Cumberland Forest Community Fund Announces Fourth Round of Funding in Southwest Virginia

Kelly Moody

The 2025 Cumberland Forest Community Fund is now open for applications, providing an opportunity for organized community groups, non-profits and local governments to secure financial support for projects that positively impact their communities. Applications are welcome from projects located in seven counties in Southwest Virginia—Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell and Wise—as well as the City of Norton.

The initiative is a partnership between the University of Virginia’s College at Wise (UVA Wise), The Nature Conservancy (TNC), the Cumberland Forest Limited Partnership and the Anne & Gene Worrell Foundation. UVA Wise serves as the program administrator, while funding and additional support for the program is provided by the other partners.

Thanks to a generous, three-year, $375,000 funding commitment from the Anne & Gene Worrell Foundation in 2024, the fund continues to empower local initiatives that foster community development and environmental stewardship.

“This strong partnership speaks to the essence of our mission to cultivate resilient communities and ecosystems in the places the Worrells called home. Supporting the Cumberland Forest Community Fund exemplifies our sustained commitment to the people and places of far Southwest Virginia,” said Holly Hatcher, President and CEO of the Anne & Gene Worrell Foundation. “We look forward to meeting the next round of recipients working to provide environmental, educational, economic and health benefits to their communities. Their critical work will improve lives for generations to come, and it is our privilege to be a part of it.”

The fund adopts a “triple bottom line” approach, concentrating on local economic diversification, building community capacity and enhancing environmental quality. Successful project proposals are encouraged to leverage existing community resources and regional strategies to create impactful outcomes. Previously funded projects included the development of new river access points, outdoor environmental education programs, trail enhancements, wildlife viewing opportunities and more.

The Town of Lebanon used grant funds to help construct a covered public pavilion next to the recently renovated Russell Theater.

“When completed, the pavilion will be utilized as part of the plan to make the theatre ‘the hub’ of downtown and its revitalization efforts,” said Shane Farmer, Director of Parks and Recreation for the Town of Lebanon. “We are so thankful for the Cumberland Forest Community Fund, because it allows us to stretch our construction budget for this great new venue in downtown Lebanon.” 

Other potential project ideas include but are not limited to:

  • Downtown revitalization initiatives
  • Recreational trails and greenways
  • Development and promotion of natural or cultural assets in local communities
  • Renewable energy projects
  • Outdoor recreation, sustainable forestry and agricultural initiatives
  • Land and water restoration projects

Since its inception in 2022, the Community Fund has successfully distributed over $300,000 to 28 impactful projects, demonstrating a collaborative dedication to regional growth. “The fund enables local organizations to bring their visions to life, promoting sustainable development and enhancing the quality of life for residents across our region,” said Randall Rose, Associative Vice Chancellor of Community and Economic Development at UVA Wise.

The fund was established as part of The Nature Conservancy’s 253,000-acre Cumberland Forest Project across Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee. 

“We have designed the Cumberland Forest Community Fund to be highly accessible by offering technical assistance opportunities through our partnership with UVA Wise and by not requiring a match,” said Nick Proctor, Community Outreach Manager for TNC. “We are excited to be a small part of our region’s success.”

Applications for the next round of grants will be accepted through March 26, 2025. For more information on the Cumberland Forest Community Fund, including program guidelines and application, please visit www.oxbowcenter.com/communityfund.