Henrico County has awarded grants to eight local organizations for environmental initiatives as part of the first round of its new Community Impact Grants program.

The program, managed by the Henrico Environmental Action Resource Team (HEART), supports community-led sustainability efforts. Grants ranging from $1,000 to $2,400 will fund projects including pollinator gardens, cycling events, beekeeping education and community cleanups.

“The county has implemented many projects to support environmental sustainability over the years. That said, we recognize the strength and passion within our community for these issues and we want to support organizations investing so much in this work,” said Sustainability Division Director

Samantha Hudson. “We know that to truly move the needle, we must invest in collective impact and lift up others in the community who are doing this important work.”

The Community Impact Grants program was included in Henrico’s 2024-25 fiscal year budget as part of the county’s continued investment in HEART.

The grant recipients include the Henrico County Cooperative Extension 4-H Program, which will support youth leadership development and community engagement projects. 

The Virginia Capital Trail Foundation will provide free Summer Challenge registrations to Henrico youth to promote outdoor activity along the trail.

The Capital Region Land Conservancy will increase accessibility at the Varina LandLab Conservation Area by adding an ADA-compliant portable restroom.

Dorey Park Farmers Market will partner with VPM to host a conference supporting community gardens in Henrico and central Virginia. Richmond Beekeepers will replace ornamental plants with native Virginia varieties near the Belmont golf course driving range. Beyond Boundaries will organize an accessible community day at Deep Run Park featuring outdoor activities such as fishing, paddling, biking and hiking.

Henrico Master Gardeners will build a pollinator garden in the Fox Hall neighborhood using native perennials, trees and shrubs, creating a pilot project for possible expansion into other neighborhoods. RVA Rapid Transit will expand volunteer support and increase community involvement in the Adopt-A-Stop program, which helps keep GRTC bus stops in Henrico clean.

HEART will provide regular updates to the public on the progress of the projects and will oversee the use of the grant funds.

The application period for the second round of Community Impact Grants is expected to open after July. More information is available at henrico.gov.