The Department of Transportation is offering up to $20M per project to help agencies and organizations tackle dangerous driving behaviors. Here is everything you need to know to apply for the ITSE Grant Program.
Traffic fatalities and dangerous driving habits on American roads remain a persistent problem. To address this, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has officially launched the application process for the ‘Innovative Traffic Safety Enforcement (ITSE) Grant Program’.
Launched in collaboration with the Department of Transportation (DOT), this federally funded initiative is designed to move beyond traditional policing methods. Instead, the NHTSA is seeking scalable, data-driven, and highly innovative enforcement strategies that law enforcement agencies across the country can adopt.
With total funding of $20 million and awards of up to $20 million each, this is one of the most significant federal grant opportunities for road safety organizations in this financial year.
Here is an overview of the ITSE grant program, including federal requirements, eligibility information, and strategic tips for securing funding.
NHTSA ITSE Grant Program Details
Grant writers take note: Always verify your data against the official Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). While third-party grant aggregators may list conflicting deadlines, we have pulled the verified data directly from the federal Grants.gov portal.
| Grant Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Funding Opportunity Number | NHTSA-693JJ926R000024-FY26 |
| Assistance Listing (CFDA) | 20.614 (NHTSA Discretionary Safety Grants) |
| Estimated Total Program Funding | $20,000,000 |
| Expected Number of Awards | 10 |
| Award Floor | $500,000 |
| Award Ceiling | $20,000,000 |
| Cost Sharing/Match Requirement | None (0%) |
| Official Application Deadline | September 1, 2027 (Note: Disregard aggregator sites listing 2026; the official federal synopsis confirms a 2027 closing date). |
| Where to Apply | Grants.gov, Government Grants |
What is NHTSA Actually Looking For?
The primary intent of the ‘Innovative Traffic Safety Enforcement – ITSE Grant Program is twofold: to develop innovative enforcement programs that demonstrably reduce motor vehicle crashes, and to ensure those programs are repeatable for police departments across the country.
The NHTSA is focusing specifically on projects that address the four most dangerous driving habits (the “Fatal Four”):
- Speeding and Aggressive Driving: Look beyond just standard radar traps. The NHTSA seeks technology-based enforcement systems and new methods to identify and prevent high-risk driving patterns.
- Impaired Driving (Drug and Alcohol): This funding will support advanced detection methods, data-driven prevention strategies, and next-generation enforcement practices.
- Distracted Driving: Projects working on risks associated with mobile phones and on new strategies to raise awareness or bring about behavioral change among people.
- Occupant Protection: The campaigns specifically launched to increase compliance with seat belt regulations and enhance child safety.
Furthermore, in accordance with existing executive orders, the Department of Transportation (DOT) is placing high priority on projects that promote equity and advance the current administration’s broad safety mission.
Who is Eligible to Apply for NHTSA ITSE Grant Program
According to the official government site Grants.gov, the eligibility for this NOFO is listed as “Unrestricted.” This is a huge opportunity because it means you do not strictly have to be a government municipality to apply.
Eligible entities include:
- State and Local Government Agencies
- Public Authorities
- Nonprofit Organizations (501c3)
- Educational Institutions and Universities
- Private Associations
Expert Insight: While non-profit organizations and universities are eligible to apply, the primary objective of this grant is to assist law enforcement agencies. If you represent a non-profit or academic institution, your proposal will be stronger if it includes a formal, written partnership with local or state police departments- agencies that will actually pilot and implement the strategies you have outlined.
Funding Details
- Total available funding: $20 million
- Minimum grant award: $500,000
- Maximum grant award: $20 million
Award amounts will depend on the project’s scope, level of innovation, expected safety impact, quality of the proposal, and the applicant’s ability to demonstrate and scale successful approaches.
How to Apply for Innovative Traffic Safety Enforcement Grant Program
To apply for the Innovative Traffic Safety Enforcement (ITSE) Grant Program, go to Grants.gov and submit the application there. The live listing says the program is open to unrestricted applicants, and the current closing date is September 1, 2027.
Steps to apply for NHTSA ITSE grant program application:
- Read the official Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to understand the program requirements, eligibility, and application instructions.
- Confirm your eligibility to make sure your organization qualifies for this funding opportunity.
- Register your organization by getting a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and ensuring your SAM.gov registration is active. You must also have a Grants.gov account.
- Prepare your application, including the required forms, project narrative, budget, and any supporting documents listed in the NOFO.
- Submit your application online through Grants.gov before the application deadline.
- Click on the Apply button.
- Log in to your account using your email address and Password.
- After that, complete the NHTSA ITSE grant form with required information.
- Click on Submit for final touch.
- After submitting, track the status of your application through your Grants.gov account and respond promptly if the granting agency requests additional information.
Official DOT/NHTSA Contacts for NOFO Questions
If you require clarification regarding federal requirements or encounter any issues downloading the NOFO package from Workspace, you should contact the official federal contracting officers.
- Primary Contact: Anoko Zankli
- Email: Anoko.Zankli.Ctr@dot.gov
- Secondary Contact: Gregory Benjamin, II (Contract Specialist)
- Email: Gregory.Benjamin@dot.gov
(Pro-Tip: When emailing federal contracting officers, always include the Funding Opportunity Number NHTSA-693JJ926R000024-FY26 in your subject line for a faster response).
Conclusion
The Innovative Traffic Safety Enforcement (ITSE) grant program represents a unique, high-value opportunity to fundamentally transform how traffic safety is managed in the United States. Whether you are a municipal police department looking to pilot new speed-enforcement technology or a university research team collaborating with local law enforcement to study driver behavior, this NOFO provides the essential funding to turn your ideas into life-saving realities.
Next Steps: Head over to Grants.gov, search for opportunity number NHTSA-693JJ926R000024-FY26, download the full NOFO package, and start building your coalition today. You have until September 1, 2027, to make your case.
