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
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
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 […]
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, […]
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.
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
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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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
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 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.
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
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.
