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 2024, RTC will award approximately $200,000 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 reflect elements of the TrailNation Playbook, grant amounts will range between $5,000 and $25,000.

Timeline and Grant Accountability

• May 9, 2024 – Online Application process opens
• June 9, 2024 – Application must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time
• Fall 2024 – RTC will announce grants
• September 31, 2025 – Final Project Report due to RTC

Grant Eligibility Requirements

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

Project should support one or more of the following strategies in the TrailNation Playbook listed below.

• Project Vision (e.g. developing a local or regional vision)
• Coalition Building (e.g. cultivating stakeholder and political support)
• 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)
• Engagement (e.g. inclusive community engagement, user activation, and events)

The project must 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.

Eligible grantees include: non-profit organizations; state, regional, local or tribal government agencies; and other organizations. Private individuals may not apply.

Projects must be initiated by September 2025.

To apply for a grant—all applicants must register to join RTC’s TrailNation Collaborative. Registration is free and only requires an email address. Collaborative members have access to free webinars and monthly newsletters.

Only one application per group/agency will be accepted.

Preference will be given to projects that commit to increasing equitable access to trail networks.

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.