Applications are now open for the next round of RTP grant funding 
The South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism (SCPRT) is now accepting pre-applications for the 2026 RTP grant cycle. RTP is a federal program designed to help states provide and maintain recreational trails for both motorized and nonmotorized recreational trail use. Eligible entities include state, federal, and local government agencies, as well as qualified private organizations.  
SCPRT administers the program under the approval of the Federal Highway Administration. Eligible entities interested in applying for the 2026 grant cycle must submit their Pre-Applications online using SCPRT’s Webgrants Portal by October 10, 2026. 
Projects are evaluated in terms of their overall quality, need, public support, and planning process; whether adequate resources are available to execute the project; and whether resources are available to adequately manage, maintain and operate the project after completion. Priority is given to trail projects providing connections or extensions for trail systems that are at least 10 miles long and projects in low-income areas. 

•    Funding is provided on a cost-reimbursement basis. The grant recipient must pay 100% of the cost of an item before submitting a reimbursement request for 80% of eligible costs.

•    Funds can be spent on both motorized and nonmotorized recreational trail projects. The project can include constructing new recreational trails, improving or maintaining existing    trails, developing or improving trailhead or trailside facilities, and acquiring trail corridors.

•    Eligible applicants include local, state, and federal governmental agencies, qualified private organizations, and registered nonprofits.

Find additional award criteria, eligibility information, and learn more about the Recreational Trails Program pre-application process at scprt.com/recreation/recreation-grant-programs/recreational-trails-program. Learn more about SCPRT grant programs at scprt.com/grants.

Find out more on the 2025 RTP grant cycle as well as information from previous cycles below:

• 2026 RTP Application Guidance
• 2026 SC RTP Grant Schedule
• 2024 RTP Grant Cycle - Project Summary
• "12 South Carolina projects were awarded more than $1M" (Aug. 2, 2024)
• 2023 RTP Grant Cycle - Project Summary
• "Eight SC trail projects receive more than $770K through federal grant program" (Aug. 1, 2023)
• "Grants available for building and maintaining recreational trails across South Carolina" (Aug. 23, 2022)
• 2022 RTP Grant Cycle - Project Summary
• "SCPRT awards grants for 11 trail projects across the state" (Jul. 19, 2022)
• 2021 RTP Grant Cycle - Project Summary
• 2020 RTP Grant Cycle - Project Summary
• 2018 & 2019 RTP Grant Cycle - Project Summary
• 2015-2017 RTP Grant Cycle - Project Summary
• South Carolina State Trails Plan (2002)

Various forms and guidance for RTP project sponsors:

Procurement Certification Form | Reimbursement Request Form (PDF) | Reimbursement Request Form (Excel) | Individual Volunteer Timesheet | Group Volunteer Timesheet | FEMA Equipment Form | Project Completion Form | State Procurement Purchase Procedures (Updated 1/14/2022) | Procurement / Reimbursement Checklist | 2023 Project Status Report