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MORPC COMMUTE ACTION FUND

MORPC’s “Commute Action Fund” is a tool for Central Ohio Companies to fund new incentives and/or commute projects that motivate company associates to drive less and use sustainable modes of transportation to work. The fund aims to empower Central Ohio companies to take ownership of creating more sustainable commuter options for their workplace.

OBJECTIVES

1. Decrease single-occupant vehicle (SOV) commutes to central Ohio employers by 20%
2. Help companies deploy new mobility benefits for their associates
3. Create a behavior change model that encourages permanent mode shift
4. Create solutions for workforce mobility

WHAT FUNDING IS AVAILABLE?

Central Ohio companies with 250 or more associates in MORPC’s 15-county region may request up to $5,000 in a dollar-for-dollar match against their spending toward new sustainable commuter benefits for their employees that motivate employees to drive less. Employers with less than 250 associates in MORPC’s region will be eligible for up to $2,500 in dollar-for-dollar match funding.

MORPC’s 15-County Region includes Delaware, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Hocking, Knox, Licking, Logan, Madison, Marion, Morrow, Pickaway, Perry, Ross, and Union Counties.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

Central Ohio companies located in MORPC’s 15-county region may apply for the grant. Each round of Commute Action Funds will be awarded according to a grading system.

ELIGIBLITY CRITERIA

To qualify for funding:

1. The commute benefit must be provided to all full-time employees
2. Companies must have a network on the Gohio Commute platform
3. Companies must collaborate with MORPC staff to promote the new program to employees

WHAT IS THE PROCESS?

To apply, eligible companies must fill out the application located here.

Funding requests will be evaluated on a rolling basis by a committee of MORPC employees. Commute Action Fund dollars are distributed on a reimbursement basis after reporting and documentation requirements are met.

Examples of Commute Benefit Programs to reduce SOV and promote mobility options to and from the workplace:

1.  Subsidize monthly transit passes
2.  Subsidize monthly Gohio Commute vanpool fare
3.  Incentivize SOV reduction per day by leveraging Gohio Commute for self-reporting and reward tracking.

  • Examples of reward tracking include:
  • • requiring a set number of non-SOV trips per month to earn rewards. The more non-SOV trips taken per month, the larger the reward. Rewards may include but are not limited to: cash, digital gift cards, or a Caring Commute incentive. Caring Commute incentives are earning donations to a local charity, for example, a food bank. Please note: Gohio Commute has a built-in digital gift card program that can be customized for your company’s program requirements.

TIMELINE

Applications are currently being accepted. First come, first served.

Applications are reviewed and funding notices are distributed on a rolling basis. The application period is open-ended.

Final Reports are due within three weeks from the end of matching funds depletion. Monthly reimbursement checks will be issued after invoices and performance indicators are submitted.

BEST PRACTICES

As a Commute Action Fund awardee, companies commit to sharing their successes and learnings with MORPC Gohio Commute staff and other central Ohio companies through a variety of mediums including:

  • • Update MORPC Gohio Commute via email on the pre-determined Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) articulated in your award letter on the last Friday of each month for the duration of your project.
  • • Summarize learnings, KPIs, associate survey data, and next steps in a final report submitted to MORPC Gohio Commute within 30-days of project completion. A template reimbursement form will be provided with the award letter and must be submitted along with proof of purchase before reimbursement.
  • • Provide at least 5 project artifacts for public distribution. Artifacts may include communications materials like flyers, planning documents, internet articles, or photos.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Eligible companies must complete the application located here to be considered for funding. The application consists of two sections which include an organization fact sheet and project narrative. Questions regarding this application can be emailed to gohio@morpc.org.
Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis by MORPC staff. Successful applications will provide a clear, strong narrative stating the objectives the project will achieve. The project narrative will be evaluated based on clarity, innovation, feasibility timeline, impact, sustainability, communication plan, and the ability to achieve a “drive less” or workforce mobility outcome.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Patty Olmsted
Program Manager – Gohio Commute TDM Programs
Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission
polmsted@morpc.org
T: 614.233-4133
C: 614.359.3250

Emily Brown
Commute Coordinator
Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission
ebrown@morpc.org
T: 614.233-4183
C: 614.907.1260

111 Liberty Street, Suite 100
Columbus, OH 43215

morpc.gohio.com
gohio@morpc.com

In accordance with requirements of the U.S. Department of Transportation, MORPC does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, familial status, ancestry, military status, religion or disability in programs, services or in employment. Information on non-discrimination and related MORPC policies and procedures is available at morpc.org under Title VI.