VOREC Community Grant (Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative)

VOREC 2023 Community Grant

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

Application Process

Submission: Competitive application process through VOREC (details on Kingdom Trails application not provided; refer to VOREC program for specific requirements)

Evaluation Criteria: VOREC reviews projects based on:

• Outdoor recreation access and community benefit
• Economic development impact
• Environmental stewardship
• Community partnerships and collaboration
• Inclusivity and equitable access
• Sustainability

Contact for Information: Vermont Forestry and Recreation Department

Note: This is an external funder opportunity. Organizations should contact VOREC directly for current application deadlines and requirements.