The Oregon Department of Transportation is accepting pre-applications for the 2026 Innovative Mobility Program Capital and Equipment Grants, a federally funded program supporting capital and equipment for microtransit, flexible shuttle, and shared micromobility projects that benefit under-resourced Oregon communities.
Funding
ODOT plans to award approximately $5.4 million total. The minimum request is $200,000, and the 2026 guidance does not state a per-project maximum. Federal IMP funds may cover up to 89.73% of project costs.
Match and reimbursement
Applicants must provide a mandatory 10.27% match of total project costs. Local or state funds may be used as match, while federal funds generally may not be used to match other federal funds. Authorized in-kind match may be allowable. Awards are reimbursement-based, so successful applicants need sufficient up-front project cash. Federal procurement standards apply, and Build America, Buy America requirements may apply depending on the purchase.
Eligible applicants
Eligible entities include local, regional, Tribal, and state government agencies other than ODOT; public schools and school districts; nonprofit or public colleges and universities; nonprofit and public transportation providers; and qualifying 501(c) nonprofits registered and certified in Oregon and not listed as disqualified charities by the Oregon Department of Justice.
Eligible project scope
Funding is limited to capital and equipment for microtransit or flexible-shuttle services and shared micromobility. Examples include vans or buses, stop improvements, charging equipment, vehicle racks, e-assist bicycles, cargo bicycles, scooters, and related parking, charging, or maintenance equipment. Operations, maintenance of purchased equipment, construction costs associated with equipment, and costs incurred before a Notice to Proceed are not eligible.
Application process and deadline
The mandatory pre-application is due October 14, 2026 at 5:00 PM. ODOT’s current guidance does not identify a time zone, so Atlas does not infer one. The pre-application requests organization and contact information, entity type, project name, shared-service type, a brief project description, an explanation of benefits to under-resourced communities, and an estimated funding request. Nonprofits must also upload proof of legal nonprofit status.
Full proposals are scheduled for November 4 through December 18, 2026 and will be accepted only from entities that submitted a pre-application. ODOT expects pre-application screening within approximately 10 business days. The 2026 guidance contains an apparent typographical reference to a 2024 pre-application window on one page, but the current program page, document title, solicitation schedule, and deadline line consistently establish the 2026 cycle.
Atlas analysis
Atlas Opportunity Score: 72/100. The program has a substantial funding pool, expressly includes Oregon public schools and school districts, and provides a clear two-stage process. The score is moderated by the narrow transportation-capital scope, mandatory 10.27% match, reimbursement structure, federal procurement requirements, and need for up-front cash. N9+ Fit Score: 0/100. The verified scope is transportation capital and equipment rather than telehealth, remote physical examination, guided vitals, or clinical technology, so Atlas does not recommend a Dr. Miltie/QC Healthcare pursuit.
Official source:
Oregon Department of Transportation – Innovative Mobility Program