---
description: Funding for planning and capital construction to address infrastructure barriers, reconnect communities, and improve peoples’ lives.
title: "*Reconnecting Communities Pilot (RCP) Grant Program"
---
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# \*Reconnecting Communities Pilot (RCP) Grant Program
Funding for: [Local Governments](https://energyfundsforall.org/category/local-governments/), [Nonprofits](https://energyfundsforall.org/category/nonprofits/), [Tribal Government](https://energyfundsforall.org/category/tribal-government/), [Unlisted](https://energyfundsforall.org/category/unlisted/)
Goal: [Address heat islands](https://energyfundsforall.org/tag/address-heat-islands/), [Build the local economy](https://energyfundsforall.org/tag/build-the-local-economy/), [Community assistance](https://energyfundsforall.org/tag/community-assistance/), [Environmental justice](https://energyfundsforall.org/tag/environmental-justice/), [Improve public transit infrastructure](https://energyfundsforall.org/tag/improve-public-transit-infrastructure/), [Lower GHG emissions to meet carbon goals](https://energyfundsforall.org/tag/lower-ghg-emissions-to-meet-carbon-goals/), [Reduce community pollution](https://energyfundsforall.org/tag/reduce-community-pollution/)
## What is the current status of this program?
This funding is no longer available. If you want more incentives like this, tell your [Federal](https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member), [North Carolina](https://www.ncleg.gov/FindYourLegislators), and [South Carolina](https://www.scstatehouse.gov/legislatorssearch.php) legislators. [Click here](https://energyfundsforall.org/reconnecting-communities-pilot-rcp-grant-program/#:~:text=What%20are%20examples%20of%20projects%20that%20have%20been%20selected%20for%20awards%3F) to see how this program benefited the Carolinas.
## What does this funding get me?
The RCP Grant Program focused on* improving access to daily needs such as jobs, education, healthcare, food, nature, and recreation, fostering equitable development and restoration*, and providing technical assistance to further these goals. The program was created through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law but combined with the IRA’s [Neighborhood Access and Equity (NAE) program](https://energyfundsforall.org/neighborhood-access-and-equity-grant/) in 2023. Applications for FY2024 have closed.
## Am I eligible?
Eligible entities included state governments, local governments, Federally recognized tribes, Metropolitan Planning Organizations, and nonprofit organizations.
## How can I access the money?
Funding for FY2024 was a combined allocation of FY 2024, 2025, and 2026. Up to $607 million was available for community planning, capital construction, and technical assistance. The [Reconnecting Communities Institute](https://web.archive.org/web/20250124112939/https://www.transportation.gov/grants/reconnecting/reconnecting-communities-institute-rci) provided technical assistance for applications. The Department prioritized grant funding applications that demonstrated the following characteristics:
-
- Equity and Justice40 (i.e., will benefit economically disadvantaged communities)
- Access
- Facility Suitability
- Community Engagement, and Community-based Stewardship, Management, and Partnerships
- Equitable Development
- Climate Change Mitigation and/or Adaptation and Resilience
- Workforce Development and Economic Opportunity
- Planning Integration
## What is the timeline?
[Applications](https://www.transportation.gov/reconnecting) were due September 30, 2024. DOT planned to complete awards early in calendar year 2025. There will not be another application cycle for this funding opportunity.
## What other incentives could I use to help me accomplish my goals?
Check out our (non-exhaustive) [list of non-federal funding](https://energyfundsforall.org/non-federal-funds/) from other sources that may fit your energy and cost-saving goals.
## What are examples of projects that have been selected for awards?
*FY 2022 Awards*
- Reconnecting Charlotte’s Historic West End through Equitable Transit and Infrastructure Design – $1,000,000
*FY 2023 Awards*
- Improving Mobility, Safety, and Parking Access in Downtown Fort Mill – $160,000
- Designing a Community Greenway to Safely Connect Walnut Cove Residents to Downtown and Local Parks – $250,000
- Constructing an Accessible Pedestrian Bridge to Reconnect Downtown Rock Hill – $10,109,074
*FY 2024 Awards*
- Transforming Rail Infrastructure to Unify Downtown Gastonia through Project CHANGE – $2,000,000
- Retrofitting Roads to Reconnect West Charlotte Communities- $1,290,480
- Reimagining West Innes Street to Reconnect Salisbury’s Institutions and Neighborhoods – $400,000
Check out [this page](https://www.transportation.gov/reconnecting) to read descriptions for each project.
## Where can I get more information?
-
- [Full Information from DOT (Including Eligible Projects)](https://www.transportation.gov/reconnecting)
- [The Reconnecting Communities Institute (RCI)](https://web.archive.org/web/20250124112939/https://www.transportation.gov/grants/reconnecting/reconnecting-communities-institute-rci) will provide technical assistance for grantees and potential grantees, including grant writing clinics and office hours.
- In addition to the resources listed above, a variety of organizations offer technical assistance that may help you access these funds. They are listed on our [Get Help page](https://energyfundsforall.org/get-help/).
- For questions about updates to this program, email Meech Carter at [info@energyfundsforall.org](mailto:info@energyfundsforall.org).
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