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.

Town of Wise, VA | $15,000

The Bear Creek Reservoir, located in the Town of Wise is a popular public area for outdoor recreation. The Reservoir includes picnic shelters, a boat launch, and walking and biking trails for the community to enjoy. The Town of Wise is currently working to expand the trails at Bear Creek and continue promoting an active lifestyle through outdoor recreation opportunities. The Cumberland Forest Community Fund will support the repairs and updates to the existing restroom facilities.

Town of Lebanon, VA | $15,000

The Town of Lebanon received funding to upgrade the surface of one of the frequently visited playgrounds located within the town. This project will significantly contribute to the town’s efforts to provide more attractions and public gathering spaces to the community as well as visitors. Providing upgrades to the local parks will provide more outdoor recreation opportunities and further expand the economic impact of the town’s recent Downtown Revitalization project.

Town of Pennington Gap, VA | $12,000

The outdoor classroom in Pennington Gap is located on the Pennington Gap Greenway along the Powell River near Pennington Middle School and is an excellent resource for outdoor education. The outdoor classroom currently consists of a concrete tiered seating area with a flat concrete space for teaching and was constructed with funds from the first round of the Cumberland Forest Community Fund and the Town of Pennington Gap. With the additional funding, the classroom will be expanded to include educational signage, accessibility adjustments, native plants and pollinator gardens, educational stations for weather and wildlife, and compost bins.

Breaks Interstate Park | $30,000

Since 2015, the Breaks Interstate Park has developed over 300 high quality climbing routes for rock climbers of different skill levels. The Breaks Interstate Park was an award recipient of the first round of the Cumberland Forest Community Fund, and additional funding will support the improvement of existing trails and construct new trails to foster additional climbing access. Through their partnership with the Central Appalachian Climber’s Coalition, new routes will be established to provide a greater selection for rock climbing in the park. In addition to the climbing expansion, the Breaks Interstate Park will create a Climbing Master Plan which will guide future development of the park's rock-climbing resources.

SWVA Sportsmen | $15,000

SWVA Sportsmen is working to create additional wildlife viewing opportunities in Southwest Virginia to increase tourism and attract visitors to the area. Over the past several years, this project has created its own industry in the region and the number of wildlife tours is steadily increasing. SWVA Sportsmen received funding from the first round of Cumberland Forest Community Fund, and with additional funding will allow them to expand their habitat restoration efforts and provide additional wildlife food plots for elk in Buchanan County.

Town of St. Paul | $2,500

The Wetlands Estonoa Learning Center consists of indoor and outdoor learning venues and a half-mile walking loop trail around the certified wetlands. The Center facilitates a zero-cost environmental educational program for students of all ages to engage in experiential learning. The Cumberland Forest Community Fund supported the first phase of the span bridge that overlooks the wetlands and connects the half-mile trail. The allocated funds will allow the project to complete the construction and provide greater access to the wetlands.

VIEW OUR 2021 AWARDEES

Sponsors

SPONSORS

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UVA WISE

THE NATURE

CONSERVANCY

Forest Trees

ANNE & GENE WORRELL FOUNDATION

Media

IN THE NEWS

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