To increase youth participation in outdoor recreation, the Northern Forest Center is offering grants of $1,000 – $3,000 to volunteer-led organizations in Northern Forest Communities.

Proposals are due May 1 by 5 pm.

“Sometimes a small investment can help increase access to high-quality outdoor recreation areas and programs by lowering costs, providing necessary equipment, and supporting the work of the many volunteer groups that support these assets and programs,” said Joe Fox, outdoor recreation manager for the Center. “By doing so, we hope that many more young people can experience the myriad benefits of getting physical activity and connecting socially in the great outdoors.”

Communities across the region are still responding to the pandemic-inspired increase in outdoor recreation. This grant program is intended to help volunteer-led organizations with that new demand, particularly for local youth, by reducing barriers to participation.

LL Bean provided funding for the mini-grants program. Grants may be used for projects such as buying tools for trail maintenance, offsetting tuition for volunteer-led summer outdoor programs for youth, providing transportation to recreation locations, and more.

“We know there are a lot of amazing volunteer-led outdoor recreation groups working across the Northern Forest and hope these mini grants can help them enrich the lives of people in their communities,” said Fox.

Map of Northern Forest region showing counties eligible for recreation grant program.
To be eligible, projects must be located in one of the shaded counties.

Criteria and Guidelines

Volunteer-led non-profits and municipal groups such as town conservation committees in designated counties area are eligible for funding (see map for eligible counties). Generally, organizations with paid staff are ineligible for funding through this program. For questions about eligibility, email Outdoor Recreation Manager Joe Fox.

Ideal projects will reduce physical, financial, or social barriers to youth participation in outdoor recreation. Preference will be given to projects that will benefit significantly from the scale of funding available and meet the following criteria:

  • Alignment with program goals 
  • Visible or quantifiable outcomes within six months of award 
  • Clear implementation plan 
  • Demonstrated community support 

The Center anticipates making up to 15 awards. To apply, complete this online form.

Proposals must be received by 5 pm on May 1. Center staff will review proposals and may reach out for additional information. Decisions will be announced in early June.

Click to download a PDF of the grant guidelines and questions.