The Santa Clara County Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is releasing the 2025 Transit-Oriented Communities Grant to seek proposals from Santa Clara public agencies, public charities, universities, cultural institutions, neighborhood associations, environmental organizations, and other nonprofit organizations to support VTA’s vision of equitable Transit-Oriented Communities.
The goal is to grow innovative and robust partnerships between VTA and local public agencies, nonprofit, community organizations, and other diverse stakeholders to strengthen communities, increase transit ridership, reduce the need for car trips, and support intensive mixed-use, mixed-income development around transit stations and transit hubs. Selected projects will be collaborative across community and/or local government partners and remove barriers to creating safe, walkable, healthy, resilient, and thriving neighborhoods next to transit.
VTA will fund $750,000 in total to eligible applicants. Through a competitive process, 14-20 projects are expected to be selected to receive up to approximately $25,000 to $150,000. Selected projects are planned to commence by the end of 2026.
2025 Transit-Oriented Communities Grant Application
VTA is accepting proposals for the 2025 Transit-Oriented Communities Grant Cycle.
Download the 2025 Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) Package for the Transit-Oriented Communities Grant.
The NOFA Package contains the following documents: Notice of Funding Availability, Appendix A: Eligible Transit Stations and Transit Centers, Appendix B: Grant Application Guide. Online applications must be submitted by 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 11, 2025.
- 2025 Notice of Funding Availability for VTA’s Transit-Oriented Communities Grant (English)
- Aviso de disponibilidad de fondos par VTA TOC Para 2025 (Spanish)
- 2025 年 VTA 公交站點社區 (TOC) 可用撥款資金通知 (Traditional Chinese)
- Thông Báo về Khả Năng Tài Trợ 2025 cho Khoản Tài Trợ Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC) của VTA (Vietnamese)
- 2025 Pabatid sa Availability ng VTA Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC) Grant (Tagalog)
- 2025 년 VTA 의 TRANSIT-ORIENTED COMMUNITIES (TOC) 보조금에 대한 자금 가용성 여부 공지(Korean)
View the tutorial on how to translate the online application with Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, and Tagalog.
VTA does not endorse any specific PDF reader, however, if you do not have access to a specific PDF reader, you can download the Adobe Acrobat Reader at get.adobe.com/reader.
Grant Program Areas
| Planning & Policy Implementation | Community Resilience | Education and Engagement | Placekeeping, Arts, and Activation |
| up to $150,000 per grant | up to $100,000 per grant | up to $25,000 per grant | up to $25,000 per grant |
| Available for Local Agencies in Santa Clara County | Available for Community-based Organizations (CBOs) with 501(c)(3) nonprofit status operating in Santa Clara County | Available for Local Agencies, or 501(c)(3) nonprofit CBOs in Santa Clara County | Available for Local Agencies, or 501(c)(3) nonprofit CBOs in Santa Clara County |
| ~40% of total funding | ~33% of total funding | ~13.5% of total funding | ~13.5% of total funding |
Planning and Policy Implementation
The Planning and Policy Implementation Program Area is intended to help Local Agencies prepare and adopt long-range plans, policies, standards and codes to achieve three key goals: (1) focus Santa Clara County’s future growth so it is equitable, sustainable, and within one-half mile of transit stations and centers; (2) align with VTA’s and MTC’s Transit-Oriented Communities policies, and (3) integrate art and/or equitable engagement policies and programs into existing and upcoming planning efforts. These funds can complement grant matching.
Eligible activities include, but are not limited to:
- Advancing station area plans and processes;
- Transit access planning and access gap evaluation;
- Aligning local code and policies with MTC’s Transit-Oriented Communities Policy; and
- Developing and integrating municipal art programs and/or equitable engagement programs into existing or ongoing station area plans, as well as land use and zoning policies surrounding Caltrain, VTA transit stations and transit hubs.
Community Resilience
The Community Resilience Program Area is intended to support Community-Based Organizations in three key areas: (1) increasing the stability and resilience of communities located near transit, (2) promoting and playing larger roles in implementing vibrant, inclusive and balanced, equitable Transit-Oriented Communities, and (3) strengthening emerging community development partners to advance affordable housing initiatives and small business resiliency.
Examples of eligible activities include, but are not limited to:
- Providing technical assistance, such as funding for pre-acquisition consulting costs
- Specialized support to new and smaller organizations to expand capacity to develop new affordable housing, and/or acquire, rehabilitate existing unsubsidized affordable housing;
- Facilitating partnerships between transit agencies, local governments and community members to align development with Transit-Oriented Communities objectives; and
- Supporting and sustaining small businesses that contribute toward community identity and economic growth.
Education and Engagement
The Education and Policy Program Area is intended to support neighborhood leadership and equitable engagement in Transit-Oriented Communities by providing accessible information and resources that empower community members to actively shape equitable and well-connected Transit-Oriented Communities. It also seeks to highlight transit as an essential service within thriving Transit-Oriented Communities by focusing on the benefits of and highlighting community voices, local success stories, and promoting inclusion of all community members.
Examples of eligible activities include, but are not limited to:
- Conducting public awareness campaigns (e.g., education initiatives on TOC policies to enhance understanding and involvement, promoting transit through creative outreach efforts such as scavenger hunts, geocaching, travel passports);
- Transit-focused educational activities (e.g., transit-to-school/work campaigns);
- Equity-focused initiatives to accommodate community participation (e.g., translations/interpretation services, promotoras, food, childcare); and
- Providing housing access/readiness support (e.g., housing and homeowner application readiness workshops).
Placekeeping, Arts, and Activation
The Placekeeping, Arts, and Activation Program Area is intended to enhance the transit rider and overall community experience through vibrant and engaging public spaces that utilize arts and cultural expression or community beautification. The goal is to foster a sense of community, encourage interaction across generations and backgrounds, and promote placekeeping which preserves local culture, history, or value, and position transit stations and transit hubs as safe, accessible, attractive cultural destinations. Projects will result in enlivening access in and around transit stations with a focus on pedestrian comfort and experience to enhance the transit passenger environment.
Examples of eligible activities include, but are not limited to:
- Arts and culture projects that enhance transit connectivity and community culture/identity (e.g., neighborhood murals and public art created by community members and art-based community activations);
- Universal and inclusive design, accessible, image-based, color-based wayfinding that works for residents of all ages, abilities, and languages;
- Cultural and community celebrations that reinforce existing community and drive increased and sustained transit use (e.g., outdoor activities that are viewable from the street and publicly accessible, such as street festivals, performances, experiential art exhibits, food and maker pop-ups).
For art installations, projects must be clearly viewable from the street, public space and/or transit station/center.
Pre-Application Workshops
Applicants are required to attend a pre-application workshop before applying. At each workshop, staff will review the guidelines, timing, application process, and provide clarification of grant expectations. The workshops will include a question and answer session.
Please register through Eventbrite. Below are the date, time, and format options. With pre-registration, you will receive email meeting reminders and program updates.
| In-Person | Online |
| Tuesday, May 13, 2025 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Register: TOC-Grant-May-13.eventbrite.com Roosevelt Community Center 901 East Santa Clara Street San Jose, CA 95116 |
Thursday, May 15, 2025 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Register: TOC-Grant-May-15.eventbrite.com Zoom: zoom.us/join Meeting ID: 891 5290 6044 Passcode: 143522 1-669-900-9128 |
| Thursday, May 22, 2025 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Register: TOC-Grant-May-22.eventbrite.com Morgan Hill Community & Cultural Center 17000 Monterey Road Morgan Hill, CA 95037 |
Tuesday, May 20, 2025 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Register: TOC-Grant-May-20.eventbrite.com Zoom: zoom.us/join Meeting ID: 859 7050 0896 Passcode: 890485 1-669-900-9128 |
| Thursday, May 29, 2025 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Register: TOC-Grant-May-29.eventbrite.com Zoom: zoom.us/join Meeting ID: 875 2313 5691 Passcode: 515816 1-669-900-9128 |
VTA will provide Spanish interpretation at all workshops. If you require other translation services or accommodation, please contact VTA Community Outreach at (408) 321-7575/TTY (408) 321-2330 or email community.outreach@vta.org at least five business days prior to a workshop.
On May 15, 2025, VTA held an online Pre-Application Workshop. You can download the presentations and watch the recorded meetings via YouTube:
TOC Grant Pre-Application Workshop Presentation 5-15-25
TOC Grant Pre-Application Workshop Video 5-15-25
Questions
Applicants can email questions to tocgrant@vta.org. VTA will answer questions regarding the application requirements and will be making all questions and answers public for all applicants. Questions must be submitted by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, June 2, 2025.
Questions & Answers
Please check back weekly for the latest updates.
General
Will the online Pre-Application Workshops be recorded?
The online Pre-Application Workshop recordings will be available to watch on VTA's YouTube channel.
Can neighborhood associations have a fiscal sponsor?
Yes, any CBO, such as a neighborhood association, which does not have 501(c)(3) status can and should seek a fiscal sponsor for their project. A fiscal sponsor is a non-profit organization with 501(c)(3) status located in or has its principal place of business in Santa Clara County with at least one-year of history providing services in Santa Clara County. Applicants that intend to use a fiscal sponsor should provide a letter of support or agreement with said fiscal sponsor as part of their application.
Can you apply for less than maximum grant amount?
Yes, applicants can request less than the maximum amount of funding for the specific category for which they are applying.
How is local agency defined?
A Local Agency is a public agency or other public entity, with land use authority or conducting planning activities, located within Santa Clara County. This may include local governments, special districts, school districts, and tribal nations.
I have started pursuing the application and the first page states “We recommend filling out the Program Worksheet before continuing” where can I locate this worksheet?
A link to the Application Worksheets is provided in Appendix B of the NOFA packet. You can also find the worksheets in our Related Documents section of this webpage.
Is the 15% match required regardless of which program area you are applying for?
Yes, the 15% match is required for all local agencies, regardless of program area, but it is only required for local agencies.
Can we propose on a project in the same station area as an already funded project?
Yes, as long as your project is within one-half mile of an eligible station or transit center, it would be eligible for award even if it is near a project that is already receiving grant funding from a previous cycle.
The worksheet has a question around selecting the eligible station / transit center we are near? Can we select more than one? if not - can we mention other areas that we serve on transit line? (per the VTA eligibility map - we serve businesses at each one of the stops - how can we reflect this?)
The Application only allows you to select one station or transit center. If project activities span multiple areas, please note that when answering the transit-focused questions of the application.
How frequently will answers to questions be posted on the TOC grant page on a rolling basis?
The website's Q&A section will be updated on a rolling basis - check back weekly for the latest updates.
Can our organization submit applications in multiple Program Areas? If so, can multiple grants be awarded or only one per organization?
An organization can submit multiple applications as long as they are submitting multiple projects. You cannot submit the same project to multiple program areas. Projects will be awarded based on merrit. If applying for multiple projects, the applicant should be prepared to clearly show that they have capacity to implement multiple projects.
Program Area A
Our city is undergoing a new Public Art Master Plan in addition to working on programming ways to support our local artists and promote art within our City. One of the projects includes highlighting existing multi-modal transit stops with chalk art. The goal is to highlight multi-modal transit facilities and celebrate local artists.
Would this type of programing qualify for the art portion of the VTA grant that you presented yesterday?
Implementation of chalk art at and around station areas would qualify under Program D. Given that chalk art is not permanent art, could may also be suited towards a "Program C: education and engagement" campaign to raise transit awareness.
We are embarking on an area plan that includes areas within 0.5 miles of a Caltrain station, and includes a focus on increasing connectivity to the station (as well as mixed use residential development and multi-modal transportation improvements), but the plan boundaries extend past the 0.5 mile mark. Would we be able to apply tor grant funding for this project? Or only for specific aspects of the plan within the 0.5 mile radius? Or neither?
As long as a portion of the project falls within the 1/2 mile area of an eligibile station, the project/plan would be eligible for funding. Grant funds can be used towards funding for the entire area plan, and do not need to be limited solely to the portion of the area plan that falls within the 1/2 mile radius of the Caltrain Station.
Program Area B
Does Community ownership under Emerging Development Partner mean only home ownership? or does business ownership count?
Community ownership of investment model refers to community-based organizations own, manage or invest in assets like land, businesses, or housing to ensure long-term benefits for the community, such as affordable housing or neighborhood economic opportunity. This may look like and is not limited to Community Land Trusts, Community Investment Trusts, and Cooperatives.
What is 'community ownership or investment" model in Program B criteria?
Emerging development partners can be focused on small businesses.
Program Area C
I am working on a summer camp themed around teaching kids how to ride public transportation and making them more aware of their communities that surround them. For one full week in July, we are taking kids on transit to visit various museums and pieces of infrastructure around Santa Clara County and the Bay Area. We are based just barely outside of the half-mile radius of any light rail or commuter rail station. We plan to take the local buses to get to Old Ironsides and Baypointe light rail stations, which will then take us elsewhere. Are we still eligible for this grant? Is there anything we can do to add eligibility if we are not?
As long as a portion of the project's activities are within 1/2 mile of the eligible TOC Transit Stations and Transit Centers, it would be eligible. In this case, it sounds like the activity would include using the light rail stations, and would therefore be deemed eligible for funding even though the summer camp site itself might be located outside of the 1/2 mile area. Please be clear when describing the project that the activities would span numerous transit stations or corridors and would not be held solely at the summer camp.
Program Area D
What is placekeeping?
Placekeeping refers to the arts and cultural practices that reflect local culture, history or value. It is a contrast from the term "placemaking" which suggests that a "new" place is being created.
For the art and placemaking application - Can we modify the interior or exterior of a VTA bus or train?
Yes. In general, it is ideal for applicants to be in contact/conversation with property owners if the project will "modify" the property. In this case, for VTA buses or trains, discussion with VTA transit operations is suggested. Please contact VTA customer service to begin that conversation. Note that you are a prospective applicant for the VTA TOC grant requesting to discuss a potential project with VTA Transit Operations staff.
Do you have a list of VTA sites that currently lack activation?
We do not have a list of sites, but our intent is to activate areas that do not already have existing activations, and we would like to know more about what is happening at these areas/identify that need in the applications. For example, projects in Downtown San Jose, where there are already a lot of existing events and/or murals, could be less competitive than projects in areas that do not currently host cultural events or have public art. Communities would benefit more in areas that do not already have these activations.
Geographic Eligibility
Funding is limited to projects within one-half mile of existing and planned VTA light rail stations, VTA transit centers and commuter rail stations served by Caltrain, ACE, and/or Capitol Corridor within Santa Clara County.
Check if the location of your project is eligible for the grant.
Eligibility Map
Open the eligibility map in a new tab for improved viewing.
Application Review and Evaluation
Program staff will review all applications to ensure they meet eligibility requirements and are complete. Applications that pass initial review will be evaluated by an Evaluation Panel, which will score them based on the submitted application and related materials.
Grant Timeline
|
Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) Release |
May 5, 2025 |
|
Pre-Application Workshops |
May 2025 |
|
Submission of Questions Deadline |
June 2, 2025 |
|
Application Deadline |
June 11, 2025 |
|
Publish Award Recommendations |
Late July 2025 |
|
Appeal Submittal Deadline |
Late July 2025 |
|
Notification of Awards |
September 2025 |
2024 Transit-Oriented Communities Grant
VTA launched the Transit-Oriented Communities Grant Program in 2024. The projects are collaborative efforts across community and local government partners to remove barriers and create safe, walkable, healthy, resilient, and thriving neighborhoods next to transit.
Program Area A: Plan and Policy Implementation
Funding for projects/efforts that will lead to the adoption of plans, policies, and regulations that implement sustainable and equitable communities at VTA station and transit corridors. Total Funding: $295,000
City of San Jose – “Consolidated Light Rail Urban Village and Station Area Corridor Planning”
The City of San José is located in Santa Clara County, CA, and is the largest jurisdiction in the County with over 900,000 residents.
The City of San José will conduct station area planning around the VTA Light Rail corridor to create transit-oriented communities that benefit all community members by addressing transit access barriers, affordable housing and business stabilization strategies. This project will streamline with the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) Transit-Oriented Community requirements at the regional level.
City of Santa Clara – “Santa Clara Station Area Form-Based Code”
The City of Santa Clara is located in Santa Clara County, CA, and has a population of approximately 130,000 residents.
The City of Santa Clara will develop form-based zoning standards for the Santa Clara Station Area Plan, an Equity Priority Community, by codifying the vision of a well-connected, walkable transit-oriented community into the City’s General Plan. This project will streamline with the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) Transit-Oriented Community requirements at the regional level.
Program Area B: Community Resilience
Funding to strengthen emerging community development corporations to support small business resiliency, or to increase their ability to advance housing preservation or affordable housing production. Total Funding: $297,450
Carry the Vision - “Community Rising Coalition”
Carry the Vision supports Gilroy's most under-served community members by co-creating compassionate communities one person at a time. Located in Gilroy, this project engages historically underrepresented households to advocate livable transit-oriented communities for all of South County by launching the Community Rising Coalition (CRC). CRC advocacy efforts will increase Carry the Vision’s ability to advance community development by focusing on affordable housing, workforce development, transportation equity, and services to advance community healing.
Prosperity Lab – “Business 360°”
The Prosperity Lab is a catalyst for positive economic development and empowerment of underserved communities and micro businesses in the Silicon Valley and the greater San Francisco Bay Area by developing and delivering impactful programs and innovating solutions.
Business 360° offers technical training in marketing, digitization, operational efficiency, and capital strategies to small local businesses in historically underserved areas of Gilroy and San Jose. The program will help businesses around existing and future transit stations in San Jose and Gilroy be more resilient and responsive to the economic and cultural growth brought on by transit investments.
School of Arts and Culture at Mexican Heritage Plaza – “La Avenida/La Placita Development Planning”
The School of Arts and Culture (SOAC) at the Mexican Heritage Plaza serves as a catalyst for creativity and empowerment of the community through creative place keeping, equitable engagement, and economic and community development initiatives.
“La Avenida Cultural District” is SOAC’s vision for transforming property in East San Jose into an equitable transit-oriented community with a cultural district overlay zone, thriving business improvement district, affordable housing, and community service providers. SOAC will hold community engagements, convene the Cultural District Advisory Council, and establish the Mayfair Neighborhood Trust to advance the La Avenida development/cultural district, while supporting the long-term economic well-being of the low-income, Latino, and Asian communities in East San José.
Program Area C: Education and Engagement
Funding to strengthen community support and advocacy for Transit Oriented Communities policies, investments and implementation, and remove barriers to implementing inclusive and culturally relevant engagement activities/practice. Total Funding: $297,450
Palo Alto Forward – “TOC Education, Engagement, and Advocacy”
Palo Alto Forward focuses on expanding housing and transportation choices for Palo Alto by working with residents and city government.
Through the “TOC Education, Engagement, and Advocacy” effort, Palo Alto Forward will host a series of advocacy events about policy and zoning initiatives to support the creation of transit-oriented communities around the University Avenue and California Avenue Caltrain stations and along El Camino Real.
Palo Alto TMA – “Mode shift for low wage essential workers”
The Palo Alto Transportation Management Association (Palo Alto TMA) is working to reduce single-occupancy vehicle trips, traffic congestion, demand for parking, and greenhouse gas emissions by delivering targeted transportation solutions.
With funding form VTA’s Transit-Oriented Communities Grant, the Palo Alto TMA will support low-wage service workers along the El Camino Real corridor in switching from driving to transit by providing free transit passes to ride VTA buses, refurbished bikes, and micro-mobility options. These free resources will help provide sustainable transportation solutions to a vulnerable population in need of reliable and safe transportation alternatives to driving.
Transform – “Sustainable Transportation Education and Engagement”
Transform works to ensure that people of all incomes thrive in a world safe from climate chaos.
Through public engagement and community workshops, Transform will offer resources and knowledge to help communities overcome barriers to sustainable transportation, empower leaders, and provide greater options for communities to advocate for policies that will advance equitable Transit-Oriented Communities.
Program Area D: Placemaking, Arts, and Activation
Funding to enhance the vitality of community culture, history, and local identity through engaging placemaking/placekeeping activities and community events. These events and art installations will create accessible and welcoming public spaces that reflect the vibrancy of the community. Total Funding: $90,000
Arts Mountain View – “Mountain View Transit Project”
Arts Mountain View aims to bring outdoor murals to Mountain View to beautify the city.
The Mountain View Transit Project will engage a local artist to create a large mural facing the Mountain View Transit Center that will feature bright colors and Mountain View iconography. The mural will act as a landmark indicating the arrival to Mountain View for light rail riders.
Cinequest Inc. – “Cinequest Film & Creativity Festival”
Cinequest empowers artistic creations to engage audiences, youth, artists, and innovators to forge community. Cinequest hosts the Cinequest Film & Creativity Festival, Maverick Studio, and Picture the Possibilities youth creativity services.
The Cinequest Film & Creativity Festival is a 30-year tradition in San Jose and now also in Mountain View, which ranks among the world's best film festivals. The locations vary around the city next to VTA light rail and bus, including at the California Theatre, the Hammer Theatre Center, and the ShowPlace Icon Theatre. Cinequest will engage local artists to create art for marketing campaigns displayed near transit, and curate local program content for the local community.
Friends of Levitt Pavilion San Jose – “Levitt Pavilion Concert Series”
Friends of Levitt Pavilion San Jose supports the community and revitalizes the historic St. James Park by hosting performances and creating an inclusive destination for all people.
The Levitt Pavilion Concert Series will feature local music and performing arts, providing accessible entertainment for all with food, drinks, nonprofit tabling, and children's activities. The Concert Series offers a chance to enjoy diverse talent and foster a sense of community in the heart of the city.
Gilroy Arts Alliance – “Our Community Pillars Art Project”
Gilroy Arts Alliance is building a collaborative arts community and promoting and supporting multi-cultural arts in and around South County. They also promote unity and inclusiveness by creating multi- cultural exhibits that inspire and engage a strong community.
The "Our Community Pillars Art Project" aims to inspire artistic expression in the youth of the community by beautifying outdoor concrete pillars near the Gilroy Transit Center. The project focuses on middle school artists, encouraging them to work together and become leaders during transformative times in their lives.
Movimiento de Arte y Cultura Latino Americana (MACLA) – “¡WEPA! FEST”
MACLA (Movimiento de Arte y Cultura Latino Americana) is a contemporary Latinx arts space that uplifts Latinx artists and culture in order to engage people in civic dialogue and community transformation.
¡WEPA! FEST is a celebration of Puerto Rican and Caribbean music and culture at Parque de los Pobladores. By activating the park and encouraging access by transit and walking, the event increases awareness of transit, while elevating the visibility and representation of Latinx art and culture.
San Martin Neighborhood Association – “Spruce Up San Martin”
San Martin Neighborhood Association is dedicated to preserving and promoting the rural identity of San Martin.
The Spruce Up San Martin project will enhance the San Martin Caltrain station area by implementing placemaking measures, including improving the landscaping of two medians near the station to create an identifying feature for the station and a more appealing experience for transit users and residents alike.
The Santa Clara County Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is releasing the 2025 Transit-Oriented Communities Grant to seek proposals from Santa Clara public agencies, public charities, universities, cultural institutions, neighborhood associations, environmental organizations, and other nonprofit organizations to support VTA’s vision of equitable Transit-Oriented Communities.
The goal is to grow innovative and robust partnerships between VTA and local public agencies, nonprofit, community organizations, and other diverse stakeholders to strengthen communities, increase transit ridership, reduce the need for car trips, and support intensive mixed-use, mixed-income development around transit stations and transit hubs. Selected projects will be collaborative across community and/or local government partners and remove barriers to creating safe, walkable, healthy, resilient, and thriving neighborhoods next to transit.
VTA will fund $750,000 in total to eligible applicants. Through a competitive process, 14-20 projects are expected to be selected to receive up to approximately $25,000 to $150,000. Selected projects are planned to commence by the end of 2026.
2025 Transit-Oriented Communities Grant Application
VTA is accepting proposals for the 2025 Transit-Oriented Communities Grant Cycle.
Download the 2025 Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) Package for the Transit-Oriented Communities Grant.
The NOFA Package contains the following documents: Notice of Funding Availability, Appendix A: Eligible Transit Stations and Transit Centers, Appendix B: Grant Application Guide. Online applications must be submitted by 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 11, 2025.
- 2025 Notice of Funding Availability for VTA’s Transit-Oriented Communities Grant (English)
- Aviso de disponibilidad de fondos par VTA TOC Para 2025 (Spanish)
- 2025 年 VTA 公交站點社區 (TOC) 可用撥款資金通知 (Traditional Chinese)
- Thông Báo về Khả Năng Tài Trợ 2025 cho Khoản Tài Trợ Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC) của VTA (Vietnamese)
- 2025 Pabatid sa Availability ng VTA Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC) Grant (Tagalog)
- 2025 년 VTA 의 TRANSIT-ORIENTED COMMUNITIES (TOC) 보조금에 대한 자금 가용성 여부 공지(Korean)
View the tutorial on how to translate the online application with Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, and Tagalog.
VTA does not endorse any specific PDF reader, however, if you do not have access to a specific PDF reader, you can download the Adobe Acrobat Reader at get.adobe.com/reader.
Grant Program Areas
| Planning & Policy Implementation | Community Resilience | Education and Engagement | Placekeeping, Arts, and Activation |
| up to $150,000 per grant | up to $100,000 per grant | up to $25,000 per grant | up to $25,000 per grant |
| Available for Local Agencies in Santa Clara County | Available for Community-based Organizations (CBOs) with 501(c)(3) nonprofit status operating in Santa Clara County | Available for Local Agencies, or 501(c)(3) nonprofit CBOs in Santa Clara County | Available for Local Agencies, or 501(c)(3) nonprofit CBOs in Santa Clara County |
| ~40% of total funding | ~33% of total funding | ~13.5% of total funding | ~13.5% of total funding |
Planning and Policy Implementation
The Planning and Policy Implementation Program Area is intended to help Local Agencies prepare and adopt long-range plans, policies, standards and codes to achieve three key goals: (1) focus Santa Clara County’s future growth so it is equitable, sustainable, and within one-half mile of transit stations and centers; (2) align with VTA’s and MTC’s Transit-Oriented Communities policies, and (3) integrate art and/or equitable engagement policies and programs into existing and upcoming planning efforts. These funds can complement grant matching.
Eligible activities include, but are not limited to:
- Advancing station area plans and processes;
- Transit access planning and access gap evaluation;
- Aligning local code and policies with MTC’s Transit-Oriented Communities Policy; and
- Developing and integrating municipal art programs and/or equitable engagement programs into existing or ongoing station area plans, as well as land use and zoning policies surrounding Caltrain, VTA transit stations and transit hubs.
Community Resilience
The Community Resilience Program Area is intended to support Community-Based Organizations in three key areas: (1) increasing the stability and resilience of communities located near transit, (2) promoting and playing larger roles in implementing vibrant, inclusive and balanced, equitable Transit-Oriented Communities, and (3) strengthening emerging community development partners to advance affordable housing initiatives and small business resiliency.
Examples of eligible activities include, but are not limited to:
- Providing technical assistance, such as funding for pre-acquisition consulting costs
- Specialized support to new and smaller organizations to expand capacity to develop new affordable housing, and/or acquire, rehabilitate existing unsubsidized affordable housing;
- Facilitating partnerships between transit agencies, local governments and community members to align development with Transit-Oriented Communities objectives; and
- Supporting and sustaining small businesses that contribute toward community identity and economic growth.
Education and Engagement
The Education and Policy Program Area is intended to support neighborhood leadership and equitable engagement in Transit-Oriented Communities by providing accessible information and resources that empower community members to actively shape equitable and well-connected Transit-Oriented Communities. It also seeks to highlight transit as an essential service within thriving Transit-Oriented Communities by focusing on the benefits of and highlighting community voices, local success stories, and promoting inclusion of all community members.
Examples of eligible activities include, but are not limited to:
- Conducting public awareness campaigns (e.g., education initiatives on TOC policies to enhance understanding and involvement, promoting transit through creative outreach efforts such as scavenger hunts, geocaching, travel passports);
- Transit-focused educational activities (e.g., transit-to-school/work campaigns);
- Equity-focused initiatives to accommodate community participation (e.g., translations/interpretation services, promotoras, food, childcare); and
- Providing housing access/readiness support (e.g., housing and homeowner application readiness workshops).
Placekeeping, Arts, and Activation
The Placekeeping, Arts, and Activation Program Area is intended to enhance the transit rider and overall community experience through vibrant and engaging public spaces that utilize arts and cultural expression or community beautification. The goal is to foster a sense of community, encourage interaction across generations and backgrounds, and promote placekeeping which preserves local culture, history, or value, and position transit stations and transit hubs as safe, accessible, attractive cultural destinations. Projects will result in enlivening access in and around transit stations with a focus on pedestrian comfort and experience to enhance the transit passenger environment.
Examples of eligible activities include, but are not limited to:
- Arts and culture projects that enhance transit connectivity and community culture/identity (e.g., neighborhood murals and public art created by community members and art-based community activations);
- Universal and inclusive design, accessible, image-based, color-based wayfinding that works for residents of all ages, abilities, and languages;
- Cultural and community celebrations that reinforce existing community and drive increased and sustained transit use (e.g., outdoor activities that are viewable from the street and publicly accessible, such as street festivals, performances, experiential art exhibits, food and maker pop-ups).
For art installations, projects must be clearly viewable from the street, public space and/or transit station/center.
Pre-Application Workshops
Applicants are required to attend a pre-application workshop before applying. At each workshop, staff will review the guidelines, timing, application process, and provide clarification of grant expectations. The workshops will include a question and answer session.
Please register through Eventbrite. Below are the date, time, and format options. With pre-registration, you will receive email meeting reminders and program updates.
| In-Person | Online |
| Tuesday, May 13, 2025 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Register: TOC-Grant-May-13.eventbrite.com Roosevelt Community Center 901 East Santa Clara Street San Jose, CA 95116 |
Thursday, May 15, 2025 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Register: TOC-Grant-May-15.eventbrite.com Zoom: zoom.us/join Meeting ID: 891 5290 6044 Passcode: 143522 1-669-900-9128 |
| Thursday, May 22, 2025 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Register: TOC-Grant-May-22.eventbrite.com Morgan Hill Community & Cultural Center 17000 Monterey Road Morgan Hill, CA 95037 |
Tuesday, May 20, 2025 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Register: TOC-Grant-May-20.eventbrite.com Zoom: zoom.us/join Meeting ID: 859 7050 0896 Passcode: 890485 1-669-900-9128 |
| Thursday, May 29, 2025 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Register: TOC-Grant-May-29.eventbrite.com Zoom: zoom.us/join Meeting ID: 875 2313 5691 Passcode: 515816 1-669-900-9128 |
VTA will provide Spanish interpretation at all workshops. If you require other translation services or accommodation, please contact VTA Community Outreach at (408) 321-7575/TTY (408) 321-2330 or email community.outreach@vta.org at least five business days prior to a workshop.
On May 15, 2025, VTA held an online Pre-Application Workshop. You can download the presentations and watch the recorded meetings via YouTube:
TOC Grant Pre-Application Workshop Presentation 5-15-25
TOC Grant Pre-Application Workshop Video 5-15-25
Questions
Applicants can email questions to tocgrant@vta.org. VTA will answer questions regarding the application requirements and will be making all questions and answers public for all applicants. Questions must be submitted by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, June 2, 2025.
Questions & Answers
Please check back weekly for the latest updates.
General
Will the online Pre-Application Workshops be recorded?
The online Pre-Application Workshop recordings will be available to watch on VTA's YouTube channel.
Can neighborhood associations have a fiscal sponsor?
Yes, any CBO, such as a neighborhood association, which does not have 501(c)(3) status can and should seek a fiscal sponsor for their project. A fiscal sponsor is a non-profit organization with 501(c)(3) status located in or has its principal place of business in Santa Clara County with at least one-year of history providing services in Santa Clara County. Applicants that intend to use a fiscal sponsor should provide a letter of support or agreement with said fiscal sponsor as part of their application.
Can you apply for less than maximum grant amount?
Yes, applicants can request less than the maximum amount of funding for the specific category for which they are applying.
How is local agency defined?
A Local Agency is a public agency or other public entity, with land use authority or conducting planning activities, located within Santa Clara County. This may include local governments, special districts, school districts, and tribal nations.
I have started pursuing the application and the first page states “We recommend filling out the Program Worksheet before continuing” where can I locate this worksheet?
A link to the Application Worksheets is provided in Appendix B of the NOFA packet. You can also find the worksheets in our Related Documents section of this webpage.
Is the 15% match required regardless of which program area you are applying for?
Yes, the 15% match is required for all local agencies, regardless of program area, but it is only required for local agencies.
Can we propose on a project in the same station area as an already funded project?
Yes, as long as your project is within one-half mile of an eligible station or transit center, it would be eligible for award even if it is near a project that is already receiving grant funding from a previous cycle.
The worksheet has a question around selecting the eligible station / transit center we are near? Can we select more than one? if not - can we mention other areas that we serve on transit line? (per the VTA eligibility map - we serve businesses at each one of the stops - how can we reflect this?)
The Application only allows you to select one station or transit center. If project activities span multiple areas, please note that when answering the transit-focused questions of the application.
How frequently will answers to questions be posted on the TOC grant page on a rolling basis?
The website's Q&A section will be updated on a rolling basis - check back weekly for the latest updates.
Can our organization submit applications in multiple Program Areas? If so, can multiple grants be awarded or only one per organization?
An organization can submit multiple applications as long as they are submitting multiple projects. You cannot submit the same project to multiple program areas. Projects will be awarded based on merrit. If applying for multiple projects, the applicant should be prepared to clearly show that they have capacity to implement multiple projects.
Program Area A
Our city is undergoing a new Public Art Master Plan in addition to working on programming ways to support our local artists and promote art within our City. One of the projects includes highlighting existing multi-modal transit stops with chalk art. The goal is to highlight multi-modal transit facilities and celebrate local artists.
Would this type of programing qualify for the art portion of the VTA grant that you presented yesterday?
Implementation of chalk art at and around station areas would qualify under Program D. Given that chalk art is not permanent art, could may also be suited towards a "Program C: education and engagement" campaign to raise transit awareness.
We are embarking on an area plan that includes areas within 0.5 miles of a Caltrain station, and includes a focus on increasing connectivity to the station (as well as mixed use residential development and multi-modal transportation improvements), but the plan boundaries extend past the 0.5 mile mark. Would we be able to apply tor grant funding for this project? Or only for specific aspects of the plan within the 0.5 mile radius? Or neither?
As long as a portion of the project falls within the 1/2 mile area of an eligibile station, the project/plan would be eligible for funding. Grant funds can be used towards funding for the entire area plan, and do not need to be limited solely to the portion of the area plan that falls within the 1/2 mile radius of the Caltrain Station.
Program Area B
Does Community ownership under Emerging Development Partner mean only home ownership? or does business ownership count?
Community ownership of investment model refers to community-based organizations own, manage or invest in assets like land, businesses, or housing to ensure long-term benefits for the community, such as affordable housing or neighborhood economic opportunity. This may look like and is not limited to Community Land Trusts, Community Investment Trusts, and Cooperatives.
What is 'community ownership or investment" model in Program B criteria?
Emerging development partners can be focused on small businesses.
Program Area C
I am working on a summer camp themed around teaching kids how to ride public transportation and making them more aware of their communities that surround them. For one full week in July, we are taking kids on transit to visit various museums and pieces of infrastructure around Santa Clara County and the Bay Area. We are based just barely outside of the half-mile radius of any light rail or commuter rail station. We plan to take the local buses to get to Old Ironsides and Baypointe light rail stations, which will then take us elsewhere. Are we still eligible for this grant? Is there anything we can do to add eligibility if we are not?
As long as a portion of the project's activities are within 1/2 mile of the eligible TOC Transit Stations and Transit Centers, it would be eligible. In this case, it sounds like the activity would include using the light rail stations, and would therefore be deemed eligible for funding even though the summer camp site itself might be located outside of the 1/2 mile area. Please be clear when describing the project that the activities would span numerous transit stations or corridors and would not be held solely at the summer camp.
Program Area D
What is placekeeping?
Placekeeping refers to the arts and cultural practices that reflect local culture, history or value. It is a contrast from the term "placemaking" which suggests that a "new" place is being created.
For the art and placemaking application - Can we modify the interior or exterior of a VTA bus or train?
Yes. In general, it is ideal for applicants to be in contact/conversation with property owners if the project will "modify" the property. In this case, for VTA buses or trains, discussion with VTA transit operations is suggested. Please contact VTA customer service to begin that conversation. Note that you are a prospective applicant for the VTA TOC grant requesting to discuss a potential project with VTA Transit Operations staff.
Do you have a list of VTA sites that currently lack activation?
We do not have a list of sites, but our intent is to activate areas that do not already have existing activations, and we would like to know more about what is happening at these areas/identify that need in the applications. For example, projects in Downtown San Jose, where there are already a lot of existing events and/or murals, could be less competitive than projects in areas that do not currently host cultural events or have public art. Communities would benefit more in areas that do not already have these activations.
Geographic Eligibility
Funding is limited to projects within one-half mile of existing and planned VTA light rail stations, VTA transit centers and commuter rail stations served by Caltrain, ACE, and/or Capitol Corridor within Santa Clara County.
Check if the location of your project is eligible for the grant.
Eligibility Map
Open the eligibility map in a new tab for improved viewing.
Application Review and Evaluation
Program staff will review all applications to ensure they meet eligibility requirements and are complete. Applications that pass initial review will be evaluated by an Evaluation Panel, which will score them based on the submitted application and related materials.
Grant Timeline
|
Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) Release |
May 5, 2025 |
|
Pre-Application Workshops |
May 2025 |
|
Submission of Questions Deadline |
June 2, 2025 |
|
Application Deadline |
June 11, 2025 |
|
Publish Award Recommendations |
Late July 2025 |
|
Appeal Submittal Deadline |
Late July 2025 |
|
Notification of Awards |
September 2025 |
2024 Transit-Oriented Communities Grant
VTA launched the Transit-Oriented Communities Grant Program in 2024. The projects are collaborative efforts across community and local government partners to remove barriers and create safe, walkable, healthy, resilient, and thriving neighborhoods next to transit.
Program Area A: Plan and Policy Implementation
Funding for projects/efforts that will lead to the adoption of plans, policies, and regulations that implement sustainable and equitable communities at VTA station and transit corridors. Total Funding: $295,000
City of San Jose – “Consolidated Light Rail Urban Village and Station Area Corridor Planning”
The City of San José is located in Santa Clara County, CA, and is the largest jurisdiction in the County with over 900,000 residents.
The City of San José will conduct station area planning around the VTA Light Rail corridor to create transit-oriented communities that benefit all community members by addressing transit access barriers, affordable housing and business stabilization strategies. This project will streamline with the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) Transit-Oriented Community requirements at the regional level.
City of Santa Clara – “Santa Clara Station Area Form-Based Code”
The City of Santa Clara is located in Santa Clara County, CA, and has a population of approximately 130,000 residents.
The City of Santa Clara will develop form-based zoning standards for the Santa Clara Station Area Plan, an Equity Priority Community, by codifying the vision of a well-connected, walkable transit-oriented community into the City’s General Plan. This project will streamline with the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) Transit-Oriented Community requirements at the regional level.
Program Area B: Community Resilience
Funding to strengthen emerging community development corporations to support small business resiliency, or to increase their ability to advance housing preservation or affordable housing production. Total Funding: $297,450
Carry the Vision - “Community Rising Coalition”
Carry the Vision supports Gilroy's most under-served community members by co-creating compassionate communities one person at a time. Located in Gilroy, this project engages historically underrepresented households to advocate livable transit-oriented communities for all of South County by launching the Community Rising Coalition (CRC). CRC advocacy efforts will increase Carry the Vision’s ability to advance community development by focusing on affordable housing, workforce development, transportation equity, and services to advance community healing.
Prosperity Lab – “Business 360°”
The Prosperity Lab is a catalyst for positive economic development and empowerment of underserved communities and micro businesses in the Silicon Valley and the greater San Francisco Bay Area by developing and delivering impactful programs and innovating solutions.
Business 360° offers technical training in marketing, digitization, operational efficiency, and capital strategies to small local businesses in historically underserved areas of Gilroy and San Jose. The program will help businesses around existing and future transit stations in San Jose and Gilroy be more resilient and responsive to the economic and cultural growth brought on by transit investments.
School of Arts and Culture at Mexican Heritage Plaza – “La Avenida/La Placita Development Planning”
The School of Arts and Culture (SOAC) at the Mexican Heritage Plaza serves as a catalyst for creativity and empowerment of the community through creative place keeping, equitable engagement, and economic and community development initiatives.
“La Avenida Cultural District” is SOAC’s vision for transforming property in East San Jose into an equitable transit-oriented community with a cultural district overlay zone, thriving business improvement district, affordable housing, and community service providers. SOAC will hold community engagements, convene the Cultural District Advisory Council, and establish the Mayfair Neighborhood Trust to advance the La Avenida development/cultural district, while supporting the long-term economic well-being of the low-income, Latino, and Asian communities in East San José.
Program Area C: Education and Engagement
Funding to strengthen community support and advocacy for Transit Oriented Communities policies, investments and implementation, and remove barriers to implementing inclusive and culturally relevant engagement activities/practice. Total Funding: $297,450
Palo Alto Forward – “TOC Education, Engagement, and Advocacy”
Palo Alto Forward focuses on expanding housing and transportation choices for Palo Alto by working with residents and city government.
Through the “TOC Education, Engagement, and Advocacy” effort, Palo Alto Forward will host a series of advocacy events about policy and zoning initiatives to support the creation of transit-oriented communities around the University Avenue and California Avenue Caltrain stations and along El Camino Real.
Palo Alto TMA – “Mode shift for low wage essential workers”
The Palo Alto Transportation Management Association (Palo Alto TMA) is working to reduce single-occupancy vehicle trips, traffic congestion, demand for parking, and greenhouse gas emissions by delivering targeted transportation solutions.
With funding form VTA’s Transit-Oriented Communities Grant, the Palo Alto TMA will support low-wage service workers along the El Camino Real corridor in switching from driving to transit by providing free transit passes to ride VTA buses, refurbished bikes, and micro-mobility options. These free resources will help provide sustainable transportation solutions to a vulnerable population in need of reliable and safe transportation alternatives to driving.
Transform – “Sustainable Transportation Education and Engagement”
Transform works to ensure that people of all incomes thrive in a world safe from climate chaos.
Through public engagement and community workshops, Transform will offer resources and knowledge to help communities overcome barriers to sustainable transportation, empower leaders, and provide greater options for communities to advocate for policies that will advance equitable Transit-Oriented Communities.
Program Area D: Placemaking, Arts, and Activation
Funding to enhance the vitality of community culture, history, and local identity through engaging placemaking/placekeeping activities and community events. These events and art installations will create accessible and welcoming public spaces that reflect the vibrancy of the community. Total Funding: $90,000
Arts Mountain View – “Mountain View Transit Project”
Arts Mountain View aims to bring outdoor murals to Mountain View to beautify the city.
The Mountain View Transit Project will engage a local artist to create a large mural facing the Mountain View Transit Center that will feature bright colors and Mountain View iconography. The mural will act as a landmark indicating the arrival to Mountain View for light rail riders.
Cinequest Inc. – “Cinequest Film & Creativity Festival”
Cinequest empowers artistic creations to engage audiences, youth, artists, and innovators to forge community. Cinequest hosts the Cinequest Film & Creativity Festival, Maverick Studio, and Picture the Possibilities youth creativity services.
The Cinequest Film & Creativity Festival is a 30-year tradition in San Jose and now also in Mountain View, which ranks among the world's best film festivals. The locations vary around the city next to VTA light rail and bus, including at the California Theatre, the Hammer Theatre Center, and the ShowPlace Icon Theatre. Cinequest will engage local artists to create art for marketing campaigns displayed near transit, and curate local program content for the local community.
Friends of Levitt Pavilion San Jose – “Levitt Pavilion Concert Series”
Friends of Levitt Pavilion San Jose supports the community and revitalizes the historic St. James Park by hosting performances and creating an inclusive destination for all people.
The Levitt Pavilion Concert Series will feature local music and performing arts, providing accessible entertainment for all with food, drinks, nonprofit tabling, and children's activities. The Concert Series offers a chance to enjoy diverse talent and foster a sense of community in the heart of the city.
Gilroy Arts Alliance – “Our Community Pillars Art Project”
Gilroy Arts Alliance is building a collaborative arts community and promoting and supporting multi-cultural arts in and around South County. They also promote unity and inclusiveness by creating multi- cultural exhibits that inspire and engage a strong community.
The "Our Community Pillars Art Project" aims to inspire artistic expression in the youth of the community by beautifying outdoor concrete pillars near the Gilroy Transit Center. The project focuses on middle school artists, encouraging them to work together and become leaders during transformative times in their lives.
Movimiento de Arte y Cultura Latino Americana (MACLA) – “¡WEPA! FEST”
MACLA (Movimiento de Arte y Cultura Latino Americana) is a contemporary Latinx arts space that uplifts Latinx artists and culture in order to engage people in civic dialogue and community transformation.
¡WEPA! FEST is a celebration of Puerto Rican and Caribbean music and culture at Parque de los Pobladores. By activating the park and encouraging access by transit and walking, the event increases awareness of transit, while elevating the visibility and representation of Latinx art and culture.
San Martin Neighborhood Association – “Spruce Up San Martin”
San Martin Neighborhood Association is dedicated to preserving and promoting the rural identity of San Martin.
The Spruce Up San Martin project will enhance the San Martin Caltrain station area by implementing placemaking measures, including improving the landscaping of two medians near the station to create an identifying feature for the station and a more appealing experience for transit users and residents alike.