The annual U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Combating Human Trafficking in Transportation Impact Awards seek to raise awareness among transportation stakeholders about human trafficking and increase training and prevention efforts to address this crime. The awards are a component of the Department’s Transportation Leaders Against Human Trafficking (TLAHT) initiative. Additional information regarding DOT’s counter-trafficking efforts can be found online here.
This year, entrants will compete for three cash awards: up to $100,000 for first place, up to $50,000 for second place, and up to $25,000 for third place. These prizes are to be awarded to the individual(s) or entities selected for creating the most impactful and innovative counter-trafficking initiative or technology.
Submissions—including the proposed budget, logic model, and letters of support (if applicable)— must be submitted to trafficking@dot.gov along with your application via the submission form outlined in the Federal Register Notice by 11:59pm EST on June 22, 2026. Learn more about previous winners and instructions for applying.