Cumberland Forest Community Fund | The Oxbow Center

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CUMBERLAND FOREST

COMMUNITY FUND

GRANT OPPORTUNITY

The University of Virginia's College of Wise and The Nature Conservancy are committed to investing resources and partnering with local communities to ensure sustainable, nature-based economic growth.

The Cumberland Forest Community Fund is open to nature-based economic and community development projects that make tangible contributions toward local economies, community capacity and environmental quality.

QUICK LINKS

THE 2024 APPLICATION PERIOD IS NOW CLOSED

Cumberland Forest Community Fund

Cumberland Forest Community Fund

Guidelines

We're looking for proposals that contribute to:

Local Economic Development

Renewable energy projects
Outdoor recreation, sustainable forestry or agricultural businesses or projects

Increased Community Capacity

Walking or greenway paths
Natural or cultural assets in local communities
Strategic planning processes

Enhanced Environmental Quality

Land or water restoration
Installation of rain gardens
Agritourism projects

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Full Guidelines

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Open to community groups, non-profit organizations and municipalities.

Project must be based in one or more of the following counties: Wise, Russell, Tazewell, Dickenson, Buchanan, Lee, or Scott.

Applicants must provide a valid federal ID number.

Project idea may be an original business concept or extension of a current business activity, product, service, community capacity building program or social venture.

Awardees

2023 AWARDEES

Friends of Southwest Virginia | $19,000

The Tyler Flanary pump track and skate park will provide an opportunity to connect enthusiasts to the world-class mountain biking resources of the region, as well as produce events in the Town of Big Stone Gap. A pump track includes a circuit of rollers, banked turns and features designed for mountain bikes that will cater to locals and visitors. The track will provide an opportunity for mountain bikers of all ages to develop skills, get outside and create community. The pump track will be open daylight to dark and will feature competitions, public events and fun for a wide range of skill levels.

Appalachian Voices | $15,000

The Solar Workgroup of Southwest Virginia is working to build a locally rooted solar industry in service to the regional and collaborative efforts around economic diversification. The group came together in 2016 with a shared goal of promoting solar energy as a way to build on our region’s strong history as an energy producer. Their Solar Finance Fund is a regional resource to catalyze commercial and institutional scale solar projects in coal impacted counties in Central Appalachia. The allocated funds will support solar deployment and rooftop installation for one high impact community anchor institution in the region.

Town of Cleveland | $5,000

Through local partnerships, The Nurturing Nature: A Beautification Project, seeks to promote sustainable development and conservation of the environment. The Riverbend Campground tree-planting initiative aims to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the campground and public park access. The project will consist of planting a variety of native trees and shrubs to create a colorful and vibrant landscape that will provide ample shade, economic benefit to the community, and enhance community engagement and participation.

Clinch River Valley Initiative | $11,500

CRVI’s marketing initiative will support the promotion of outdoor recreation assets along the Clinch River and help expand community capacity building around tourism. Engaging citizens as good stewards of their lands and waters will enhance community pride, while at the same time help to conserve our natural resources. CRVI’s efforts continue to strengthen regional collaboration and communication within the Clinch River Valley, while also promoting the assets and outdoor recreational opportunities to individuals outside of the region.