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Recreation Grants

The role of the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation Outdoor Recreation Grant Administration Staff is to practice and promote high quality stewardship of Vermont's environment by providing and promoting outdoor recreational funding opportunities, building partnerships and providing leadership to address Vermont's recreational resource needs. Grant coordination occurs between federal, state, and municipal entities, and local organizations to ensure strong resource support for public recreation and park development throughout Vermont.

    Grant Programs: The VOREC Community Grant Program will begin accepting applications October 9, 2023.

      Land & Water Conservation Fund: This fund supports the development of public outdoor recreation opportunities across Vermont, with a focus on creating parks and open spaces, enhancing recreation areas and facilities, and protecting wilderness areas and forests.

      • Eligible applicants: Municipal entities and state agencies only (e.g. towns, cities, school districts, water districts, park districts, etc.)
      • Grant amounts: TBD – 50% match required

      Recreational Trails Program: This grant program provides funding to Vermont communities for the development and restoration of public recreational trails.

      • Eligible applicants: Municipalities, non-profit organizations, and other governmental entities
      • Grant amounts: $30,000 maximum with no minimum – 20% match required

      Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative (VOREC) Community Grant Program: This grant program is intended to fund community projects that leverage outdoor recreation, which VOREC defines as leisure, sport and therapeutic recreation activities pursued outdoors, mainly in a natural setting. 

      • Eligible applicants: Municipalities and non-profit organizations
      • Grant amounts: Grant amounts: Depends on grant track – No match required

      Enhancement of Recreation Stewardship and Access (ERSA) Trail Grants: ERSA Trail Grants are intended to fund projects that are enhancing the stewardship and accessibility of trails across Vermont.

      • Eligible applicants: Municipalities and non-profit organizations
      • Grant amounts: $25,000 with no maximum – No match required 

      General Documents

      Recommended Trail Standards

      Attachment C: State Provisions for Contracts and Grants

      Risk Assessment Questionnaire

      Act 154 Certificate of Good Standing


      Grant Administration Contact

      If you have questions about the outdoor recreation grants, please email us at ANR.FPRRecreationGrants@vermont.gov