Stewardship Grant – Deschutes Trails Coalition

Overview

Intended to fund numerous trail or trail-related infrastructure projects in Deschutes County, the $600,000 DTC Stewardship Grant Program has been funded by Deschutes County unrestricted Transient Room Tax dollars. The grant’s funds will be awarded to several qualified, higher value projects, which could range from environmental analysis and design, to construction and project implementation.

The 2022 Application period has closed. Stay tuned for more information about future plans for this grant opportunity.

2022 Grant Awardees

For additional information on this grant please contact Jana Johnson at info@deschutestrailscoalition.org.

Informational Webinar: Thursday September 1, 12pm – 1pm
This webinar will introduce you to the Deschutes Trails Coalition, share details about eligibility and the grant application process, and answer any questions you have. Watch a recording of the webinar here.

Who Can Apply?

Non-profit organizations
Federal, state, and local land management agencies
Businesses that partner with a land management agency or non-profit organization with a trail-related mission

What Type of Projects Are Considered/Eligible?

three people in hardhats with trail tools in the bushes

With a goal of completion within two years, Stewardship Grant projects considered can include, but are not limited to: trail maintenance and construction; road maintenance on roads directly accessing trails; trailhead amenity improvements; all project phases including analysis/planning and design; studies and reports to inform sustainable trail management; trail infrastructure projects such as bridge construction and shelter repairs; capacity building for trail organizations; restoration projects adjacent to heavily-used trails; and educational materials to promote sustainable trail etiquette.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the total sum being awarded in 2022?

$600,000 was allocated by Deschutes County. $540,000will be awarded to fund trail and trail-related infrastructure projects. The remaining 10% will fund the management and facilitation of the grant program.

What is the funding limit for each project?

There is no specific dollar limit; however, the intention is to fund several high-value projects submitted by various organizations.

What can this grant fund?

Trail and trail-related infrastructure projects on public lands or on private land with public easements within Deschutes County. Eligible projects may extend beyond Deschutes County; however, only the portions of the project within Deschutes County will be funded.

Potential projects include but are not limited to: trail maintenance and construction, road maintenance on roads accessing trails, trailhead amenity improvements; all stages of project planning including environmental analysis and design, trail infrastructure projects such as bridge construction and shelter repairs, capacity building for trail organizations, restoration projects adjacent to heavily-used trails, and educational materials to promote sustainable trail etiquette, studies and reports to inform sustainable trail management, and more.

Who can apply?

Non-profit organizations with a trails-related mission, role, or service(s); federal, state, and local land management agencies; businesses that partner with a land management agency or non-profit organization with a trail-related mission, role or services.

How long do I have to complete the project?

Projects should be completed within 24 months of the grant being awarded. Extensions may be applied for if needed.

When are applications due and when will grants be awarded?

The application period for 2022 has closed. Selections have been made and awards have been announced here.

How can I learn more about this grant and if my project would qualify?

● Contact Jana Johnson, Executive Director of Deschutes Trails Coalition. DTC wants to hear from you and support your organization in submitting a strong and viable application. Send questions to info@deschutestrailscoalition.org.

What are the minimum eligibility requirements?

●      The project must be on public land or on private land with public easements.
●      The project must be within Deschutes County. Projects straddling an adjacent county can only fund the portion of the project within Deschutes County.
●      The project proposal must include a detailed work plan demonstrating successful completion of the proposed project within 24 months of an executed grant agreement (extensions may be applied for).
●      Projects must have the approval of the appropriate land manager.

Can this grant fund a project that has already started?

Yes, this grant can fund an individual phase(s) of multi-phase projects.

Is this going to be a recurring grant every year or is this a one-time grant opportunity?

This is likely to be a one-time opportunity. Deschutes County has recently made the decision to allocate the “surplus” of Transient Room Tax (TRT) funds to other municipal needs and therefore is unlikely to have unallocated TRT funds to support this grant program in future years.

Can funds be made available prior to project completion or can my organization only be reimbursed for expenses once the project is finished?

Yes, a percentage of the awarded funds may be made available at the start of the project. Details negotiated upon award.