BUILD grants, formerly known as RAISE, are competitive U.S. Department of Transportation grants for eligible transportation projects. Local governments, metropolitan planning organizations, Tribes, and other public authorities can compete directly for funding through many federal programs. Check the official BUILD grants page for current program details and application guidance.
What it funds
Check the official program page for the current notice of funding opportunity and its eligibility requirements before shaping a project or proposal.
Who applies
Public agencies apply for grants. The official program page identifies local governments, metropolitan planning organizations, Tribes, and other public authorities as eligible to compete directly for funding through many federal programs. Check the official program page to confirm that a prospective applicant and project qualify.
Award size and funding available
Check the official program page and current notice of funding opportunity for those amounts, along with any limits or matching requirements.
Cycle and current status
The official program page reports a FY26 BUILD notice of funding opportunity on November 26, 2025, and FY26 BUILD awards on July 7, 2026. Check the official program page for the current status and dates.
How consultants win the design work
Agencies apply for BUILD grants. Consultants can support agencies with planning, benefit-cost analysis, grant-writing support where allowed, design, and construction-phase services. Consultants are selected through qualifications-based selection, or QBS, for engineering and design services. Procurement rules apply, so firms should confirm the agency's process and applicable requirements before proposing services.
What owners should do now
- Review the official BUILD page and current funding notice for eligibility, project requirements, application instructions, and status.
- Identify a public agency with authority to apply and discuss whether a candidate project fits the program.
- Prepare relevant planning and project information, and confirm what the agency needs for its application and benefit-cost analysis.
- Track agency procurement notices for consultant opportunities, and confirm the selection process and requirements before pursuing work.
Official program page: https://www.transportation.gov/RAISEgrants. Check it for current notices of funding opportunity before advising a client.
