Deadline: 26-Jun-2026
The Adventure Forever Grants support conservation nonprofits, land trusts, tribal nations, and outdoor recreation organisations in protecting ecosystems, expanding public access, and improving outdoor recreation opportunities across the United States. The programme funds site-specific projects focused on land conservation, trail solutions, access improvements, and community stewardship.
The 2026 grants provide funding from $5,000 to $100,000, with priority given to projects that create long-term benefits for outdoor communities and conservation efforts.
What Are the Adventure Forever Grants?
The Adventure Forever Grants provide financial support for organisations working to conserve natural areas, improve outdoor access, and strengthen responsible recreation.
The programme supports projects that connect:
- Conservation
- Public land access
- Outdoor recreation
- Community stewardship
Funding is designed for clearly defined projects rather than general organisational activities.
Purpose of the Grant Programme
The grants aim to:
- Protect important ecosystems
- Increase access to outdoor spaces
- Improve recreation opportunities
- Support sustainable land management
- Build stronger outdoor communities
Projects should create measurable and lasting benefits for both people and the environment.
Key Funding Areas
Acquire and Conserve
This category supports projects that protect land and natural resources.
Eligible activities include:
- Fee-simple land acquisition
- Conservation purchases
- Protection of recreation areas
- Securing long-term public access
Projects should demonstrate both conservation value and public benefit.
Expand Access Routes
This category supports efforts to improve access to public lands and waters.
Supported activities may include:
- Right-of-way agreements
- Access easements
- Legal access arrangements
- Improvements that remove barriers to recreation
The goal is to make outdoor areas more accessible.
Transformative Trail Solutions
This area supports sustainable trail projects.
Eligible activities include:
- Trail construction
- Trail restoration
- Trail improvement projects
- Sustainable trail design
Projects should address real recreation needs and improve outdoor experiences.
Voluntary Private Land Access
This category supports partnerships that open private lands for recreation.
Projects may involve:
- Landowner agreements
- Access partnerships
- Conservation-based recreation programmes
The focus is increasing responsible access while protecting land resources.
Grow the Community of Stewards
This category supports programmes that build conservation participation.
The 2026 stewardship focus supports programmes for:
- Hunters
- Aspiring hunters
- Outdoor conservation communities
The aim is to strengthen responsible outdoor practices and long-term stewardship.
Funding Available
The 2026 programme provides two funding levels.
Tier 1 Grants
Funding range:
$50,000–$100,000
This tier supports a limited number of major projects.
Priority may be given to projects that:
- Permanently protect land
- Open large areas for public recreation
- Support hunting access
- Create significant conservation benefits
Tier 2 Grants
Funding range:
$5,000–$20,000
This tier supports smaller or specialised projects.
Funding decisions consider:
- Project location
- Project size
- Recreation benefits
- Community impact
- Outdoor users served
Eligible Project Types
Projects must directly support outdoor communities.
Eligible user groups include:
- Hunters
- Anglers
- Backcountry hikers
- Trail runners
- Backcountry skiers
- Split-boarders
- Climbers
- Mountain bikers
- Off-road recreation users
Projects benefiting multiple outdoor groups receive stronger consideration.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
- Conservation nonprofits
- Land trusts
- Stewardship organisations
- Park foundations
- State agencies
- Tribal governments
- Local governments
- Trail associations
- Recreation clubs
Applicants must:
- Operate in the United States
- Have relevant project experience
- Demonstrate capacity to deliver results
Preference is given to registered 501(c)(3) organisations.
Unregistered groups may also be considered if they have a strong history of similar work.
Project Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must apply for specific locations and projects.
Funding must be connected to:
- Defined project sites
- Clear conservation goals
- Identified recreation outcomes
General organisational expenses are not eligible.
Eligible Activities and Costs
Funding may support:
Conservation Activities
Examples:
- Land acquisition
- Conservation agreements
- Ecosystem protection
Access Improvements
Examples:
- Trail access projects
- Easements
- Route improvements
Stewardship Programmes
Examples:
- Community engagement
- Conservation participation
- Outdoor stewardship activities
Ineligible Costs
The programme does not fund:
- General operating costs
- Races
- Outdoor clinics
- Recreation classes
- Outdoor gear
- Equipment purchases
- Heavy machinery
- Marketing campaigns
- Promotional materials
- Road upgrades
- Parking infrastructure
- Litigation expenses
How to Apply
Step 1: Identify a Project
Applicants should define:
- Location
- Conservation challenge
- Recreation benefit
Step 2: Select a Funding Category
Applicants should match the project with:
- Acquire and Conserve
- Expand Access Routes
- Trail Solutions
- Private Land Access
- Stewardship
Step 3: Develop a Project Plan
Applications should explain:
- Project objectives
- Planned activities
- Timeline
- Expected outcomes
Step 4: Prepare a Budget
Budgets should include:
- Project costs
- Other funding sources
- Financial justification
Step 5: Submit the Application
Applications should demonstrate:
- Community need
- Environmental value
- Organisational experience
Evaluation Criteria
Applications are reviewed based on:
Project Impact
Reviewers consider:
- Conservation outcomes
- Recreation improvements
- Community benefits
Community Need
Projects are assessed based on:
- Access challenges
- Local demand
- User benefits
Long-Term Sustainability
Strong applications show:
- Lasting impact
- Maintenance plans
- Future stewardship
Organisational Capacity
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Relevant experience
- Successful past projects
- Ability to deliver
Additional Funding Support
Applications may be strengthened by showing:
- Partnerships
- Matching funds
- Other financial support
Why These Grants Matter
Outdoor spaces provide environmental, social, and recreational benefits.
The Adventure Forever Grants help communities:
- Preserve ecosystems
- Protect public access
- Expand outdoor opportunities
- Encourage responsible recreation
The programme supports projects that create lasting value for both current and future generations.
Common Application Mistakes and Tips
Applying for General Funding
The grants do not support general operations.
Tip: Focus on one specific project and location.
Not Showing Recreation Benefits
Projects must support outdoor users.
Tip: Explain who benefits and how access improves.
Weak Conservation Goals
Outdoor access alone may not be enough.
Tip: Describe environmental outcomes clearly.
Limited Sustainability Planning
Projects should have long-term value.
Tip: Include maintenance and future stewardship plans.
Ignoring Partnerships
Strong collaborations improve applications.
Tip: Highlight community, government, or conservation partners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for Adventure Forever Grants?
Conservation organisations, land trusts, tribal entities, governments, and outdoor recreation groups based in the United States can apply.
How much funding is available?
Funding ranges from $5,000 to $100,000 depending on project category.
Can funding support general organisational costs?
No. Funding must support specific site-based projects.
What projects are supported?
The programme supports conservation, access expansion, trail projects, private land access, and stewardship initiatives.
Are equipment purchases allowed?
No. Outdoor gear, equipment purchases, and heavy machinery are not eligible.
Are urban trails eligible?
Projects limited to city trails, paved trails, or trails without a specific navigation-related need are generally not supported.
Who benefits from funded projects?
Projects benefit outdoor users including hikers, hunters, anglers, climbers, skiers, bikers, and other recreation communities.
Conclusion
The Adventure Forever Grants help organisations protect natural spaces while improving outdoor access across the United States.
By supporting conservation, trails, access routes, and stewardship programmes, the initiative strengthens the connection between people and the outdoors while protecting ecosystems for the future.
For more information, visit onXmaps.