About Greenways Foundation

Mission

Strengthening pathways to resiliency for people, business, and nature.

Vision

Vibrant, sustained, functional trails for everyone in Indiana

Greenways Foundation is a crowdfunded trust dedicated to the growth, care, and use of Indiana’s trails on land and in waterways. Made possible by the generous support of our donors and license plate holders, the foundation catalyzes action and facilitates cooperation between government and private sector partners, provides technical assistance for community-based efforts, and solicits and distributes financial resources to support the development, enhancement, and operation of Indiana’s treasured trails.

Trails are for everyone! Greenways Foundation provides support and advocacy to trails designed for cyclists, runners, hikers, walkers, horseback riders, ATV drivers, and paddlers! The foundation works closely with citizen groups and government entities to establish, improve, and maintain trails in a way that maximizes the resources of Indiana’s communities.

Pictured here, (left to right) the late city Council President, Dr. Beurt SerVaas and Greenways Foundation founder, Ray R. Irvin, walking across the new DR. BEURT SERVAAS SUSPENSION BRIDGE, which is still open over the Indianapolis Water Company Canal near IUPUI.

Nikki Kahn/Star 2000 File Photo

Our History

Greenways Foundation was founded in 1991 by Ray Irvin who had a vision of a beautiful, clean, and accessible White River Greenway. As the foundation grew, the vision evolved to include an interconnected network of trails serving Central Indiana.

During that time, Greenways Foundation played a major role in establishing the Monon Trail with the City of Indianapolis. As the Monon became an overwhelming success with the residents and visitors of Indy, trails were seen as vital and necessary community amenities and the desire for trails spread throughout the state.

This burgeoning interest led the foundation to expand its geographic focus in 2006 to encompass all of Indiana. During our three decades of supporting and advocating for trails, the organization built broad expertise in trail planning, marketing, events management, capacity building, environmental consulting, fundraising, and government relations.

Our Achievements

  • Played a major and ongoing role with the city of Indianapolis to establish the Monon Trail, bringing recognition to and building interest in the value of linear parks as amenities for communities across the state.

  • Established the specialty Greenways Foundation (I Support Trails) License Plate program which has funded $391,000 to date towards 53 trail projects across Indiana through our grant program.

  • Successfully advocated for Next Level Trails Development and Maintenance Fund, to which Gov. Eric Holcomb allotted $180 million.

  • Supported the formation of the first bi-cameral, bi-partisan Indiana Trails Caucus to advance trail development and maintenance. As of 2024, 37 legislators from both chambers are currently members of the caucus.

  • Promoted and funded the connection of 220 miles of Indiana trails as part of the 3700-mile Great American Rail Trail.

  • Partner with the Indiana Parks & Recreation Association to host the annually Trails Gathering as well as regular Trail Town Workshops throughout the state.