The Outdoors Get a $30K Upgrade Thanks to Roanoke Outside Initiative Roanoke, VA (Feb. 20, 2025) - The Roanoke Region’s outdoor scene just got another big boost. Project Outside is injecting $30,000 into eight regional projects that will enhance parks and trails, improve search and rescue efforts, update essential trail maps, and expand outdoor programs for veterans and underserved youth. Thanks to generous donations from the community and proceeds from the GO Outside Festival, these grants build upon the $175,000 raised and 33 projects completed since 2020. This year, demand for funding was higher than ever, with applications exceeding $90,000 in requests. “The outdoors are integral to the region’s narrative and economic development strategy,” said Pete Eshelman, director of the Roanoke Outside Foundation. “The goal of Project Outside is to invest in our community’s competitive advantage—the outdoors. These grants will fund projects that will make an immediate impact by the end of 2025.” Investing in Trails, Parks, and Outdoor Access Since its launch in 2020, Project Outside has been a game-changer for the Roanoke Region, fueling the maintenance and development of outdoor assets while supporting businesses and organizations that enhance outdoor recreation. The Roanoke Outside Foundation administers the grant program, funding projects in three key areas: infrastructure maintenance, new outdoor development, and organizational support. “The Alleghany Highlands Trail Alliance (AHTA) is proud to partner with the Roanoke Outside Foundation through Project Outside, whose support has been instrumental in preserving and enhancing our region’s trail systems,” said Mike Scales of AHTA and 2025 grant recipient. “Their commitment to outdoor recreation aligns with our mission to create sustainable, accessible trails that benefit both the local community and visiting outdoor enthusiasts.” From Search and Rescue to Youth Adventures Grant recipients were carefully selected by the Roanoke Outside Foundation Advisory Council, which uses a blind scorecard to ensure funds are allocated to projects with the greatest need and fastest impact. Among this year’s recipients is the Upper Craig Creek Volunteer Fire Department, which will use the funds to purchase a Stokes basket wheel—a vital piece of rescue equipment used in rugged terrain. “We are deeply grateful for the Roanoke Outside Foundation’s support and dedication to fostering safety and outdoor stewardship in this region,” said Ronnie Allen, president of the Upper Craig Creek Volunteer Fire Department. “The Department serves a rural frontier area with many miles of AT and National Forest trails, and this wheel will enable the department to address emergency needs with less manpower and less likelihood of injury to patients or volunteers.” The Humble Hustle Company, a local nonprofit that seeks to create intentional experiences that expose, empower, and educate youth, is celebrating 10 years of dedicated work in Roanoke. "Our premier program, Humble Hikes, focuses on exposing more youth of color to the opportunities of outdoor recreation, which is a huge asset here in Roanoke,” Humble Hustle Company Founder and executive director, Xavier Ducket, commented. “Seeing Project Outside use their platform to support a Northwest-based nonprofit and seeing the work we do is truly appreciated.” 2025 Project Outside Grant Recipients • Botetourt County Parks and Recreation ($9,032) – Repairs to Last Lock Park on the James River, including signage, fences, and pavilion. • Franklin County Parks and Recreation ($2,468) – Trail restoration at Smith Mountain Lake Community Park to repair high-use areas. • Alleghany Highlands YMCA ($1,325) – Scholarships for summer Adventure Camp, opening doors for local youth. • Alleghany Highlands Trail Alliance ($3,900) – Restoration of 4.5 miles of the Peters Ridge Trail in the National Forest, improving access for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. • City of Roanoke Parks and Recreation ($5,600) – New Mill Mountain Trail Maps for better navigation on one of the region’s most popular hiking destinations. • Beyond Boundaries ($2,750) – Adaptive outdoor equipment and staff training to make outdoor adventures more inclusive for veterans, people with disabilities, and people from under-resourced communities. • The Humble Hustle Company ($3,650) – Expanding Humble Hikes, a program introducing Black youth to outdoor recreation in the Roanoke Valley. • Upper Craig Creek Volunteer Fire Department ($1,275) – Purchase of a Stokes basket wheel for Appalachian Trail and National Forest search and rescue missions. This is our opportunity to invest in what makes the Roanoke Region special—our world-class outdoor assets. Contributions for future Project Outside grants can be made at www.roanokeoutside.com/project-outside/. * * * ABOUT ROANOKE OUTSIDE FOUNDATION Roanoke Outside builds community through the outdoors. The Roanoke Regional Partnership created Roanoke Outside to create economic growth by leveraging natural assets to attract investment and talent. Through business attraction, signature outdoor events, strategic partnerships, social offerings, and infrastructure investment, Roanoke Outside seeks to establish the Roanoke Region as a place where businesses want to locate and where people want to live. Roanoke Outside manages roanokeoutside.com and a portfolio of brand-building events that include Blue Ridge Marathon, GO Outside Festival (GO Fest), Down by Downtown, and Go Cross Cyclocross Race. Roanoke Outside established the Project Outside grant program in 2020. The Roanoke Outside Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization and is part of the Roanoke Regional Partnership family, which also includes Get2KnowNoke.

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