L.L.Bean Grants to A.T. Clubs

The L.L.Bean Grants to A.T. Clubs program provides financial support to assist ATC's 30 affiliated Trail clubs and their volunteers with projects related to Trail and facility construction, Trail maintenance, visitor services, and public education. The L.L.Bean Grants to A.T. Clubs program often makes the difference in a club's ability to carry out these necessary projects. Clubs are expected to provide matching contributions for their grants with labor, money, or in-kind contributions.

In 2007, ATC awarded 23 grants to 14 Trail clubs through this program. Projects include replacing a 25-year-old bridge in New York, repairing shelter and privies, purchasing maintenance tools and safety gear for volunteer crews, and developing a new club brochure.

The deadline for 2008 grant applications is November 1, 2007. Awards will be announced in January, and payments will be distributed in April 2008.

Applications may be submitted by e-mail, postal mail, or fax machine following the instructions on the application form.  Please review the guidelines before submitting an application. For more information, contact ATC at clubgrants@appalachiantrail.org or call (304) 535-6331, ext. 114.

In 2003, ATC's Grants to Clubs program was renamed in honor of L.L.Bean, recognizing the company's virtually exclusive underwriting of the grant program since the late 1980s. Over the past two decades, the outdoor retailer has contributed more than $380,000 to ATC in cash and in-kind donations. Additionally, crews of Bean employees in both Maine and northern Virginia maintain Trail sections assigned by the local maintaining clubs.