Grant Management Associates — Funding Intelligence. Winning Strategy.

As we move into the second quarter of 2025, several significant federal funding opportunities are available for rural communities, transportation projects, and clean energy initiatives. Here's a comprehensive overview of upcoming solicitations with approaching deadlines:

Transportation Infrastructure Funding

Build America Bureau Rural and Tribal Assistance Pilot Program

The Rural and Tribal Assistance (RTA) Pilot Program has $27 million available for transportation projects in rural and tribal communities. Applications will be accepted starting March 18, 2025, on a first-come, first-served basis, with the portal closing on April 17, 2025, at 4:59 p.m. ET1. This program offers two types of grants:

Single Project grants for planning and design phase activities of individual projects
Multi-Community grants for planning and design phase activities across at least three separate communities2

DOT Safe Streets for All (SS4A)

The Department of Transportation has released the FY 2025 Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Safe Streets and Roads for All program with over $982 million available. Applications are due June 26, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. ET6. The program offers:

Planning and Demonstration Grants to develop or supplement Action Plans
Implementation Grants to execute strategies consistent with existing Action Plans

FTA Capital Investment Grants (CIG)

This discretionary program funds transit capital investments including heavy rail, commuter rail, light rail, streetcars, and bus rapid transit. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis8. The program requires transit agencies to complete specific phases before receiving construction grant agreements:

New Starts and Core Capacity projects: Project Development and Engineering phases
Small Starts projects: Project Development phase

Rural Development and Connectivity

USDA Community Connect Grant Program - FY 2025

Approximately $26 million is available for FY 2025 to provide broadband service to rural, economically-challenged communities lacking access to 25 Mbps/3 Mbps internet. Applications are due April 21, 2025, by 11:59 a.m. ET3. Individual awards range from $100,000 to $5,000,000, with a required 15% cash match4.

USDA Intermediary Relending Program (IRP) - FY 2025

This program promotes rural economic development and job creation through loans to intermediary lenders. The third quarter deadline is March 31, 2025, with the fourth quarter deadline on June 30, 20255. Key details include:

Loans up to $2 million for intermediary lenders
Fixed 1% interest rate with terms up to 30 years
Ultimate recipients can receive up to $400,000 or 50% of the intermediary loan

USDA Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) Programs - FY 2025

REDLG provides funding to rural projects through local utility organizations, with applications due June 30, 20257. The program offers:

Grants up to $300,000
Loans up to $1,000,000 (reduced from $2,000,000 for second, third, and fourth quarter applications)
Eligible projects include medical care facilities, business expansion, technical assistance, and education facilities

Clean Energy Initiatives

National Renewable Energy Laboratory Energy to Communities Program

The Department of Energy is investing $10 million to support energy transitions in communities across the United States. Three community teams will receive tailored funding and technical assistance to research, model, validate, and deploy local energy strategies9. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

National Renewable Energy Laboratory Clean Bus Planning Awards

This $5 million program provides free technical assistance to create comprehensive and customized bus electrification plans for school and transit fleets. The application period is open on a rolling basis throughout Fiscal Year 202410. The program:

Helps fleet managers create step-by-step transition plans to zero-emission buses
Offers optional fleet deployment assistance
Prepares fleets to apply for additional implementation grants

Don't miss these opportunities to secure federal funding for your community's infrastructure, connectivity, and clean energy initiatives!