In June, the Killington World Cup Foundation (KWCF) awarded more than $270,000 in grants to 31 nonprofits across nine states. According to a press release issued in late June, these grants aim to promote winter sports and enrich communities and support nonprofits taking the initiative to create opportunities for underrepresented groups.

Two local nonprofits that received KWCF grants are the Lebanon Outing Club and Hanover’s Oak Hill. 

Lebanon Outing Club received grant money for creating a safe learning-only area and installing a “magic carpet” surface lift for beginner skiers and snowboarders. The grant is intended to expand and improve the outing club’s magic carpet program at Storrs Hill Ski Area.

KWCF awarded Hanover’s Oak Hill with a grant to support the installation of trail lights so children and families can safely enjoy cross-country skiing after school with early sundowns in winter.

With these 31 grants, KWCF hopes to invest in the future of winter sports athletes and continue to increase diversity and equity in sports by removing barriers to entry, such as providing equipment and training opportunities, improving safety and infrastructure, and funding events that promote winter sports to a wider audience.