The Recreational Trails Program Grant funds are intended to provide, expand, and improve public recreational trails for both motorized and non-motorized trail users.
Donor Name: Oregon State Parks
State: Oregon
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant | Matching Grants | Reimbursement
Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 10/15/2025
Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000
Grant Duration: 2 Years
Details:
Project uses include pedestrian (hiking, running, and wheelchair or other mobility device access), biking, mountain biking, water trail use, equestrian use, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, off-road motorcycling, all-terrain vehicle riding, four wheel driving, or using other off-road motorized vehicles
The intent for RTP grant funding is to enhance trail opportunities by achieving results that would not otherwise be possible. RTP grants are for projects that are primarily recreational in nature, rather than serving a more utilitarian transportation function. RTP grants typically fund on-the ground projects, while limited funds are available for educational or trail assessment components.
Funding Information
- Oregon’s annual RTP allocation is approximately $1.6 million. At least 30% of funds are set aside for motorized trail projects.
- The minimum grant request amount is $10,000. There is a recommended grant request maximum of $200,000 for non-motorized proposals and no maximum for motorized proposals.
Grant Period
Approximately two years, as specified in a grant agreement; One year for safety and education projects.
Eligible Project Elements
- Construction of new recreational trails: This category includes construction of entirely new trails, expansion of trails, and new linkages between existing trails.
- Restoration or improvement of existing trails: This category includes a wide variety of trail improvements or restoration work beyond the land manager’s maintenance capacity.
- Purchase, rental, or lease of trail construction and maintenance equipment: The purchase, lease, or rental of equipment dedicated to trail building and trail maintenance activities is eligible.
- Development and improvement of trailhead facilities: This can include developing new or improving existing parking or staging areas for trails. Water Trails: The definition of “recreational trail” in the RTP legislation includes “aquatic or water activities”.
- Land and easement acquisition for recreational trail development or corridors: RTP funds may be used for land or easement acquisition for trail development.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible Projects Sponsors for RTP include:
- Local Governments (cities, counties, park districts, port districts, etc.)
- State Agencies
- Federal Government Agencies
- Tribal Governments
- Other Government Entities
- Nonprofit organizations – must meet the following criteria:
- Registered with the State of Oregon as a nonprofit for a minimum of 3 years
- Nonprofits registered in another state must submit documentation of their nonprofit status to OPRD.
- Must have a federal tax ID and Unique Entity Identifier
- Will name a successor at the time of any change in organizational status (for example: dissolution)
- Does not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, gender, income, race, or religion
- Nonprofit organizations must maintain their nonprofit status throughout the duration of a project. Should the original organization’s status change, a successor organization must agree, in writing, to complete all RTP project responsibilities required by the contract. OPRD recommends a government agency be successor.
For more information, visit Oregon State Parks.
