New online grant system to streamline Virginia DMV’s highway safety funding

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- An online grant application system, eGrants, is making its way to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), with the application period opening in February 2026.

The DMV announced on Tuesday, Dec. 30, that the department is rolling out eGrants, a new online grant application system designed to streamline the Highway Safety Office’s annual grants process.

DMV awards highway safety grant funds to organizations, with grants beginning at $5,000. Per the department, the DMV is looking for new, creative approaches that help to prevent and reduce traffic deaths, injuries and crashes.

The DMV said the eGrants system replaces a manual, paper-heavy process with digital and centralized platform.

The portal allows 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 annual grants, DMV officials said.

Multiple past initiatives have helped make a difference on Virginia's roads, per the DMV. This includes Norfolk State University creating videos showing 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.

The application window is open from Feb. 1 to Feb. 28, 2026, with approved applications funded from Oct. 1, 2026, to Sept. 30, 2027, on a cost-reimbursement basis.

Applicants will be able to apply online using this new tool when the application period opens in February.

For more information on the program, visit the DMV website.