Trail Grant Eligibility Requirements

RTC’s trail grant programs supports organizations at all levels—from local and national nonprofits to public agencies—with a focus on community-based leadership and engagement and long-term impact.

In 2026, RTC will award approximately $110,000 to organizations and local agencies that are working to develop and connect equitable trail networks. To support a wide variety of projects and programs that support the physical development of trails and reflect elements of the TrailNation Playbook, grant amounts will range between $10,000 and $25,000.

Timeline and Grant Accountability

• April 9, 2026 – Online Application process opens
• May 10, 2026 – Application must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time
• Fall 2026 – RTC will announce grants
• September 31, 2027 – Final Project Report due to RTC

Grant Eligibility

For the 2026 Trail Grants funding cycle, only projects that support the building, upgrading, and maintenance of trails and trail networks will be considered. Eligible activities include, but are not limited to: feasibility studies, mapping, design, construction, and matching funds for state or federal grants. Operational support and programmatic activities are not eligible under this round of funding.

Eligible grantees include: non-profit organizations; state, regional, local or tribal government agencies; and other organizations. Private individuals or companies may not apply. Only one application per group/agency will be accepted.

To be eligible for a Trail Grant, a project or applicant should:

• Serve or plan to serve multiple user types (e.g., bicycling, walking/hiking or horseback riding) and be considered a rail-trail, greenway, multi-use trail or shared-use path.
• Clearly demonstrate a commitment to increasing equitable access to trail networks.
• Be initiated by September 2027.
• Join RTC’s TrailNation Collaborative. Registration is free and only requires an email address. Collaborative members have access to free webinars and monthly newsletters.

Review Criteria

RTC will review and evaluate all applications and award grants to projects based on the following criteria:

• Equity – Does the project serve Justice40 communities? Does the applicant demonstrate a commitment to equitable trail development and access to the outdoors? 
• Relevance to TrailNation Playbook – Applicants should demonstrate a clear understanding of the TrailNation Playbook and draw meaningful connections to at least one Playbook element. 
  • Project Vision (e.g. developing a local or regional vision)
  • Gap-filling Strategy (e.g. acquisition strategies)
  • Mapping and Analytics (e.g. mapping the network, equitable connectivity analysis)
  • Investment Strategy (e.g. securing matching funds, identifying and pursuing funding opportunities)
  • Coalition Building (e.g. cultivating stakeholder and political support)
  • Engagement (e.g. inclusive community engagement, user activation, and events)
• Project Significance and Network Connectivity – Does the project meaningfully advance trail network development? 
• Immediate Need and Confidence in Applicant – Is the applicant positioned to implement the proposed project? Will the grant meaningfully help to advance the project within 12 months of receiving funding?  

Grant Check List

✔ I have registered for RTC’s TrailNation Collaborative.

✔ I have thoroughly read the guidelines above and confirmed my eligibility to apply.

✔ I have reviewed the Grant Application Worksheet and am prepared to submit all necessary information including:

1. Description of how this project supports RTC’s commitment to creating more equitable access to the outdoors
2. Relevance to TrailNation Playbook
3. Project map

✔ I am able to apply for this grant on behalf of my organization.

✔ Apply online.