Bethesda-area nonprofits along the Purple Line corridor can now compete for grants up to $5,000, after Purple Line Transit Partners (PLTP) expanded its Beyond the Rails program with bigger awards and more of them.

The changes, announced Aug. 6, raise the per-grant maximum from $3,000 to $5,000 and increase the number of annual awards from 12 to 16. Eight grants will be awarded each summer and eight each winter. The next application deadline is Nov. 30, 2026.

PLTP CEO Doran Bosso presented a ceremonial check to the Long Branch Waterworks Wizards Community Swimming Foundation on July 19, the first $5,000 grant under the expanded program. Bosso said in the press release that visits to past grantees motivated the expansion, adding that the organization is "excited to expand our grant program and provide even greater benefit to Purple Line communities."

Since launching in fall 2023, the program has distributed more than $130,000 to organizations along the 16-mile corridor, which stretches from Bethesda to New Carrollton. Past and current grantees have focused on education, youth sports, public safety, food and rent assistance, and environmental causes.

The corridor runs through Bethesda and Chevy Chase, making community groups in both areas eligible.

Who can apply

Montgomery and Prince George's county organizations adjacent to the Purple Line corridor are eligible. Grants range from $1,000 to $5,000, and each group may receive one award per year. PLTP aims to split grants equally between the two counties.

Applicants must support an organization or neighborhood rather than an individual. A two-page application is available at the Beyond the Rails grant page, and questions can be sent to [email protected].

Latest grantees

The eight organizations awarded grants on Aug. 6 include Montgomery Housing Partnership's Long Branch Main Street Initiative, the Salvation Army's emergency rent and utility assistance program, and Ebenezer Church of God's back-to-school supplies drive. Others serve Long Branch, Silver Spring and Prince George's County communities.

What's next

PLTP, the private-sector partner responsible for building and operating the Purple Line for 30 years after service begins, said the grant program will continue throughout that period. The application deadline is Nov. 30, 2026.