Federal Funding
SCORP, LWCF, RTP... it can be a confusing alphabet soup of acronyms when it comes to federal funding programs. However, it is essential that mountain bikers, IMBA Local Member Organizations and other trail organizations have a certain level of competency navigating these programs in order to be successful at obtaining funding for trail projects. Please make use of this Funding FAQ to help navigate the resources available to get more trails close to home!
You can also watch our Federal Funding Webinar here.
Land Water & Conservation Fund (LWCF)
Enacted in 1965, the program was made permanent in 2019, and received full and dedicated funding in 2020. Beginning in FY 2021, LWCF will be appropriated at the mandatory $900 million, split into two funding pots: one for projects on federal lands and one for state grants. The program is funded by profits from offshore oil and gas leasing and was created to preserve outdoor recreation and ensure future generations have the opportunity to enjoy their public lands.
How Much?
$900 Million from federal offshore drilling fees. The minimum/maximum grant request for Land and Water Conservation Funds is $100k – $750k. Match required. This is a reimbursement grant. Grantees must be able to front project funds and await repayment by the grantor.
Who’s Eligible?
Only local, county, & state governments are eligible. Mountain bikers must partner with a supportive jurisdiction.
Timeline
Application deadlines vary by state. State Contact List
Types of Projects
Construction, Maintenance, Planning/ Support.
Recreational Trails Program (RTP)
RTP is administered by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). It is an 18.4% excise tax that non-highway recreational users (OHV’s, dirt bikes, etc.) pay at the gas pump to develop and maintain outdoor recreational trails. Currently the maximum is set at $84 million. The program has been in existence since 1991 and has funded over 25,000 projects benefiting both non-motorized and motorized users.
How Much?
$84 Million managed by states. Match required in some states. This is a reimbursement grant. Grantees must be able to front project funds and await repayment by the respective state agency. The program allocates 30% to motorized uses, 30% to non-motorized and 40% to multiple-use trails.
Who’s Eligible?
Cities, towns, counties, states, federal agencies, tribal entities, schools, special districts and non-profit organizations.
Timeline
Application deadlines vary by state. State Contact List
Types of Projects
Since 1991, more than 22,000 RTP-funded projects have been documented nationwide with details available on the RTP database: recreationaltrailsinfo.org
State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plans (SCORP)
The above programs (RTP, LWCF Stateside) are state matching grants and therefore distributed by individual states. States strive to use the SCORP as a guide for setting funding priorities.
Who’s Eligible?
Each state is required by law to produce a SCORP to be eligible for these associated Federal Program Funding resources. The Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals maintains a great SCORP resource page here.
Timeline
Each state must develop or update their SCORP every five (5) years to remain eligible.
Types of Projects
These State plans are usually general in nature versus project specific – they create guidelines for projects to be considered. Ensuring that your state’s SCORP references natural surface trails and mountain biking is important for funding to flow to trails.
National Forest System Trails Stewardship Partner Funding Program Grants
This program came out of the National Forest System Trails Stewardship Act of 2016 that IMBA helped draft and usher through Congress.
How Much?
The program is funded by fluctuating USFS dollars and is managed by the National Wilderness Stewardship Alliance. Grants are typically $2,000-$30,000 per organization with $250,000 available on average.
Who’s Eligible?
Grants are available to any trail and stewardship non-profit organization recognized by the IRS.
Timeline
Grants are awarded through an annual spring competitive application process. Grant Program Information
Public Lands Legacy Restoration Fund
The Great American Outdoors Act provides for up to $1.9 billion a year for five years to help address a multi-billion dollar deferred maintenance backlog at national parks, on other public lands, and at tribal schools. The new Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF) will allow the Forest Service to improve critical infrastructure that is essential to the use and enjoyment of national forests and grasslands.
How Much?
$285 M allocated for this program annually to USFS through 2025.
Who’s Eligible?
Federal Lands Management Agencies: NPS, FWS, USFS, BLM, Bureau of Indian Education and other federal agencies under US Department of Agriculture and Department of Interior.
Types of Projects
The USFS has identified a broad mix of critical infrastructure projects to reduce its deferred maintenance backlog while improving the quality of the visitor experience and contributing to local economies.
Legacy Trails Grant Program
This program is federally funded up to $1.5M per year for 5 years (2023-2028) through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (aka: Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA)) and supports partner trail projects that further the Legacy Roads and Trails criteria on National Forest System trails throughout the nine Forest Service Regions. Non-Profit American Trails (AT) administers this federal grant program. Grant Program Information
How Much?
American Trails solicits applications for funding, with awards between $5,000 and $100,000 per project with 20% match. Important dates: October - December application window for February awards.
Who’s Eligible?
Nonprofit organizations, businesses, or non-Federal agencies may apply for this funding but must have a USFS letter of support.
Types of Projects
Motorized or non-motorized trails in National Forests with emphasis on volunteerism and watershed improvement.
Congressional Appropriations
Each Federal land agency has a federal appropriation that fills their coffers specifically for recreation purposes, and some have special funds that are directed specifically at certain programs. The following are the agencies that are included in the yearly appropriation process:
- Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
- Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)
- National Park Service (NPS)
- United States Forest Service (USFS)
The largest account for BLM is Management of Lands and Resources which in FY 2024 was over $1.5 billion. This account manages the recreation portfolio, energy and minerals, rangelands, endangered species, among others. The most prominent recreation components administered by the Fish and Wildlife Service are the Pittman-Robertson Act, and the Dingell Johnson Act. These programs directly fund conservation and recreation projects.
The largest appropriation for the NPS goes to park operations which include resource stewardship, visitor services, park protection, facility operations, etc.
The USFS account that focuses on recreation is the National Forests System which was set at $2.4 billion for FY 2024.
*Updated January 1, 2025. It is important to note that federal funding sources are subject to change, particularly during a change in administration. IMBA will update this fact sheet as information becomes available.
Private Funding
Federal funding for trails is great–but it’s finicky and often complicated with significant legal and financial obligations. Fundraising campaigns for your trail project should include a focus on private funding. Sources to explore, research and cultivate include the following.
Foundations
There are thousands of foundations across the country from the small family foundation that donates a few thousand dollars a year to some of the largest in the world with billions in assets. All of these are required–by law–to disburse funds. Start learning about your local community foundation. Build a relationship with a Program Officer. Be prepared to describe your project in specific terms regarding how it will benefit community needs. Research other private foundations in the community that support quality of life, economic development and other interests that may align with outdoor recreation. IMBA can help coach you through this world.
Corporate Giving, Grants and Sponsorships
Access to trails and recreation are an increasingly important component of workforce attraction and retention for employers. Who are the major employers in your area? Do the research to understand company objectives. How might they want to associate with positive community projects, e.g. lifting local quality of life that supports employee relations, promotion of health and well-being for customers, to feature or promote a product or service, or simply being a good corporate citizen? Companies can support projects from one or more internal sources, e.g. community relations giving, grants from a separate but associated company foundation, marketing and promotions budgets. Even human resources departments can influence company giving if a project is beneficial to a local workforce. IMBA can guide you on the right path to the right source.
Individuals
There are individuals in your community that care about local quality of life, recreation for all ages, and they just might be avid riders and trail users. Your project needs to be “findable” and “fundable.” Build a written case for support and narrative about the project. Include a few photos, graphics, maps if available. Network and/or host events that inform prospective individual donors about the project. Build relationships with them by asking questions about their interests, then align them with yours. Cultivate. Be clear and transparent about the project. Be patient, but boldly ask for support when the time is right. We can help you build a strategy.
Other Funding Sources
State, Regional and Local Grants
Twenty states currently have dedicated offices of outdoor recreation. While these agencies may or may not have direct funding for trails, they are nonetheless a great resource. Research the various state, regional, city and county grants available from different public agencies. Counties and/or their park/open space districts occasionally offer grant funding for trail construction, maintenance, or programming. If your project is in an area served by a regional entity (ex. Denver Metro, Metropolitan Transportation Commission in the San Francisco Bay Area, etc.), such entities may have grant funding available for trail and recreation projects.
Trail / Bike Advocacy Organizations
Is your project connected with a local advocacy organization? They may not have funding, but can champion your efforts and raise awareness. And don’t forget, IMBA has grant programs that may be helpful, in particular the IMBA Trail Accelerator Program which can support planning, fundraising, community engagement and more.
Additional Resources
Your local town or city government probably has an economic and/or community development office, if not a chamber of commerce or visitors bureau. These staffers have a finger on the pulse of business and community needs and can offer valuable advice, direction, and connections.
Meet the team
Please contact us with questions.
"Communities all over the country are embarking on trail projects, and many of them reach out to IMBA and Trail Solutions for help. My role is dedicated to guiding them through the process— connecting them with resources and helping them break through barriers to get those projects going as quickly as possible."
Meet our teamMarty Caivano
Local Community Engagement Manager
