Set Up Guide

Trail Marker Sponsorship Program

Program Overview: Trail systems are among the most visible and valued assets in a park system—but they require steady funding to remain safe, clearly marked, and well-maintained. The Trail Marker Adoption Program is an easy-to-launch sponsorship initiative that allows you to generate dedicated support for your trails. Local businesses, families, and community groups sponsor trail markers, providing ongoing revenue for upkeep while also receiving public recognition for their contribution.

Set Up Guide for a Trail Marker Adoption Program

1. Share Details About the Sponsorship Opportunity

Before you start recruiting sponsors for your park trails, establish clear options that make participation easy and appealing.

Determine Sponsorship Options: Offer single marker adoptions for individuals or families, or business packages covering multiple markers.
Add Trail Photos: Showcase the beauty of the trail and examples of existing markers.
List Sponsorship Benefits: Highlight how sponsors gain exposure through recognition on markers and community channels.
Set Sponsorship Cost: Define pricing for individual markers and package levels to fit different sponsor budgets.

Ideas for
Sponsorship Benefits

Name or Logo on Trail Marker: Sponsor seen by walkers, bikers, and runners daily
Appreciation Plaques or Certificates: A keepsake for businesses or families to display.
Social Media + Website Exposure: Highlight the sponsor on your park's social media or website

2. Provide a Streamlined Sponsorship Process

Once you’ve outlined the details, make it simple for sponsors to participate by giving them clear, convenient ways to complete the process.

Provide a Digital Sponsorship Packet: Make it easy for potential sponsors to learn about the opportunity, explore sponsorship tiers, and know how to participate.
Collect Sponsor Details: Gather contact information, logos, and sponsor preferences in one place.
Offer Easy Payment Methods: Accept online payments to reduce sponsor drop-off or collect checks when necessary.

Did You Know?

Trail marker sponsorships are one of the lowest-maintenance fundraising models for parks—once installed, recognition lasts for the full sponsorship term with minimal staff time!

3. Organize Details & Measure Success

Behind every successful sponsorship program is strong organization. Parks staff should keep track of commitments, payments, and sponsor recognition to ensure long-term success.

Track Sponsorship Commitments: Record which markers are sponsored and by whom.
Monitor Payments: Confirm payments are received and recorded accurately.
Organize Sponsor Details: Store logos, names, and contact details in a central system.
Plan for Installation, Removal & Maintenance: Schedule installation and removal of trail markers in advance for smooth transitions between sponsors. Address any repairs or maintenance promptly to keep the trail looking professional and safe.
Thank Your Sponsors: Publicly acknowledge supporters through trail signage, social media call-outs, and website content.