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.
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
• Training Programs
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Trail Skills Training Library
Recorded Trainings for Funding/Grants
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.
Branding 101: The Importance of Finding Your Why
This webinar will dive into some fundamentals and exercises to draw out foundational why's for your own organization to help create a brand your audience wants to support and champion.
Sustainable Equestrian Trails From Grant Funding to Project Success
This webinar aims to introduce you to the fundamentals of managing a sustainable horse farm. This is part two of a two-part series related to sustainability.
How to Succeed in Applying for Trail-Specific Funding Opportunities
This webinar will outline the exciting trails stewardship funding opportunities available through the National Wilderness Stewardship Alliance and American Trails and is intended to help members of the trail community to understand which funding…
Using Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies and Other Events to Build Congressional Support for Trails and RTP
Learn how to host trail ribbon cutting ceremonies and other events to attract support for trails from decision makers - including Members of Congress.
Further Education
Training Programs for Funding/Grants
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…
Training Calendar
Upcoming Trainings for Funding/Grants
Tell Your Economic Story Without Hiring an Economist: Trails, Parks, Heritage Areas & Conserved Lands
October 15 - November 12, 2025
Custom Trainings
There are 68 trainers on TrailSkills
with Funding/Grants experience
Jeremy Poore
Old Fort, NC
Coordinator - Trail Construction and Maintenance
McDowell Tech Community College
Brad Stewart
Gulliver, MI
Alexander De Lucia
Bretton Woods, NH
Director of Trails & Recreation Management
Appalachian Mountain Club
Hire Workers
There are 256 workers on TrailSkills
with Funding/Grants experience
Benjamin Widdison
Eugene, OR
Corporate and Foundation Relations Associate
Partnership for the National Trails System (PNTS)
John Simkins
Woodbridge, VA
Trail Maintenance Supervisor
Prince William County Parks, Recreation, and Tourism
Abby Ledford
Gainesville, FL
Jonathan Kelly
Oxford, AL
Talladega National Forest Outreach and Stewardship Coordinator
Wild Alabama
Suggest a Resource
Contact Us
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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