Non-Motorized Trails Grant Program: Planning or Support Grants

The Non-Motorized Trails Grant Program, managed by Colorado Parks & Wildlife, supports projects that enhance outdoor recreation through planning, construction, and maintenance of trails. Funded by Great Outdoors Colorado and the Federal Recreational Trails Program, eligible applicants include local, county, federal, and tribal agencies, as well as 501(c)(3) organizations. Projects aim to protect wildlife and cultural resources while promoting sustainable recreational opportunities for all.

NOTE: See Construction & Maintenance Grants page here. See Trail Stewardship Crews page here.
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The Colorado State Recreational Trails Grant Program funds projects to continue to improve outdoor recreation opportunities, including trail construction, maintenance, planning, and support while protecting wildlife, habitat, and cultural resources. Funded by Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) and the Federal Recreational Trails Program (RTP), eligible project types include trail construction, maintenance, planning, and support.​
Which projects are eligible?
Eligible projects fall under one of the following non-motorized trails grant categories:
Planning - Trail layout, design, engineering, feasibility studies, inventory, use studies, analysis of existing and proposed trails, and master plans.Support - Building and enhancement of volunteer organizations, increasing volunteer capacity, and implementing trail training and education.​

Eligibility

Who can apply?Local, ​County, Federal or Tribal government agenciesRecreation and Metro DistrictCharitable organizations (tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code)All properties on which State Trails’ funded projects take place must be under the control of the applicant or authorized agent and open to the public for at least 25 years. A deed, easement, license, long-term lease or other documentation may be requested as proof of ownership or public access rights.Eligible Costs:Consultant or Contracted ServicesPermanent or Seasonal Staff SalariesRental CostsTrail ToolsSupplies and materials (lumber, road base, crusher fines, plants, tools, etc.);Youth ProgramsLand Acquisitions for Trail DevelopmentAwards for Volunteer RecognitionDesign and Engineering (Planning grants only)Shipping, mobilization and traffic controlSoftware and computers – Match only for Planning/Support grantsEmergency beacon locatorsPer Diem – lodging/meals for remote locations onlyProject Management/AdministrationNOTE: capped at 5% of the total grant award and needs detail in budget such as recordkeeping, accounting, reporting

Ineligibility

Ineligible costs generally include:Uniforms/Law EnforcementWork completed prior to the grant award and signed contractExpenses related to the promotion of the organization or fundraisingComponents that do not have direct benefit to trail usersVehicle repair/maintenanceAlcoholFood (outside of eligible per-diem)Office suppliesProgramming and/or outreach (Construction/Maintenance projects only)TaxContingencies