Michigan Horse Trails Association Giving Back to the Trails Funds

Deadline January 20, 2026

Congrats to our 2026 Recipients!

1st Place, $1000 – Ortonville Recreation Equestrian Association

2nd Place, $750 – Waterloo Horsemen’s Association

3rd Place, $500 – Muskegon County Trail Riders Association

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Trail Project Funds Raffle Guidelines

Trail Project Funds Raffle Guidelines

Purpose

The Trail Project Funds Raffle provides a fair and transparent method to distribute limited funding among qualified trail projects. The raffle supports projects that promote, protect, maintain and increase access to equestrian trails and camping opportunities in Michigan.

Eligibility

  • Must be a registered nonprofit organization, local government entity, or community equestrian trail group
  • Must be a member in good standing with Michigan Horse Trails Association
  • The project must be located on public or publicly accessible land
  • The project must focus on trailhead, trail, or campground maintenance or improvement
  • Provide non-motorized public access (equestrian)
  • Align with local, regional, state, or federal trail plans, where applicable

Pre-Qualification Standards

  • Submit a Letter of Intent including the following:
    • Project description, goals, and location
    • Estimated budget and timeline
    • All project stakeholders
  • Demonstrated support from land owner/manager for project, i.e., letter of support
  • Maintenance plan for long-term stewardship

Award Limits

  • Maximum Award $1000
  • Second Award $750
  • Third Award $500

**One entry per organization per year

Raffle Procedure

  • Raffle will be held at MHTA’s annual meeting 
  • Raffle will be conducted openly and transparently
  • Each eligible project receives one entry in the draw
  • Entries will be entered on a digital spinning wheel and spun to select award recipients
  • Results will be documented and published on the MHTA website and in the MHTA’s meeting minutes

Award and Reporting

  • Organization must sign a funding agreement outlining terms and conditions
  • Use funds solely for the approved project scope
  • Submit a completion report with photos, receipts, and a short summary within 60 days of project completion (Template provided)
  • Return any unused funds

Funds may be provided on a reimbursement or milestone basis. Funds will be held by MHTA until final approval from all project stakeholders is secured. If final approval is not secured and project is not started within one year of award, award will not be granted and funds will be returned to the raffle.

Follow-Up and Recognition

  • Recipients will provide before and after photos of the project. All submitted photos will become the property of MHTA and will be used for promotional purposes
  • Acknowledge MHTA as a funding source, include on recognition signage if applicable (Sign/logo provided upon request)
  • Recipients agree to continue membership with MHTA for 2 years following award