The Circuit Trails network is growing — not just in miles, but also in momentum. This year, 25 nonprofit organizations across Greater Philadelphia and southern New Jersey are receiving funding to lead creative, community-rooted programs on and around the region’s multi-use trails, thanks to the expanding Circuit Trails Community Grant Program.

Administered by the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) and funded by the William Penn Foundation, National Fish & Wildlife Foundation, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the grant program empowers local leaders to bring trails to life through culturally relevant programming — from biking and birding to art installations and wellness activities. 

Since launching in 2023, the Circuit Trails Community Grant Program has invested more than $516,000 into 27 organizations, helping thousands of people access and enjoy the outdoors in meaningful, community-driven ways.

“Our goal with this program is to make sure trails are welcoming, accessible, and vibrant spaces for everyone, especially people who haven’t always felt included in outdoor recreation,” said Emilia Crotty, PEC’s Director of Trails & Equitable Access and manager of the grant program. “We’re supporting the passion and leadership of people who are already doing this work in their communities. We see the activities they produce — often with very few resources — and hope to help them welcome even more people to enjoy trails.”

A Growing Coalition of Grassroots Leaders

The program, which began with funding for 10 organizations, has grown thanks to an extension of the William Penn Foundation’s original support — plus a new Outdoor Programming award. With additional support from the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, PEC was able to award two-year grants to six more groups in 2024, welcoming 11 new grantee partners and 14 returning organizations for 2025.

Grantees work along trails that are part of the Circuit Trails, a growing 800-mile network that already includes more than 415 miles of completed trails. Programming focuses on increasing trail use in historically disinvested communities, with events and activities designed to reflect the unique cultures, needs, and strengths of each neighborhood.

Projects in the 2025 cohort range from inclusive cycling clinics and story walks to trail beautification, photography camps, and youth leadership programs. The new organizations in the 2025 cohort are:

• Latinas In Motion — Hosting group walks and a 5K on North Philly trails to inspire healthy living
• Camden Greenways, Inc. — Expanding bikeshare and hosting family-friendly events on Camden trails
• Outdoor Equity Alliance — Revamping a key trail bridge in Trenton with art, plants, and signage
• Philly Devo — Running inclusive cycling clinics for people who identify as women, trans, and non-binary 
• Chester Community Story Trail — Creating a collaborative story walk along Chester’s riverfront trail
• YJR Outdoors — Offering bike skills classes and family rides in Tacony Creek Park
• Riverfront North & JSJ Food Bank — Hosting a teen photography camp to explore the Delaware River Trail
• Philly S.A.F.E. — Leading outdoor trips for West Philly youth to promote wellness and connection
• Let’s Go Outdoors — Supporting outreach and outdoor events across Philadelphia neighborhoods
• Black Girl Joy Bike Ride — Leading monthly community rides for Black women, gear included

Additionally, 14 organizations that previously received grants through the program are funded to continue their work on Circuit Trails through 2025. 

At its core, the Circuit Trails Community Grant Program is about breaking down barriers to ensure that more people can safely and joyfully experience the outdoors. 

“Each of these grantee partners offers a unique way to engage with the outdoors,” Crotty said. “Together, they’re making our region’s trails more reflective of the communities they serve and more powerful because of it.”

To explore the full list of 2025 grantees and see how they’re activating the trails near you, visit Circuit Trails. You’ll also find tools to explore the trail network and plan your next adventure.