June 27, 2023
The City of South Bend has awarded 10 nonprofit organizations with acceptance into the Community Nonprofit Partnership Program (CNPP), the relaunched Commuters Trust program that provides free transportation to St. Joseph County nonprofit clients.
The nonprofit awardees include:
- The Salvation Army Kroc Center
- Life Treatment Centers
- United Religious Community of St. Joseph County
- Oaklawn
- Our Lady of the Road
- RiverBend Cancer Services
- Imani Unidad
- Family & Children’s Center
- St. Margaret’s House
- South Bend Empowerment Zone
“We had many qualified organizations apply for this program, which demonstrates the great need for expanded transportation services in South Bend”, said Director of Civic Innovation, Madi Rogers. “In its second iteration, this program is serving healthcare organizations, family service agencies, unhoused service organizations, and immigrant resettlement services.”
CNPP provides subsidized transportation options to partner nonprofits and is operated by Commuters Trust, a private-public partnership between the City of South Bend and local partners. Clients of participating nonprofits will receive 8 free Uber rides plus an unlimited Transpo bus pass every month for one year. The program is essential for residents who experience occasional or chronic transportation insecurity.
The City selected 10 organizations from a pool of over 25 applicants. Applicants were evaluated by their demonstration of existing transportation needs, perceived organizational capacity to support program administration, and the process used to select participants for program. All applicants had 501(c)3 status or an equivalent classification.
“At RiverBend Cancer Services, we assist many clients who are dealing with transportation insecurity while also battling cancer,” said Client Advocate and CNPP partner, Hannah Demchak. “Because of this program, our clients have been able to make it to their very necessary doctors’ appointments to receive treatment, go to the grocery store or to the pharmacy to pick up cancer-related medications, which they may not have been able to access without this program.”
The program is set to operate for one year, through May 2025, and the Commuters Trust team will evaluate its impact over the course of that period.Organizations interested in the Commuters Trust services can use the Commuters Trust grant guide to consider incorporating transportation services in grant and philanthropic applications.
For more information about CNPP or other Commuters Trust programs, visit the program website at www.commuterstrust.com/cnpp24 or email info@commuterstrust.com.