To advance its commitment to improving health and quality of life across Kansas through development of public trails, Sunflower Foundation has launched a Request for Proposals (RFP) for its Paving the Way – From Blazing Trails to Building Community grant and education program.
The initiative aims to support communities working to develop, strengthen and sustain public trails. Evidence shows that trails increase opportunities for outdoor physical activity and exposure to nature, enhance community health and vitality, support economic development, and strengthen social connection, civic pride and local identity.
Since 2005, the Sunflower Trails program has invested in more than 200 trail projects across the state, primarily by supporting trail construction. While this type of assistance remains essential, communities looking to develop public trails also benefit from customized planning support, technical assistance, and peer learning. This multi-layered approach helps not only with building new trails, but also managing existing ones, planning future enhancements, and turning trails into lasting community assets.
“This initiative reflects what we’ve learned over two decades of investing in trails across Kansas,” said Kelli Mark, the foundation’s director of Healthy Communities. “Building a trail is only the beginning. Communities thrive when they have the planning support, leadership development, and peer connections needed to steward and activate these spaces for long-term impact.”
Grants through the program will provide the following support:
- virtual learning and technical assistance opportunities customized to fit communities at various stages of trail readiness;
- networking opportunities for peer learning and expert guidance;
- funds to support costs associated with reaching individual grantees’ goals.
Recognizing that not all Kansas communities are at the same stage of trail development, the initiative includes funding in three grant categories:
- Trail Blazer grants (eight available grants at up to $10,000 each) are for communities pursuing their first public trails or emerging trail champions advancing new public trail projects.
- Trail Steward grants (eight available grants at up to $10,000 each) are for communities seeking to elevate the impact of existing trails and diversify their users and supporters.
- Trail Town grants (eight grants at up to $25,000 each) are for communities interested in pursuing the Trail Town model and certification, a strategy that embraces trails as community development resources.
“Every community is at a different stage in its trail journey,” Mark said. “Whether a town is dreaming of its first trail, expanding the reach of an existing trail, or pursuing Trail Town certification, this RFP provides a clear pathway to move from vision to action.”
Online applications are available in Sunflower’s grant management system, Fluxx. The link to Fluxx is in the Trail RFP. Deadline to apply is 4 p.m. CST Feb. 20.
The foundation will offer two optional, one-hour informational webinars on the trail RFP at noon Jan. 20 and 3 p.m. Jan. 22. These webinars will be recorded and available to view on the Sunflower RFP web page. Click the links below to register for the informational webinars.
“Sunflower Trails: Paving the Way is about more than building trails; it’s about building community,” Mark said. “We’re excited to support Kansas towns as they turn trail projects into engines for health, pride, and economic vitality.”
Questions?
Contact Kelli Mark, Director of Healthy Communities, kmark@sunflowerfoundation.org