CAPITAL TRAIL OUTDOOR EQUITY FUND AWARDS $21,000

Established in 2021, the Capital Trail Outdoor Equity Fund has now awarded over $116,000 for recreational programs that build equitable outdoor access utilizing the Virginia Capital Trail, a 52-mile recreational resource connecting communities from Richmond to Williamsburg.

“We were impressed with the diversity of the projects being requested and are thrilled to be able to support 13 organizations this year,” shares Cat Anthony, executive director of the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation. “I am grateful to Bon Secours, Dominion Energy, our board of directors, and our Trail supporters for helping provide quality outdoor experiences for our underserved communities.”

2 0 2 6 G R A N T R E C I P I E N T S

BEYOND BOUNDARIES

Project: Inclusive Biking for Individuals with Cognitive and Developmental Disabilities

Description: Six-week adaptive bike program helping participants progress from balance bikes to pedal bikes, fostering independence and mobility, in partnership with Autism Society of Central VA.

Mission: To offer individuals of all ability levels, no matter physical, cognitive, or economic situation, the opportunity to experience outdoor activities with the surrounding community.

BIKE WALK WILLIAMSBURG

Project: Bike Rodeos

Description: Two annual bike safety events with mini traffic courses, skill-building stations, and take-home resources, hosted at locations with direct access to the Virginia Capital Trail.

Mission: To foster a bicycling and walking-friendly Greater Williamsburg through education, communication, advocacy, and encouragement, Bike Walk Williamsburg helps build a community where everyone can walk, run, and ride safely.

BLACK GIRLS RUN! fOUNDATION

Project: Black Girls RUN! University (BGR! U)

Description: 10-week training program for African American women to complete a 5K, including run coaching, nutrition, and injury prevention classes, ending with a run on the Virginia Capital Trail.

Mission: Black Girls RUN! wants to encourage African-American women to make fitness and healthy living a priority. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 80% of African-American women are overweight. BGR! wants to create a movement to lower that percentage and subsequently, lower the number of women with chronic diseases associated with an unhealthy diet and sedentary lifestyle.

blue sky fund

Project: Outdoor Adventure Clubs

Description: After-school and seasonal outdoor programs for secondary students, including bike outings and trail-based capstone experiences on the VCT to build confidence and outdoor skills.

Mission: To provide transformational experiences for Richmond area youth through outdoor education.

Boys & Girls Club of Metro Richmond

Project: Expanding Outdoor Access

Description: Outdoor education and activity program for youth 11–18, addressing barriers like transportation and neighborhood safety, including environmental learning, walking/biking workshops, wellness sessions, and service projects while introducing the Virginia Capital Trail.

Mission: To empower young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to succeed in life.

charles city county schools

Project: Community Cycle Initiative

Description: Free indoor cycling program at Simply Cycle for BIPOC residents, tracking participation and encouraging virtual completion of the full distance of the Virginia Capital Trail.

Mission: To provide educational excellence to all students by offering diverse learning experiences, multiple career pathways, and real-world exposure to develop well-rounded citizens.

the foundation for art and health

Project: Capital Path to Wellness

Description: Year-long program combining guided VCT walks with art-making and wellness dialogue to support mental and physical health among marginalized residents.

Mission: To use creative arts to improve health and well-being.

gIRLS IN GEAR

Project: Girls in Gear Richmond

Description: Eight-week cycling program providing scholarships, bikes, and helmets to girls, teaching life skills, confidence, and trail riding through an evidence-based curriculum.

Mission: To help girls become the biggest, boldest, and bikiest versions of themselves, one mile at a time.

Greater Richmond Fit4Kids

Project: Game On, Girl! Summer Summit

Description: Program empowering adolescent girls through sports, nutrition, and wellness education, culminating in a 4-day summer outdoor adventure on the Virginia Capital Trail to encourage confidence, leadership, and lifelong wellness habits.

Mission: Improve children's health and wellness through physical activity and healthy eating.

GROUNDWORK RVA

Project: Bellemeade Community Bike Shop

Description: Youth-focused bike shop providing repair services, programs, and city-wide riding opportunities, now including Virginia Capital Trail rides and an overnight trip to Chickahominy Park.

Mission: Cultivate the next generation of urban conservationists in Richmond, Virginia.

L.O.C.A.L. ADVENTURES

Project: Capital Trail Adventure Camp

Description: Equity-focused 4-day summer camp for underserved youth, featuring biking, hiking, yoga, and environmental education along the Virginia Capital Trail and James River corridor.

Mission: To provide youth with immersive, nature-based experiences that nurture resilience, creativity, and emotional well-being.

RISING UP NOW

Project: Familias en el Camino: Connecting Hispanic Families to the Virginia Capital Trail

Description: Monthly bilingual walking and biking events on the Virginia Capital Trail for Hispanic families, including guided trail experiences, family-friendly activities, and culturally relevant outreach to encourage ongoing trail use.

Mission: To "inspire, motivate, nurture, and enrich the lives of families and communities one family at a time!"

Richmond Urban Collective

Project: Capital Trail Equity Wellness Series: Quarterly Health & Fitness Fairs for Underserved Communities

Description: Quarterly wellness fairs integrating guided trail activities for BIPOC, disabled, and low-income residents, improving access to safe outdoor recreation along the Virginia Capital Trail.

Mission: To create an engaging environment that enhances the learning experience, maximizes academic performance, and molds youth into global citizens set on a clear path to graduation, matriculation, and vocation.