Project Outside Grant

The Project Outside Grant, administered by the Roanoke Outside Foundation, supports outdoor infrastructure, asset maintenance, and business development in Virginia's Roanoke Region. Established in 2020, Project Outside emerged as a community-focused initiative to channel funds from individual donors, corporate contributions, and proceeds from the annual GO Outside Festival into the stewardship and expansion of outdoor recreational resources. The grant’s mission aligns with the foundation's broader goal of ensuring sustainable outdoor assets for both residents and visitors. This grant program offers financial support across three distinct categories: maintenance of existing outdoor assets, development of new infrastructure, and organizational support for businesses or nonprofits in the outdoor sector. A total of $25,000 is available in the current cycle, divided into $15,000 for maintenance, $6,250 for infrastructure, and $3,750 for organizational support. Applicants may seek grants ranging from $500 up to the maximum available in their respective category. The grant functions as a reimbursement mechanism, though alternate arrangements may be discussed with the Foundation if upfront funding is required. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, schools, education centers, local governments, land managers, and for-profit outdoor businesses based in specific Virginia localities: Alleghany, Botetourt, Franklin, and Roanoke counties, the cities of Covington, Roanoke, and Salem, and the Town of Vinton. Project proposals must focus on designated outdoor assets such as the Appalachian Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway, Roanoke Greenways, and similar sites identified by the Advisory Council. Organizational support applications must be directly tied to outdoor recreation activities like hiking, biking, paddling, and fishing. Priority is given to projects capable of completion by the end of 2026, with bonus consideration for infrastructure projects that have secured matching funds, although match funding is not required. Ineligible expenses include food, marketing materials, giveaways, debt repayment, and activities located outside the eligible region. Applicants not owning the land they intend to improve must include a letter of support from the relevant landowner or manager. Applications for the current round are due by January 18, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST. The Advisory Council will review and score proposals by February 4, 2026, and make recommendations to the Foundation’s Board of Directors by February 19, 2026. Awards will be announced by March 15, 2026. Recipients must submit reports every six months, including a project impact statement, a financial summary, and photo or video documentation. Questions may be directed to Pete Eshelman at [email protected] or 540-343-1550 (x104). Overall, the Project Outside Grant provides a valuable funding opportunity for stakeholders aiming to maintain, enhance, or expand the outdoor experience in the Roanoke Region. Its flexible framework, community-driven priorities, and emphasis on sustainable outdoor engagement make it a critical tool for regional development and ecological stewardship.

Priority given to infrastructure proposals with secured matching funds.