Snowmobile Trail Establishment Fund Grant Program
Forecasted
Snowmobile Trail Establishment Fund Grant Program supports Illinois nonprofit snowmobile groups in developing, restoring, and maintaining trails and facilities to expand public snowmobiling opportunities.
Funder: Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Due Dates (Anticipated): March 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to 100% reimbursement of approved costs; no fixed award maximum; 24-month projects
Summary: Supports Illinois nonprofit snowmobile clubs and organizations developing, rehabilitating, and maintaining trails and facilities for public snowmobiling.
Key Information: Applicants must carry at least $1,000,000 liability insurance per occurrence and finance project costs before reimbursement.
Description
The Snowmobile Trail Establishment Fund (STEF) Grant Program is an annual Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) program supporting public snowmobiling opportunities throughout Illinois. It helps eligible private, not-for-profit snowmobile clubs and organizations construct, maintain, and rehabilitate trails and facilities on public lands, designated road rights-of-way, and private lands opened to public snowmobile use. Funding comes from snowmobile registration fees, fines, and bond forfeitures.
Assistance covers trail development, grooming equipment, maintenance, and associated public facilities. Although awards go to private organizations, assisted trails and facilities must remain available for general public use. Funding is awarded through statewide competition, considering project need, costs, trail connections, public demand, environmental and social impacts, and the sponsor’s capacity to finance, operate, and maintain the project.
