MassTrails provides matching grants to communities, public entities and non-profit organizations to design, create, and maintain the diverse network of trails, trail systems, and trails experiences used and enjoyed by Massachusetts residents and visitors. Applications are accepted annually for a variety of well-planned trail projects benefiting communities across the state.
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MassTrails Grant Awards by Year
MassTrails Grant Program Overview
The 2020 MassTrails Grant Round is CLOSED. The 2021 MassTrails application period will be opened in the FALL. Sign on to the MassTrails Contact List for updates!
MassTrails provides grants to support recreational trail and shared use pathway projects across the Commonwealth. Grant amounts are dependent on the project and its needs, but generally range from $5,000 to $100,000 with grants of up to $300,000 awarded to projects demonstrating critical network connections of regional significance.
Eligible grant activities include project development, design, engineering, permitting, construction, and maintenance of recreational trails, shared use pathways, and the amenities that support trails.
MassTrails grants are REIMBURSABLE, meaning grantees must first pay for expenditures themselves and then submit for reimbursement using the required documentation.
MassTrails grants are MATCHING grants and require that proponents provide a minimum of 20% of the total project cost. Projects with higher match commitments will be given greater consideration.
Eligible projects require documented land owner permission and community support.
MassTrails grants are reviewed and recommended by the Governor's Inter-Agency Trails Team and the Massachusetts Recreational Trails Advisory Board (MARTAB),
MassTrails Grants are funded through two different sources:
- Commonwealth Trails grants are supported by the state's annual Capital Investment Plan and aim to help communities design, create and maintain off-road shared-use pathway connections between where Massachusetts residents live, learn, work, shop, and recreate, especially by building out the longer distance regional networks of multi-use pathways across the state and filling in critical gaps in existing networks, or overcoming current barriers to connectivity.
- Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grants are federally funded through the United States Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), administered at the State level, providing funding for the development and maintenance of recreational trail projects. Both motorized and non-motorized trail projects qualify for assistance.
MassTrails Grant Application Documents:
MassTrails Grant Application Template (all proposals must be submitted online)
MassTrails Budget and Timeline Worksheet (*Note that there are 2 tabs on this worksheet - BOTH should be filled out)
Key Actions for MassTrails Grant Program Overview
Press Release
July31, 2020
Baker-Polito Administration Announces $4 Million in MassTrails Grants
55 Local Projects Will Greatly Enhance State’s Network of Trails