Apply Now for Get Grant Ready Workshop
Ohio’s Cleveland Foundation Centennial Lake Link Trail | Photo by Renee Rosensteel
Get Grant Ready Workshop and Pitch Fest
Rails to Trails Conservancy is partnering with Outdoor Community Partners and the Heart of the Rockies Initiative to bring the chance to participate in an exclusive “Get Grant Ready” workshop to TrailNation Summit attendees. The interactive online workshop is designed to help transform bold, locally driven trail ideas into fundable projects. Participants will strengthen their fundraising skills and build long-term capacity to pursue state, federal, and private grants that support their community’s vision. Plus, three workshop participants will be selected to share their pitch on stage at the TrailNation Summit and have a chance to secure a $10,000 RTC Trail Grant for their project.
Only those registered for the TrailNation Summit will be considered for this workshop—register today so that you will be eligible for this special opportunity!
Apply for the “Get Grant Ready” Workshop by Aug. 22 to be considered!
Workshop Details
- Date: Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025
- Time: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Eastern
- Time Commitment: Four-hour workshop, one hour of pre-work + one-on-one coaching if selected for the TrailNation Pitch Fest
- Eligibility: Must be registered for the TrailNation Summit. One applicant per community/project.
- Cost: FREE
- 50 participants will be selected to participate in the workshop from the applicant pool with priority given to under-resourced communities.
Workshop Takeaways:
- Overview of the “Get Grant Ready” Template and Guidelines (yours to keep!)
- How to organize and refine project ideas to make them implementation-ready
- Deep dive session on how to use the template and tailor it to your specific project
- Practical uses of the template for:
- Crafting communications and messaging around your project
- Delivering effective presentations to funders
- Engaging your community with clear project goals
TrailNation Pitch Fest
Three workshop participants will be selected by RTC staff to present their project pitch at the TrailNation Pitch Fest during the Summit in Cleveland on Oct. 28. Pitch Fest participants will be selected by RTC staff based on the readiness of their projects for the prime time following the workshop. RTC will seek projects that represent a range of geographic locations and project approaches.
They will receive 1:1 coaching leading up to the Pitch Fest, and live feedback from a panel of trail and funding experts at the event. The winner will be selected by the audience and receive a $10,000 RTC Trail Grant to support their project.
This workshop is designed for those representing jurisdictions or organizations from under-resourced communities such as those who have historically lacked access to planning resources or investment. The workshop is tailored to those who are new to project development and grant writing, ideally those with fewer than three years of experience managing or developing trail-related projects. It’s especially valuable for those who are new to turning trail concepts into fundable projects and seeking guidance on how to get started.
Space is limited to 50 participants. Apply by Aug. 22 to be considered!
If you have questions about the TrailNation Summit or the TrailNation Collaborative, view the Summit FAQ.
For information about ways you can sponsor the TrailNation Summit, reach out to Danielle Casavant, Senior Major Gifts Officer, at danielle@railstotrails.org.