The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) is investing in rural outdoor recreation economies through its third round of rural implementation grant opportunities.
Four communities will receive $10,000 grants along with ORR technical assistance. The association will award grants to rural communities with compelling recreation economy implementation proposals.
In 2023, the grants supported projects in California, Colorado, Georgia, Montana and Vermont. Assistance included:
- Community bike shop renovations
- Bilingual outdoor recreation marketing hub and campaign
- A statue honoring the Cherokee people’s significance positioned at the beginning of a trailhead
- A trail restoration from flood damage
ORR President Jessica Wahl Turner said, “These grants will provide vital resources and support to help communities expand access to outdoor recreation as a driver of economic development while also improving the health and well-being of residents and visitors alike.”
The third round of grants is open to a wider audience than previous rounds. Eligible applicants include participants from the Recreation Economy for Rural Communities (RERC) Program who have not received ORR funding. Nearly 300 applicants were in the program.
The grant is funded by the Richard King Mellon Foundation
To apply for the grant, click here.
