| Grants |
| Information: 621 8th Avenue SE Suite 409 Olympia, WA 98504 Phone: (360) 753-6197 Fax: (360) 586-6489 sysop@wtsc.wa.gov |
GRANTS
WTSC grants are available to qualified agencies and organizations throughout Washington State, to fund innovative programs, projects, services and strategies designed to meet the goal of the Strategic Highways Safety Plan; Target Zero, the elimination of deaths and serious injuries resulting from traffic collisions.
If information regarding a grant for a specific program area is not listed below, please contact the appropriate program manager for information.
Annual Grant Process Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is eligible to apply for a WTSC traffic safety grant?
What is the timeframe for projects funded by this grant?
What is the grant approval process?
What are the reporting requirements?
Can I see a copy of an RFP?
How can I improve my potential to receive a grant?
What costs are allowable/not allowable under these grants?
Who can I call for additional information?
What is the timeframe for submission of a Request for Proposal (RFP)?
What are criteria needed to apply?
School Zone Mini-Grants
Who is eligible for a mini-grant?
What are mini-grants typically used for?
How do I apply for a mini-grant?
School Zone Safety Fund Grants for Law Enforcement
What are these grants typically used for?
What criteria are needed to apply?
How is funding made available?
What are the reporting requirements?
Who can I call with questions?
Who is eligible to apply for a WTSC traffic safety grant?
The following agencies/organizations are eligible to apply for traffic safety grants:
- Washington state agencies
- Federally recognized tribal governments
- Washington cities, counties and their sub-agencies
- Non-profit organizations with existing IRS 501©(3) status
- Washington public schools (and private schools with non-profit status)
What is the timeframe for submission of a Request for Proposal (RFP)?
- Advertisement for RFP’s is typically initiated in March of each year, with a due date for submission in early May. Notification of awards is made in July.
What is the timeframe for projects funded by this grant?
- Projects must run from October 1 through September 30 of the following year (federal fiscal year).
What is the grant approval process?
Step One
Upon receipt, the RFP Coordinator and WTSC staff will review and evaluate the proposals. WTSC will evaluate the merits of each proposal based on the following criteria:
- Demonstrated data driven problem identification in support of Target Zero.
- Project goals, approach and methodology including WTSC emphasis areas
- Demonstrated prevention/intervention strategies, innovation, work plan and schedule
- Measurable evaluation component
- Staff qualifications and experience
- Budget detail
- Matching funds
Step Two
Technical Advisory Committee Review: Projects recommended for funding by staff are then reviewed and evaluated by the WTSC Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), which is composed of representatives of the agencies and organizations that are members of the Traffic Safety Commission. If the TAC recommends changes to any proposal, those changes may be negotiated.
Step Three
The WTSC Commissioners will make final grant decisions at their quarterly meeting in July.
What are the reporting requirements?
The Washington Traffic Safety Commission requires three types of reports in conjunction with traffic safety projects:
- Quarterly reports during the life of a project;
- A final report at the conclusion of a project. This is to include training and consultant reports, if applicable; and
- Special reports as required.
Project reports provide WTSC with information that can be used to strengthen the state’s overall traffic safety program. These reports should keep the Commission informed of a project’s progress, explain any difficulties encountered, provide a background of information that can be passed on to others, suggest ways in which the Commission can assist with the project and aid in distribution of state funds.
Quarterly Reports: Submitted quarterly these are due in the Traffic Safety Commission’s office within fifteen (15) calendar days after the end of the reporting calendar quarter as follows:
First Quarter:
October 1 – December 30
Report due January 15
Second Quarter:
January 1 – March 31
Report due April 15
Third Quarter:
April 1 – June 30
Report due July 15
Fourth Quarter:
July 1 – September 30
Report due October 15
Final Report: Final reports are to be detailed and must describe whether the project objectives were accomplished, if technical and fiscal problems were encountered, and what improvements in traffic safety have resulted or probably will result. Included in final reports will be copies of publications, training reports and any statistical data generated in project execution. These final reports should discuss the following:
- Accomplishments compared to the original project objectives;
- Were all activities of the project completed as scheduled? Include dates and milestones when studies were completed; equipment acquired, installed and operated;
- Any unanticipated proceedings that affected the project;
- Funding and costs for completion of the project in relationship to original estimates; and
- Third party performance if applicable. A copy of any consultant reports should be included with the final report.
Special Reporting: Special reporting procedures may be required. If so, reporting frequency will be detailed in the project agreement.
- Click here to view the most recent RFP application. Please note that these applications may only be submitted from March through May of each year, and then only after advertised on the WTSC website.
How can I improve my potential to receive a grant?
- Priority is given to grants that address the priorities in our Strategic Highway Safety Plan; Target Zero. Click here to review the Target Zero document.
- Projects that include matching funds will receive special consideration. Please note other funding sources, such as local funds or other resources in the overall project budget.
- Typical project grants range in amount from $800 to $50,000. Applicants requesting even more substantial funding should target regional or statewide issues.
- WTSC funds grants on a “cost reimbursement” basis only. WTSC will not make payments in advance or in anticipation of goods or services.
What costs are allowable/not allowable under these grants?
- Examples of allowable project costs include:
- Implementation of strategies to address traffic safety problems;
- Public education campaigns;
- Equipment and materials; and
- Training and travel directly related to project goals.
- Examples of unallowable project costs: All projects must follow appropriate state and federal funding regulations. Examples of unallowable project costs include the following:
- Office furniture and fixtures;
- Routine roadway construction or maintenance; and
- Funds that supplant existing budgets*.
* Federal regulations prohibit supplanting of funds. Examples of supplanting include:
- Using federal grant funds to replace routine or existing State and local expenditures.
- Using funds to conduct activity required by RCW, WAC or other statute.
Further information is available in the Federal Office of Management and Budget Circular, A-87, Cost Principles for State, Local and Indian Tribal Governments: http://www.whitehouse.gov/OMB/circulars/a087/a087.html
Who can I call for additional information?
For specific program areas, please contact the appropriate program manager. For general questions, contact Brian Jones, Program Director.
SCHOOL ZONE GRANT FAQ’s
Governmental agencies and political subdivisions, to include state agencies, city and county agencies and tribal governments, within Washington State, are invited to participate in grant funded projects to purchase school zone flashing beacons/lighting to be used in legally marked elementary school zones.
What is the timeframe for submission of a Request for Proposal (RFP)?
School Zone flashing light grants are advertised in February during odd numbered years. Submissions are typically due by May 15.
What are criteria needed to apply?
See Request for Proposal (RFP) for specifics of problem identification and related criteria.
Upon receipt, WTSC staff will review the applications. Final approval of projects will be made by the Director of the Traffic Safety Commission. Applicants will be notified in writing of project approvals/denials no later than the second week of June.
How much money is available?
Approved projects may not exceed $7,500 in funding per school zone. (More than one school zone may exist per school.)
What can I use the grant for?
Approved funds shall be used only for the purchase of lighting hardware, computer software and MUTCD approved signage and markings.
Costs associated with the installation and maintenance of the flashing light system is the responsibility of the grantee.
WTSC grants are funded on a cost reimbursement basis only. No payments in advance or in anticipation of goods and services will be made by WTSC. All cost for the purchase of the flashing light system will be reimbursed to the approved applicant following proper invoicing to WTSC.
What is the project period?
These projects shall begin within 60 days of grant approval, and installation shall be completed within 120 days of grant approval.
A final report shall be submitted within one year of installation detailing the impact of this project within the school zone including whether or not the goals outlined in your original proposal were achieved. The speed data collected for the final report should be consistent with the conditions existing during baseline data collection. One year of post installation collision data should be included as well.
What is the CFDA number?
As these are state funds, no CFDA number is required for any school zone grant.
School Zone –Mini Grants
Who is eligible for a mini-grant?
Public, private and tribal schools within the state of Washington.
What are mini-grants typically used for?
Mini-grants are available for equipment that will enhance school zone and/or pupil transportation safety. Examples of items typically approved are supplies for school zone crossing guards such as raincoats, hats, vests and radios.
How do I apply for a mini-grant?
To apply for mini grants (up to $300.00) please submit, via e-mail or letter, the following:
- A list of the equipment you wish to purchase;
- The cost of the equipment;
- A brief description of how this equipment will enhance school zone safety.
You will receive an e-mail letting you know if your grant request is approved, followed by formal correspondence outlining reimbursement procedures. You would then purchase the equipment and submit for reimbursement.
School Zone Safety Fund Grants for Law Enforcement
State, county, city and tribal law enforcement agencies.
What are these grants typically used for?
School Zone Safety Fund grants are used by law enforcement for equipment that will directly enhance their enforcement efforts in support of school zone and/or pupil transportation safety.
What criteria are needed to apply?
Law enforcement agencies need to provide sufficient problem identification, demonstrating a need for enforcement in school zones within their jurisdictions. This may include average speeds in school zones, collision history, complaints from school staff and/or citizens.
How is funding made available?
Funds are provided on a reimbursement basis. Agencies need to have demonstrated that they currently engage in school zone enforcement to qualify for funding.
What are the reporting requirements?
Both output and outcome data are required; the time frames for reporting will vary based on the grant detail.
Who can I call with questions?
Contact Brian Jones, Program Director
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