Traffic Safety Improvement Program

The Traffic Safety Improvement Program (TSIP) is administered by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) through its Traffic Safety Division and is supported by federal funding from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The program is designed to reduce traffic-related fatalities and injuries by funding data-driven and evidence-based projects across the state of Indiana. ICJI serves as the state-level administrator responsible for distributing federal highway safety funds appropriated annually by Congress and ensuring compliance with federal regulations. The program emphasizes accountability, measurable outcomes, and alignment with national traffic safety priorities. The purpose of the TSIP grant is to support initiatives that directly address key traffic safety issues identified through statewide crash data analysis. Priority areas include reducing fatalities and injuries caused by speeding, impaired driving, distracted driving, and unsafe driving behaviors, as well as improving pedestrian and bicycle safety, occupant protection, and teen driver programs. Additional focus areas include enhancing law enforcement capabilities, improving traffic records systems, strengthening crash investigations, and increasing roadside safety for emergency vehicles. All funded projects must be supported by data and align with proven countermeasures outlined by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Funding under this program is provided on a reimbursement basis, meaning recipients must incur and document expenses before receiving payment. Allowable uses of funds include personnel costs, equipment, training, outreach, and other project-related expenses that are reasonable, necessary, and aligned with the approved scope of work. However, certain costs are explicitly prohibited, including real estate purchases, weapons, fuel, entertainment, lobbying activities, and other unallowable expenses under federal guidelines. All equipment purchased must comply with Buy America requirements and be operational by the second quarter of the project period. A mandatory 20 percent match is required for all awards, with applicants responsible for identifying and documenting the non-federal share. Matching funds may be provided through cash or in-kind contributions, though equipment purchases specifically require a cash match. The match must directly support the project and comply with federal cost principles. Eligibility for the program includes state agencies, local government units, colleges and universities, nonprofit organizations, and coalitions. All applicants must agree to comply with federal regulations, submit required reports, and maintain appropriate financial and programmatic records. Applications must be submitted electronically through the IntelliGrants system, and applicants are required to register in advance to access the application portal. Proposals must include a project summary, statement of need supported by data, a detailed description of how the problem will be addressed, expected outcomes, and a comprehensive budget. Supporting documentation such as audits and indirect cost rate agreements must also be submitted. Applicants are encouraged to review training materials and submit applications at least 48 hours before the deadline to avoid technical issues. The application deadline for this funding cycle is May 10, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. The award period runs from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027, with all activities and expenditures required to be completed within this timeframe. Quarterly programmatic and fiscal reports are required, along with a final report submitted within 30 days after the end of the award period. Applications are reviewed competitively based on eligibility, completeness, alignment with program goals, use of data, compliance with regulations, and overall project feasibility. Technical assistance is available through the ICJI Helpdesk for system-related issues, and programmatic questions may be directed to designated ICJI staff or regional law enforcement liaisons. The program operates on an annual cycle, with future funding opportunities expected to follow a similar timeline. The TSIP grant represents a structured and compliance-driven opportunity for eligible organizations to implement impactful traffic safety initiatives that contribute to statewide reductions in injuries and fatalities.

Ensure proposals are data-driven and aligned with NHTSA countermeasures and clearly demonstrate measurable outcomes and use of crash data