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Implementation Grant Program

CAROLINA THREAD TRAIL

Foundation Annual Recreation GrantsCommunity Development GrantsGrants for Land ConservationEnvironmental Grants
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Funding Amount

Varies by project (historically $5,000 - $150,000+)

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Carolina Thread Trail Implementation Grant Program

Overview: The Carolina Thread Trail's Implementation Grant Program provides funding to communities and nonprofit organizations to support trail-related projects across a 15-county region in North Carolina and South Carolina.

Geographic Scope:

  • 15-county region spanning North and South Carolina

  • Includes areas in North Carolina: Gaston, Cleveland, Lincoln, Catawba, Iredell, Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Rowan, Stanly, Union, and York counties

  • Includes areas in South Carolina: Lancaster, Chester, and Cherokee counties

    • Funding Focus Areas:

  • Trail construction

  • Trail design and engineering

  • Land acquisition for trail corridors

  • Corridor planning

  • Blueway development and access improvements

    • Project Types Funded:

  • Greenway extensions and new segments

  • River access (canoe/kayak launches)

  • Bridge construction and repairs

  • Trailhead development

  • Trail corridor studies and feasibility planning

  • Property acquisition for trail rights-of-way

    • Eligibility:

  • Municipal governments (cities and towns)

  • County governments

  • Nonprofit organizations

  • Special purpose districts (e.g., water districts, recreation districts)

    • History & Track Record:

  • Over 11 years of funding (as of 2023): awarded over $8 million in catalytic grants

  • Over 370 miles of greenways and trails open to public

  • 170 miles of blueways open to public

  • Regular funding rounds (typically annually)

    • Recent Award Examples (2023):

  • City of Concord: $70,000 (trail construction)

  • City of Conover: $40,000 (trail corridor study)

  • Cleveland County Water Commission: $125,000 (trail construction)

  • City of Shelby: $30,000 (trail corridor study)

  • Gaston County Parks and Recreation: $92,375 (trail construction)

  • City of Lowell: $127,080 (trail construction)

  • Town of McAdenville: $150,000 (trail construction)

    • Contact Information:

  • Community Coordinator: Jane Love

  • Phone: 704-342-3330 ext. 2224

  • Email: jane@carolinathreadtrail.org

  • Director: Bret Baronak

  • Phone: 704-376-2556 ext. 216

  • Email: bret@carolinathreadtrail.org

  • General: info@carolinathreadtrail.org

  • Website: www.carolinathreadtrail.org

    • Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    recreationcommunity-developmentland-conservationenvironment

    Categories

    Browse similar grants by category

    Recreation GrantsCommunity Development GrantsGrants for Land ConservationEnvironmental Grants

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