The Trail Pot has launched. This initiative marks the establishment of the UK's first charity dedicated exclusively to supporting grassroots mountain biking development by establishing a National Mountain Biking Development Fund.

The Trail Pot aims to empower local communities and projects by providing much-needed financial support. Led by a team of passionate trustees and mountain biking advocates, the charity's primary mission is to foster a sustainable and thriving biking community across the country.

With all necessary administrative steps completed, including the appointment of trustees, official registration, and operational bank accounts, The Trail Pot is now ready to commence its fundraising efforts. The charity will focus on supporting trail builders, advocacy groups, and inspirational riders who form the core of the mountain biking community.

Chris Maloney, Founder and Trustee of The Trail Pot, said: "This is a charity which has been set up purely to improve mountain biking at the grassroots: the simplest of levels – the individuals and groups who are trying to make a difference at their local level." Maloney, drawing from over a decade of experience in the field, highlighted the challenges of securing funding for local projects and how The Trail Pot aims to address this issue by having funds readily available for worthy initiatives.

The model is a win:win:win for mountain biking, the businesses that support it and riders. Supporting businesses can benefit from the charitable contribution and reputation benefits, riders can see exactly where their money is going, and the charity succeeds through community contribution. 

Chris Heseltine-James, a Trustee and former coach, outlined the charity's immediate goals: "Over the next year our mission is to fill the pot. We're aiming to get to £20,000 as a start from donations – but in the main larger partners. We'll then begin accepting funding applications for grassroots projects."

Fundraising will be a continuous process, however, the reinvestment will follow a regular yearly cycle.

• Phase one – Raise funds
• Phase two – Open the applications window. 
• Phase three – Shortlist applications
• Phase four – Select and score applications  
• Phase five – Allocate funds