Finding and Winning Funding for Your Organization and Community

Securing funding for new trails, trail maintenance, programming, advocacy, bike parks and system expansion is a responsibility of trail organization leadership. Whether you are applying for a formal foundation grant, building a pitch deck for a local donor, or speaking with business leaders, success hinges on your narrative.

This IMBA Local Leadership Lab focuses on how to distill complex funding needs into compelling, data-driven stories. We will look at how to transition from generic project descriptions to powerful narratives that clearly communicate community impact, economic value, and project feasibility. You'll learn how to take the first steps to identify funding avenues for your organization and walk away with new skills to pitch your projects effectively on paper, on screen, or in conversation.


By the end of this Leadership Lab, participants will be able to:

1. Recognize the importance of diversified funding and build a compelling narrative that motivates prospective funders.
2. Leverage your existing base of support to promptly secure accessible funding.
3. Identify funding opportunities that align with your organization's mission and goals.

Presented By:

Anna Bartlett: IMBA Foundations Relations Manager
Anna helps IMBA and great trail projects secure funding from private foundations and individuals. Alongside Maureen, she is also helping trail champions across the country boost their fundraising skills and confidence. She has built and managed teams of fundraising professionals, worked closely with Boards of Directors on governance and philanthropy, and secured revenue exceeding $20M/year. She lives in Washington, DC with her husband, two daughters, and dog.

Maureen Gaffney: IMBA Funding Education Consultant
Maureen is a lifelong trails planner and champion currently residing in Salida, Colorado where she serves on the board of her local organization–Saldia Mountain Trails. She has been helping IMBA help communities across the country up their fundraising game so they can build more trails for her to ride.