The Backcountry Trust funds and supports volunteers to maintain huts and build tracks for outdoor enthusiasts including trampers, deerstalkers and mountain bikers.

The Trust is in partnership with, and primarily funded by, the Department of Conservation (DOC). Projects are restricted to huts and tracks on public conservation land managed by DOC. Since its inception in 2014, the Backcountry Trust has funded the restoration of 80 huts and 700 km of walking and mountain bike tracks.

There are three funding rounds annually. Applications for Round 8 are currently open and are due 30 May 2018. This is in 10 days time!

Applying for funds is easy. There are forms… but it’s worth the effort with up to $20,000 on offer. You’ll need to build up a project plan, budget and pen some worksite safety guidelines. We have templates for that and it’s all stuff you’ll want to do anyway in preparation for your project. You can apply here.

If you would like more information, e-mail grants@backcountrytrust.org.nz or contact the Backcountry Trust manager