- Alaska Trails and Local Access Systems: Umbrella page that contains links to several of the state’s trail-related programs, including:
- Recreational Trails Program: A federal program administered by the state; the largest consistent funder of trails in Alaska; requires about a 10% match.
- Snowmachine Trail Grant Program: State program. Reimbursable grant funds for development and maintenance of trails and trail-related facilities for snowmachine use. Also distributes grant funds for grooming, marking, and signing snowmachine trail systems. Applications are usually opened in August.
- Transportation Alternatives Program: Provides funding for a variety of generally smaller-scale transportation projects including pedestrian and bicycle facilities; and recreational trails.
- Winter Trails Program: State program. Funding and support for rural communities to mark public winter trails. The goal of the program is to facilitate connections between rural communities, public roads or highways, and public use areas through installation of high visibility trail markers.
- AARP Community Challenge grants: Can include trails and trail-related infrastructure accessible to seniors. In 2025 several Alaska communities won grants. Deadline is in March.
- AllTrails Stewards Fund: For trail projects that expand outdoor access and preserve outdoor spaces. Fund awards range from $2,000 to $10,000. Applications open April 20 to June 30, 2026.
- Land and Water Conservation Fund: A federal program administered by the state; a large funder of trails in Alaska; only available to state, regional or local governments, and federally recognized tribal governments (though you can partner with them); requires a 50% match. The LWCF actually funds two programs of interest to trail advocates (though both have the same applicant restrictions as listed above)
- Trail Accelerator Grants: For mountain biking projects from the International Mountain Biking Association. Not a cash grant. It is an award of IMBA professional services, and requires a match from applicants.The 2026 Trail Accelerator Grant spring will open on January 15 and close on March 15.
- Rasmuson Foundation: Alaska-based foundation that gives a variety of grant types. First-time applicants should start with a Tier 1 request. Has given grants to the Nordic Ski Club of Fairbanks and to the Homer Cycling Club for trail-related projects.
- Right Rider Access Fund: This fund’s mission is to promote the safe and responsible use of off-highway vehicles and to preserve their access to appropriate lands. Grant applications are open November 15 – January 15.
- Clif Family Foundation: Variety of grants, including for “Inclusive Outdoor Access: Catalyze solutions that expand access to safe places to enable healthy physical activity and improve mental health.” Deadlines are March 1 and August 1. Typical grants range from $5,000 – $50,000 and last for one year.
- Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative: Grants for winter and summer motorized trail projects; quarterly deadlines.
- Polaris T.R.A.I.L.S. grants: Grants for winter and summer motorized trail projects; two deadlines yearly.
- Trails Capacity Program: Funds projects across the nation that strategically improve the abilities and capacity of the trails community as a whole. Application portal opens mid-April. Application deadline, May 15.
- Two for Trails: From Athletic Brewing Co. Grants intended to help organizations offset the costs of trail maintenance, waterway protection, urban greenspace improvement, and overall environmental preservation to create equitable outdoor access for all.
- National Park Service
- Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Challenge Cost Share program: Supports specific National Park Service mission-related projects that align with the goals of project partners, including projects that increase public access to new and restored outdoor recreation opportunities.
- Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance program (NPS-RTCA): Supports locally-led conservation and outdoor recreation projects across the United States. Does not provide financial assistance or monetary grants. Does provide professional services to help successful applicants achieve their conservation and outdoor recreation project vision.
- OnX USA Adventure Forever Grants: Offers a variety of grant types including for access to public lands and for trail building and restoration.