MTGA Catalyst Fund
Spurring Trail Completion
The MTGA Catalytic Fund focuses on capacity building, providing much-needed support for organizations embarking on trail development or improvement efforts. We aim to foster innovation, creativity, and risk-taking, which can lead to improved and cost-effective solutions for building and enhancing multiuse trails.
Examples of eligible projects include feasibility analyses and preliminary studies, allowing organizations to identify potential risks, challenges, and opportunities in their trail initiatives.
We encourage all local nonprofit organizations and “Friends of the Trail” groups with trail projects in the works to seize this fantastic opportunity and apply for the MTGA Catalytic Fund. By doing so, you can gain the support needed to take your trail development dreams from concept to reality.
KEY FEATURES & APPLICATION PROCESS
Let’s work together to foster stronger, more vibrant communities by creating and enhancing trail networks that connect Michiganders to trails, promote physical activity, and enrich their overall quality of life. The MTGA Catalytic Fund is here to support your efforts, and we can’t wait to see the positive impact your projects will make.
past recipients
West Michigan Trails
Grant Award: $2,500
To acquire planning services for creating a regional, nonmotorized master trail plan. The plan shall include existing trails, planned trails, trail improvements, trail connections, trail gaps, and an action plan.
Lowertown Riverfront Conservancy
Grant Award: $5,000
To develop and complete Broadway Park West’s trail system design documentation. Once completed, the trail system will connect existing Border to Border and Treeline trails while providing a unique destination location with facilities, dining, and recreational activities.
Muskegon County Bicycle Coalition
Grant Award: $5,000
To undertake the Muskegon/Grand Haven Area Greenways Planning process to connect urban and suburban residents to these regional trails through low-stress active transportation routes. Resulting in a comprehensive plan with robust community engagement, identification of a complete network in the urban core, and high-quality renderings of different facility types.
Chamber Alliance of Mason County
Grant Award: $5,000
For trail segment analysis and prioritization for their Mason County Trails Development Plan. This process would serve as the first phase of their ultimate project, which is to create a multi-use trail system that will connect with regional trail systems.
Forbush Corner Nordic
Grant Award: $8,000
Expanding snowmaking for cross-country skiing and adding 8 miles of mountain biking and hiking trails to create a year-round outdoor destination in Crawford and Otsego counties.
Calhoun County Trailway Alliance
Grant Award: $5,000
Designing 4 miles of new, paved trail along Ford’s BlueOval site in Marshall to fill a critical gap in statewide trail networks, including the Great Lake-to-Lake and Iron Belle Trails.
City of Memphis
Grant Award: $6,500
Installing trail markers, maps, and signs to improve wayfinding and increase community use and awareness of local walking and biking trails.
Iron Ore Heritage Recreation Authority
Grant Award: $7,000
Planning and designing trails in the Koski Forest, including adaptive-friendly access, a trailhead gateway, and a family-focused “mini trail playground,” adjacent to the Iron Ore Heritage Trail.
Huron Pines
Grant Award: $5,000
Design and community engagement for the AuSable River Scenic Preserve in Oscoda Township, including trail and infrastructure planning, formation of a local advisory group, and development of conceptual designs, maintenance strategies, and funding priorities to guide and sustain the preserve’s development.
Dickinson Trail Network
Grant Award: $5,000
Planning, design, and assessment to establish connector trails linking Iron Mountain’s downtown mountain bike trails with Fumee Natural Area and Pine Mountain Resort.
Tuscola County Parks and Recreation
Grant Award: $5,000
Feasibility study and cost analysis for developing “The Parcels” site into a final kayak launch and riverside park, completing the Upper Reaches of the Cass River Watertrail, and advancing the Cass River Greenway.
Muskegon County Bicycle Coalition
Grant Award: $5,000
Implementation and outreach for the Shoreline Trails and Greenways Plan in Muskegon, including urban core trail renderings, printed materials, events, and promotional efforts to engage the public and stakeholders, support equitable trail access, and leverage local, county, and state investments for the regional trail network.