2022 Mini-Grant Applications Are Open!

Nonprofit community-based organizations, cities, or bike share operators should submit a proposal for grants ranging from $2,500–$10,000 before April 15.

 

It’s that beautiful time of the year where, following the Spring Equinox, the weather gradually starts to warm and people emerge from their winter hibernation ready to bike again. As systems everywhere prepare for an uptick in riders, we’re proud to announce that our seventh round of mini-grants is officially open!

These grants are funded by the PeopleForBikes Foundation as part of the Better Bike Share Partnership and range from $2,500 – $10,000. They’re available to any non-profit community-based organization, municipality, or shared mobility operator working to make bike share more equitable and inclusive. We’re also open to collaborations between any of the above, as long as all projects support small, time-bound programs or events in 2022. 

In order to be eligible for funding, projects must have the broad goal of increasing access to and use of shared micromobility options in low-income or communities of color.

In 2021, we awarded 12 different grants to projects that utilized a variety of methods, including community art, electric bikes and educational programming. In Raleigh, North Carolina, the advocacy organization Oaks and Spokes used the funding to help increase bike share representation amongst riders 55+ by nearly 200%. In El Paso, Texas, local artists were commissioned to adapt their larger-than-life murals to SunCycle bikes, immersing riders in the area’s rich culture and history. Two free, rural bike share systems in Kansas used grant money to broaden their local impact, and in California, People for Mobility Justice used grant funds for community engagement around a long-term e-bike mobility pilot project. 

As you can see, we’ll consider a wide variety of projects, so get creative! Some examples that would qualify for funding:

Examples of projects that will be considered for funding:

• Events that focus on or include shared micromobility, such as a ride or ride series, tours in partnership with local businesses, shared micromobility demos, or other community-based events.
• Neighborhood ambassador programming focused on a specific community or demographic, such as a Learn-to-Ride event for seniors, new immigrants, or people with disabilities. Or family bike days with helmet fittings and gear giveaways. 
• Marketing initiatives such as Instagram-takeovers with local leaders or special art projects such as bike wraps, and promotions linked to a partner such as libraries, museums, or community organizations.

 

BBSP will not fund:

• Bike share stations, bicycles, scooters or equipment related to the function of the shared micromobility system
• Bicycle facilities such as bike lanes or paths
• General operating costs
• Programming related to shared micromobility systems that have not yet launched

 

BBSP will grant to 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations or to city or county government offices. 

Mini-grant applications are due April 15, 2022, at 5 pm MST. Grant awardees will be notified on May 13 and checks will be mailed by May 27, 2022.

Access the application here.

For more information about eligibility, deadlines and requirements, please refer to the Mini-Grant Guidelines. You can also direct any questions about these guidelines or the mini-grant application to Tangier Barnes Wright, PeopleForBikes’ Partnership and Program Manager.