2027 Mass Trails Grants

The Department of Conservation and Recreation is offering grant funding through the 2027 MassTrails Grant Program to support the planning, design, engineering, permitting, construction, and maintenance of off-road linear corridors in Massachusetts. Eligible applicants include municipalities, non-profit organizations, state and federally recognized Native nations, and state and federal agencies. Funding is available for Recreational Trail Program projects, ranging from 5,000 to 100,000 dollars, and regional shared-use path projects, which may receive up to 500,000 dollars. Projects must be completed within a one- to two-year contract period, with start dates beginning July 1 for state-funded grants and October 1 for federally funded grants. Applications must be submitted online by February 2, 2027, and are evaluated based on connectivity, equity, accessibility, efficiency, readiness, safety, and the quality of the recreational experience. The award process involves review by the Inter-Agency MassTrails Team or the Massachusetts Recreational Trails Advisory Board, with final approval from the Secretary and the Governor. Grantees must operate on a reimbursement basis, paying 100 percent of costs before requesting funds. Compliance with the Build America, Buy America Act, the FAST Act, the 2018 Environmental Bond Bill, and various civil rights and accessibility guidelines, including the ADA and Forest Service Trail Accessibility Guidelines, is mandatory.