ORBA’s Grant Directory Points Off-Road Groups Toward Trail Funding

Trail maintenance, access work and rider education all take money. The Off-Road Business Association (ORBA) has gathered a directory of grant opportunities for clubs, nonprofits and other groups planning those projects. ORBA does not administer the grants; each organization sets its own eligibility rules, deadlines and award amounts.

Where the Funding Comes From

The directory links to programs run by Yamaha, Polaris, RealTruck, onX and other organizations. Their priorities vary. Yamaha’s Outdoor Access Initiative accepts applications from nonprofits, public riding areas, enthusiast associations and land conservation groups working to improve access for motorized off-road vehicles. Polaris’ TRAILS program supports trail maintenance, safety education and access projects by eligible U.S. and Canadian organizations.

RealTruck’s Rugged Ridge Trail Access Program says it will award two $5,000 grants in 2026 for work related to trail access, stewardship and education. Its selection process considers organizations with a recent record of field projects, and nonprofit status is not required.

The onX Adventure Forever Grants have a narrower fit for OHV groups this year. OnX says its 2026 grants will not fund projects aimed only at motorized recreation, though projects serving both motorized and nonmotorized users, or motorized users and hunters, may qualify. Its current application window closes October 2, 2026.

Scholarships and State Funding

ORBA also highlights the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame’s Future Legends Scholarship Program. Its inaugural program offers five $5,000 scholarships across advocacy, media and fabrication school categories. The 2026 application period ended September 25; interested applicants can check the scholarship page for future opportunities.

For larger trail projects, ORBA points to the Federal Highway Administration’s Recreational Trails Program. It provides funding to states for motorized and nonmotorized trail projects. Each state runs its own application process, making the relevant state program administrator the place to check for local deadlines and requirements.

The ORBA directory gives project teams a place to begin their search. Before applying, they should confirm that a program is accepting applications and that their organization and proposed work meet its current guidelines.

Check the Program Before Applying

ORBA also points readers to the federal Recreational Trails Program. That funding is administered by individual states and can support motorized as well as nonmotorized trails. Clubs interested in a local project should check with their state program administrator for its application schedule and requirements.

The directory is a useful starting point, but a listing does not mean applications are currently open. For example, the Fox Factory Trail Trust page says applications are closed. Groups should follow ORBA’s links to each provider and confirm the current rules before preparing a proposal.

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