Capacity Building & Professional Development

Organization Capacity Building & Professional Development

The Organization Capacity Building & Professional Development Fund was designed to support Trans Canada Trail (TCT) volunteer groups and organizations in building and strengthening their internal capacity to recruit, onboard and manage board members or volunteers, ensuring the long-term sustainability and integrity of the organization.

In addition to volunteer and governance capacity, the fund also supports Professional Development opportunities that enhance the skills, knowledge, and leadership capabilities of staff, volunteers and board members. This may include training, certifications, workshops or learning initiatives that directly contribute to stronger organizational operations and more effective trail stewardship. Select this option if you are looking to apply for support to The Canadian Trail Summit 2026 in Winnipeg.
Are you applying for Organization Capacity Building or Professional Development?*

Organization Capacity BuildingProfessional Development
Organization Capacity Building

The Capacity Building Fund was designed to support Trans Canada Trail (TCT) volunteer groups and organizations build on and/or develop internal capacity to recruit, onboard and manage board members or volunteers to ensure the long-term sustainability and integrity of the organization. These initiatives will directly impact the quality and standard of the work completed on trails within the TCT network.
- Applicants must manage a registered section of the TCT network and provide all requested pre- requisite information to begin the grant process.
- A progress report and a final report will be required. The timelines for both deliverables will be established jointly by TCT and the grant recipient. Each report must include up-to-date information on all work completed, along with a full financial breakdown. Grant participants will also be expected to take part in a debrief meeting to discuss the project outcomes and its impact on their organization.
Eligible Project - A consultant must be hired to complete the following:
- New strategic plan focusing on a volunteer management plan
- Partial strategic plan to improve an existing volunteer management plan:
  - Volunteer manual creation/volunteer policy creation
  - Recruitment strategies
  - Role design
  - Onboarding management/processes
  - Orientation and training planning
  - Volunteer retention planning
  - Board recruitment and retention plan
- Explore new ways of organizing and streamlining volunteer management processes
Organization*
Name*

First NameLast Name
Title*
Ex: Chair, volunteer, CAO, etc
Email *
example@example.com
Province*
Is your organization authorized to complete work on a registered section of the Trans Canada Trail?*

YesNo. We are sorry you are not currently eligible to apply for this grant
How are you affiliated with the Trail section? (Choose one).*

ManagerOwnerManager and ownerTrail user group
Please describe your project, including its purpose and how it will strengthen your organization’s capacity in areas such as volunteer management, strategic planning, governance, recruitment, retention, or operational processes. *
What is the estimated total cost of your project? Please provide an itemized breakdown of your projected expenses.*
Do you have a consultant selected to conduct the work?*

YesNo
What is the name of the consultant and why were they selected?
Have you obtained a cost estimate or quote for the work?*

YesNo
Trans Canada Trail provides project payments by electronic funds transfer - If there is new or updated banking information,complete and submit an Electronic Funds Transfer form and provide a voidcheque.

Cancelof
Link to EFT form for download - EN
Confirmation Statement. (A notification email will be sent to you shortly, with a copy of this form’s information. A member of the TCT Trail team will review and be in touch to discuss your project).*

I confirm that the information and documents submitted are true, accurate, and complete.I confirm that a representative with signing & decision-making authority has authorized completion of this application.
File Upload - Please upload any supporting documents you have. If you have any questions please contact Lillian O'Neil-Campbell at loneil@tctrail.ca

Cancelof
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Projects that include support for representatives to attend The Canadian Trail Summit 2026 in Winnipeg are eligible under this fund, provided the applicant meets all standard criteria. Participation in the Summit should strengthen organizational capacity by providing access to best practices, training, and collaboration that can be applied to improve the quality, safety, and standards of work within the trail sector. Applicants can be expected to demonstrate how the knowledge and skills gained will be integrated into their operations to enhance trail stewardship and community impact, through a short report, survey or focus group.
- Eligible applicants include individuals volunteering, studying or working in the trail sector. Non-profit organizations and trail organizations may be on or off the Trans Canada Trail (TCT).
- For-profit organizations and for-profit staff are ineligible.
- Applicants must demonstrate need and alignment with the objectives of the program.
- A maximum of one participant per trail organization may receive funding.
- Funding is limited, and not all eligible applicants will receive support.
Are you requesting support for the Canada Trail Summit as:*

A presenterA participant
Are you between the ages of 15-30?*

YesNo
Name*

First NameLast Name
Email*
example@example.com
Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.
Province*
Project Name
Are you associated with a trail organization or group?*

YesNo
If yes, what is the name of your organization?
Is your trail organization part of the Trans Canada Trail network?*

YesNo
What is your estimated total budget for attending the 2026 Canadian Trail Summit? Please itemize your estimated costs in the following categories: registration fees, travel expenses, accommodation, meals, and any additional expenses (please specify). *
Sum of Total Budget for attending 2026 Canadian Trail Summit*
OLD DATA What amount are you requesting of TCT towards your total budget?
What amount are you requesting of TCT towards your total budget?*
Which categories of financial support are you primarily seeking? (Select all that apply).*

Registration/ticket costTravelMealsAccomodationOther
Are there other sources of funding you have to support your attendance at the Summit? (Select all that apply).*

SelfOrganization operating budgetMunicipal FundingFederal/Territorial fundingIndigenous government or community supportCorporate sponsorshipCommunity fundraisingPartner organization contributionOther
Would you be able to attend the Summit without funding from Trans Canada Trail?*

YesNo
Do you identify as belonging to a community that experiences barriers to participation or access?*

YesNoPrefer not to answer
Optional. Do you identify as belonging to any of the following groups? (Check all that apply).

First NationsInuitMétisRacialized CommunityPerson with a disability (visible or invisible)2SLGBTQIA+Newcomer to Canada (within the last 5 years)Member of a Francophone minority community (French-speakers living outside of Quebec)Prefer to self-describe. (New response box will follow)Prefer not to answer
Prefer to self-identify or describe as follows:
Optional. Do you face any of the following barriers that may affect your ability to access programs, employment, or funding? (Check all that apply).

Living in a rural, remote, or northern communityLimited access to transportationLow income or limited financial resourcesCaregiving responsibilities (children, elders, dependents)Language barriersLimited access to digital tools or internetGenderLevel of educationPrefer not to answerAnother barrier that I wish to identify. (New response box will follow).
Barrier(s) which I prefer to self-identify or describe:
How will your attendance at the Canadian Trail Summit enable your organizational capacity, or other initiatives?*
Trans Canada Trail provides project payments by electronic funds transfer - If there is new or updated banking information,complete and submit an Electronic Funds Transfer form and provide a voidcheque.

Cancelof
Link to EFT Form - EN
Confirmation Statement. (A notification email will be sent to you shortly, with a copy of this form’s information. A member of the TCT Trail team will review and be in touch to discuss your application, if needed).*

I confirm that the information and documents submitted are true, accurate, and complete.I confirm that a representative with signing & decision-making authority has authorized completion of this application.
File Upload - Please upload any supporting documents you have. If you have any questions please contact info@canadiantrailsummit.ca

Cancelof
Owner
GL Code
Activity
Approver 1
Approver 2
Tag
Should be Empty: