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. These grants may make the difference in a club's ability to carry out necessary projects. Clubs are expected to match grants with labor, money, or in-kind contributions.

January 15 is the application deadline for 2010 grants. Please review the guidelines before submitting an application. Applications may be submitted by e-mail, postal mail, or fax following the instructions on the application form. Awards are determined by a committee of Trail club representatives from each of the regional partnership committees and ATC staff. Funds will be distributed in the spring of 2010.

In 2009, ATC awarded 20 grants, ranging from $400 to $2,500, to 17 Appalachian Trail-maintaining clubs to help them perform the vital work that makes the Appalachian Trail such a great recreational resource. Here are some of the projects funded in 2009 (see funded projects for a complete listing):

• Installing poles at shelters so hikers can store their food out of the reach of bears;
• Tool purchases, including a field and brush mower, chain saws, a sharpening/grinding wheel, and hand tools;
• Developing a table-top display for community outreach and education.

For more information, contact clubgrants@appalachiantrail.org or call (304) 535-6331, ext. 114.

Thank you L.L.Bean!

ATC's Grants to Clubs program was renamed in honor of L.L.Bean in 2003, which has underwritten the program since the late 1980s. Over the years, the outdoor retailer has contributed more than $400,000 to ATC in cash and in-kind donations. Besides providing financial support, Bean employees in Maine and northern Virginia maintain sections of the Trail assigned by the local maintaining clubs.