Grant Eligibility Requirements

In 2023, 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.

The 2023 grant application period has closed.

RTC will review and evaluate all applications and award grants to projects following the timeline below:

Eligibility Requirements

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

- 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 2024
• 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:

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

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

✔ Apply online.