VOREC Community Grant (Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative)

VOREC 2023 Community Grant

Status: Grant awarded to Kingdom Trails in 2023; external funder opportunity

Funder: Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative (VOREC), established by Governor Phil Scott's executive order in June 2017

Geographic Scope: Vermont-wide program

Focus Areas:

Outdoor recreation access and programming

Inclusive and equitable recreation opportunities

Community development

Environmental stewardship

Youth engagement

Programs serving communities facing barriers to entry

Award Details:

Amount: $74,927 (Kingdom Trails 2023 award)

Year: 2023 award announced May 31, 2024

Program Context: KT was one of 51 new recipients in 2023; total grants distributed: $6.3 million

KT Project Funded: Inclusive mountain bike programming in partnership with:

Kingdom East School District (KESD)

Unlikely Riders (nonprofit serving BIPOC Vermonters)

POWERED Magazine (outdoor recreation clinics)

Funded Activities:

Fall after-school and summer camp youth bike club programs through KESD

6 mountain bike clinics for POWERED participants

Mountain bike weekend at KT for Unlikely Riders

Target Population: Youth and adults from communities facing barriers to mountain biking entry, including BIPOC communities and other underrepresented groups

Program Focus: Creating safe, inclusive affinity spaces; breaking barriers to outdoor recreation participation; promoting physical, mental, and social well-being

Thematic Components:

Ride With Gratitude campaign with Bike Borderlands

Environmental education on protection and stewardship

Community building and authentic outdoor experiences

Contact:

Vermont Forestry and Recreation Department: https://fpr.vermont.gov/press-release/63-million-vorec-grants-boost-outdoor-recreation-across-vermont

Kingdom Trails: 802-626-0737, info@kingdomtrails.org