Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative Grant

The Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative (OAI) is a grant program managed by Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, through its dedicated platform to support responsible, sustainable access to outdoor recreation for the public. The initiative prioritizes the promotion, restoration, and protection of safe and accessible areas for off-highway vehicle (OHV) use, hunting, and other outdoor recreation. The program aims to build strong partnerships with organizations working toward increasing access and stewardship of land and trails, with an emphasis on projects that enhance responsible OHV and outdoor experiences. The OAI operates on a quarterly cycle throughout the calendar year. For 2025, the program has four submission windows: December 15, 2024 – March 31, 2025 (Q1), April 1 – June 30, 2025 (Q2), July 1 – September 30, 2025 (Q3), and October 1 – December 15, 2025 (Q4). Applications must be postmarked by the final day of the respective quarter to be considered. All applications are reviewed by a dedicated committee that evaluates each submission based on completeness, relevance, community benefit, and funding competition. Awards are made at Yamaha’s sole discretion and are not guaranteed. Applicants are notified according to the schedule of each quarterly deadline. The types of projects eligible for OAI grants include trail development and maintenance, signage installation, stage area renovations, land management projects, and environmental protection measures. Also included are safety and education programs, wildlife management, mapping initiatives, and access enhancement efforts. Projects must align with Yamaha’s goal of promoting legal, safe, and sustainable recreational use of land. Funds may not be used to purchase Yamaha vehicles directly, though limited vehicle loans and discounts are available separately through specific programs. Eligible applicants must be based in the United States and hold a nonprofit or tax-exempt status, including 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(7) designations. Government agencies are also eligible, though they must include a letter of support from a senior official. All applicants must submit a financial statement or prior year tax return, except government entities. Furthermore, every application must be accompanied by a letter of endorsement from a local Yamaha dealership. If the project involves U.S. Forest Service property, applicants must partner with an OHV riding group, with priority given to those with formal agreements like Memorandums of Understanding. Completed applications can be submitted online at www.yamahaoutdooraccess.com, emailed to [email protected], or mailed to Yamaha Motor Corp, USA, in Marietta, Georgia. Applicants are required to provide biannual status updates and a final report with photos, financial records, and documentation of public engagement. Yamaha uses this information for marketing and evaluation purposes. In addition, applicants are invited to submit “Where to Ride” listings of legal OHV trails in their area, including descriptions and maps. These materials may be used by Yamaha online with proper approvals. For additional information, applicants are encouraged to visit the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative website, email [email protected], or call 1-877-OHV-TRAIL (1-877-648-8724). While there is no fixed award ceiling or floor disclosed in the documentation, funding amounts are influenced by project merit, demonstrated need, and competition.

Include clear Yamaha branding and partnership documentation to improve review priority.