Regional Trail Grant Program

Regional Trail Grant Program

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Amount: US $5,000 - US $300,000
Last Updated: February 20, 2026

Summary

The Regional Trail Grant Program aims to enhance trail development outside the seven-county metropolitan area by providing grants to local governments. With funding from "In Lieu Of" lottery proceeds, it supports up to 75% of eligible project costs, requiring a 25% non-state cash match. The anticipated funding of $1.1 million will be allocated across three grant programs, subject to legislative appropriation. This initiative fosters connectivity and promotes regional significance in trail facilities.

Overview

Regional Trail Grant Program Program purpose To provide grants to local units of government to promote development of regionally significant trails outside the seven-county metropolitan area. Funding for this grant program is from "In Lieu Of" lottery proceeds. This program is established in Minnesota Statutes 85.019 . Level of assistance: Grants are reimbursement based up to 75 percent of eligible project costs, and recipients must provide a non-state cash match of at least 25 percent. Other state funds or grants, such as Parks and Trails Legacy Grants, or Metropolitan Council Grants cannot match these grants. Project costs must be incurred and paid before reimbursement can be made. Project costs become eligible for reimbursement once a contract agreement is established between the DNR and the grantee. The minimum grant request is $5,000, and the maximum grant award is $300,000. Grant funding available: Anticipated funding available is approximately $1.1 million from “In Lieu Of” lottery proceeds. This funding is divided between three Park and Trail grant programs. This funding is subject to appropriation from the MN Legislature and signature of the Governor.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Eligible projects:Eligible projects include acquisition and development of trail facilities outside the seven-county metropolitan area that are considered of regional or statewide significance. Acquisition projects require a perpetual easement for recreational purposes. Development projects require a 20 year maintenance commitment by the project sponsor.Eligible applicants:Eligible applicants include counties, cities, and townships.Also user groups and/or trail organizations may apply, but only in coordination with a local unit of government per legislation. Funding is only available to a local unit of government.Park and Trail Criteria for Regional or Statewide Significance

Ineligibility

Non-eligible projects include but are not limited to the following:Projects within state park boundaries, state recreational areas, on state trails, and elements of the Metropolitan Open Space System.Construction of trails within federally designated wilderness areas (with some exceptions).Construction of ordinary sidewalks.Planning projects that are preliminary to construction of any trail projects.Improvements on highways or other roadways, including but not limited to, lighting, striping, on-street routing, and shoulder work.All paved multi-use bicycle/pedestrian trails less than 10 feet in width are not eligible. Short distance exceptions are allowed on a case by case basis.Non-eligible Reimbursement CostsIncluding all costs not defined as eligible costs, but not limited to the following:Any expenditure that occurs before the effective date of this agreementFund raisingTaxes, except sales tax on goods and servicesInsurance, except title insuranceAttorney feesLoans, grants, or subsidies to persons or entities for developmentBad debts, late payment fees, finance charges or contingency fundsInterest, investment management feesLobbyistsPolitical contributionsWages and expenses of Sub grantee’s employeesFringe benefit costs of Sub grantee’s employeesLand appraisalsEntertainment, gifts and prizes, food and refreshmentsPurchase of phones, computers, tablets or audiovisual equipmentMemberships (including subscriptions and dues), publications, periodicals and other subscription feesAgency advertising and marketing expensesOffice Rental Fees, and Overhead and Indirect Expenses (including, but not limited to office or storage space rental, utility expenses, copier rental, phone bills, office materials and supplies)