Organizations Providing Community Transportation may be Eligible to Apply
Olympia/Thurston County, WA – Intercity Transit’s Van Grant program is accepting applications for the award of several retired vanpool vehicles to local qualifying non-profit and community organizations. Four 12-passenger vans are available through the program. Applications are due by 4 p.m. Wednesday, November 30, 2016.
Qualifying applicants must serve clients within the cities of Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Yelm, or their urban growth areas. To participate in the selection process, applications must be government agencies or private non-profit organizations that qualify under 26 USC 501(c) (3). Applicants must identify how a van will benefit their clients and the community as a whole. They must also demonstrate that existing transit service does not meet their transportation needs and address their ability to maintain the vehicle for its intended function.
Informational Open House Scheduled
Intercity Transit invites interested parties to attend an open house on Thursday, November 17, 2016, 4 to 5 p.m. The open house will be held in the board room at Intercity Transit’s business office, 526 Pattison Street SE, Olympia. This optional event provides potential applicants an opportunity to ask questions about the application process, selection criteria, and van maintenance, mileage, and upkeep. Several vehicles will be available for inspection.
Van Grant Program in its 13th Year
Now in its 13th year, Intercity Transit’s Van Grant program has awarded 41 retired vanpool vehicles to community organizations through a competitive application and review process instead of selling them at auction.
Past recipients include: Catholic Community Services/Drexel House, GRuB, Boys and Girls Club of Thurston County, Community Youth Services, Interfaith Works, Senior Services of South Sound, Thurston County Food Bank, Yelm Community Center, Habitat for Humanity, Behavior Health Resources, and YWCA of Olympia, among others.
Getting the Application Packet
Application packets will be available at the workshop on November 17, online at www.intercitytransit.com, by calling Intercity Transit’s business office, 360-786-8585, or by emailing Carolyn Newsome at cnewsome@intercitytransit.com. For more information about the Van Grant program, contact Carolyn Newsome, Vanpool Manger, at
360-705-5829.
