Grants to Massachusetts nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and communities for programs and capital projects to encourage outdoor activities for local residents and tourists. Funding is intended to develop, design, construct, and maintain recreational trails and pathways. Projects must take place on publicly accessible land.
Eligible grant activities include project development, design, engineering, permitting, construction, and maintenance of recreational trails, shared use pathways, and the amenities that support trails. Eligible project activities can include:
For information about Grant Criteria and Preferred Specifications, see: https://www.mass.gov/doc/masstrails-grant-guidelines-and-application-information/download#page=3
Estimated Size of Grant:
The effective start date of a contract (grant award) shall be the latest of the following dates: the date the Standard Contract Form has been executed by an authorized signatory of the contractor and the procuring department; the date of secretariat or other approval(s) required by law or regulation; or a later date specified in the Standard Contract Form. The earliest start date for a MassTrails grant project will generally be on or after July 1.
Most project development and design projects will have one year to complete all spending and match under the grant, with funding available within the state fiscal year (July 1 to June 30 of the following year). Trail construction and maintenance projects may be permitted a longer timeframe of up to two years, dependent on the scope and specifications of the project.
Apply online: https://www.mass.gov/forms/masstrails-online-application
Amanda Lewis, MassTrails Program Manager
Department of Conservation and Recreation
136 Damon Road
Northampton, MA 01060
617-645-8314
Amanda.Lewis@mass.gov
Libby Knott
MassTrails Grants Coordinator, Department of Conservation and Recreation
617-981-5753
elizabeth.knott@mass.gov