Grant Proposal - Sample
Project Title
Interpretive Sign Installation: Ice Age Trail, Parnell Segment
Organization Background
The Friends of the Ice Age Trail is a volunteer-run nonprofit dedicated to supporting education and community engagement along the Trail’s 1,000+ mile span. For over five years, we’ve hosted seasonal group hikes, with the Parnell Segment consistently drawing strong participation from local and regional visitors.
Need/Problem Statement
The Parnell Segment spans almost 14 miles and highlights some of Wisconsin’s best examples of Ice Age geology and geography. Despite its significance, this stretch lacks interpretive signage, creating an “information desert” for hikers. Visitors miss key opportunities to learn about glacial history, local ecology, and responsible stewardship practices. Without signage, the trail is underutilized as an educational resource, and opportunities to foster visitor connection and conservation-minded behavior are lost.
Project Goals & Objectives
The primary goal is to enhance public understanding and appreciation of Wisconsin’s Ice Age landscape through the installation of interpretive signs along the Parnell Segment.
Objectives:
Design & Content Development: By June 2026, collaborate with geologists, park and trail officials, naturalists, and interpretive specialists to design at least 8 interpretive signs explaining key features along the segment.
Community Engagement: By September 2026, conduct at least 2 community input sessions with local stakeholders to ensure content is relevant and accessible.
Installation: By November 2026, install the full set of interpretive signs using durable, weather-resistant materials.
Visitor Education: Within 12 months of installation, collect visitor feedback to demonstrate at least a 25% increase in visitor-reported knowledge of Ice Age geology and landscape features.
Stewardship: By January 2027, establish a long-term maintenance plan with local Ice Age Trail volunteer groups.
Project Activities
Design and produce signage content.
Partner with geologists, historians, and naturalists for expertise.
Install signage at trailheads and key geologic features.
Timeline
June 2026 Draft interpretive sign content
Sept 2026 Conduct community input sessions
Nov 2026 Install interpretive signage
Jan 2027 Complete maintenance/monitoring plan
Evaluation & Outcomes
Conduct pre- and post-install visitor surveys to measure knowledge gains.
Gather ranger/volunteer observations of visitor engagement with signage.
Track social media engagement through sign-integrated “share” call-to-actions.
Budget (Sample)
$5,000 – Design and production of 8 weather-resistant signs
$1,500 – Installation costs
$1,000 – Educational materials, survey tools, and outreach
Total Requested: $7,500
This is a sample grant proposal outline created by Jake Woehlke for demonstration purposes only.
