MyOCF

Oregon Historic Trails Fund

Supporting interpretive, educational, and/or economic projects/programs that preserve and protect the cultural and natural resources of Oregon’s historic trails.

NEXT APPLICATION WINDOW: JULY 1, 2024  - AUGUST 29, 2024

Each fall, the Oregon Historic Trails Fund awards grants to support projects and programs that preserve and protect the cultural and natural resources of Oregon's historic trails. Grants may also be awarded for marketing, education, advocacy, and research relating to historic trails. An advisory committee made up of people who are knowledgeable about Oregon’s historic trails and cultural resources reviews grant applications and makes recommendations to the OCF board. Grants range from $5,000 to $25,000, larger grants are considered on a case-by-case basis. 

Eligibility

The fund is dedicated to projects and programs related to Oregon historic trails as recognized by the state legislature in ORS 358.057. These trails include:

  • Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail.
  • Applegate National Historic Trail.
  • Oregon National Historic Trail.
  • Nez Perce National Historic Trail.
  • Whitman Mission Route.
  • Upper Columbia River Route.
  • Meek Cutoff.
  • Free Emigrant Road.
  • Cutoff to the Barlow Road.
  • Klamath Trail.
  • Jedediah Smith Route.
  • Nathaniel Wyeth Route.
  • Benjamin Bonneville Route.
  • Ewing Young Route.
  • John Fremont Route.
  • Santiam Wagon Road.

You can find detailed maps and reports in the Oregon Historic Trails Report Book (1998) and the Request for Proposals.

Application Requirements

  • Applicants must be a governmental agency, a federally recognized tribe or be classified by the IRS with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and further classified as a public charity (as opposed to a private foundation).
  • Grant awards will be primarily within the state of Oregon, but out-of-state partnerships are encouraged.
  • If applicable, projects or programs should strive to meet interpretive standards equal to those of the National Association for Interpretation, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, or the American Association of Museums.
  • Priority is given to projects or programs that interpret, preserve, or maintain trail-related resources. Funding also can be used for marketing, education, advocacy, or research related to historic trails.
  • Grantees are required to submit reports, including the documentation of expenditures, within 11 months of receiving funding.

Application Process

Applications are accepted through MyOCF from July 29 through the deadline of 5 p.m. on August 29

Required Attachments

  • Project or program budget (limited to 1 page)
  • Organization budget for current year (limited to 2 pages)
  • Letter(s) of support directly related to the project (Please provide one and no more than three).

Grantee Reporting

Grantees are expected to report on the use of the funds 11 months after the award date. The Grant Evaluation Form should be sent to reports@oregoncf.org.

Staff Assistance

For more information, please contact: