MENU

Trail Towns Event Projects

Delaware & Lehigh - Trail Towns Event Projects
Share
  • Bike for the Bridge 2015, a charity bike ride in Eastern PA to benefit the D&L Trail

  • Trail Events and Programming

  • •
  • •
  • •
  • •
  • •

 

D&L Trail Town Event Projects

Trail events are a powerful way to introduce new people to the D&L Trail and other local trails, build excitement around community resources, promote healthy lifestyles, and boost tourism. Hosting a trail-based event helps create a trail-friendly atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.

The Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor (DLNHC) offers reimbursement funding for events that engage trail users and support:

  • Local economic development

  • Community health and wellness

  • Diversified trail funding

  • Conservation and stewardship efforts

Priority is given to events that get people out on the trails and highlight their value as community assets. New events are strongly encouraged, though some recurring events may also qualify.

Not every trail section or trailhead can host events—but communities that invest in meaningful trail programming strengthen their trail-friendly reputation and attract more visitors to explore what they have to offer.

For the event funding application below we recommend:

  1. Call or email the program coordinator to review your ideas before you apply.
  2. Fill out all answers to the application on a document that you can save in case of a technology problem.  Here is a word document you can use.
  3. Fill out the project planning budget spreadsheet to outline the costs with the proposed project.
  4. Copy and paste everything into the application below. There is a save and continue button at the bottom if you run into trouble.
  5. If you skip a *required portion, your application will not be accepted.
  6. Your application is submitted if you get the thank you page and an email confirmation copy.
  7. If you have an issue, contact the program coordinator for help.
  8. You can find the Event Project Funding Closeout here.
  9. Applications are reviewed on the first Monday of the month – please be sure to submit your application in time to be reviewed.

Event Project Funding Application

Trail Towns Event Projects

  • Select one of the following. Individuals are not eligible to receive this funding. Proof of 501C3/4 required.
  • What general kind of event is this? 5K run, bike ride, fishing event, etc.
  • What trail(s) does this event use? List the name(s).
  • List the town, area of trail, or some other description of where the event takes place.
  • Who owns the trail(s)?
  • Do you have written permission and/or permits from the landowners? If you have attained landowner permission in writing, please upload a copy of the letter.
  • Is this the first time the event is being hosted or is it a reoccurring event? If this is an annual event, please describe what new way you are highlighting the trail this year in the “other” box.
  • Do participants have to pay to attend event?
  • Is this event a fundraiser for a non-profit group?
  • Do any profits from the event go to a private source?
  • Is there any overall goal or purpose for the event?
  • Give a general description of the event.
  • Tell us about the type of people that participate in this event.
  • How many people are estimated to participate?
  • How much reimbursement funding are you requesting from this grant? $2,000 dollar max.
    Please enter a number less than or equal to 2500.
  • Requires a 50/50 (dollar for dollar) match.
  • What is the name of the source of the match funding?
  • Grant request amount + match amount. Grant requires a dollar for dollar cash match. For example if you request $600 of grant funds, the total event cash cost has to be at least $1200. You will have to document all expenses for final reimbursement.
  • Describe what you will use the grant funds for.
  • Upload a copy of the estimated budget planning worksheet to document what you plan to spend grant funds on. Please also indicate your match source.
    Max. file size: 128 MB.
  • How will your event create a trail friendly atmosphere? Explain how the event will diversify trail funding, impact local economic development, improve community health, enhance resource conservation and stewardship, or connect with the Heritage Area of the D&L Trail.
  • Please write any other comments or questions you have.
Save and Continue Later

The Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor
2750 Hugh Moore Park Road
Easton, PA 18042
Phone: 610.923.3548

Special Thanks to:

©2026 Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Area All Rights Reserved. The Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation whose mission is to connect people to the region's industrial heritage, health and wellness, nature and environment, and economic development.