The Trail Pot

Fund raising will be a continuous process, however the reinvestment will follow a regular yearly cycle.

Phase one – Raise funds
Phase two – Open applications window. Phase three – Shortlist applications
Phase four – Select and score applications  Phase five – Allocate funds

As a registered charity we’re bound by rules governing how cash can be raised and must be reinvested. These are

1. Core values and aims: Beneficiaries or activities must demonstrate close alignment with the Trail Pot’s aim and core values.
2. Community Needs: All projects must identify the needs and priorities of the local or target mountain biking communities within their bids.
3. Impact and Sustainability: Beneficiaries or activities will be chosen that can create a lasting positive effect on the community, environment, or mountain biking infrastructure.
4. Clearly deliverable: All bids should have clearly defined project milestones and resources in place to deliver them, alongside the planned mitigation of principal risks.
5. Partnerships and additionality: Bids that lever in other resources to increase the potential impact of any programme – including collaboration with local clubs, associations and entities – will be viewed more favourably..
6. Environmental Stewardship: Projects that promote responsible trail building and maintenance, as well as environmental conservation practices, will be prioritised. This helps ensure the sustainability of mountain biking trails and preserves natural habitats.
7. Community reputation enhancement: Projects which actively improve the reputation of mountain biking will be supported. A key element of the Trail Pot is improved image for the sport.
8. Innovation and Creativity: We will be open to supporting innovative and creative projects that have the potential to positively disrupt the status quo and bring new ideas to the mountain biking community.
9. Transparency and Accountability: In order to ensure that the Trail Pot’s decision- making process is transparent and accountable, all bids will need to comply with a number of key housekeeping principles, including, an ‘official’ bank account being in place and (where relevant) written landowner permission available.
10. Inclusivity and Diversity: We will prioritise projects that promote inclusivity and diversity within the mountain biking community. We will support activities that aim to involve people from different backgrounds, ages, genders, and abilities.

All bids will follow the same application process to ensure fairness and transparency to all applicants.

Scoring will be undertaken independently by all trustees prior to final decisions being made.

Trustees will also seek to provide feedback on all applications into the Trail Pot where possible.