Grant funding for FY2025/2026 is now open! Grant applications are due by November 10, 2025. Please send grant applications and all supporting documentation by email to BGS.BuildingCommunitiesGrants@vermont.gov or through the US Mail, postmarked on or before November 10, 2025. Request to be added to our distribution list to stay up to date on important changes and to be notified when grants are open each year.
Trail design & build
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
