Trails group seeking grant candidates for fall funding cycle

WASILLA — The Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation is looking for a few good projects to round out the second half of its yearly funding cycle. And the Aug. 1 deadline is fast approaching.

Foundation interim executive director Stuart Leidner said Friday the fall funding cycle will offer $100,000 in grant money for 10 projects — or $10,000 apiece for each qualifying candidate.

For 2016, the foundation is giving away $200,000 worth of grants split between spring and fall funding cycles.

“We are looking forward to working with nonprofits and community groups to get their projects funded,” Leidner said. “Both motorized and nonmotorized.”

Any nonprofit agency is eligible to apply for the grants, as are state agencies, Alaska Native organizations, religious groups local community councils. The grants are part of the group’s stated goal “to facilitate, organize and fund efforts to build and maintain a connected trails and parks system in the Mat-Su.”

Anyone hoping to get a grant through the foundation should first complete a letter of intent, which can be downloaded from the MSTPF website. Applicants are encouraged to learn more about the group’s priorities by reviewing the foundation’s master plan, also available on the website.

Leidner said the group has funded a broad range of projects in the last couple of years.

“One of our first funding projects was the new roof on the Snowbird Hut in Hatcher Pass,” Leidner said. “We’re currently working with a group out at Point MacKenzie for a community park near the fire station.”

Other projects have included the Palmer Bike Park, which features a pump track and an improved singletrack trail system, and the new singletrack trails at the Government Peak Recreation Area.

For more information on the foundation or to download a letter and review grant eligibility requirements, visit the Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation online at matsutrails.org.

Contact reporter Steven Merritt at 352-2269 or steven.merritt@frontiersman.com