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Grant Program
The Cedar Trails Partnership Grant Program
The Cedar Trails Partnership awards grants to projects committed to Partnership goals of expansion and improvement of the Cedar Valley trail system. Grants are awarded periodically based on available funds. Mini grants, up to $500, may be applied for throughout the year.
Congratulations to the Black Hawk County Conservation Office for receiving $5,000 to assist with the remodel and upgrade of the Gilbertville Depot. The Depot has served as a rest area for users of the Cedar valley Nature Trail since the Rails-to-Trails group added restrooms and a water fountain in 1982. The BHCCB now has a $94,000 project underway to preserve and improve the facility for future trail users.
Major grants such as this ($500 - $15,000) are awarded every year or two by the Cedar Trails Partnership. Requests for grant funding of less than $500 may be made to the Cedar Trail Partnership Board at any time.
Eligible Projects
Cedar Trails Partnership grants may be used as matching funds or primary funds for a project that will:
- expand or improve the recreational trail system
- maintain the trails to the highest obtainable standards of safety, beauty and utility
- promote the trail system as a recreational resource and a vacation and tourism destination
- educate trail users in trail etiquette and safe trail use
Recognition Stipulation
Any project funded partially or in whole by the Cedar Trails Partnership must bear the words "Provided by the Cedar Trails Partnership," or words to that effect. The Partnership shall have final approval of all media releases concerning the grant and of the recognition of the grant as a funding source for the project.
Policies
Cedar Trails Partnership grants will be awarded periodically with funds generated by the Cedar Trails Festival and other activities. The Partnership gives higher priority to projects which provide long-term benefits to the Cedar Valley recreational trail system and its users. Click here for project selection criteria.
Grant Decisions
All requests for funds are voted upon by the Cedar Trails Partnership Board of Directors. Board Members who are employed by or otherwise involved with the applicants shall abstain from the vote, though they may participate in the discussion of the applications. The Partnership will send written notice to all applicants informing them of the Board's decision.
Download the Application Guidelines (PDF)
Grant Project Scoring Criteria
Applications shall be judged on the basis of the following criteria, though the project's score may not be the only factor considered in the decision:
- Degree to which the project impacts all trail users (20 points maximum).
- Degree to which the project impacts the safety of trail users (20 points maximum).
- Degree to which the project enhances the trail environment (20 points maximum).
- Degree to which the project uses grant funds to leverage greater public or private investment in the form of services and materials as well as dollars (15 points maximum).
- Degree to which the project promotes and recognizes the Partnership (10 points maximum).
- Degree to which the project involves other community groups (10 points maximum).
- Grantee's future commitment to the project (10 points maximum).
- Degree to which the project promotes increased trail usage and local tourism (10 points maximum).