American Trails is once again opening applications for the Trails Capacity Grant Program. This program is targeted for projects on all federal public lands, as well as state, local, and private lands accessible to the public. Project applicants may include nonprofit organizations, businesses, or agencies at the state or local level. American Trails is administering this grant program, and is soliciting applications for funding, with awards between $5K and $10K per project. Deadline is January 15, 2024 by 11:59 PM Pacific Time. Learn More Before Applying

Important Dates:

  • Application Portal Opens: December 4, 2023
  • Application Deadline: January 15, 2024 by 11:59 PM Pacific
  • Announcement of Awardees: March 1, 2024
  • Funding Provided to Awardees: March 15, 2024
  • Deadline for Funds to be Used: December 31, 2024
  • Report Deadline for Awardees: February 1, 2025

About the Program:

The Trails Capacity Program funds projects across America that strategically improve the abilities and capacity of the trails community as a whole. This program invests in nationwide trails community capacity with a focus on trail research, stewardship, and maintenance projects that are inclusive, foster improved trail user behavior and connect trail assets to a broader spectrum of users.

“America’s trails suffer from a trail maintenance backlog which is exacerbated by increased use, extreme weather and a diminishing pool of skilled trail professionals and volunteers. Addressing trail maintenance needs across the country starts with training and informing the next generation of trail stewards, and understanding where grant dollars can do the most good. We are thrilled to offer this program again for 2024”, says Mike Passo, American Trails Executive Director.

This competitive grant program finds the best trail partners from across all nonmotorized and motorized trail user groups, including water trails. It measures success in terms of visible, on-the-ground maintenance of trails and increased capacity of trail stewards to do the job effectively.

“The Trails Capacity Program funded 14 projects in 2022 and 2023 which made a positive impact on trail workforce capacity, addressed the trail maintenance backlog and improved our understanding of trail user behavior” says Cathy Corlett, Trail Fund Director at American Trails.

Find out more about the Trails Capacity Program and past applicants and awardees here.

Questions?

American Trails encourages interested applicants to view the program description, eligibility requirements, and FAQ prior to applying. They are also available to field questions via email at [email protected].

 

This post adapted from a release by American Trails.