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.
The Power-Building and Engagement (Pb+E) program supports community-based organizations through a direct grant program and a Learning Action Lab. The Grant program was launched in September 2025 and will be followed by the Learning Action Lab.
Grant Program
The Pb+E program will award $1.5 million in California Housing and Community Development Agency: Regional Early Action Plan (REAP 2.0) funds through a competitive Call for Projects process. The process was launched on September 2, 2025 and closed on October 9, 2025. Awardees will be notified by December 1, 2025.
All awarded grantees will receive professional coaching, technical assistance (as needed), peer learning opportunities and in-person convenings.
Learning Action Lab
Details on the Learning Action Lab will be released by March 2026.
Staff Contact
Email: care-powerbuilding@bayareametro.gov
Phone: (510) 255-1215
Mailing List
Grant Program Details: Application Period Now Closed
Grant Categories
| Category | Award Amount | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity Building | Up to $50,000 | Strengthen leadership, skills and organizational capacity |
| Partnership Development | Up to $100,000 | Build cross-sector relationships for housing and transportation collaboration |
| Community Projects | Up to $250,000 | Implement community-prioritized housing and transportation projects |
Important Dates
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| September 2, 2025 | Call for Projects released |
| September 9, 2025 | Information Session #1, 12 to 1 p.m., followed by office hours, 1 to 3 p.m. |
| September 18, 2025 | Information Session #2, 1 to 2 p.m., followed by office hours, 2 to 4 p.m. |
| September 26, 2025 | Application window opens (9 a.m. PST) |
| October 9, 2025 | Application deadline (5 p.m. PST) |
| November 24, 2025 | Award notifications |
| February 2026 | Anticipated grant agreement execution |
| March 1 through October 31, 2026 | Project implementation period |
Eligibility
Eligible Organizations
- Community-based organizations working with residents in MTC's Equity Priority Communities. View the Equity Priority Communities map.
- 501(c)(3) status OR partnership with a fiscal sponsor
- Demonstrated experience in housing, transportation and/or environment issues
- Demonstrated organizational capacity to administer grant funds
Program Requirements
Projects will need to show that they will help advance at least one REAP 2.0 goal:
- Accelerating infill development to increase housing supply and affordability in existing communities
- Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing to expand housing access and choice for protected classes, reduce segregation
- Reducing vehicle miles traveled to reduce car dependency, increase transit use and increase non-motorized and clean transportation options
Power-Building & Engagement Learning Action Lab
The Pb+E program will include a Learning Action Lab component designed to support community-based organizations. Learning Action Lab details will be released in early 2026.
Application Resources
Application Documents
- Online Application closed October 9, 2025.
- View the Call for Projects
- View the Application Worksheet
- Work Plan Template
- Budget Template
- View the Frequently Asked Questions
Application Support
Frequently Asked Questions
View the Frequently Asked Questions.
Information Sessions
Information Session #1: Tuesday, September 9, 12 to 1 p.m.
- Info Session 1 presentation slides
- Info Session 1 video recording
- Info Session 1 meeting transcript (.VTT)
Information Session #2: Thursday, September 18, 1 to 2 p.m.
- Info Session 2 presentation slides
- Info Session 2 video recording
- Info Session 2 meeting transcript (.VTT)
Office Hours
Office hours were available for two hours following each information session.
One-on-One Technical Assistance
Up to three hours of one-on-one technical assistance per applicant were available to help prospective grantees tailor project ideas to program requirements. Support was available upon request on a rolling basis until consultant hours were expended.
Plans of Interest to Community
Learn more about local and regional priorities in your area::