Humboldt Bay Trail Fund

The Humboldt Bay Trail Fund is a community-centered initiative aimed at supporting the development, maintenance, and improvement of multipurpose trails around Humboldt Bay. Established in April 2017, the Fund is administered by the Humboldt Area Foundation and guided by the Humboldt Bay Trail Fund Committee. This seven-member committee consists of public agency representatives from the City of Arcata, City of Eureka, and Humboldt County Public Works, alongside community members representing diverse trail user groups, including a representative from the Humboldt Trails Council. Their collective vision is to ensure the longevity, safety, and enhancement of the Humboldt Bay Trail, a vital asset for walking, running, biking, and wheeling. The Fund invites proposals from public agencies and nonprofit organizations, including those with fiscal sponsors, to undertake projects that provide tangible benefits to the trail. Eligible proposals must align with one or more of the Fund’s key priorities: maintenance and rehabilitation (especially those involving community volunteers), emergency repairs, addition of trail amenities such as signage and lighting, and cost-sharing for state or federal project development grants. Projects must demonstrate a clear connection to the trail and offer benefits such as enhanced visibility, increased community engagement, improved public safety, and leveraging of outside investments. Grant amounts typically range between $500 and $10,000, though proposals exceeding this range may be considered if they present compelling value. All grant disbursements are made on a reimbursable basis. To ensure transparency and accountability, grantees are required to submit detailed invoices, maintain a complete financial record of expenditures, and provide a brief annual narrative report with before-and-after photographs that highlight the project’s impact on the trail and its users. Applications must be submitted using the official grant application form and include documented coordination with the local government jurisdiction where the project will occur. Multiyear proposals are acceptable, provided that applicants clearly outline the proposed completion schedule. Projects may include both paid services and in-kind or volunteer contributions, which should be documented and valued using recognized standards. The application deadline is February 6, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time. Proposals may be submitted by email to info@hcaog.net or delivered to the Humboldt County Association of Governments at 611 I Street, Suite B, Eureka, CA 95501. For questions related to eligibility or submission, prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the program administrators at the provided email. Through this opportunity, the Humboldt Bay Trail Fund aims to promote collaborative stewardship and enhance public enjoyment of one of the region’s most valued recreational and transportation resources.

Proposals aligned with trail priorities and those demonstrating community volunteer involvement or matching contributions are more competitive.