Tips for Writing Successful Recreational Trails Program Proposals

The 411 on Getting RTP Grants

The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is leading the United States in developing a highway system to move people and goods in a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible manner. FHWA's programs benefit the Nation's communities to improve the quality of life, provide access for all, and preserve our heritage. Similarly, FHWA's programs also benefit recreational interests.

Key funding programs for trails:

How do I get funds for my trail?

Contact your State Recreational Trails Program (RTP) or Transportation Enhancements (TE) Administrator.
Have a plan.
- Don't just say, "We want to build a trail," develop a workable, realistic project.
- Get public support.
- Develop other funding sources and donations.
- Consider youth corps involvement.
- Develop a good design: consider the trail setting, community benefits, user needs and accessibility.
Consider potential problems.
- Know possible environmental impacts: wetlands, endangered species, archaeological impacts, etc.
- Identify any permits you might have to obtain.
- Address public opposition: liability, property rights, safety, environmental impact.
Create a comprehensive proposal--make sure you've covered all your bases.
If your project is approved, don't wait for a check. Start working.

Proposal writing for Recreational Trails Funds

The proposal does not stand alone.
- Get to know people, build relationships, the proposal must allow a relationship to develop.
- Be prepared, have solid information on your organization and your project.
The Components of a successful proposal:
- Executive summary - This is your most important document.
- Project description - Include all the details.
- Budget -Be realistic.
- Organizational information and conclusion - it's tempting to put this first in your proposal, but you want to sell your project first.
- Be prepared to wait, during this time send a thank-you note, follow up like any sales job.

Helpful Reminders

If you want to do educational projects, look to your local university for possible grants or other resources.
Being a 501c3 will help you attain grants or you can partner with other 501c3 organizations and fall under their umbrella, visit http://www.nonprofit.org or http://www.nonprofitnominations.org.

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	Tips for Writing Successful Recreational Trails Program Proposals The 411 on Getting RTP Grants The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is leading the United States in developing a highway system to move people and goods in a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible manner. FHWA's programs benefit the Nation's communities to improve the quality of life, provide access for all, and preserve our heritage. Similarly, FHWA's programs also benefit recreational interests. Key funding programs for trails: Federal Lands Highways Program Surface Transportation Program Transportation Enhancement Activities Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Nation Scenic Trails Program Recreational Trails Program How do I get funds for my trail? Contact your State Recreational Trails Program (RTP) or Transportation Enhancements (TE) Administrator. Have a plan. Don't just say, "We want to build a trail," develop a workable, realistic project. Get public support. Develop other funding sources and donations. Consider youth corps involvement. Develop a good design: consider the trail setting, community benefits, user needs and accessibility. Consider potential problems. Know possible environmental impacts: wetlands, endangered species, archaeological impacts, etc. Identify any permits you might have to obtain. Address public opposition: liability, property rights, safety, environmental impact. Create a comprehensive proposal--make sure you've covered all your bases. If your project is approved, don't wait for a check. Start working. Proposal writing for Recreational Trails Funds The proposal does not stand alone. Get to know people, build relationships, the proposal must allow a relationship to develop. Be prepared, have solid information on your organization and your project. The Components of a successful proposal: Executive summary - This is your most important document. Project description - Include all the details. Budget -Be realistic. Organizational information and conclusion - it's tempting to put this first in your proposal, but you want to sell your project first. Be prepared to wait, during this time send a thank-you note, follow up like any sales job. Helpful Reminders If you want to do educational projects, look to your local university for possible grants or other resources. Being a 501c3 will help you attain grants or you can partner with other 501c3 organizations and fall under their umbrella, visit http://www.nonprofit.org or http://www.nonprofitnominations.org.


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