Grants for Ski Club and Trail Groomer Equipment

The main grant source for ski club and trail groomer equipment in the US is the federal Recreational Trails Program (RTP), which each state administers and which can fund the purchase of trail maintenance equipment, including snow grooming equipment, for clubs, nonprofits and public agencies. State snowmobile and cross-country ski programs, community foundations and local donors fill in the rest, and because a tow-behind groomer costs a few thousand dollars instead of a few hundred thousand, it is often a realistic first grant request.

This guide explains where groomer funding typically comes from, what grant reviewers usually ask for, and how to get a written quote for your application.

Grants and funding for ski club and trail groomer equipment

Federal Recreational Trails Program (RTP)

The Federal Highway Administration’s Recreational Trails Program provides funds to the states to develop and maintain recreational trails for both motorized and non-motorized uses, including cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Eligible uses include the purchase and lease of trail construction and maintenance equipment, and grants can go to private organizations as well as government agencies. FHWA’s RTP annual report lists snow trail grooming equipment among the equipment projects states have funded, and describes the program’s typical 80% federal share with a 20% match on a reimbursement basis.

Each state sets its own deadlines and limits. For example, Vermont’s RTP program materials describe a maximum request of $50,000 for non-motorized projects with a 20% match. New York State Parks runs its own RTP application cycle. Find your state’s RTP administrator through the FHWA site and ask about equipment eligibility before you apply.

State snowmobile and cross-country ski programs

Many snowbelt states fund trail grooming through snowmobile registration fees or dedicated ski programs. Minnesota is a good example: the DNR runs a cross-country ski grant-in-aid program for local units of government that helps pay for trail maintenance and grooming, and a separate snowmobile grant-in-aid program. Minnesota’s 2025 federal trail grant awards included a Carlton County project titled “Wood City Riders Side by Side and Mini Groomer Purchase.” In Colorado, Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s snowmobile program awards grants that include grooming equipment purchases.

Community foundations and local donors

Local foundations often fund trail projects that serve the whole community. The Friends of Stoney Pond (FROSTY) in New York received a grant from the Central New York Community Foundation that helped them expand their snow grooming equipment, as we shared in our FROSTY story. Rotary clubs, local businesses, ski shops and tourism boards are also worth asking.

Funding sources at a glance

What grant reviewers usually want to see

Requirements vary, but equipment applications commonly include:

• A written quote with model, price, shipping and tax. Some states want more than one: Alaska’s RTP application, for example, asks for three quotes on equipment over $5,000.
• A clear description of the trail: length, width, users, season and who owns the land.
• Your match: cash, donated labor or in-kind contributions, depending on the program.
• Procurement rules: federal programs can carry Buy America requirements for steel and iron. South Dakota’s RTP manual is one example. Ask your administrator what documentation they need.
• A maintenance and storage plan showing the equipment will be used and cared for.

Why a tow-behind groomer is a strong grant request

A smaller request is often easier to fund, easier to match and easier to justify. Large snowcat-style groomers can cost $50,000 and more, while our groomers range from a few thousand dollars to about $14,000. Many clubs already own a snowmobile or UTV that can pull one. Here are common grant-friendly builds:

Our groomers are built in Springville, Utah, from US-sourced steel that is laser cut and powder coated. If your program has domestic-content rules, tell us on the quote form so we can discuss what documentation you need.

How to request a quote for your grant application

1. Use our Find My Groomer tool or the wide-trail groomer lineup to pick a model.
2. Fill out the request a quote form and check the box for a club, agency, school, park or other tax-exempt organization.
3. Upload your tax-exempt certificate or email it to sales@snowgroomers.net.
4. Tell us your deadline and whether you need multiple configurations priced.

Parks, towns and schools receive a tax-exempt written quote in one business day, and we can send a W-9 on request. For more ideas, see our reasons to own an ultra-light snow groomer and our post on shipping snow groomers to Canada.