Funding

Funding Options

Proper organization of the project’s funding is essential to success.  At any point in the planning and development process, funding problems can result in delays that might cause the project to lose momentum and dampen community excitement.  Funding sources of various types should be sought to support the project’s different aspects at different stages including:  start-up, organizational operating, promotional and fundraising activities, matching funds for grants, feasibility study and master plan, land acquisition and development, and ongoing operation and maintenance.

Grants

Many different federal, state, and private grant programs are available to greenway and trail projects.  Each program has its own unique requirements (including fund matching) and some awards are much larger than others.  However, when combined, these grants can have significant impact - especially in the project planning stages before the trail group is established enough to organize private fund-raising efforts.

Transportation Enhancement Program Grants – This funding was introduced in 1991 by the federal Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (now known as TEA-21) to give states the flexibility to manage their own transportation programs tailored to each community’s specific needs.  States were encouraged to take a more holistic planning approach that better incorporates various transportation modes – including walking and biking – while also enhancing the natural environment.  The law stipulates that 10% of each state’s Surface Transportation Program Funds are to be specifically earmarked for enhancement projects meant to improve the aesthetics of a transportation system or strengthen its overall quality of life impacts.  The primary requirement is that the project be related to the intermodal surface transportation system in “function, proximity, or impact.”  Bicycle and/or pedestrian facilities qualify.  In Virginia, communities’ project proposals are submitted each year to VDOT where the Commonwealth Transportation Board chooses projects and allocates funds.  The City of Staunton was awarded a combined $270,000 in 2003 and 2004 for the proposed Shenandoah Valley Crossroads Travel Information Center.

Transportation and Community and System Preservation Pilot Program Grants – This TEA-21 program offers planning, implementation, and research grants meant to:  “improve the efficiency of the transportation system; reduce environmental impacts of transportation; reduce the need for costly future public infrastructure investments; ensure efficient access to jobs, services, and centers of trade…”  In fiscal year 2002, four Virginia projects received nearly $2.5 million.  Virginia Beach’s Atlantic Avenue Trail System was awarded $793,046.

Virginia Recreational Trails Fund Grants – This is a competitive grant program administered by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).  Similar to Enhancement Grants, these are federal funds (from the Federal Highway Administration in this case) passed through states to local governments and private organizations.  However, this grant requires a minimum 20% match.  Particular emphasis (70% of program funding) is given to multi-use and non-motorized trails – both of which describe the Staunton Frontier Trail.  In fiscal year 2003, DCR awarded over $800,000 to various projects throughout Virginia.

Land and Water Conservation Fund Grants – This federal 50% matching grant program run by the National Park Service is for “the acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation areas and facilities” of various types – including multi-use trails.  Virginia received nearly $2 million of $89 million nationally in fiscal year 2005.  Since 1965, Staunton and Augusta County have received allotments totaling $819,000 which helped pay for the Gypsy Hill Pool, Montgomery Hall Park, Natural Chimneys Regional Park, and most recently Stuarts Draft Park (2001).

Virginia Urban and Community Forestry Assistance Grants – These USDA Forest Service grants are awarded by the Virginia Department of Forestry primarily to encourage the preservation and planting of trees in the urban environment.  These grants require a 50% match but could be very useful for helping pay for plantings along Lewis Creek and other strategic spots along the trail.

Kodak American Greenways Awards Program Grants – These small grants are awarded by a partnership between the Eastman Kodak Company, the Conservation Fund, and the National Geographic Society.  The maximum grant is $2,500 and most range from $500 - $1,500.  Such amounts may be helpful in paying for marketing materials and other small expenses.

Various Environmental/Conservation Foundation and Land Trust Grants – Numerous smaller grants are available from many different types of environmental and conservation foundations as well as other similar groups like:  Bikes Belong Coalition (accepts requests up to $10,000), Direct Impact on Rivers and Trails (DIRT) (to increase or maintain access to the outdoors, $1,000 - $5,000 awards).  Several national foundation databases compile and regularly update information about the many foundation grants available.  These databases such as the Foundation Directory can be valuable tools in identifying which foundations might best suit the project in mind.  Also, one of the best trail-funding internet clearinghouses can be found at the following web address: http://www.americantrails.org/resources/funding/index.html  .

Gifts

Although the grant opportunities outlined above are important in the overall funding strategy, they alone cannot be expected to sustain a project the size of the Staunton Frontier Trail network.  The community must be committed to supporting the project by contributing its own time, effort, and financial resources.  The non-profit Trail Group should be ready to receive gifts and know how to use them efficiently, but the Trail Group cannot simply wait and hope that the contributions come.

Trail Group leaders and volunteers must assemble a well-planned capital campaign - particularly to pay for right-of-way acquisition and development.  The campaign should involve a variety approaches including:

1) a strategic corporate giving program targeting organizations known for community giving and/or having a higher than average stake/interest in the area’s quality of life
2) holding community-wide fund-raising events (races, high-visibility activities in conjunction with National Trails Day, Earth Day, etc.)
3) identifying and creating relationships with high-net-worth individuals in the community who strongly support the greenway concept

Along with the capital campaign, the Trail Group should also actively solicit non-financial contributions from area business, institutions, and individuals such as:

1) volunteer, community service, and inmate labor
2) donated landscaping and construction materials and in exchange for public recognition
3) city staff time

Not only do these “in-kind” donations contribute directly to the project, but their value can also fulfill some grant matching requirements.

Public Funds

Most greenway projects will also require some significant public funding from the locality’s annual operating budget or capital improvement program.  Depending on the community’s fiscal situation, this can of course create controversy because some residents may feel that spending on a trail project is not justified given other community issues they see as more important.  Therefore, public officials must be able to convey the broad benefits of the project so they can legitimately justify public spending.