Outdoor Micro-Grants

Open Trail Collective is dedicated to getting people outside. That's why we've created Outdoor Micro-Grants, offering $20 to $100 for community groups and non-profits to get outside and explore. These micro grants are here to help you break down any barriers keeping your community from enjoying nature. Use the money for transportation, snacks, or whatever supplies you need to make your adventure awesome.

Application Rules:

Eligibility:
- Applicants must be part of a community group, organization, or informal collective located in North East Ohio (Ashland, Ashtabula, Carroll, Columbiana, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Mahoning, Medina, Portage, Richland, Stark, Summit, Trumbull and Wayne counties)
- You must detail the outdoor adventure and how the money will be used to break down barriers for communities underrepresented in the outdoors (gender, race, ethnicity, ability, etc.)
- You may only receive funding from our micro-grant program one time per calendar year.
- You are not eligible to apply for grants to attend OTC events. Please submit a separate scholarship or transportation stipend request via email instead (simply detail the event you'd like to attend and the barriers you face to making it happen) - info@opentrailcollective.org
Application Process:
- Complete the online application form below.
- Provide a detailed description of the proposed activity, including objectives, number of expected participants, and how the funds will be used.
- Apply at least thirty (30) days before your event to ensure funding is received on time.
Use of Funds:
- Funds must be used exclusively for expenses directly related to the outdoor activity, such as materials, supplies, transportation, permits, refreshments, etc.
- Funds cannot be used for salaries, administrative costs, or any non-activity-related expenses.
Activity Criteria:
- Activities should promote health, well-being, and community engagement.
- Activities must comply with local health and safety regulations.
- All activities funded by the micro-grant must prioritize and implement proper safety precautions to ensure the well-being of all participants including weather monitoring, terrain appropriateness, etc.
Evaluation and Selection:
- A committee will review applications based on creativity, impact, feasibility, and alignment with the grant’s objectives.
- Successful applicants will be notified via email within one week of the application's submission.
- Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all available funds have been distributed.

Expectations:

Implementation:
- Grantees must implement the entirety of the funds at the proposed activity/event.
- Any proposed activity/event changes must be communicated and approved by the grant committee in advance.
- Grantees must acknowledge Open Trail Collective in marketing materials.
Reporting:
- Grantees must submit a brief report within seven (7) days after the activity, detailing the outcomes, participant feedback, and a breakdown of how the funds were used. Receipts of funds spent should be submitted at this time as well.
- Photos and/or videos of the activity are encouraged to be included in the report for promotional purposes.
Recognition:
- Grantees should acknowledge the support of the micro-grant program in any promotional materials or public communications related to the activity.
Environmental Sustainability:
- Activities funded by the micro-grant must incorporate principles of environmental sustainability and adhere to Leave No Trace guidelines. Grantees are expected to minimize their impact on natural environments by planning activities that preserve and protect the integrity of outdoor spaces.

Additional Information:

Support and Guidance:
- Applicants are encouraged to contact Kara Lapso (kara@opentrailcollective.org) for any questions or assistance needed during the application process.
- Non-profit status is not required to receive micro-grant funding.

Apply Now!

Name

Group Name

Select an Address

Proposed Location of your Event

Proposed Date of Your Event

Event Description: Brief Description of the Activity; Location of the Activity; Estimated Number of Participants; Target Audience (e.g., families, seniors, youth, etc.); How will the activity break down barriers, and/or increase inclusion, and/or increase accessibility to the outdoors? (200 word limit)

Total Amount Requested (between $20 and $100)How will the money be spent? (max 100 words)

Safety and Risk Management: What safety precautions will be in place to ensure participant well-being? How will you address any potential risks associated with the activity? (200 word limit)

Environmental Considerations: How will you incorporate environmental sustainability and Leave No Trace principles into your activity? Learn more at https://lnt.org/why/7-principles/. (200 word limit)

Waiver of Liability

By applying for and accepting a micro-grant from Open Trail Collective (OTC), the applicant and all participants acknowledge and assume all risks associated with the funded outdoor activities, including potential injury, illness, or property damage. Participants agree to release and hold harmless OTC, its officers, directors, employees, and volunteers from any and all claims arising from the funded activities, including those due to OTC's negligence. Participants are responsible for their own health and safety measures and any necessary insurance coverage. This waiver is binding on all participants and their legal representatives.

Your Signature

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