$20,000 awarded to local groups to improve outdoor access

Established earlier this year, the grant is the first of its kind for the VCTF, and will help remove barriers to outdoor access on the Virginia Capital Trail.  Funds will support local non-profit programs targeting underserved communities; among the funded projects are running, hiking, biking, and fishing programs as well as day adventures along the 52-mile Capital Trail.

Local organizations selected to receive funding include the Autism Society of Central Virginia, Black Girls RUN!, Blue Sky Fund, Charles City County Parks and Recreation, Down Syndrome Association of Greater Richmond, Richmond Cycling Corps, Sportable, and Urban Cycling Group. The eight grantees were recognized at a celebration Aug. 24 at the Varina Library.

“We are honored to work alongside other local nonprofit organizations to provide quality programs resulting in more equitable access to safe, protected bike-and-pedestrian infrastructure, outdoor recreation, and active living,” said VCTF Executive Director Cat Anthony. “I am extremely grateful to Dominion Energy, the Virginia Outdoors Foundation, and our donors for funding this opportunity.”