The Trails+ Grant program is a statewide initiative by the New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division that invests in trails and outdoor infrastructure to support healthy communities, local economies, and long-term access to nature.
Donor Name: New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division
State: New Mexico
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 01/31/2026
Size of the Grant: More than $1 million
Grant Duration: 2 Years
Details:
This grant program supports the design, engineering, construction, and maintenance of outdoor recreation infrastructure projects across the state.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to apply for FY26 funding—including eligibility, funding priorities, examples of successful projects, and contact information for the team. The are here to help.
Funding Information
- $7.2 million available for Trails+ Grant in 2026.
- Tier 1 Local Projects: $25,000 to $99,999
- Tier 2 Regional Projects: $100,000 to $499,999
- Tier 3 Regional Projects: $500,000 to $1,000,000
Grant Period
Project must be completed within 24 months.
Eligible Expenses
- Structures and other infrastructure that enhance public nature-based outdoor recreation
- Design, survey, and engineering plans
- Equipment (specific to project construction and maintenance) – up to 30% of grant request
- Trail, wayfinding, or other signage
- Maintenance and improvement to existing outdoor infrastructure Administrative costs – up to 10% Billed labor.
Eligibility Criteria
- Tier 1 Local Projects
- Eligible Applicants: Tribes, Pueblos, and Nations; Municipalities; Counties; Nonprofits; Public preschools/schools/districts; Public colleges/universities; Soil and water conservation districts; Acequia and land grant associations.
- Economic Impact: Project must show demonstrable benefit to the local community, either by attracting and/or retaining residents or attracting visitors.
- Recreation Access: The project must be open for public use. Note: Projects on Tribal, Pueblo, or Native lands do not have to be open to the public but must be open to Tribal members.
- Tier 2 Regional Projects
- Eligible Applicants: Tribes, Pueblos, and Nations; Municipalities; Counties; Public preschools/schools/districts; Public colleges/universities; Soil and water conservation districts; Acequia and land grant associations. Nonprofits with capacity are now eligible.
- Economic Impact: Projects must demonstrate economic value for the region as a whole, either by attracting and/or retaining residents or attracting visitors. Collaborative multi-partner projects will score highest.
- Recreation Access: The project must be open for public use. Note: Projects on Tribal, Pueblo, or Native lands do not have to be open to the public but must be open to Tribal members.
- Tier 3 Regional Projects
- Eligible Applicants: Tribes, Pueblos, and Nations; Municipalities; Counties; Public preschools/schools/districts; Public colleges/universities; Soil and water conservation districts; Acequia and land grant associations. Nonprofits are not eligible.
- Economic Impact: Project must show demonstrable benefit to the whole region, either by attracting and/or retaining residents or attracting visitors. Projects must demonstrate economic value for the region as a whole. Collaborative multi-partner projects will score highest.
- Recreation Access: The project must be open for public use. Note: Projects on Tribal, Pueblo, or Native lands do not have to be open to the public but must be open to Tribal members.
For more information, visit New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division.
