Los Alamos Tuff Tykes Named First Recipient of PTS Trail Catalyst Grant for Upcoming “YIMBY Adventure Film Festival”
Last Saturday morning, amidst a crowd of hikers, cyclists, and trail enthusiasts at Co-op Park, Places & Spaces Los Alamos (PSLA) officially named the Los Alamos Tuff Tykes as the inaugural recipient of the PTS Trail Catalyst Grant. The $500 award was presented during the National Celebrate Trails Day Information Fair to jumpstart the Tuff Tykes’ newest project: the "YIMBY Adventure Film Festival."
The presentation was a highlight of the 10:00 AM "Outdoor Assembly," where local residents gathered with trekking poles, bikes, and backpacks for a community photo to mark the launch of pajaritotrails.us, a new digital home for the region's 15+ trail organizations.
About the PTS Trail Catalyst Fund
The Catalyst Grant program was created by PSLA to provide a financial "boost" to the people and groups that make the Pajarito Plateau’s outdoor scene so vibrant. By offering micro-grants of up to $500, the program helps local organizers cover the practical hurdles of hosting public events—things like insurance, permits, signage, equipment, and marketing.
“We’re looking for projects with a solid plan and a big reach,” said Kevin Holsapple, Project Leader for the Pajarito Trails Initiative. “The Tuff Tykes’ film festival is exactly what this fund is about—finding creative ways to engage the community and celebrate our local trails.”
Funding Still Available: Call for Applications
For organizations with an idea for a new trail activity or an existing event that needs extra support, the 2026 PTS Trail Catalyst Fund remains open. PSLA is still accepting applications on a rolling basis until the current $2,500 fund is fully distributed.
What organizers should know:
- Simple Application: You just need a clear outline of how the $500 will move your project forward.
- Leverage Matters: Preference is given to groups that use the grant to leverage other resources, such as volunteer hours, matching funds, or donated services.
- Local Focus: Events should be designed to reach residents and visitors across the Pajarito Plateau and Eastern Jemez.
- The Deal: In exchange for the grant, recipients agree to recognize the sponsorship in their promotions and provide a brief follow-up report after the event.
Building a Sustainable Future
As an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit, Places & Spaces Los Alamos is working to ensure this fund isn't a one-time offer. PSLA is actively seeking community partners and sponsors to replenish the grant pool so that more local projects can get off the ground in the coming years.
To learn about grant and partnership opportunities, email: placesandspacesla@gmail.com
