Northern Forest Center grants for youth recreation programs

The Northern Forest Center is offering grants to encourage outdoor activities for youth and community members in the Northern Forest region. Organizations can apply for $1,000 to $5,000 to support various recreation programs. The deadline to apply is March 31. Joe Fox, the Center's outdoor recreation manager, highlighted that outdoor activities in this area are abundant, but financial barriers often prevent local residents from participating. Eligible applicants include municipalities, schools, nonprofit organizations, and tribal groups in several counties across New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. This grant program is funded by outdoor retailer L.L. Bean. Previous grants totaling $60,000 have supported projects like youth mountain biking programs and trail-building to connect communities. Fox noted that many long-time residents are excluded from outdoor activities such as hiking and skiing due to costs and lack of resources. The grants aim to address these issues and provide equal opportunities for all. Last year, the Hilltopper MTB program, which competes in youth cycling races, received funding to help make the program affordable for all families in the Northeast Kingdom. Another grant helped the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Clinton County maintain its youth archery program. The grants will prioritize projects that reduce barriers to outdoor recreation, promote healthy activities, and demonstrate community support. Applications should clearly outline their implementation plans and expected outcomes. The Northern Forest Center plans to award up to 12 grants.