Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation opens applications for grants to support repairs and upgrades to existing trails
Richmond, Virginia – The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has announced that applications are now open for the 2025 Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grant cycle. Up to $1.7 million in funding is available, with the deadline for submissions set for May 6 at 4 p.m.
Grants Focused on Existing Trail Maintenance and Repairs
The RTP is a federal matching reimbursement program designed to support the construction, rehabilitation, and enhancement of recreational land and water trails. However, for this grant cycle, only projects focused on maintenance, repair, and amenity improvements for existing trails will be considered. Proposals for new trail construction are expected to be eligible again in 2026 and future even-numbered years.
The program operates on an 80-20% matching basis, meaning that applicants must provide at least 20% of the total project cost. Requests must be for a minimum of $25,000, with a total project cost of at least $31,250. Additionally, grantees must be able to fund the full project upfront and request periodic reimbursements.
Who Can Apply and How to Participate
Eligible applicants for the RTP grants include:
- Counties, cities, and towns
- Park and recreation authorities
- Tribal governments
- State and federal agencies
- Nonprofit organizations with support from a government entity
To assist with the application process, a virtual informational session and application workshop will be held on March 25 at 2:30 p.m. Interested parties can visit dcr.virginia.gov/recreational-planning/trailfnd to learn more and register.
With this funding opportunity, Virginia aims to improve the quality and accessibility of its trails, ensuring that outdoor enthusiasts can continue to enjoy well-maintained pathways for years to come.
