Founded in 1988, CTF supports California's transportation community by recognizing excellence in transportation, by remembering and supporting transportation workers in times of crisis and educating the next generation of transportation leaders. THE CALIFORNIA TRANSPORTATION FOUNDATION STORY
CTF’s mission is Recognize, Remember and Educate is accomplished by providing grants to public and private organizations and individuals for the following purposes:
• Recognizing outstanding transportation performance and achievement.
• Helping transportation employees through scholarships, career days, conference per diem and other means.
• Aiding transportation employees and family members experiencing misfortune and hardship.
• Helping fund memorials to remember deceased employees or the signing of facilities named by the legislature to honor individuals. CTF, for example, doesn’t search out people who would benefit from a Career Development grant; those requests come in to us. The instructions for requesting these programs are included in the attachments described here. Generally, to establish a CTF program, for example a temporary WAM account, someone sends a written request to CTF. The CTF Executive Director responds in writing including outlining the administrative details involved. While most responses are immediate, some may require CTF Committee or full Board action. People should not hesitate to call the CTF Executive Director if they need additional information when contemplating a request to CTF. WORKERS ASSISTANCE AND MEMORIAL
The CTF Workers Assistance and Memorial (WAM) Fund program was established to help California transportation industry (private or public sector) employees and their families who are in need of financial assistance because of death, medical conditions, and disaster losses. The program consists of a permanent WAM Fund, temporary WAM Fund accounts established to raise money for a specific need, and the Fallen Worker Program. All amounts contributed to a temporary WAM Fund account are held by CTF on behalf of the intended beneficiary and are not owned by CTF. CTF provides this service without fee and all contributions are disbursed based on the advice of the account sponsor. To establish a WAM account, follow the instructions on the attached WAM Policy. SCHOLARSHIPS
The CTF Scholarship Fund program was established to support interest in transportation related fields and efforts to increase the pool of qualified talent for transportation organizations in California. Through its Scholarship Program, CTF encourages the creation of transportation related scholarships which assist transportation students, current transportation employees or unpaid interns, and children of transportation employees. Those eligible for scholarships are students in undergraduate, graduate or trade school programs that apply to employment in transportation. Students must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents or documented international students. CTF retains the right to approve or reject all scholarship establishment applications. Most CTF scholarships are administered by a sponsoring group that develops eligibility criteria, publicizes availability, solicits funds and selects recipients. AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
CTF’s principal recognition program is the annual Transportation Awards which recognize outstanding transportation people, projects and programs, all modes and from all regions of the state. CTF also sponsors Caltrans service ceremonies, including providing 25 year and 40 year service pins, helping to pay for refreshments, and speaking at the ceremonies. CTF also sponsors special achievement awards hosted by districts or other entities. To request an Awards and Recognition grant follow the instructions on the attached Awards and Recognitions policy. CAREER DEVELOPMENT
CTF’s principal career development program is its annual Education Symposium held during November. The Foundation helps fund adopt–a-school, career days and other mentoring events sponsored by others. CTF also entertains requests for partial per diem support for professional conference participation. EMPLOYEE SUPPORT
CTF supports the financing of transportation employee related events such as the annual Caltrans Worker Memorial Ceremony on the steps of the state capitol building and in the districts, Diversity Day, State Service Award Luncheons and more. If you know of a worthy program to recognize transportation employees and want CTF to support it send the CTF Executive Director a written request explaining the need, the proposed cost, whether it is a new or existing program, and other details.
