Deadline: 21-Jan-22
The Roanoke Outside Foundation is seeking applications for its Project Outside Grant Program to support outdoor capital improvement projects, maintain key outdoor assets, and help launch and support businesses in the outdoor sector.
Project Outside is a partnership between the Roanoke Outside Foundation and local land managers of identified regional outdoor assets.
The intent of this grant is to serve as a flexible, adaptable tool to be used to fill maintenance funding gaps in projects or initiatives and pool resources to tackle new outdoor infrastructure projects, or assist businesses or organizations in the outdoor sector. Project Outside is designed to help ensure that outdoor assets remain in top condition for residents and visitors.
Grant Categories
- Maintenance of existing identified key regional outdoor assets ($30,000 in available funding):
- Examples include tools/materials for repair, routine maintenance, repair damaged trail/greenway, fix river access points, replace damaged signage, parking lot repair, etc.
- New infrastructure projects ($12,500 in available funding):
- Examples include new trails, in-river kayak park, new river access points, signage, outdoor art, etc.
- Support of for-profit businesses or non-profit organizations operating in the outdoor sector ($7500 in available funding):
- Examples include new startup businesses, existing businesses expansion, programs to improve equitable access to the outdoors, etc.
Funding Information
- The first round of Project Outside raised $100,000 and funded 14 different projects in 2021. The second round of grant funding is now open with $50,000 to allocate.
- Total amount to be awarded in Spring 2022 will be $50,000. It is their goal to continue raising funds for Project Outside and have additional grants in the future.
- The breakdown is as follows: $30,000 allocated for maintenance of existing assets applicants, $12,500 allocated for new infrastructure applicants, and $7,500 allocated for support of new or existing outdoor organizations/businesses/programs.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be located within one of the following localities: Alleghany, Botetourt, Franklin, and Roanoke counties, cities of Covington, Roanoke, and Salem, or the town of Vinton.
- Nonprofits having an active 501(c)3 status with the IRS.
- Schools and non-profit education centers.
- County, city, or town governments located in the identified area.
- Land managers/owners of identified key regional outdoor assets.
- For-profit businesses operating in the outdoor sector and located in approved area.
- Individuals who see a need may partner with a non-profit or agency to apply. If you need a partner, let them know and they will connect you. You are required to provide a letter of support from the land manager/owner.
For more information, visit https://www.roanokeoutside.com/project-outside/grant-application/