Demystifying Donor Advised Funds and Tapping into Them to Support Trails
This webinar will demystify DAFs (Donor Advised Funds) and break down the basics: how they work, who is likely to have one, and what types of entities manage them.
Funding/Grants
Skill Definition
Identify funding sources that align with trail-related project/s; write and submit grants and grant reports; track grant fund expenditures; and communicate effectively with funders
Entry Level Performance
- Demonstrate understanding of the elements of a grant proposal related to a trail project
- Demonstrate understanding of the grant reporting requirements related to a trail project
Full Performance Level
- Identify funding sources for trail-related projects and create a submittal timeline
- Secure funding through effective grant writing
- Implement transparent and timely project reporting, financial tracking, and funding/funder communication
Expert Level Performance
- Manage a multi-year, multi-project grants program/plan including prioritization and integration of trail-related projects
- Build relationships and communicate with multiple funders, both existing and potential
- Demonstrate understanding of sources, solicitation of, and use/reporting requirements of Governmental (federal, state, and municipal), foundation, and private philanthropic funding opportunities to support project work
Resources for Funding/Grants
Video Trainings
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Recorded Trainings for Funding/Grants
Projecting the Economic Impact of Future Trails: DIY Forecasting Tools for Communities
This webinar focuses on practical, do-it-yourself ways to project the future economic significance and impact of new, expanded, or enhanced trail systems— even when little to no trail user data exists.
Outdoor Tech for Good: How AllTrails Uses Their Reach and Resources to Put Their Money Where Trails Are
Learn how AllTrails is providing free data insight tools for public land managers and park partners to inclusive outdoor nonprofits.
Unfunded but Unrelenting: Trail Stewardship Without Grants, Recognition, or Profit
Learn about the creation of the Trail Technician Level 1 certification and their curriculum—now a national benchmark for workforce development.
Economic Benefits (and More) of Horse Trails in the American Economy
Learn about considerations on how your community can leverage the horse community to advocate for investments in the space that can get you the ROI needed.
National Trails Legislative Update 2025
Review the status of current legislation that impacts the trails community and our work and learn how you can help advocate for funding and policies that will have positive impacts on our trails.
Further Education
Training Programs for Funding/Grants
Jacksonville State University - Trail Science Institute (TSI)
The TSI focuses on the promotion of recreational trails, primarily in the State of Alabama, by providing educational experiences and providing services such as assessment, monitoring, management, planning, and construction. The TSI defines trails as…
The Harbinger Consultancy Timeline Institute Online Courses
The Harbinger Consultancy's Timeline Institute Online Courses combine instruction, coaching, group learning and step-by-step templates based on 30+ years of working with communities, regions and supporting organizations. They offer you guided access…
Sustainable Trails Development
The Sustainable Trails curriculum welcomes students from various fields who are interested in trails development, programming and management, as well as design.
Advancing Trails Webinar Series
American Trails brings agencies, trail builders, planners, architects, advocates, and volunteers the latest in state-of-the-art information on all aspects of trails and greenways. Our webinars focus on a variety of trail topics, usually applicable…
Custom Trainings
There are 80 trainers on TrailSkills
with Funding/Grants experience
Derek Buckridge
Shawnee, KS
Construction Supervisor/Singletrack Manager
Johnson County Park and Recreation District, KS
Hire Workers
There are 323 workers on TrailSkills
with Funding/Grants experience
Kimberly Bradley
Hartford, CT
CT Trails and Greenways Coordinator
Connecticut State Parks Division, Department of Environmental Protection
Alexander De Lucia
Bretton Woods, NH
Director of Trails & Recreation Management
Appalachian Mountain Club
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Know of a good resource for this skill? Let us know! From webinars, to workshops, to PDFs, we'd like to add them to our resource library.
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