Support the Ohio to Erie Trail

Supporting the Ohio to Erie Trail helps ensure this nationally recognized route continues to thrive for riders, walkers, and communities across the state. Contributions directly fund trail development, maintenance, advocacy, and long-term connectivity efforts that keep the trail safe, accessible, and enjoyable for all. There are two meaningful ways to get involved: by becoming a Friends of the Trail member, you join a community of supporters who provide ongoing backing and help strengthen the trail’s future year after year; or by making a donation to the Ohio to Erie Trail Fund, which allows you to give at a level and pace that works best for you while directly supporting current priorities and future improvements. Whether you choose membership or a one-time gift, your support plays a vital role in sustaining and advancing the Ohio to Erie Trail.

Join

Work on the Ohio to Erie Trail began in 1991 and for many years, our trail friends have made possible our trail completion progress.

An awesome way to support the trail is to purchase an annual membership offered through our website for Individual $25, Family $35 and Sustaining $100. We are grateful for the long-time supporters who have chosen to join at the Lifetime membership of $1,000 which renews automatically.

Friends

Donate

Donating is easy. The Ohio to Erie Trail is an IRS registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization, established in 1991. Donations can be made online for amounts of $10 - $1500. For larger donations, please visit the Columbus Foundation Giving Store.

If you prefer to mail in a donation, choose Check as the payment option and you can print an invoice to accompany the donation and mail to the following address:

Ohio to Erie Trail Fund

118 Graceland Blvd. #146

Columbus, Ohio 43214

Donate Now

Additional donation options

There are additional ways to donate and funds that support the OTET.

Jim Buchwald Fund

Donations can be made in honor or memory of a loved one and we have a designated fund in memory of Knox County trail enthusiast Jim Buchwald, founder the Ariel Corporation.

Jim Buchwald Memorial Donations

Planned Giving, Endowment Fund

An endowment gift can be made easily through a gift annuity, an IRA rollover or as an estate gift such as a bequest, trust or life insurance policy designation of beneficiary. OTETF is established to receive gifts of stock and mutual funds. Gifts can be kept private unless otherwise requested by the giver.

For more information on planned gift giving, contact our advisor, Jeff Byars, CAP at the Columbus Foundation, (614) 251-4000 or visit our endowment page at this link.

OTET Endowment

We rely on the generous donations from people in a variety of capacities. The Ohio to Erie Trail Fund works with local partners to achieve local, state and federal funding for land acquisition, trail construction and related trail projects. Numerous organizations and individuals have joined together to establish the ever growing collection of trails which form the Ohio to Erie Trail. Find ways to donate here.

The Ohio to Erie Trail fund is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.  EIN #31-1327189