Safe Routes Activating Communities Program Application Form

Overview

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the Safe Routes to School Partnership invite applications for the 2026 Colorado Safe Routes Activating Communities Program.

Please review the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) on the Safe Routes Activating Communities webpage before filling out the application.

Applications will be accepted from Aug. 20, 2026 through Sept. 30, 2026. Applications must be submitted before 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 30 to be considered. Award decisions will be announced by Oct. 30, 2026.

If you have questions or need application assistance, please schedule a session with program staff or email [email protected]

Community/Organization Information

Primary Contact Information

Safe Routes Development 

Safe Routes Activating Communities is a program for communities in the early stages of developing a Safe Routes program. Below is a list of the early Safe Routes development stages:

  • Beginning stage: Haven't started anything or have recently started researching where to begin
  • Research/Planning stage: Currently researching and/or developing a plan(s)
  • Program Deployment stage: Have a draft plan and have started working on a program or projects (including engagement or educational activities)

Current Challenges

Capacity & Commitment

This program will require regular participation. The Champion will attend the six community of practice sessions, participate in technical assistance one-on-one calls and be responsible for completing the Safe Routes Action Plan.

The Vision

Please limit your response to a maximum of 200 words for each of the three questions below. 

Acknowledgments

If an award is approved, this document represents your commitment to the following:

  • Attendance: I commit to attending all six virtual Community of Practice sessions. In the event that exigent circumstances prevent me from attending a session, I will make every reasonable effort to find a representative to attend in my place.
  • Action Planning: I commit to participating in up to 10 hours of one-on-one technical assistance with the Safe Routes Partnership to develop a Safe Routes Action Plan.
  • Mini-grant: I understand the $10,000 is a reimbursement grant for implementing an early action item identified and approved by CDOT during the planning process. The applicant organization will be responsible for paying for expenses up-front and submitting the required documentation to receive reimbursement. Each applicant awarded funds will receive a notice from CDOT to proceed prior to expending funds. These funds cannot be used for physical/infrastructure costs.
  • Deadline for Invoicing: I understand that the activity must be satisfactorily completed and invoiced for reimbursement by November 2027.
  • Reporting: I agree to submit a brief close-out/evaluation report to CDOT upon activity completion and prior to Dec. 31, 2027.
  • Procurement: By completing and submitting this application, I acknowledge that if awarded, the use of grant awards will be in compliance with my entity’s procurement standards that identify appropriate procedures to ensure projects are procured through an open, equitable and competitive process.
  • Applicable Laws: By completing and submitting this application, I acknowledge the grantee’s President, Chief Elected Official (Mayor or County Commission Chair) or City/County Manager or equivalent, has certified they support this grant request to be submitted for funding and will follow all State fiscal policies, and state and federal regulations (including the Americans with Disability Act) for the entire activity, if awarded.