Virginia Capital Trail announces new $20,000 fund to increase access to outdoor recreation, Capital Trail

The Virginia Capital Trail Foundation (VCTF) released its Capital Trail Outdoor Equity Fund with the availability of $20,000 for programs that increase access to outdoor recreation and the Virginia Capital Trail.

The Capital Trail Outdoor Equity Fund was established in 2021 to expand Trail usage through outdoor programming that provides easy access to the Virginia Capital Trail, a 52-mile paved recreational trail that stretches from Richmond to Williamsburg. Grant funding will help non-profit organizations build and implement programs that work toward increasing equity and access in outdoor recreation. The focus will be on programs or projects that serve the BIPOC, tribes, low-income neighborhoods, and people with physical or intellectual disabilities.

“The Virginia Capital Trail is a community asset that offers protected bike-and-pedestrian infrastructure and free outdoor recreation. We believe it should be easily accessible to everyone in the community,” shares Cat Anthony, executive director of the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation. “We are honored to work alongside community partners to provide greater equitable access to recreational programming, outdoor experiences, and active living. I am extremely grateful to Dominion Energy and our Trail supporters for funding this opportunity.”

Last year, seven nonprofit organizations received funding totaling over $23,000 for outdoor programs that included cycling, fishing, hiking, and running. Online grant applications must be submitted by August 12, 2022. Any certified nonprofit organization or state, local, regional, tribal, educational or government entity can apply. The approved funding will range between $1,000 to $5,000 for program and operating expenditures.

Grant applications can be found here.