National Trails Fund
What is the National Trails Fund?
American Hiking Society’s National Trails Fund is the only privately funded, national grants program dedicated solely to building and protecting hiking trails. To date, the National Trails Fund has awarded over $500,000 to 165 grassroots organizations all over the nation working to establish, protect and maintain foot trails in America. Awards range from $500 to $5,000 per project.
Many of our favorite trails need major repairs due to an enormous backlog of badly needed maintenance. National Trails Fund grants help give local organizations the resources they need to secure access, volunteers, tools, and materials to protect America's cherished hiking trails.
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How do I apply for a National Trails Fund grant?
The application is now live! Click here for more information and to download the application, and don't forget to read the 2012 National Trails Fund Guidelines. Applications are due by 11:59 PM (EST) on December 15, 2011. Grants will then be announced and awarded in spring/early summer of 2012.
All National Trails Fund applicants are required to be members of the Alliance of Hiking Organizations. If you are currently not a member, learn more and join the Alliance today!
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Who received a grant this year?
2011 National Trails Fund Winners include:
- Colorado Fourteeners Initiative, CO (recipient of the Galen Rowell award)
- Friends of Deer Creek, CA
- Great Eastern Trail Association, VA
- Horse-Shoe Trail Conservancy, PA
- Mohican Trails Club, OH
- North Fork Watershed Project, WV
- San Bernardino National Forest Association, CA
- Victor Hiking Trails, NY
For past winners and project descriptions, please click here.
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NATIONAL TRAILS FUND SPONSORS
National Trails Fund awards are made possible by generous support from L.L.Bean, MSR and Therm-a-Rest, the program's charter sponsors. Additional donations to the National Trails Fund come from the private business sector and individual donors.
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