The Polaris TRAILS Grants program

The Polaris TRAILS GRANTS Program was established in January 2006 as a pioneering effort in the off-highway vehicle (OHV) industry. Designed to support off-road and snowmobile clubs, associations, and grassroots organizations, the program reflects Polaris's commitment to preserving and promoting responsible outdoor recreation. It provides funding assistance to help maintain access to off-road trail systems and encourage safe, sustainable riding practices across the United States and Canada. The program offers grants to national, state, and local nonprofit and governmental organizations. Applicants must qualify as a 501(c)(3), 501(c)(7), or another eligible nonprofit/government entity. The primary aim is to support trail development and maintenance, environmental stewardship, and safety education efforts. Funding can be used for creating or maintaining trail infrastructure, acquiring equipment for trail work, and implementing safety and environmental programs that align with Polaris’s mission. Grants of up to $10,000 annually are available in the form of either monetary awards or Polaris products. Organizations may submit up to two applications per year. There are two application cycles: Spring and Fall. Applications for Spring funding are due by March 1, while Fall applications must be submitted by September 1. Applications are reviewed and decisions are communicated by the end of March and September, respectively. Notifications are issued no later than 30 days following the end of the review month. A completed grant requires follow-up reporting, including a detailed Results Report and photographs documenting progress from start to finish. Additionally, if the grant supports development, maintenance, or equipment purchases related to trail systems, applicants must provide digital trail data in GPX or shapefile format. This geospatial information supports integration with Polaris’s RIDE COMMAND mapping system, which is central to its OHV and snowmobile programs. The program’s ongoing support of riding communities since 2006 highlights Polaris’s long-term investment in outdoor recreation access, environmental protection, and trail stewardship. By providing tools, funds, and guidance to grassroots organizations, the TRAILS GRANTS Program empowers local partners to build and sustain a safe, environmentally responsible riding culture for future generations.