Our Funding

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There are many misconceptions about how Cardinal Greenways is funded. Most people think we receive money from local government, or even the state and federal government. They therefore conclude that we don't need donations from them. In fact, we receive public funds for a portion of trail construction, but all other funds are from private donors and are given by individuals, businesses, grants, sponsorships, contributions to donation boxes in the Depot, or gifts to the endowment funds. Our donors are generous, but there has never been enough money for our vision to soar.

In order to build the trail, Cardinal Greenways has taken advantage of federal Transportation Enhancement (TE) funds. These funds consist of Federal Highway Trust Fund dollars that are given to each state from gasoline taxes. TE funds are a very small portion of the gasoline tax. Indiana's funds are distributed through the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT). Once each year, we are permitted to apply for up to $1,000,000 to be used to build trails. TE funds may only be used for 12 specific (non-road related) project categories such as restoration of old train depots and building transportation museums, as two examples.

Once the funds are awarded, a list of requirements must be met in order for INDOT to let the job. At letting, contractors' bids are opened, and as long as the bid is under INDOT'S bid, the job is awarded. Cardinal Greenways then receives an invoice from INDOT for the 20% match required on TE jobs. INDOT pays the other 80% and oversees construction until the job is complete.

Over the years, Cardinal Greenways has been able to leverage close to $20,000,000 in federal funds in order to build the Cardinal and White River Greenways and the Cardinal Equestrian Trail. That's $20,000,000 brought into East Central Indiana that improves the quality of life for all of us. We are very grateful for those funds.

Besides construction, Cardinal Greenways faces an operational budget that continues to be challenging. We do everything possible to keep expenses low. Following is a sample of some of the expenses we incur every month in order to keep the trail well-maintained and secure:

Trail supplies & repairs $1,000
Port-a-John rental $880
Trail utilities $660
Insurance $4,500
Vehicle expense $150
Depot maintenance $550
Equipment maintenance & repair $900

Additionally, in order to continue to operate as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization and to keep receiving government funds for construction, we pay for accounting services, legal fees, and an annual audit. Office supplies, telephone services, printing, postage, Depot utilities, event expenses, advertising, and rent for additional storage space all help to round out the budget. During the past couple of years, the cost of vandalism along the trail has also increased. Our staff and volunteers continue to work together to combat the problem.

Although we are entitled to a property tax exemption, we are still required to pay ditch assessment and storm water fees for every parcel of land along the 60-mile corridor. When we are in the midst of construction, there are also certain expenses that are not covered by INDOT. Cardinal Greenways includes those expenses in our operational budget.