2026 Planning & Design Grant Round
To grow the quantity and quality of mountain bike trail communities, we need to accelerate the pace of trail building. One of the best ways to do that is through trail planning and design. Planning is a key first step in trail development that sets the stage for all future work, while often leveraging additional investment from local, regional, and national partners through a detailed, professional trail plan.Trail Accelerator Grants provide a jump-start to communities that have the interest and political support to do this work, but need assistance to get projects up and running.
Typical projects that receive a grant through this program include the planning of new trail systems and bike parks; feasibility studies to examine a wider area (such as a city or county) for trail development potential; assessments and expansions of older trail networks; and so on. Projects in the construction phase are not eligible for the Trail Accelerator Grant.
This grant seeks to improve close-to-home access and the positive community impacts of trails, so priority is given to projects that demonstrate those elements.
This is not a cash grant. It is an award of IMBA professional services, and requires a match from applicants.
We look forward to seeing your application, and helping you to bring your vision to life!
Bringing Trails Close to Home
The 2026 Trail Accelerator Grant for planning & design will open on January 15 and close on March 15. For information to help you prepare your submission, check out the Applicant Toolkit.
Need more information?
View 2026 Trail Accelerator Grant for planning & design in detail & check out the FAQ. Email Marty Caivano with any additional questions.
2026 Education Services Grant Round:
The Trail Accelerator Grant will also have a grant round focused on educational support through our other programs: Trail Care Workshops, funding/capital campaign education, and in-person, facilitated strategic planning for mountain bike/trail organizations. This round will not include any planning and design components. The grant window is slated to open April 1 - April 30, 2026; check back for more details. These are not cash grants, rather, they are an award of IMBA services, and will require a match from the applicants.
Questions about the Trail Accelerator Grant? Connect with us.
