The Anchorage Trail Care Fund was established to support the maintenance and construction of soft surface trails in the Anchorage Bowl area, extending from Girdwood to Eklutna. Soft surface trails refer to non-paved trails located on public land, and this funding aims to address maintenance gaps for such trails that are not typically covered by local, state, or federal budgets. The grants are intended to support projects that ensure the preservation and enhancement of these public trail networks, ultimately benefiting users through increased capacity, usability, and accessibility.

The fund is available for organizations seeking financial support for either one summer trail maintenance project or one trail construction activity. Grant awards are capped at $2,500, and the projects funded by this program must be completed within nine months from the grant disbursement date. This timeline requires the completion of grant-funded projects by December 31 of the grant cycle, contingent on timely submission of necessary documentation. Extensions for project completion may be requested on a case-by-case basis.

The grant is specifically aimed at projects that align with the most current Alaska Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP). Applicants must demonstrate that their project will positively impact the trail network, such as increasing trail capacity or improving trail accessibility. The evaluation criteria include the likelihood of project success, the ability of the applicant organization to complete the project, additional funding sources secured for project completion, and the level of public support for the proposed trail project.

Other important selection criteria include the historical use of the trail (for maintenance proposals), which is assessed based on the variety of users that have historically utilized the trail. Sustainability of the project is also crucial, with projects needing to require minimal maintenance to retain their designed purpose. The Anchorage Trail Care Fund is supported by individual donors, including Jim and Sally Burkholder, and continues to receive contributions from the community.

Applicants must adhere to the eligibility requirements set forth by the Anchorage Community Foundation (ACF), which include the standard eligibility criteria for grant recipients. Previous grant recipients may apply for additional support, provided they have fulfilled all prior reporting obligations. The application period for the current cycle runs from February 15, 2025, to March 31, 2025, with applications due by 11:59 PM on the final day.

For further inquiries or application assistance, the ACF Programs & Grants Team can be contacted at grants@alaskacf.org or by phone at 907-334-6700.