KT Mini-Grant Program

Geographic Scope: Northeast Kingdom (NEK) Vermont area and surrounding communities

Focus Areas:

• Recreation and outdoor access
• Health and wellness
• Education and training
• Environmental stewardship
• Economic viability
• Heritage and culture
• Creative arts
• Community development

The Kingdom Trails Association administers an annual competitive mini-grant program that awards funds to local projects and organizations in the Northeast Kingdom. The program began in 2019 and has grown significantly, with increasing numbers of applications each year.

Award History:

• 2022 (4th Annual): $25,000 awarded to 9 projects from 17 applications requesting $73,019
• 2023 (5th Annual): $27,615 awarded to 10 projects from 16 applications requesting $56,605.43

Eligible Projects: Projects must demonstrate community need, impact, sustainability, diversity and inclusion, public support, and realistic work plans and budgets. Examples of funded projects include:

• Adaptive Sports Partners (equipment and program expansion)
• Town/school infrastructure (gazebos, shelters, equipment)
• Library and community programs (e-bike lending)
• Youth programs (ski/snowboard programs, mountain bike clubs)
• Educational initiatives (cider press, art/music classroom improvements)
• Community organizations serving vulnerable populations

Selection Criteria:

• Community need and impact
• Sustainability and long-term viability
• Diversity and inclusion
• Public support
• Realistic, effective work plan and budget

Contact:

• Phone: 802-626-0737
• Email: info@kingdomtrails.org
• Address: P.O. Box 204, East Burke, VT 05832

Background: Funded by the Kingdom Trails Board of Directors and supported by donations from the community. The program reflects KTA's commitment to community investment and core values of access, inclusion, and outdoor recreation.

Application Process

Submission: Competitive application process (details on specific submission format not provided in available materials)

Review Criteria:

1. Community need and impact
2. Sustainability and long-term viability
3. Diversity and inclusion considerations
4. Public support
5. Realistic, effective work plan
6. Realistic, detailed budget

Required Materials: Application must include work plan and budget (specific detailed requirements not provided in available materials)

Timeline: Application window and deadline dates not specified in available materials

Selection: Applications undergo competitive review by KT Mini-Grant Selection Committee; Board of Directors approves awards