs and services that best meet the needs of the community

Grantees will be provided:

  • $10,000 grant
  • Outreach materials/marketing toolkit in relevant languages, including digital and print flyers, social media posts and graphics
  • Training by Commute.org staff to your staff twice a year on programs and services
  • Presentations or tabling by Commute.org staff twice per year to your audiences
  • Information on other relevant transportation benefit programs in the region
  • Exclusive raffles for Community Partner Grantees’ constituents
  • org swag/prizes for your audience
  • Personalized CommuteStar network for your organization/constituency

Grant Application Process and Requirements

All materials will be posted here. Deadline for applications is March 20, 2026 at 5 pm PT.

The timeline for this process is outlined below and subject to change.

  • March 2, 2026: Call for Applications posted on Commute.org website and promotion (See full guidelines below)
  • March 6, 11 am: Virtual Workshop (recording 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: Applications due by 5 pm PT (see application and workplan template links below)
  • 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

Application Materials