The Shadow
RICHMOND, Va. (VR) — The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is rolling out eGrants, a new online grant application system designed to streamline the Highway Safety Office’s annual grants process. Each year, DMV awards federal highway safety grant funds to organizations working to save lives on Virginia’s roadways. With eGrants, applying for funding will now be faster, simpler, and easier for applicants across the Commonwealth.
Grants start at $5,000 and DMV is inviting Virginia-based organizations, including law enforcement agencies, nonprofits, state and local government agencies, and institutes of higher education to apply. DMV is looking for new, creative approaches that continue the important work of preventing and reducing traffic fatalities, injuries, and crashes.
Throughout the years, these grants have helped fund innovative programs that are making a real difference on Virginia’s roads. Past initiatives include Norfolk State University creating videos of student-athletes reminding classmates and fans to drive safely, the City of Roanoke sponsoring an artist-led contest to design eye-catching pedestrian safety messages displayed throughout the city, and law enforcement agencies such as Fairfax County forming specialized task forces to keep impaired drivers off Virginia’s roadways.
To support and expand this important work, DMV has modernized its grants process with the eGrants system, which replaces a manual, paper-heavy process with a digital, centralized, and transparent platform. Through the portal, users can stay updated on their application status, easily upload materials, reduce errors and close out projects faster, while helping DMV manage and review about 350 grants each year.
Interested applicants must include measurable objectives to evaluate the effectiveness of their program and complete a grant application training course taking place in January 2026. For more information on required training, please contact the DMV program manager in your area. Funding is awarded based on the potential impact of proposed safety projects. Programs and projects promoting the safety of Virginians of all backgrounds are encouraged.
Important Dates:
- Application window: February 1 – 28, 2026
- Approved applications funded from: October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027 (on a cost-reimbursement basis)
When the application period opens in February, applicants will be able to apply online using this new tool. The launch of eGrants reflects DMV’s ongoing commitment to enhancing services for customers and employees.
For more information, including application forms, guidelines, required training, and program evaluation measures, visit our website or contact the DMV program manager in your area.
