Grants
Off-highway enthusiasts are passionate about their sport and have shown a willingness to volunteer their time on projects that benefit our public lands.
Many of these projects, often done in partnerships with state and federal land managers, rely on critical grant funds for tools and materials.
Over the years several important grant programs have been established to provide much needed support for these essential projects. While many clubs and groups rely on state programs, or even the Federal Recreational Trails Program (often thought of as the “original” trails funding program), a number of lesser-known grant programs have emerged that can provide important resources for these activities.
Recreational Trails Program (RTP)
Provides funds to the States to develop and maintain recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both nonmotorized and motorized recreational trail uses. The RTP is an assistance program of the Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
Federal transportation funds benefit recreation including hiking, bicycling, in-line skating, equestrian use, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, off-road motorcycling, all-terrain vehicle riding, four-wheel driving, or using other off-road motorized vehicles.
National Forest System Trail Stewardship Partners
Funding Program
The National Forest System Trail Stewardship Partnership Funding Program (NFSTS or Trail Partners Grant Program) is a joint partnership between National Wilderness Stewardship Alliance (NWSA), the USDA Forest Service and on the ground trail stewardship groups across the nation. This funding program is broadly focused on engaging non-profit partners and volunteers in trail stewardship projects across all National Forest System Trails.
Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiatives
Mission is to provide practical support for efforts that promote safe, responsible use of OHVs, educate the public on proper recreational land use and wildlife conservation practices, and protect appropriate and sustainable access to public lands.
Each quarter, Yamaha accepts applications from non-profit or tax exempt groups (clubs & associations), public riding areas (local, state and federal), outdoor enthusiast associations and land conservation organizations, and communities with an interest in protecting, improving, expanding and/or maintaining access for safe, responsible and sustainable use by motorized off-road vehicles.
Together Outdoors
Together Outdoors is a funding opportunity for small and rural grassroots organizations that are key to creating a more inclusive and welcoming outdoor recreation environment.
The mission of Together Outdoors is to nurture an environment where all people have access to welcoming outdoor recreation experiences. It pursues this work through engagement, partnership, and education across all segments of the outdoor community.
onX Adventure
onX believes that public access to land is a good thing, and it aims to do its part in protecting that through good stewardship.
From 2018 to 2023, onX helped secure or improve public access to 154,000 acres, and supported the maintenance and building of 255 miles of trails. This is an opportunity for nonprofits, land trusts, tribal nations, and other community groups to unlock funding for six project types.
Polaris TRAILS GRANTS Program
Makes funds available to organizations in the United States and Canada to promote safe and responsible riding, support trail preservation and help protect the environment and natural resources that are a part of the off-road trail systems.
Funds can be used by organizations for off-road trail development and maintenance projects, safety and education initiatives, and other projects to increase and maintain land trail access.
Right Rider Access Fund
A charitable, community benefit organization created in 2011 to support off-highway vehicle enthusiasts directly, by supplementing the work of the Motorcycle Industry Council, the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America, and the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association, and in other ways.
The Fund’s charitable mission is to promote the safe and responsible use of off-highway vehicles and to preserve their access to appropriate lands.
American Trails Legacy Trails Grant Program
Funded up to $1.5M per year for 5 years through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and supports partner trail projects that further the Legacy Roads and Trails criteria on National Forest System trails throughout the nine Forest Service Regions.
The goal of the program is to support projects that restore, protect, and maintain watersheds on our national forests and grasslands. American Trails is administering this grant program, and is soliciting applications for funding, with awards up to $100K per project.
Trail Trust
Created to provide grants to organizations helping to preserve the places we love to play. The goal is to bring together diverse communities to build, maintain, and expand access to trails.
Many states offer programs specific to their geographic areas.
Please review this list to learn more about potential funding sources. It will be expanded and updated as more information becomes available.
- Missouri
- Montana
- New Hampshire Grant Aid & Recreational Trails
- Nevada Grants & Conservative Trails
- New Mexico
- New York Parks & Recreational Trails
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio Clean Trail Fund & Recreational Trails
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina Highway Grants & Recreation
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas Off-highway & Recreational Trails
- Utah
- Vermont Grants & Recreational Trails
- Virginia Grants & Recreational Trails
- Washington
- West Virginia Land and Water & Outdoor Heritage
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming