CARE Power-Building and Engagement (Pb+E) Program
The Power-Building and Engagement (Pb+E) program, part of MTC’s Community Action Resource Empowerment (CARE) initiative, supports community-based organizations to strengthen community leadership, build partnerships and implement community-driven solutions that advance the expansion of housing choices and affordability and reduce car dependency.
Apply for the Learning Lab before May 31, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
The Power-Building and Engagement (Pb+E) program supports community-based organizations through a direct grant program and a Learning Lab. The Grant program was launched in September 2025 and is supporting 26 organizations. The Learning Lab – launching in fall 2026 – will support additional organizations.
Staff Contact
Email: care-powerbuilding@bayareametro.gov
Phone: (510) 629-0219
Mailing List
Grant Program: Applications Now Closed
The Pb+E grant program awarded $2.5 million in grants through a competitive Call for Projects process. Twenty-six community-based organizations have been selected as awardees. They represent a diverse range of housing, transportation and climate justice initiatives across the Bay Area. The grant categories included capacity-building for leadership development; partnerships and collaborations across sectors; and community-driven projects — such as affordable housing infill development, mobility access programs and climate-smart transportation initiatives. All awarded grantees will receive professional coaching, technical assistance (as needed), peer learning opportunities and in-person convenings.
Learning Lab: Applications Open Through May 31, 2026
The Learning Lab is a six-month peer learning and professional development program (September 2026 through March 2027) designed for up to 20 community-based organizations seeking to strengthen their power-building and leadership development efforts. Participants will:
- Deepen their knowledge of land use, transportation, housing and climate issues;
- Develop power-building skills such as policy engagement, storytelling and community-based participatory research; and
- Be part of a cohort learning community to share best practices and lessons learned.
Organizations will apply these learnings to a real project with support from technical assistance and peer learning opportunities.
Apply for the Learning Lab
Applications for the Learning Lab are open now through May 31, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
Learning Lab Details
Program Overview
- Approximately 20 organizations will be selected through a competitive process to participate in this six-month learning cohort.
- Stipend: $20,000 per organization (paid in two installments)
- Program Duration: September 2026 through March 2027
- Four mandatory in-person sessions in downtown Oakland or San Francisco (five hours each)
- Four virtual learning sessions (participants required to attend two of four sessions)
- Up to three hours of technical assistance
- Peer learning and networking opportunities
- Project implementation support
- Staff Participation: Each organization can send up to two staff members
Important Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Period Opens | April 22, 2026 |
| Application Period Closes | May 31, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. |
| Acceptance Notification | August 28, 2026 |
| In-Person Session #1 | October 23, 2026 |
| In-Person Session #2 | December 4, 2026 |
| In-Person Session #3 | January 29, 2027 |
| In-Person Session #4 | March 12, 2027 |
| Program End, Final Project Deliverables Due | March 31, 2027 |
Eligible Organizations
To be eligible to apply for the Learning Lab, applicants must meet all of the following requirements. Note: Organizations that have received a CARE Power-Building and Engagement (Pb+E) Grant are not eligible to apply.
- Be a community-based organization that is either a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
- Be located in and primarily work with or serve communities in one or more of the following Bay Area counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano and Sonoma.
- Primarily work with and benefit populations that are the basis of MTC's Equity Priority Community designation, including:
- People of color
- Low-income
- Limited English proficiency
- Seniors 75 years and over
- Zero-vehicle households
- Single parent families
- People with a disability
- Rent-burdened households
- Have experience with power-building/leadership development or have experience working on land use, housing, transportation and/or climate issues.
Learning Lab Application Resources
Application Documents
Frequently Asked Questions
Office Hours
Office hours are available to applicants who would like one on one application support.
To schedule a 15 minute appointment to discuss your application, please view available timeslots and book using Calendly.
Learn more about local and regional priorities in your area: