Become a Groundwork Trust

The national network of Groundwork Trusts grows every few years. The application, planning, and launch processes are thorough, competitive, and intentionally designed to ensure that selected communities fully meet the criteria for need and readiness. It’s important to understand that in committing to creating a Groundwork Trust, you are agreeing to start a new community nonprofit organization— with all of the structure, time, and financial resources such an endeavor requires. Successful applicants will be able to clearly communicate their vision and goals; build an effective organization; successfully engage local stakeholders; and obtain funding commitments from local government and private sources.

Currently, we are fully engaged with supporting existing Trusts and are not accepting new applications. However, there is work you can do now to be fully prepared when the application process opens up again. Familiarizing yourself with the process and requirements will help you and your community determine if this is the right fit for your goals and understand what it takes to submit a successful application. We encourage you to:

• Visit Groundwork USA to learn more and sign up for their newsletter.

• Sign up for an “Introduction to Groundwork” webinar where you can learn more about the new Trust process.

ADDITIONAL TOOLS COMING SOON: We are currently updating our Frequently Asked Questions, Community Readiness Assessment, and the “How to Become a Groundwork Trust” Guide. Stay tuned!

Steps to Become a Groundwork Trust

Use the graphic below as a checkist or follow the instructions below it.

Image designed by the National Park Service

Phase One: Prep

• Review FAQs
• Visit Groundwork Trust websites
• Complete Assessment of Readiness
• Sign up for the Groundwork USA newsletter

Phase 2: Apply

When call for applications is issued

• Attend the “introduction to Groundwork New Trust Process”
• Build a community steering committee
• Submit your Letter of Interest (LOI)
• If your LOI is accepted, you will be contacted to schedule a site visit

At the completion of Phase Two, one or more communities will be invited to prepare and submit a proposal that explains how they will lead the new Groundwork Trust planning process. The selected applicant will receive a stipend for a community coordinator and community engagement activities, as well as guidance and technical assistance for Phase 3.

Phase Three: Plan

• Convene steering committee
• Kick off planning processIdentify projects, programs, and partnerships
• Confirm GWUSA mission
• Establish vision statement
• Develop budget and identify funding sourcesFinalize plan

Phase Three culminates in final plan review by Groundwork USA and NPS-RTCA. If the plan addresses all contnent requirements, the group will move to Phase 4.

Phase Four: Launch

• Recruit board of directors
• File for state nonprofit status and obtain tax exemption status
• Join the Groundwork USA Network
• Confirm partnerships and finalize agreements
• Hire and onboard first staff
• Establish systems and processes
• Being implementation of catalyst project
• Host your Groundwork Trust launch event

In Phase 4, the new Groundwork Trust will be added to the Ground USA Network and will revcieve seed funding and launch support.