Rails to Trails Conservancy is partnering with Outdoor Community Partners and the Heart of the Rockies Initiative to bring the chance to participate in an exclusive “Get Grant Ready” workshop to TrailNation Summit attendees and select partners. The interactive online workshop is designed to help transform bold, locally driven trail ideas into fundable projects. Participants will strengthen their fundraising skills and build long-term capacity to pursue state, federal, and private grants that support their community’s vision. Plus, three workshop participants attending the TrailNation Summit will be selected to share their pitch on stage at the TrailNation Summit and have a chance to secure a $10,000 RTC Trail Grant for their project.
  • Date: Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025
  • Time: 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Eastern
  • Time Commitment: Four-hour workshop, one hour of pre-work + one-on-one coaching for Pitch Fest presenters
  • Cost: FREE
  • 50 participants will be selected to participate in the workshop from the applicant pool with priority given to under-resourced communities.
This workshop is designed for those representing under-resourced communities, such as those who have historically lacked access to planning resources or investment. The workshop is especially valuable to those who are new to project development and grant writing, as well as those new to turning trail concepts into fundable projects and seeking guidance on how to get started. The workshop is open to all TrailNation project partners and to those attending the TrailNation Summit.

The workshop will focus on:
  • Crafting communications and messaging around your project
  • Delivering effective presentations to funders
  • Engaging your community with clear project goals

Three workshop participants registered to attend the TrailNation Summit will be selected to present at the TrailNation Pitch Fest during the Summit based on their applications and the readiness of their projects for the prime time. They will receive 1:1 coaching leading up to the Pitch Fest, and live feedback from a panel of trail and funding experts at the event. The winner will be selected by the audience and receive a $10,000 RTC Trail Grant to support their project.

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* 1. First Name

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* 2. Last Name

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* 3. Email Address

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* 4. What is the name of your community or municipality?

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* 5. What is the population size of the region your organization or agency represents?*

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* 6. Briefly tell us about your project

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* 7. What types of grants are you pursuing for this project? Select all that apply

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* 8. How is your community involved in this project?

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* 9. Who will benefit from the project? Are there any components to the project that would increase access for marginalized or underserved communities?

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* 10. Who are the project partners? Please list up to 3 partner organizations.

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* 11. What is the estimated project cost?

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* 12. How has this project been identified as a community priority? (e.g., inclusion in local plans, etc.)

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* 13. This workshop is only open to TrailNation Summit registrants. Are you registered to join us at the TrailNation Summit this October?

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* 14. Is there anything else you would like to share about your project or community?

 
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