CAPITAL TRAIL OUTDOOR EQUITY FUND AWARDS $21,360

Established in 2021, the Capital Trail Outdoor Equity Fund has now awarded over $70,000 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 twelve 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 4 G R A N T R E C I P I E N T S

AUTISM SOCIETY OF CENTRAL VIRGINIA

Project: Providing Access to Outdoor Recreational Opportunities for Autistic Adults

Description: The ASCV has been proud to serve as one of the region’s premier sources of education, advocacy, services, and support for individuals with autism, their families and friends, and professionals. The funding will support their partnership with Beyond Boundaries to provide hiking, fishing, boating, and rafting adventures along the Virginia Capital Trail for adults with autism.

BEYOND BOUNDARIES

Project: Adventure is for Everyone!

Description: Beyond Boundaries provides outdoor adventure and environmental education opportunities to individuals with disabilities, at-risk youth, substance recovery programs, and veterans. They will utilize the funding to partner with local organizations to provide individuals with disabilities adventure opportunities on the Virginia Capital Trail (biking, hiking, boating, and fishing).

BLACK GIRLS RUN! fOUNDATION

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

Description: Funding will support a 10-week training program that teaches African American women in Richmond ages 21 and up how to successfully complete a 5K. The participants will be outfitted in appropriate gear and paired with a personalized coach. The program will consist of masterclasses taught by a coach, dietitian, and physical therapist, and will culminate with participants running a 5K on the Virginia Capital Trail.

BLUE SKY FUND

Project: Outdoor Adventure Clubs

Description: Blue Sky Fund’s Outdoor Adventure Clubs introduce outdoor activities and provide equitable access to students in middle school and after-school programs who would otherwise be unable to participate. The grant funds will help cover program instructor compensation, transportation costs, and replacement bike parts in order to enhance the bike programming.

the foundation for art and health

Project: Capital Path to Wellness:

Description: This initiative seeks to address health disparities and promote well-being by providing accessible and inclusive opportunities for physical activity, community engagement, and cultural enrichment to BIPOC communities in Richmond and Williamsburg.

gIRLS IN GEAR

Project: Fall 2023 Season in Williamsburg and Richmond

Description: Girls in Gear help girls build confidence on and off their bikes. Their eight-week program curriculums are designed for girls ages 5-7, 8-10, 11-13, and 14+. Each meetup focuses on a particular theme, such as comfort zones or healthy communication, which is then threaded through conversation and biking experiences. Funding will support programming in Williamsburg and Richmond.

gIRLS who hike virginia

Project: Virginia Capital Trail Community Outreach Day

Description: GWHVA started as a Facebook group in 2020 and now has over 20,000 members and recently became a 501 (c)(3) non-profit. Funding will support their first ever state-wide Community Outreach Day. Ambassadors will lead a variety of hikes on the Capital Trail that are accessible and geared toward first-time and/or newer hikers and will also lead informal, educational discussions on hiking.

RICHMOND CYCLING CORPS

Project: The Kickstand

Description: The Kickstand is a bicycle rental shop that is uniquely located near the James River Park System and is directly on the Virginia Capital Trail. The funding will support RCC’s efforts to provide workforce development opportunities for youth in Richmond's public housing neighborhoods including employment with on-the-job training, experience working with customers, and learning about business operations.

RICHMOND URBAN COLLECTIVE

Project: Trail Tales

Description: Funding will support promoting fitness and celebrating the rich history of Virginia's Capital Trail among BIPOC communities within Richmond and Williamsburg. This initiative seeks to create a fun and engaging experience for 50 families.

sportable

Project: Adaptive Cycling for Adults and Youth with Physical Disabilities

Description: Sportable creates opportunities by making sports accessible and inclusive for individuals with physical disabilities and visual impairments. Cycling is the most requested sport and funding will be used to purchase another recumbent bicycle.

Virginia DOWN SYNDROME ASSOCIATION

Project: Williamsburg Picnic and Pool Party at Chickahominy Riverfront Park and Williamsburg Family Pontoon Boat ride with Jamestown Discovery Tours

Description: Offering individual and family support, education, community awareness, and advocacy, the DSAGR improves the quality of life for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Grant funding will support two new programs: a family picnic and pool party at Chickahominy Riverfront Park and a family nature walk on the Virginia Capital Trail near the James City County Marina followed by a Pontoon Boat ride with Jamestown Discovery Tours.