IMBA Announces 2026 Trail Accelerator Grant Recipients

Since its inception in 2018, the International Mountain Bicycling Association's (IMBA) Trail Accelerator grant program has been instrumental in bolstering local trail initiatives. This program aims to provide crucial support to communities with the ambition and political backing to develop trail systems, offering assistance in project initiation and skill enhancement. The grant structure includes two primary funding cycles: an initial phase dedicated to professional planning and design services for both nascent and established trail networks, and a subsequent phase focused on educational programs, such as IMBA's Trail Care Workshops and funding drives. To date, the program has allocated millions of dollars, supporting 56 planning and design grants and 20 education grants. The 2026 cohort of nine grant recipients showcases a broad geographical reach, representing rural, suburban, and urban environments across seven distinct states.

IMBA Unveils 2026 Trail Accelerator Grant Recipients, Catalyzing Mountain Biking Development Across Seven States

In a significant announcement, the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) recently disclosed the beneficiaries of its 2026 Trail Accelerator grants. This pivotal initiative, launched in 2018, is designed to provide comprehensive support to organizations dedicated to the development and enhancement of mountain biking trails. These grants are specifically tailored to empower communities that possess the enthusiasm and governmental endorsement for such projects, yet require external aid to kickstart their endeavors or to refine their operational capabilities.

The program operates through a two-tiered funding mechanism. The first stage focuses on facilitating professional planning and design consultations, which are essential for laying the groundwork for either proposed or existing trail systems. This ensures that projects are conceived with expert guidance, promoting sustainable and high-quality trail infrastructure. The second stage of funding is dedicated to educational advancement, offering support through IMBA's renowned Trail Care Workshops and specialized funding campaigns. These educational components are crucial for equipping local groups with the necessary skills and knowledge for long-term trail maintenance and effective resource mobilization.

Since its establishment, the Trail Accelerator grant program has made a substantial impact, contributing millions of dollars across numerous projects. It has successfully funded 56 planning and design grants and 20 education grants, demonstrating a consistent commitment to fostering trail development. For 2026, the program has identified nine deserving recipients. These organizations are strategically located across diverse geographic landscapes, encompassing rural, suburban, and urban areas within seven different states. This broad reach underscores IMBA's dedication to promoting mountain biking accessibility and excellence nationwide.

Among the notable recipients for the 2026 Education: Trail Care Workshops category is SORBA Tri-Cities in Johnson City, TN. This organization plans to utilize its grant to educate a core group of 20 trail stewards, representing 18 regional trail systems. The objective is to standardize trail care practices across the region, establish a Regional Trail Corps, and enhance collaborations with municipal land managers and the U.S. Forest Service. In San Diego, CA, the San Diego Mountain Bike Association (SDMBA) will leverage its workshop to amplify volunteer efforts, partner with land managers to reduce maintenance backlogs, and combat erosion. This training will ensure technical consistency and strengthen trust, ultimately advocating for new legal trails and safeguarding existing networks.

For Education: Funding Services, Leadville, CO's popular "Back Nine" trail system is slated for a rebuild. IMBA will assist Cloud City Wheelers in boosting its fundraising capacity and diversifying revenue streams for sustained support. The City of Sugar Hill, GA, is securing funds for a 160-acre outdoor recreation park, including over four miles of multi-use trails. The grant will provide crucial fundraising strategies for this project. Monterey Off Road Cycling Association (MORCA) in Monterey, CA, is championing a bike park at Laguna Seca Recreational Area, with IMBA aiding their major donor campaign. Niles, MI's YMCA at Camp Eberhart will receive IMBA's guidance to fortify its funding approach for outdoor recreation and trail stewardship, expanding mountain biking opportunities. Lastly, the Lake Travis Trails Coalition in Lakeway, TX, is building a 5-acre neighborhood skills park and will benefit from IMBA's assistance in creating a sustainable fundraising program.

In the Education: Strategic Planning for Trail Organizations category, Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates in Colorado Springs, CO, will develop a coordinated strategy to guide future work, navigate new opportunities, and enhance succession planning. The Triangle Off-Road Cyclists (TORC) in Cary, NC, at a pivotal moment with their first Executive Director, will use the grant to create a roadmap for strengthening organizational capacity, improving data collection, and building partnerships with landowners and public agencies across North Carolina's Triangle region.

The IMBA Trail Accelerator grants are not merely financial contributions; they are strategic investments in the future of mountain biking. By focusing on both infrastructure development and organizational capacity building, IMBA is cultivating a robust ecosystem for trail enthusiasts and outdoor recreation. These grants empower local organizations to overcome challenges, foster community engagement, and create sustainable, world-class trail experiences that benefit both riders and the environments they cherish. The ripple effect of these initiatives extends beyond the trails themselves, contributing to local economies, promoting healthier lifestyles, and strengthening community bonds. As these projects come to fruition, they will undoubtedly inspire further advocacy and investment in the vital infrastructure of outdoor recreation.