The Ohio to Erie Trail Fund, est. 1991

Your donations help the Ohio to Erie Trail route to improve every year! In the fall of 2025, we have achieved 90.7% on dedicated trail and we continue to advocate for the remaining 9.3% on roads and streets.

Please help us further our mission to promote, preserve, and enhance the network of regional trails linking communities across the state from the Ohio River to Lake Erie. The vision which guides our work is of the Ohio to Erie Trail as a world-class connected multi-use trail network encouraging all to discover the unique experiences of Ohio. The trail provides adventure, tourism, health and well-being, recreation, and connections to nature and history.

Donation Mailing Address:

Ohio to Erie Trail, 118 Graceland Blvd., #146, Columbus, OH 43214

Online donations from $10 to $1,500 can be paid using a credit card* or debit card on our website.

DONATE

*Please visit the Columbus Foundation Giving Store section for online donations above $1,500 and recurring donations.

Columbus Foundation, Giving Store

To give a one-time amount, set up a recurring donation, or make an anonymous donation using a credit or debit card, please visit the Columbus Foundation Giving Store.

OTET CF Giving Store

You will receive a donation receipt from the Columbus Foundation the same day and our organization will provide you with an acknowledgement letter unless the donation is designated anonymous.

James P. Buchwald Fund, est. 2022

Jim Buchwald (1928–2022) was an engineer, cyclist, trailblazer, and beloved champion of the Kokosing Gap Trail. In 2025, our organization supported the Knox County Biketoberfest weekend which included a pre-ride ceremony honoring Jim's life and legacy at the Ariel-Foundation Park.

Jim logged more than 200,000 miles by bike and inspired generations of riders. Even in his 90s, he was a familiar, smiling presence on the path. His legacy continues in every rider who discovers joy, history, and adventure on two wheels.

To support the Ohio to Erie Trail in memory of James Buchwald, click the button below.

DONATE JPB Fund

Donations to the Ohio to Erie Trail can be made in memory of Jim Buchwald. James P. Buchwald Fund

Learn about the History of the Ariel Corporation

Ariel Corp

The Ariel Foundation partners in promoting arts, culture, education, health and wellbeing while fostering community preservation balanced with community revitalization. We focus our efforts on improving quality of life throughout the Mount Vernon, Ohio area.

Learn more about the family's Ariel Foundation Philanthropy

In Memory of James P. Buchwald

March 7, 1928 - September 20, 2022

Planned Giving, Endowment Fund

Sustaining the work of the Ohio to Erie Trail Fund depends on a sound financial outlook now and into the future. A healthy endowment allows our organization to collaborate with stakeholders to fill the remaining gaps and assure the trail is maintained and managed so all users can enjoy it to its fullest.

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.

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