Readers of this magazine may remember that last year I interviewed Chris Maloney, known to many as “The Keeper of the Peak.” As a longtime volunteer in the mountain biking world, he knows how much time and effort goes into grassroots mountain biking and trail advocacy. He believed there was a need to create some financial support for all of these initiatives and mentioned how he was considering plans for a fund to support the development of grassroots mountain biking in the UK. He was finally able to get through all the administrative hoops of registering a charity, and Trail Pot was ready to start accepting funds.
There are brand-funded trail funds, but the idea of having a centralized pot that creates all the efficiencies seems like a great idea. Things like health and safety training courses and insurance payments (required to host a volunteer dig day) are covered by the ‘Look at our new (branded) trail’ when it comes to funding applications. May be less appealing than “Please.” Some support behind the boring but important stuff might also be helpful.
Here is their official PR. If you are working with an organization that could be a potential funding partner, be sure to get in touch.
Trailpot – the UK’s first charity dedicated to grassroots mountain bike development – the National Mountain Bike Development Fund has officially opened its doors and aims to give local communities and projects the financial support they need.
Led by a passionate team of board members and mountain bike advocates, the charity’s mission is to foster sustainable and thriving cycling communities across the country.
Now that you’ve appointed a board of directors, officially registered, and opened a bank account, you’re ready to start fundraising and supporting the mountain biking community. Trail builders, advocacy groups, and inspiring riders at the heart of our communities.
Founder and Director Chris Maloney said:
“This is a charity set up purely to improve mountain biking at a grassroots level, individuals and groups trying to make a difference at the simplest level: the local level.
“I have been in this world for over 10 years and I know that fighting, arguing and stressing to find money can make a difference to local projects. Trail Pot aims to change all that by first putting the money in place, then finding a project that will quickly become a success by growing hundreds of seeds all over the country. We will brighten up the community.”
This model is a win:win:win for mountain bikers, the companies that support them, and the riders. Supporting companies can benefit from charitable donations and publicity, passengers can see exactly where their money is being spent, and charities can succeed through their contributions to the community.
Full model details are available on our website and we share regular updates on our website and on Instagram.
Director and former coach Chris Heseltine-James said:
“Our mission next year is to fill that pot. We will start with donations and aim to reach £20,000, but we will target our larger partners. We are now accepting applications for funding for our grassroots project. The more we fill the charity pot, the more money we have to give back. This is a simple but very ambitious project. I hope you will.”
Thanks to the support we have now, we can begin our activities in earnest. We have seed funding in place, but we need to build momentum. you can help. Contact us to find out how. ”
This is that interview. Now that the paywall has been lifted, you can learn a little more about Chris Maloney.
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