What is the Indiana Trails Program grant?
The Indiana Trails Program is a new trails program that will replace the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) in 2021. The new ITP program will be similar to Indiana’s former RTP and will still be administered by the Department of Natural Resources Division of Outdoor Recreation. The main difference is that funds for ITP will now be state dollars rather than federal funds.
How and why is it changing?
For more information about how and why DNR and INDOT are replacing RTP with ITP, see our Frequently Asked Question page.
Who is eligible?
All units of government and certain 501(c)3 not-for-profit agencies are welcome to apply. Eligible not-for-profit organizations must have a central mission that focuses on providing public outdoor recreation opportunities and has the capability to maintain the facilities developed with grant funds for a minimum of 25 years. Please contact a program administrator if you have questions regarding your organization’s eligibility.
What types of projects may be funded?
Projects will be eligible if they provide public access to trails. Funds from RTP can be used for:
- Construction of trails
- Acquisition of easement or property for trails
- Development of trailheads and other support facilities (parking, water fountains, benches, signage, etc.)
- Construction of bridges, boardwalks, and crossings
All facilities should be universally designed to accommodate all people. Facilities, funded through this program must be open to the public without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, or disability.
How much grant funding is available to applicants?
The ITP will provide a maximum of 80% reimbursement for eligible projects. At the time of application, the applicant must have at least 20% of the total project cost available. Applicants may request a minimum of $100,000 and maximum of $400,000 in grant assistance.
When is the application deadline?
The next call for ITP applications will take place in fall of 2025. The Indiana Trails Program is a biennium grant program, which allows the program to award more actionable grant amounts. Further details regarding the next competitive ITP cycle will be available in early 2025.
Quarterly Reporting
Quarterly reporting is a requirement of all Indiana State Parks Community Grants and Trails grant programs. Quarterly reports are due in the first week of the new fiscal quarter, unless a specific date is set by the Grant Coordinators. Failure to submit quarterly reports in a timely manner may result in the local sponsor being barred from receiving grant assistance in the future. Quarterly Report resources may be found in the ITP Manual Appendix and linked below.
How do I apply?
The ITP Manual contains application and programmatic guidance. Please read the entire manual prior to applying, and coordinate with a program administrator if you have questions. Applicants are strongly encouraged to schedule a pre-application meeting, during the winter months prior to the application deadline, to discuss the project and application process.
If you have questions regarding ITP or want to set up a pre-application meeting, contact:
Indiana Trails Program Team
Community Grants and Trails Section
Division of Indiana State Parks
Indiana Department of Natural Resources
402 W. Washington Street, Room W298
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Email: ITP@dnr.IN.gov
