MONTPELIER – Vermont Parks Forever (VPF), the foundation for Vermont State Parks, recently announced the 2026 Park Access Fund grantees. Since 2016, VPF’s Park Access Fund has granted thousands of free days in Vermont’s state parks to community partners helping to create a more equitable outdoor experience throughout the state.
The Park Access Fund grantees work with a wide range of Vermonters who otherwise might not experience all that Vermont State Parks have to offer, including foster families, youth programs, those with developmental disabilities, BIPOC communities, new Americans, mental health clients and those with limited mobility, among others.
“The time people spend in nature because of these programs can be truly transformative,” wrote VPF in its announcement.
One participant from last year said of their time in the parks, “These past few weeks of learning to paddle with my new diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease have most definitely been a highlight of my summer, and it gives me hope that I will be able to continue enjoying the outdoors and nature, even as my condition progresses. Thank you.”
The 2026 Park Access Fund grantees serve Vermonters in all 14 counties and have collectively received more than 12,000 day passes to distribute to their constituents.
2026 Park Access Fund Grantees providing services in the region include Age Well, Come Alive Outside, Lamoille County Mental Health Services, Laraway Youth and Family Services, Northeast Kingdom Learning Services, Upper Valley Services, Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports, Vermont Adult Learning, Vermont Center for Independent Living, Vermont Department for Children and Families, Vermont Kin as Parents, Vermont Mountain Bike Association and Vermont Works for Women.
To read about the impact the 2025 Park Access Fund had on Vermonters, visit vermontparksforever.org and view the Park Access Report 2025.
To see a list of the Park Access Fund’s past grantees and donors, or to contribute to its important work, visit vermontparksforever.org/park-access-fund.
The Park Access Fund launched a new Pilot Program in 2025 serving Vermonters with low-income that will continue in 2026. Information for individuals interested in eligibility can be found at vermontparksforever.org/paf-pilot.
Vermont Parks Forever, the only nonprofit foundation for Vermont’s 55 state parks, believes the outdoors are for everyone. VPF focuses on nature education, park access, youth internships and equity in the outdoors.
