[Oregon Community Foundation](https://oregoncf.org)

October 2026 (Full application deadline, projected)

Typical awards up to $10,000; some grants range from $5,000–$25,000; larger awards considered case-by-case; one-year project period.

Supports projects that preserve, protect, and interpret the cultural and natural resources of Oregon’s historic trails, including education, advocacy, and research.

--- ## Description The Oregon Historic Trails Fund, administered by the Oregon Community Foundation, provides grant funding for projects and programs that preserve, interpret, and enhance the cultural and natural resources of Oregon’s historic trails. Funding is available for a broad range of initiatives, including interpretive, educational, marketing, advocacy, and research activities related to the state's sixteen legislatively recognized historic trails. The fund aims to foster public understanding and appreciation of these trails and to support their long-term preservation and interpretation. --- ## Due Dates - October 2026 (anticipated/projected, full application deadline; applications due by 5:00 p.m.) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Typical grant awards are up to $10,000. - Grants generally range from $5,000 to $25,000. - Larger awards may be considered on a case-by-case basis. - Projects must be completed within one year of the grant payment (extensions possible with approval). --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be one of the following: - A governmental agency - A federally recognized tribe - An IRS-classified 501(c)(3) public charity (not a private foundation) - Fiscal sponsorship is allowed with appropriate documentation. - Projects must be connected to Oregon’s historic trails as recognized in ORS 358.057. Proposals related to non-designated but significant historic trails may be considered case-by-case. - Funding is primarily for projects within Oregon, but out-of-state partnerships are encouraged. - Projects should meet interpretive standards comparable to those of the National Association for Interpretation, National Park Service, BLM, US Forest Service, or the American Association of Museums. - Priority is given to projects that interpret, preserve, or maintain trail-related resources, but funding can also support marketing, education, advocacy, and research. - Projects intended to engage or serve specific cultures/populations should demonstrate appropriate community involvement and representation. - Funds cannot be used for administrative/general operating expenses or large capital construction projects. --- ## Application Process - Download and complete the application form (PDF). - Submit the application and required attachments as a single PDF file to [grants@oregoncf.org](mailto:grants@oregoncf.org). - Required attachments: - Project/program budget (1 page) - Organization budget for the current year (2 pages) - 1–3 letters of support specific to the project - Fiscal sponsorship documentation (if applicable) - Applications are reviewed by an advisory committee with expertise in Oregon’s historic trails and cultural resources. - Award decisions are typically announced in November. - Grantees are required to submit a report within 11–12 months of receiving funds, using the [Grant Evaluation Form](https://oregoncf.org/assets/PDFs-and-Docs/MS-Docs/Evaluation-Form.doc). --- ## Additional Information - Projects must be ready to proceed at the time of funding; funds are distributed accordingly. - Grantees must provide documentation of expenditures and project outcomes in their final report. - Projects must be completed within one year unless an extension is granted. - Larger capital construction projects are not eligible. - Administrative and general operating expenses are not eligible for funding. --- ## External Links - [Program Page: Oregon Historic Trails Fund](https://oregoncf.org/grants-and-scholarships/grants/oregon-historic-trails-fund) - [Full Application Guidelines (PDF)](https://oregoncf.org/assets/PDFs-and-Docs/PDFs/Grants/2025/OHTF-RFP-2025-v2.pdf) - [Download Application Form (PDF)](https://oregoncf.org/assets/PDFs-and-Docs/PDFs/Grants/2025/Oregon-Historic-Trails-Application-2025-Final.pdf) - [Oregon Historic Trails Report Book (Background)](https://oregoncf.org/assets/PDFs-and-Docs/PDFs/Grants/Oregon-Historic-Trails-Report_Oregon-Trails-Coordinating-Council_1998.pdf) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Title | Email | Phone | |------------------------------- |-------------------------------------------|-------------------| | Michael Oreste, Senior Program Officer | [moreste@oregoncf.org](mailto:moreste@oregoncf.org) | (503) 227-6846 | | General Inquiries | [info@oregoncf.org](mailto:info@oregoncf.org) | (503) 227-6846 | | Foundation Contact Page | [Contact OCF](https://oregoncf.org/about/contact) | |

Oregon Historic Trails Fund

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