Apply for a $25K Grant From the Better Bike Share Partnership

Nonprofit community-based organizations, cities, or bike share operators should submit a proposal for grants ranging from $10,000–$25,000 by March 31, 2023.

As systems everywhere begin planning for better weather and the accompanying uptick in riders, it’s time to launch programs that help break down barriers to using shared micromobility in underserved communities. To fund this work, the Better Bike Share Partnership is excited to announce its 2023 round of mini-grants. In a change from years past, however, these grants won’t be quite so mini: For the first time, eligible organizations can apply for up to $25,000 in grant funding.

The PeopleForBikes Foundation funds these grants as part of BBSP and they’re available to any non-profit community-based organization, municipality, or shared mobility operator working to make bike share more equitable and inclusive. Collaborations between any of the above are also welcome, as long as the projects support smaller, time-bound programs or events in 2023. While we’ve raised the limit on how much an organization can apply for, applications for funding anywhere in the $10,000-$25,000 range will be accepted.

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, historically underserved, and/or BIPOC communities.

In 2022, we awarded $2,500–$10,000 grants to 10 projects from Oregon to New Orleans. Each locale employed a different tactic, which included launching community ambassador programs, beautifying bike share stations, and hosting neighborhood events. In San Antonio, the nonprofit Ghisallo Cycling Initiative introduced seniors to San Antonio BCycle through weekly group rides, while in Tulsa, the local bike share system launched a pilot program offering reduced-price memberships to low-income residents. A unique collaboration between four Nashville-based organizations made bike share memberships available at every library, complete with suggested routes, group rides, and art bikes. And Ohio’s Link Dayton Bike Share put its funding towards engaging residents ahead of its system expansion, conducting outreach and gathering input from residents in historically redlined areas.

As you can see from our past grantees, we’ll consider a wide variety of projects, so get creative! Some examples that would qualify 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 or events focused on connecting people to equity pass programs. Examples of specific demographics include but are not limited to older adults, new immigrants, youth, or people with disabilities.
• Marketing initiatives such as Instagram takeovers with local leaders or special art projects such as bike wraps, as well as promotions linked to a partner such as libraries, museums, or community organizations.
• Staff time, as long as it specifically applies to an eligible initiative.

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 by Friday, March 31, 2023, at 5:00 pm MT. Grant recipients will be notified on April 28th.

👉🏾ACCESS THE APPLICATION HERE👈🏾

For more information about eligibility, deadlines, and requirements, please refer to the 2023 Mini Grant Guidelines. You can also direct any questions about these guidelines or the mini-grant application to Tangier Barnes Wright, PeopleForBikes’ senior partnership and program manager.

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The Better Bike Share Partnership is funded by The JPB Foundation as a collaboration between the City of Philadelphia, the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO), and the PeopleForBikes Foundation to build equitable and replicable bike share systems. Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or sign up for our weekly newsletter. Got a question or a story idea? Email kiran@peopleforbikes.org.