The Old Spanish Trail Association is a §501(c)(3), Internal Revenue Service certified non-profit organization.  Its operations and projects on behalf of the Old Spanish Trail, its members, and the public are reliant on the generosity and contributions of individuals and businesses.  The bulk (~85%) of its operating revenue comes from federal government grants and assistance agreements, is diminishing (down 9.8% from 2016 to 2017), increasingly restrictive, and uncertain in the future.  Federal government grants for project work, such as research, planning and signage, interpretation, and education and youth programs, are also decreasing.

Acquired funding has aided:

• Protection of the resources, viewshed, and recreational opportunities of the OSNHT in the face of increasing and poorly planned and evaluated threats such as urban development, extractive resource ventures, energy development, and unauthorized off-road vehicle use and damage.  OSTA has halted biased, unjustified, and damaging mining ventures, oil and gas leasing permits, and land development proposals.
• Signage of the OSNHT.
• Planning for outdoor recreational opportunities along the OSNHT including hiking, bicycling, and equestrian use.
• Interpretive waysides and exhibits along the Trail and in museums and visitor centers.
• Interpretive and educational publications increasing public knowledge of the Trail.

More than ever, OSTA needs your donated financial support both for general operational and advocacy efforts, and for specifically identified projects.  Donations can be made for general operational support, including development of new projects.  Donations can also be made for specific, identified projects.  (Other identified projects and associated fundraising campaigns may be added in the future.)

Donated funds are generally managed by the national organization of OSTA, however, in some instances, funds may be transferred to local chapters for particular use.  Any such transfers will be monitored by the national organization.

(* Note – It is the intent of the Board of OSTA to maintain donations in accounts designated by donors, whenever possible.  Nevertheless, the Board of OSTA reserves the right to reallocate funds from a donation account specified for a certain purpose, if funding received in such account exceeds the amount necessary to fulfill said purpose, to other Association operational or project accounts. Furthermore, the Board of OSTA also reserves the right to reallocate funds from a donation account specified for limited purposes to other Association operational accounts if necessary to maintain its regular, standard level of operations.)