The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) has announced two new grant programs aimed at helping rural communities develop outdoor recreation projects that support local economies, improve community health, expand outdoor access and enhance quality of life.
The grant opportunities, announced June 17, are supported by the Richard King Mellon Foundation, LOR Foundation and The VF Foundation. The funding is intended to help communities move from planning stages to implementation by investing in recreation assets, programs and partnerships.
One program will provide implementation grants to communities that have participated in the Recreation Economy for Rural Communities (RERC) planning process. ORR said eligible communities from previous and current RERC cohorts can apply for funding to advance locally developed outdoor recreation strategies.
Under the RERC grant program, selected communities may receive up to $15,000 in grant funding along with up to $1,000 in in-kind assistance. The support may include technical assistance, marketing and branding services, strategic planning and outdoor recreation infrastructure expertise tailored to local needs.
According to a press release, Jessica Wahl Turner, president of ORR, said the grants are intended to help communities convert plans into tangible projects.
“Outdoor recreation is one of the most powerful tools rural communities have to improve quality of life, strengthen local economies, and support healthier, more connected residents,” Turner said. “These new grant programs will help communities move from planning to action.”
Federal officials involved in the RERC initiative said the funding will help communities implement projects designed to strengthen local economies and community well-being.
Michael Boren, USDA under secretary for Natural Resources and the Environment, said the grants will help bridge the gap between planning and execution in Forest Service gateway communities. Appalachian Regional Commission Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin and Northern Border Regional Commission Federal Co-Chair Chris Saunders also said the funding will support locally developed economic and recreation initiatives.
ORR also launched the Mountain West Rural Outdoor Health and Recreation Grants program, which targets rural communities in Mountain West states. The initiative will support projects that address community health, quality of life and access to outdoor recreation.
Applications for both grant opportunities opened June 16 and will remain open through July 10. ORR said selected communities will be announced in late July.