[Arnold Ventures](https://www.arnoldventures.org)

March 27, 2026 (LOI) | May 8, 2026 (Full proposal, invited applicants)

Target budget around $200,000 per project; no set maximum; up to 18 months duration.

Supports research and policy analysis to improve the effectiveness, efficiency, and equity of U.S. transportation infrastructure.

--- ## Description Arnold Ventures is seeking proposals for research, policy analysis, and implementation studies focused on improving U.S. transportation infrastructure. The program aims to generate actionable evidence to inform reforms and innovations in transportation policy and practice, with a primary emphasis on traditional surface transportation (roads and public transit) but also welcomes studies on aviation, maritime, rail, trucking, and related sectors. Key areas of interest include capital investment reform, cost estimation and accountability, mobility outcomes, performance-based project selection, institutional barriers, permitting, intergovernmental dynamics, procurement processes, domestic content requirements, and understanding the root causes of high project delivery costs. The ultimate goal is to advance public returns and access to economic opportunities through more effective, efficient, and equitable transportation systems. --- ## Due Dates - March 27, 2026: Letter of Interest (LOI) deadline - May 8, 2026: Full proposal deadline for invited applicants Other key dates: - April 10, 2026: Notification if invited to submit a full proposal - May 26, 2026: Notification if selected for award --- ## Funding Amount - Target budget for proposals is around $200,000. - There is no set maximum budget; proposals above $200,000 require a detailed cost breakdown. - Maximum project duration is 18 months. - Funding covers project-related expenses (research management, data collection/analysis, necessary programmatic costs). - Indirect costs must comply with Arnold Ventures’ policy. --- ## Eligibility - Open to U.S.-based organizations with an EIN, including both nonprofit and for-profit institutions. - Projects must focus on U.S. programs and policies. - Multiple LOIs may be submitted, but each project requires a separate submission. - For-profit applicants may have different reporting requirements if awarded. --- ## Application Process 1. **Letter of Interest (LOI):** - Due March 27, 2026. - Submit via the Transportation RFP applicant portal. - LOI should be ≤4 pages (11-point font, 1-inch margins). - Must include: - Project proposal (1–2 page overview of topic area and scope) - Study team overview (roles, responsibilities, brief bios) - Project length (must not exceed 18 months) - Budget request summary (amount requested, key cost drivers) - Optional supporting documents can be uploaded. 2. **Full Proposal:** - By invitation only (notification by April 10, 2026). - Full proposals due May 8, 2026. - Detailed budget template will be provided if invited. 3. **Review & Award:** - Notification of award by May 26, 2026. - The process from LOI to grant agreement typically takes about 6 months. --- ## Additional Information - Proposals should align with Arnold Ventures’ priority areas in transportation infrastructure. - Projects longer than 18 months will not be considered. - Budgets should be well-justified and aligned with project goals. - AV encourages inclusive research methods and impact assessments for all communities. - Programmatic costs may be included when necessary for project feasibility. - References/citations do not count toward the 4-page LOI limit. - No individual feedback or calls are provided at the LOI stage. --- ## External Links - [Full RFP (PDF)](https://assets.arnoldventures.org/uploads/PDFs/AV_RFP_Infrastructure-Transportation.pdf) - [Arnold Ventures Infrastructure RFPs page](https://www.arnoldventures.org/infrastructure-rfps) - [Arnold Ventures Indirect Costs Policy Guide](https://www.arnoldventures.org/grantees#requests-for-proposals) - [Subscribe for updates](https://www.arnoldventures.org/Subscribe) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |-----------------------------|--------------------------------------------| | General inquiries | [info@arnoldventures.org](mailto:info@arnoldventures.org) | | Transportation RFP questions| [transportationRFP@arnoldventures.org](mailto:transportationRFP@arnoldventures.org) | | Contact form | [Arnold Ventures Contact Page](https://www.arnoldventures.org/contact) |

Transportation Research and Policy

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