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Grants - FAQs

Grants - FAQs

Question: How does OHSP determine what projects will be funded?

The annual process for determining what projects will receive federal traffic safety funding starts with a thorough analysis of the most recent Michigan traffic crash data that is coordinated by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute. Projects must be eligible with allowable expenses per federal regulations and impact at least one of the federal or Michigan Core Performance Measures. Emphasis is placed on the Governor’s Traffic Safety Advisory Commission’s (GTSAC) funding priority areas:

  • Distracted Driving,
  • Impaired Driving,  
  • Seat Belt Usage,
  • Speed,
  • Vulnerable Roadway Users (pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists) 

Multi-year data analysis provides insight into the most critical problems associated with fatal and serious injury crashes.  Crash data is the basis for identifying where, when, how, and why these crashes occur.  Michigan's annual seat belt observation survey and similar studies also assist with problem identification. The OHSP encourages use and integration of non-traditional datasets to support a project, such as Census data, as part of the holistic, Safe System Approach that may also identify issues contributing to crashes.

Along with data analysis, the OHSP works with partners and stakeholders to generate input, ideas, and suggestions for possible programming.  This includes the Strategic Highway Safety Action Plan action teams, regional Traffic Safety Networks, and subrecipients. 

OHSP directs resources toward countermeasures that have demonstrated research-based success at reducing fatalities and serious injuries.  These behavior-based countermeasures are most likely to increase seat belt and child safety seat use, reduce impaired driving as well as compliance with other life-saving traffic safety laws.

Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), Michigan receive federal funding to support national and state priorities for reducing roadway deaths and injuries.  This includes the State and Community Highway Safety Grant Program, commonly referred to as Section 402, and Section 405 the National Priority Safety Program.

Question: How can I find out if there is available grant money?

Contact OHSP to be directed to the appropriate OHSP Program Coordinator for the traffic safety topic in which you're interested.

Question: What is meant by "cost reimbursement" grant funding?

Reimbursement means grant-funded agencies must first expend their own money for activities identified in the grant application. Agencies will then be reimbursed by OHSP for actual costs incurred.

Question: What costs are eligible for reimbursement?

Only costs identified in the grant application budget are eligible for reimbursement. Support documentation showing actual costs expended must be included when submitting a quarterly or monthly financial report for reimbursement.

Question: What documents would be considered "supporting documentation" for cost reimbursement?

Copies of invoices, officer dailies, checks for contractual payments or equipment purchases, and account or fund expenditure reports, are examples of supporting documentation.

Question: How are "actual costs" different from the "budget costs" identified in the grant application?

Budgeted costs that are identified in the application are projections based on expected activity. Costs eligible for reimbursement are the actual expenses incurred to support grant activity. As an example, an equipment cost included in the budget may be a projection based on current valuations. However, the actual cost may be different at the time of the purchase. The actual cost paid is the amount that can be reimbursed. Note that actual costs cannot exceed the awarded budgeted costs as approved in the grant application. Subrecipients must closely track expenditures throughout the year to ensure costs do not exceed the awarded budget.

Question: Does a separate account to track costs associated with the grant activity need to be established?

A means of separating expenses for grant activity from general or other agency costs must be established. Depending on the agency accounting procedures, this can be accomplished through a separate account, a separate fund, or through specifically identified budget lines.

Question: What should I do if I can't meet the deadline because I'm missing supporting documents?

Financial Status Reports (FSRs) need to be submitted by the due dates with all necessary appropriate documentation. If this happens prior to year end, it may be possible to submit a $0 FSR with a note justifying why the reimbursement information is not being submitted. These costs would then be included in the next FSR with further notes and documentation. Contact your assigned OHSP Program Coordinator for more details. 

Question: Do I need to submit an FSR if there were no costs incurred for the reporting period?

Yes. FSRs should indicate $0 costs and be submitted by the due date.

Question: Who should I contact if I have financial questions regarding our grant?

Answer: The program coordinator in your grant approval letter should be able to answer your questions, or you may contact Zada Schriner, OHSP Fiscal Manager, at 517-643-7360.