Posted on October, 8 2024
The Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) is awarding two retired vans to eligible organizations as part of its Van Award Program. The program helps address unmet transportation needs in central Iowa by enhancing organizations’ ability to serve populations that are often underserved by existing transit services.
“Transportation is a vital component of community well-being,” said Erin Hockman, Chief Strategy Officer at DART. “We are proud to support organizations serving residents in our region and hope providing a van helps more people have access to opportunities and ensures essential services reach those who need them most.”
The program serves DART’s 12 member communities in Greater Des Moines: Altoona, Ankeny, Bondurant, Clive, Des Moines, Grimes, Johnston, Pleasant Hill, Polk County, Urbandale, West Des Moines, and Windsor Heights.
The vans being donated are:
- 2016 Chevrolet Express 11-passenger vehicle with approximately 100,000-115,000 miles
- 2017 Chevrolet Express 15-passenger vehicle with approximately 155,000-175,000 miles
Due to changes in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the federal share of each van’s total cost must be repaid to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). That amount is projected to be about $6,600-$6,800 per vehicle; the exact amount will be determined at the time of the award notice. DART will donate its stake in the van.
Program Highlights:
- Government agencies and nonprofit organizations under 26 USC 501(c)(3) are eligible to apply.
- Applicants must demonstrate how having a van will benefit the community and address transportation needs.
- The program emphasizes giving people equitable access to essential services.
What’s New This Cycle:
- Nonprofits must provide proof of designation as a public charity under IRC Section 509(a).
- Grantees will be responsible for covering the federal interest associated with the donated vehicle due to changes in the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
To apply
Deadline extended: Organizations must complete the application below and submit to DART no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, November 8, 2024. Applicants should review the program guidelines prior to submitting an application.
- Download Van Award application guidelines and application.
- Editable application
Applications should be submitted via email to caravan@ridedart.com or sent to:
Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority
Attn: Van Donation Program
620 Cherry Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50309
Contact DART
For more information about the Van Award Program, including eligibility requirements and application guidelines, please contact Ellie McElvain at caravan@ridedart.com