Progress begins with good ideas. But ideas need support to move forward.

At Tri-State Trails, we know that communities across our region are full of vision: safer routes to school, connected trail networks, neighborhood traffic gardens, group rides, tactical urbanism projects, and stronger transit connections. That’s why we created our Funding & Resources Page: to help you navigate the process of turning those ideas into reality.

No matter what you envision for your community, we’re here to help you find the tools to make it happen.

What You’ll Find on the Page

Large Infrastructure Funding Opportunities
State and regional grants for projects $100,000 and up — the kinds of investments that transform corridors and connect neighborhoods.

Community & Grassroots Funding
Smaller grants and funding sources designed for local organizations, neighborhood groups, and emerging leaders.

Community Action Toolkits
Practical, step-by-step guides for building traffic gardens, launching tactical urbanism projects, and advocating for safer streets.

You’ll also find current RFPs, data resources, and research you can use to clearly communicate the positive impact of walkable and bikeable communities.

Upcoming Major Grant Deadlines

If you’re planning a larger project, now is the time to prepare. Here are several key deadlines coming up this spring:

• ODOT Safe Routes to School – Due March 6, 2026
• ODNR Recreational Trails Program (RTP) / Clean Ohio Trails Fund (COTF) – Combined application due March 16, 2026
• SORTA Transit Infrastructure Fund – Due May 30, 2026
• OKI Programs (TA, STBG, SNK) – All due June 5, 2026
• Kentucky Department for Local Government RTP – Due June 15, 2026

These programs support everything from trail construction and bike infrastructure to safe routes and transit access improvements across Ohio, Northern Kentucky, and Southeast Indiana.

If you’re unsure where to start, reach out; we’re always happy to talk through ideas.

We’ve Expanded the Page

In addition to major infrastructure grants, we’ve recently added:

• Funding opportunities tailored to smaller community organizations
• Grassroots grant programs
• Community Action Toolkits

We believe progress happens at every scale, from a painted crosswalk to a 34-mile regional trail loop.

Have a Resource to Share?

This page is meant to serve the region. If you know of a funding opportunity, toolkit, or resource that would benefit communities working toward safer, more connected streets and trails, send it our way.

We’ll review submissions and add the ones that best align with our mission and regional priorities.

Together, we can ensure that good ideas don’t stall — they grow.

Explore the Funding & Resources Page → Here