Funding
Photo by: Monica-Raymond
Funding opportunities for Vermont trail organizations and stewards
Funding is a critical component of most trail-related projects. Fortunately, there are several local, statewide, and federal opportunities available. Below is a list of organizations that provide funding for trail stewards and organizations.
Before you dive in, we strongly recommend you spend some time reviewing our trail management resources. It is worth the time and effort to develop a sound trail project design that accounts for potential partners, community considerations, your local trail network, permits and landowner permissions, parking, signage, and long-term stewardship plans. In some cases, you may even be able to obtain funding to help cover the cost of this design phase.
Once you’re ready to apply for funding, make sure to put your best foot forward. Read grant requirements carefully, attend webinars, and keep track of deadlines. Use the granting organization’s rubrics, language, and forms and, if necessary, brush up on your grant writing skills (Common Good Vermont offers some affordable workshops). Whatever you do, don’t wait until the last minute!
Finally, there are two additional resources to check out. The Vermont Housing and Conservation Board (VHCB) Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) program provides funding to pay for a professional grant writer for certain granting programs. Contact them to see if it’s a good fit for your organization. Also, The Vermont Community Loan Fund (VCLF) TRAILS loan program can support organizations looking for loans. Outdoor recreation organizations have used them to help fund programs.
Types of Trail-Related Grant Opportunities
Funding category definitions
We’ve curated and categorized a list of funding opportunities for trail-related activities so you don’t have to! Below is a brief explanation of what each category means.
- Match required: Grantees are required to generate matching funds to receive this type of grant award.
- Project type: Specifies the types of projects that are eligible for the grant, for example trail design, infrastructure, specific use, education, or administrative/overhead costs.
- Funding type: Specifies the type of organization funding the grant, including foundations, the federal government, state governments, and corporate entities.
- Location: Specifies whether the funds are available statewide, or within a specific region.
- Funding amount: Specifies the funding amount available, where $=?, $$=?, and $$$=?.
Available Grants
We regularly monitor trail-related funding opportunities and do our best to keep this list up to date. However, we recommend that you check the granting organization’s website for details, updates, and deadlines.
Use the filters below to refine your grant search
AARP Community Challenge Grant
The flagship AARP Community Challenge grants have ranged from several hundred dollars for smaller, short-term activities to tens of thousands of dollars for larger projects. Since 2017, AARP has funded projects ranging from $500 to $50,000 with an average grant amount of $11,900 (83 percent of grants have been under $20,000.) AARP reserves the right to award compelling projects of any dollar amount.
America Walks Community Change Grant
America Walks Community Change grant
supports the growing network of community champions, organizations, and agencies working to advance walkability. Grants are awarded to innovative and engaging programs and projects that create change and opportunity for walking and movement at the community level.
America Walks and generous Active People, Health Nations partners are excited to announce another round of our popular Community Change Grant program. This program will award 6 grants to communities for projects related to creating healthy, active, and engaged places to live, work and play. We have also expanded the program to include 15 grants for similar projects that are funded by General Motors.
Athletic Brewing “Two for the Trails”
Registered non-profit organization working in trail construction and maintenance, waterway protection, environmental stewardship and other outdoor conservation to apply for grants ranging from $600-$50,000.
Application due date:
September 13, 2024
Application Period August 17 – September 13, 2024. Grants Awarded November 1, 2024. Checks will be distributed throughout the end of 2024
Ben and Jerry’s Foundation
Three categories: Vermont Community Action Program; Vermont Equity and Justice Program: and National Grassroots Organizing Program
Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation: Direct Effect Grants
Direct Effect Quality of Life grants fund specific budget items from $5,000 up to $24,999 to support the wide range of projects and activities that will clearly impact individuals living with paralysis […]
Application due date:
October 8, 2024
Technical Assistance Webinar: September 12, 2024
Davis Conservation Fund
Projects of particular interest include DCF’s highest priorities:
Dee Foundation
The Dee Foundation accepts applications for funding within its specific sphere of interest. Full application forms can be acquired only after successful completion of a preliminary fact sheet. The full […]
Application due date:
October 1, 2024
Federal Highway Program: Bicycle & Pedestrian Program
The Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program (ATIIP) is a new competitive grant program created by Section 11529 of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (enacted as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Pub. L. 117-58) to construct projects to provide safe and connected active transportation facilities in active transportation networks or active transportation spines.
Field’s Pond Foundation
The primary mission of Fields Pond Foundation is to provide financial assistance to nature and land conservation organizations that are community-based and that serve to increase environmental awareness by involving […]
Land & Water Conservation Fund
The LWCF supports the development of public outdoor recreation opportunities across Vermont, with a focus on creating parks and open spaces, enhancing recreation areas and facilities, and protecting wilderness areas […]
Application opening date:
December 13, 2024
Pre-applications open and complete application materials released: October 21, 2024. Pre-application submission deadline: December 13, 2024 Full application submission deadline: March 15, 2025
League of American Bicyclists: Community Spark Grants
The League’s Bicycle Friendly America program awards organizations for projects and programs that spark change and catalyze a community’s ability to create places where bicycling is safer, easier, and more […]
Municipal Planning Grant
The Municipal Planning Grant (MPG) program encourages and supports planning and revitalization for local municipalities in Vermont. Awarded annually and administered by the Department of Housing and Community Development, the MPG program works to strengthen Vermont by funding local planning initiatives that support statewide planning goals. Since 1998, the MPG program has provided over $15 million to 240 cities and towns across Vermont to help breathe new life into communities, plan for future growth and development, and improve the quality of life. See our MPG Program Annual Report for more information.
National Forest Foundation Matching Awards Program
MAP: Connecting People to Forests, focuses primarily on in-person community engagement and completion of appropriate stewardship activities. Program goals are to create lasting change that will allow all communities, especially underserved communities, opportunities to benefit from activities on National Forest System lands or adjacent public lands.
National Park Service Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Challenge Cost Share
The Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Challenge Cost Share program is intended to support specific National Park Service mission-related projects that align with the goals of project partners.
Challenge Cost Share projects must support one or more of the following funding themes:
Community Resiliency. Projects that build climate resiliency in our NPS-administered lands and waters. Projects could include developing green infrastructure, nature-based solutions, and/or creating sustainable energy sources.
Conservation Projects (Lands and Waters). Projects that increase the acres of protected or restored lands and waters.
Outdoor Recreation. Projects that increase public access to new and restored outdoor recreation opportunities.
Projects that benefit NPS administered National Parks, National Trails and Wild and Scenic Rivers.
National Park Service staff will work with project partners to achieve these mutually beneficial outcomes.
This partnership challenge seeks to reward proposals that have the best prospects to build enduring benefits and develop new partnerships.
New Hampshire Charitable Foundation
“Through our competitive grant programs, we fund programs and operations of qualified nonprofit organizations that advance health and well-being, environmental protection, education, housing and other basic needs, arts and culture, […]
Northern Border Regional Collaboration Catalyst Program
The Catalyst Program is designed to stimulate economic growth and inspire partnerships that improve rural economic vitality across the four-state NBRC region. NBRC encourages projects that take a creative approach to addressing an economic need or opportunity in the region, alleviate economic distress, and contribute to economic growth.
Successful projects support a broad range of economic development initiatives such as, but not limited to, projects that modernize and expand access to public water and wastewater services, revitalize transportation infrastructure, establish workforce development programs and facilities, grow the outdoor recreation economy, and provide access to new childcare and healthcare facilities.
Outdoor Gear Exchange Charitable Grant
The Outdoor Gear Exchange Charitable Grant Fund’s mission is to enhance outdoor recreation opportunities in Vermont communities by partnering with qualified organizations that focus on land conservation, lowering barriers to […]
Application due date:
October 1, 2024
Applications available September 1 and are due October 1. Awardees announced October 15.
Partnerships for Disability Access, Inclusion and Leadership Grant 2024
The Land Trust Alliance and the Council for Inclusive Health and Disabilities have partnered with Disabled Hikers, a leading organization in the disability and outdoors space, to co-create a new grant program. The goal of this grant program is to advance accessibility, inclusion and belonging for disabled people through partnerships, relationship and trust building and co-creation of programs and services.
People for Bikes’ Industry Community Grant Program
The PeopleForBikes Industry Community Grant Program provides funding for projects that make bicycling better in communities across the U.S. Since 1999, PeopleForBikes has awarded more than 400 grants to nonprofit organizations and local governments in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Our investments total more than $3.5 million and have leveraged $775 million in public and private funding for bike-related projects nationwide.
Rails to Trails Conservancy
Since 2008, RTC has provided more than $3.38 million in grant funding to nearly 300 organizations seeking to create, connect and maintain the nation’s trails, building vibrant trail networks that connect neighborhoods and regions, and make it possible for America to walk, bike and be active outside.
RTC’s Trail Grants are building strong foundations in communities for equitable trail network development and activation—investing in transformative projects and programs that create more access to trails for more people across the country.
Our grants support 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.
Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE)
RAISE is a discretionary grant program for investments in surface transportation infrastructure that will have a significant local or regional impact. RAISE Grant Funds were authorized under the Local and […]
Recreation Economy for Rural Communities (RERC)
The EPA is accepting applications for the next round of the Recreation Economy for Rural Communities (RERC) program. This program offers planning assistance to help communities identify strategies that grow […]
Application due date: Info webinar 9/5
October 16, 2024
Recreational Trails Program (RTP)
RTP grants are federally funded on an annual basis through the United States Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and are administered at the State level in Vermont through […]
Pre-application due date:
December 6, 2024
Pre-applications open and application materials released by October 14, 2024. Pre-application submission deadline: December 6, 2024. Full application submission deadline: January 31, 2025
State of Vermont ACCD Better Places Grant
Help make your community a better place! Whether you are dreaming of more parks and green spaces, a vibrant main street, colorful public art projects, community gardens, or cultural events, Better Places grants can help turn your idea into a reality. We invite you to reach out and discuss your local placemaking ideas with us.
The Better Places program provides one on one project coaching, local fundraising support, and matching implementation grants ranging from $5,000 to $40,000 to advance community-led placemaking efforts that create, revitalize, or activate public spaces. The Better Places team will work with you to develop and run a successful crowdfunding campaign that the State will match with a 2:1 matching grant.
Municipalities, local community groups, and nonprofit entities with municipal support may apply. Applicants are accepted on a rolling basis and are required to provide 33% matching funds raised through the Better Places crowdfunding platform managed by Patronicity. Once these funds have been raised, the State provides communities with a two to one (2:1) matching grant to advance your local placemaking project. Additional information about the program and eligibility requirements can be found online in the Better Places Program Guide.
Sunshine Fund
The Sunshine Fund is the heart of the Lawson’s Finest Social Impact Program. priority is given to Mad River Valley, Washington County and Vermont non-profit organizations that focus on: sustainable […]
Application due date:
August 31, 2024
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The National Park Service – Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance program (NPS-RTCA)
The National Park Service – Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance program (NPS-RTCA) supports locally-led conservation and outdoor recreation projects across the United States. NPS-RTCA assists communities and public land managers in developing or restoring parks, conservation areas, rivers, and wildlife habitats, as well as creating outdoor recreation opportunities and programs that engage future generations in the outdoors.
NPS-RTCA does not provide financial assistance or monetary grants. As a collaborative partner, we provide professional services to help you achieve your conservation and outdoor recreation project vision. Through an application process, community groups, nonprofit organizations, tribal governments, national parks, and local, state and federal agencies can apply for NPS-RTCA technical assistance.
Trails Capacity Grant 2025
American Trails and Bronco Wild Fund are pleased to continue the Trails Capacity Grant Program in 2025. This program is targeted for projects on all federal public lands, as well […]
Application due date: January 31
January 31, 2025
Trans Bicycle and Pedestrian Program
unds safe and convenient facilities for those Vermonters who desire alternative transportation opportunities. Scoping/feasibility studies are required to compete for design/construction grants. This grant funds transportation trails, so a trail with destinations, such as a school, park, town office, housing development, etc. is most competitive. Typical awards are $300,000. Projects take an average 3-5 years to complete from date of application to end of construction. Studies and design/construction projects require a 20% cash match. Applications due in ~June annually. Use this source for more travelled sidewalks and paths because the path must meet Federal Highway Administration standards.
UV Clean Water Workforce Capacity Development (CWWCD) Block Grant funded through the Department of Environmental Conservation’s Clean Water Initiative Program (CWIP)
The purpose of the CWWCD Block Grant is to support and invest in the capacity of our clean water partners in Vermont, both current and potential, in an equitable and […]
October 11, 2024
October 11, 2024
Vermont Arts Council Animating Infrastructure
Animating Infrastructure Grants support community projects that integrate public art with infrastructure improvements. Through this program, the Council strives to demonstrate the positive impact of art in helping communities to meet goals of livability, walkability, safety, economic vitality, and community vibrancy, and to support the creation of unique infrastructure projects where function and art are one and the same.
The Council’s definition of infrastructure is broad. It includes community facilities and services such as buildings, trails, water or sewer systems, roads, power systems, parks, parking lots, vacant or empty spaces, and more.
Functional components of infrastructure—such as sidewalks, railings, benches, walls, creative wayfinding, stairs, gateways, tree grates, fences, trellises, water fountains, and more in the built and/or natural environment—have the potential for artistic enhancement that creates unique places where people want to live, work, visit, and play.
Vermont Community Foundation Capacity Building Grant
Vermont Community Foundation’s Capacity Building grant provides up to $5,000 for consultant fees to help organization’s become more efficient and effective. Funds can be used to hire a consultant to help develop […]
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Decisions will be made within two months of receiving the application. Grant funds cannot cover activities that have already taken place; please keep the notification timeline in mind as you prepare your application.
Vermont Council On Rural Development Climate Catalysts Innovation Fund
VCRD’s Climate Catalysts Innovation Fund provides small grants to local innovators developing solutions that move Vermont closer to its climate and energy goals. Applications are now open for the 2024 […]
Deadline for Grant Submissions is 5 pm on Monday October 28th, 2024. You are able to edit your application up until that time.
Vermont Natural Resource Council Small Grants for Smart Growth
What kinds of projects do Small Grants for Smart Growth support?
Projects might involve advocacy for better land use, by getting involved in the “nuts and bolts” work of municipal planning, regulations, or a permitting process. A project could also be a town or local group effort to promote downtown or village center revitalization and historic preservation; to develop a plan for better sidewalks or paths; to identify ways to support housing choice and affordability; or to plan on conserving land for agriculture or forestry. See below for a list of past awardees.
These grants acknowledge that community leadership and small steps are essential for catalyzing change. Think creatively about how you can advance smart growth in your town! Consult the dropdown menus below for further guidance.
VNRC’s Small Grants for Smart Growth program, in collaboration with Preservation Trust of Vermont, is seeking competitive applications for a special grant round of up to $5,000 for communities seeking to build momentum toward flood-resilient community development. Find out more and apply here.
VHCB Outdoor Recreation Lands Conservation
VHCB funds help protect public access to lands well-suited to recreation, such as the Green River Reservoir, Bolton Backcountry, Mt. Ascutney, and State Wildlife Management Areas. Recreational land and natural areas conserved with VHCB funding are managed by towns and municipalities, non-profit conservation organizations and state agencies such as the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation. To learn about public access points for trails, water access, etc, visit the websites of our partnering organizations and agencies, where directions and trail maps are maintained.
VOREC Community Grant Program
The VOREC Community Grant Program is intended to fund community projects that leverage outdoor recreation, which VOREC defines as leisure, sport and therapeutic recreation activities pursued outdoors, mainly in a […]
Announcements made in the fall for upcoming cycle
VTrans Transportation Alternatives Program
The Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) provides funding for projects defined as transportation alternatives (click here for additional FHWA guidance), including on- and off-road pedestrian and bicycle facilities, infrastructure projects for improving non-driver access to public transportation and enhancing mobility, community improvement activities, and environmental mitigation, trails that serve a transportation purpose, and safe routes to school projects.
Other Funding Resources
If you can’t find a suitable opportunity for your trail project from the list above, you may be able to find a local funding partner. Consider reaching out to local businesses or your area’s regional planning commission, conservation group, or chamber of commerce. Vermont Community Foundation also maintains several local donor-advised funds that are worth investigating.
Keep in mind that some grant opportunities are reimbursement-based. If you are a small organization, you may want to consider applying for a short-term loan through a local bank or the Vermont Community Loan Fund.
You can also sign up for our newsletter to be alerted to new opportunities.
