Trails Grants for Nonprofits

GrantStation’s exclusive database features 138 active funding opportunities giving towards this area of interest, all accepting requests from new grantseekers!

With a membership, you’ll gain instant access to our full directory of 15,000+ funders and powerful tools to find, track, and secure the best grants for your mission. Maximize your grant success today with our expertly curated funder database, step-by-step grant writing resources, and industry-leading online education.

The Sherwood Foundation

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Application Deadline:

February 28, 2026
Grant Range: $1000 - $24659375
Average Grant: $308614

The Sherwood Foundation seeks to help make Nebraska a more equitable place to live, work, learn, and play.

The Foundation's areas of interest include:

  • access;
  • activism…

Colcom Foundation

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Application Deadline:

Letters of inquiry: none
Invited applications: February 28, May 31, August 31, and November 30, annually
Grant Range: $9000 - $2870000
Average Grant: $189105

The primary mission of the Colcom Foundation is to foster a sustainable environment to ensure quality of life for all Americans by addressing major causes and consequences of overpopulation and…

Martha-Ellen Tye Foundation

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Application Deadline:

March 1, June 1, September 1, and December 1, annually
Grant Range: $1000 - $250000
Average Grant: $10000 - $20000

The Martha-Ellen Tye Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that are striving to make a better life for the people of Marshalltown, IA, and the surrounding area.

The Foundation seeks…

Polaris Industries: TRAILS GRANTS Program

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Application Deadline:

March 1 and September 1, annually

The TRAILS GRANTS Program, an initiative of Polaris Industries, makes funds available to organizations in the United States and Canada to promote safe and responsible riding, support trail…

Clif Family Foundation

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Application Deadline:

March 1 and August 1, annually
Grant Range: $50 - $3000000
Average Grant: $52574

The Clif Family Foundation supports nonprofit grassroots organizations that engage local communities, deliver measurable positive impact, and focus the majority of their resources on direct action…

John K. and Luise V. Hanson Foundation

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Application Deadline:

March 1, June 1, September 1, and December 1, annually

Note: If the 1st falls on a weekend/holiday, the deadline moves to the next business day.
Grant Range: $3469800 - $3469800
Average Grant: $3469800

The John K. and Luise V. Hanson Foundation strives to support, strengthen, and enhance the quality of life in North Central Iowa and South Central Minnesota, with a majority of grants given to…

Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin

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Application Deadline:
  • Norma and Stanley DeBoer Quiet Trails Fund: March 1, annually
  • Go Outside Fund: March 1 and September 1, annually
  • C.D. Besadny Conservation Fund: September 1, annually
Grant Range: $100 - $2000

The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin believes that nature has inherent value and that people can make a difference. The Foundation protects Wisconsin’s lands, waters, and wildlife by…

Access Fund

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Application Deadline:

March 1 and August 1, annually

The Access Fund's Climbing Conservation Grant Program supports projects that preserve or enhance climbing access and opportunities and conserve the climbing environment throughout the United…

Nature trails are an often overlooked resource for communities. However, a well-maintained set of trails has many benefits - including promoting physical and mental health, supporting biodiversity by reserving habitats, and boosting local economies. There are many nonprofits that have made it their mission to support nature trails and hiking areas.

These nonprofits are only able to do what they do thanks to the generous funding provided by trail grants. These grants can be used to build, repair or expand biking or hiking trails, or engage volunteers in stewardship projects targeting trails and surrounding areas. 

There are many organizations that support these kinds of grants. Traditionally this would include federal agencies. There are also many private foundations that are involved in this space, such as PeopleForBikes. 

When drafting a trails grant proposal, it's essential to use data to back up your claims. You need to prove that the trails you are discussing have, or could have, a lot of usage, while not overstressing local ecosystems. Data that you may require could include demographics of the population served, and information on projected miles of trail - as well as potential economic benefits from tourism. Good places to get started on collecting this data could include the CDC’s  PLACES, Rails-to-Trails or the Trust for Public Land.

If you need more guidance on drafting great grant proposals, then make sure to check out our comprehensive guide on the topic. You can also start to browse a selection of trail grants right here, all open for applications.