DRIVE Outdoor

The DRIVE Outdoor grant program is an initiative developed under the DRIVE 2.0 Statewide Strategic Plan with the intention of strengthening Virginia’s outdoor recreational infrastructure, assets, and related entrepreneurial ventures. Administered as part of the broader vision for tourism and economic expansion in Virginia, the program emphasizes enhancing communities’ capacities to position themselves as outdoor-centric destinations. The initiative aligns with the overarching brand “Virginia is for Outdoor Lovers,” and seeks to further embed outdoor recreation as a core component of local and regional development. The program’s principal objective is to stimulate growth in Virginia’s outdoor economy through job creation, increased private investment, and the cultivation of tourism partnerships that leverage outdoor assets. The grant underscores the recession-resistant nature of the outdoor recreation industry, which generates $862 billion in economic output and supports 4.5 million jobs across the United States, marking it as a vital component of economic sustainability. Funding through the DRIVE Outdoor grant is offered specifically to Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs), who are eligible to receive up to $20,000 in support for outdoor recreation development projects. These projects must aim to enhance local outdoor infrastructure, programming, or related tourism-supporting endeavors. The program encourages initiatives that directly contribute to the community’s ability to attract visitors through unique, place-based outdoor experiences. The DRIVE Outdoor grant is not currently open for applications. The next anticipated funding round, under the DRIVE+ banner, is scheduled to open in March 2026. No other submission deadlines, application requirements, or evaluation criteria were disclosed in the available documentation. Interested applicants are advised to monitor future announcements for updated application guidance and requirements. For further information, inquiries may be directed to any of the designated program contacts. These include Caitlin Castainca Johnson (ccjohnson@virginia.org), Jacob Bower (jbower@virginia.org), and Sarah Austen Holzgrefe (sholzgrefe@virginia.org). No phone contact details were provided for these individuals. Recent recipients of the DRIVE Outdoor grant include 20 communities across Virginia, such as Alleghany Highlands, Norfolk City, and the Richmond Region. These awards underscore the geographical breadth and impact of the program, spanning urban and rural areas alike.