Polaris Introduces T R A I L S  Grant Program

In January, Polaris Industries proudly announced the launch of the ‘T.R.A.I.L.S.’ grant program for ATV clubs, associations and grassroots groups. The program makes funds available to national, state and local organizations in the United States to ensure the future of ATV riding.

T.R.A.I.L.S. stands for:

• T = Trail Development
• R = Responsible Riding
• A = Access
• I = Initiaties
• L = Lobbying
• S = Saftey

The grant program encompasses two main objectives – promoting safe and responsible riding, and preserving access. Funds can be used by organizations for trail development and maintenance projects, safety and education initiatives, lobbying and other projects to increase or maintain land access.

“Polaris is committed to promoting safe and responsible recreational riding,” said Bennett Morgan, president and chief operating officer of Polaris. “We see the issue of trails and land access as the lifeblood of our ATV business and the ‘T.R.A.I.L.S.’ grant program is one measure to ensure people always will have a place to ride.”

In April, Polaris announced the first round of ‘T.R.A.I.L.S.’ grant recipients, with grants totaling 9,267. The company issued grants to 34 organizations in 20 states ranging from ,000 to the maximum ,000. The grants will be applied toward projects including safety and education, trail mapping and marking, OHV park and forest service enhancement and trail development, youth safety events and lobbying efforts.

“We’re really pleased with the response from ATV clubs and organizations in this first round,” said Morgan.  “We received an application from an ATV club in virtually every state.  That’s phenomenal because together we grow the sport we love.”

Local Organizations
    North Alabama Trail Riders Association
    Cheaha Trail Riders (Alabama)
    Moto-Trax (Arizona)
    Thunder Mountain Wheelers ATV Club (Colorado)
    New England Trail Rider Association (Connecticut)
    Harlan County Ridge Runners ATV Club Inc. (Kentucky)
    Western Massachusetts ATV Association
    Topsham Trail Riders ATV/Snowmobile Club (Maine)
    Drummond Island Off-Road Club (Michigan)
    Manistee County ATV Association (Michigan)
    Ranger Snowmobile/ATV Club (Minnesota)
    City of Shakopee (Minnesota)
    Blind Lake ATV (Minnesota)
    Flat Rock Riders Club (Nebraska)
    Oswego County ATV Club Inc. (New York)
    Upstate ATV Association Inc. (New York)
    Snow Shoe Rails to Trails Association (Pennsylvania)
    Indian Creek Valley ATV Club Inc. (Pennsylvania)
    Greater Johnstown/Cambria Cty. Foundation (Pennsylvania)          
    Cle Elum Ranger District, Wenatchee Ntl. Forest (Washington)
    Tri-County Trailblazers ATV Club (Wisconsin)
    Dusty Trails ATV Club of Oconto County, Inc. (Wisconsin)

State Organizations
        AZ Off-Highway Vehicle Coalition
        Friends of Florida State Forests, Inc.
        ATV Association of Minnesota (ATVAM)
        Nebraska Off Highway Vehicle Association
        North Carolina Motorcycle Dealers Association
        Ohio Multi-Use Trails Association
        Utah/Arizona ATV Club
        Vermont ATV Sportsman’s Association Inc.
        Wisconsin ATV Association (WATVA/NOHVIS)

National Organizations
        Blue Ribbon Coalition
        Tread Lightly!
        NOHVCC (National Off Highway Vehicle Conservation
        Council)

Grant applications will be reviewed three times per year — in April, August and November, with corresponding submission deadlines of March 1, July 1 and October 1. Organizations may apply for two grants per year and all organizations must be 501c3, 501c7, or any non-profit organizations. Funding for any project from other sources is an important criteria in order to be considered for a T.R.A.I.L.S. grant.

For more information on the ‘T.R.A.I.L.S.’ grant program and an application form, visit the Polaris Web site at www.polarisindustries.com and click on “Riders” and “Right to Ride.”