MINNEAPOLIS — Polaris Industries Inc. recently granted $46,500 to five organizations in five states through the company’s T.R.A.I.L.S. grant program.

In over three years, the Polaris T.R.A.I.L.S. Grant Program has granted $746,557 in funds to 83 local, state and National ATV Clubs and organizations across 42 states in United States.

The ‘T.R.A.I.L.S.’ grant program was launched in January 2006 to ensure the future of legal ATV riding and make funds available for non-profit national, state and local organizations in the United States. T.R.A.I.L.S. stands for: trail development, responsible riding, access, initiatives, lobbying and safety.

The grant program encompasses two main objectives – promoting safe and responsible riding, and preserving access. Funds can be used by organizations for trail development and maintenance projects, safety and education initiatives, lobbying and other projects to increase and maintain land access.

“Polaris continues to see increasing interest in our grants program,” said Matt Homan, vice president and general manager of the off-road division at Polaris. “We continue to be committed to the organizations who work diligently to ensure the future of our sport.”

The grants ranged from $7,000 to the maximum $10,000 and will be applied toward: trail development, improvements, expansion, education and the construction of an ATV safety course.

The sixth round of T.R.A.I.L.S. grant recipients are the Long Island Recreational Trails Conservatory (New York), the Balsam Trail Blazers ATV Club (Minnesota), the Birdseye Mountain ATV Club (Vermont), the Colorado Off-Highway Vehicle Association (Colorado) and the USDA Forest Service Ironton Ranger District (Ohio).

For more information on the ‘T.R.A.I.L.S.’ grant program and an application form, click here.