American Trails’ 2026 Trails Capacity Grant Program is now open. Targeted for projects on all federal land, as well as state, local and publicly accessible private lands, awards will range from $2,000 to $15,000 per project. Project applicants can include nonprofit organizations, businesses, or federal, state or local agencies. The deadline to apply is May 15.
In 2026, American Trails and Bronco Wild Fund, which supports the grant program, are particularly interested in:
- Opportunities for multi-use trails, particularly those that cater to both motorized and nonmotorized activities.
- Projects that establish crucial links to expand trail networks or broaden the scope of current trail systems.
The Trails Capacity Program funds projects across America that strategically improve the abilities and capacity of the trails community as a whole. This program invests in community capacity with a focus on trail research, stewardship and maintenance projects that are inclusive, foster improved trail user behavior, and connect trail assets to a broader spectrum of users.
“America's trails suffer from a trail maintenance backlog, which is exacerbated by increased use, extreme weather and a diminishing pool of skilled trail professionals and volunteers. Addressing trail maintenance needs across the country starts with training and informing the next generation of trail stewards, and understanding where grant dollars can do the most good. We are thrilled to offer this program again for 2026", said Mike Passo, American Trails executive director.
The competitive grant program finds the best trail partners from across all nonmotorized and motorized trail user groups, including water trails. It measures success in terms of visible, on-the-ground maintenance of trails and increased capacity of trail stewards to do the job effectively.
Awardees will be announced in late May 2026, with funding provided in early June.
For an FAQ and additional information on the program, visit https://www.americantrails.org/the-trails-capacity-program?blm_aid=19815.