Grant Funds &
Projects
Download the 2024 Grant Application – PDF
Download the 2024 Grant Application – MS Word
The Cedar Valley Trails Partnership awards grants to projects committed to Partnership goals of expansion and improvement of the Cedar Valley trail system. Grants are awarded annually based on available funds.
In 1999, with funds generated from the festival and memberships, the CVTP made its first grants for trail improvements. A second round of grants was made in 2003, and the grant program became an annual affair.
To date, tens of thousands of dollars have made possible many important maintenance, construction, and trail enhancements.
Eligible Projects
Cedar Valley Trails grant money may be used as matching funds or primary funds for trail projects in Black Hawk and contiguous counties.
Prairie Pathways Interpretive Project
The project plan is to perform research related to the historic Black Hawk County Courthouse original site, prepare narrative, photos, and layout for production and installation of a Prairie Pathways Interpretive Panel adjacent to the Cedar Valley Lakes Trail near the Cedar River in Downtown Waterloo
UNI GEO Tree Center
This project was completed by the GeoInformatics Training Research Education and Extension (GeoTREE) Center, within the Geography Department at UNI, to capture and publish 360° imagery along portions of the local trail system.
Cedar Valley Pedal Fest
Offer a variety of no-cost weekend rides in September 2020 to show bicycle riders how accessible Cedar Valley trails and the bike-friendly streets are for getting from one common destination to another
Friends of the Gilbertville Depot
A grant was approved to preserve and maintain the Gilbertville Depot structure and history, and promote activities that enhance cultural, recreational, and healthy lifestyle experiences for depot and Cedar Valley Nature Trail users and supporters.
Igawanis Woodland
Fund the purchase of two self-propelled walk behind string trimmers.
Waverly Rail Trail Bridge Stain Project
The Waverly Rail Trail Bridge is a major focal point for the City. The bridge is subjected to the elements of the seasons and is beginning to show signs of wear. City staff is requesting funding to purchase stain to refinish the bridge and railing.
FixIt Bike Repair Station
A bicycle repair station was installed in the El Dorado Heights Park. This bicycle repair station will help promote trail system use, encourage neighbors to use the park’s open space, playground equipment and shelter.
Gateways to Great Ways
The sculptures will serve as unique gateway symbols for promoting the trails system and the larger community to residents and out-of-town visitors.
Walnut Street Bicycle Route
Trail Signage between Logan Avenue Trail, University Avenue Trail and Sergeant Road Trail
Wolf Creek Trail Signage Project
Informational and wayfinding signage will promote amenities available in the downtown district as well as clearly mark the Wolf Creek Trail access.
Rolling Prairie Trail Signage
These kiosks are currently established at the trail-heads in Allison, Heery Woods State Park (Clarksville) and Shell Rock.
Cedar Valley Lakes Trail Repair
Lakes Trail from Krieg’s Crossing to George Wyth Lodge that has been washed out from recent flooding. Replacing this section of trail with concrete and going to 10’ wide will make this section match up with the rest of the trail system it connects to.
Grant Policies
Any project funded partially or in whole by the Cedar Valley Trails Partnership must bear the words “Provided by the Cedar Valley Trails Partnership,” or words to that effect. The Partnership shall have final approval of all media releases concerning the grant and of the recognition of the grant as a funding source for the project.
Cedar Valley Trails Partnership grants will be awarded periodically as funding allows. The Partnership gives higher priority to projects which provide long-term benefits to the Cedar Valley recreational trail system and its users.
All requests for funds are voted upon by the Board of the Cedar Valley Trails Partnership. Funds are awarded through a majority vote of the voting-eligible members. Board Members who are employed by or otherwise involved with the applicants shall abstain from the vote, though they may participate in the discussion of the applications. The Partnership will send written notice to all applicants informing them of the Board’s decision.
Applications shall be judged on the basis of the following criteria, though the project’s score may not be the only factor considered in the decision:
- Degree to which the project impacts all trail users
- Degree to which the project impacts the safety of trail users
- Degree to which the project enhances the trail environment
- Degree to which the project uses grant funds to leverage greater public or private investment in the form of services and materials as well as dollars
- Degree to which the project promotes and recognizes the Partnership
- Degree to which the project involves other community groups
- Grantee’s future commitment to the project
- Degree to which the project promotes increased trail usage and local tourism
You may also simply send a letter outlining your request to the Cedar Valley Trails Partnership, PO Box 205, Cedar Falls, Iowa, 50613.
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