Introduction: 100 Days, a Lifetime of Purpose
One hundred days may not seem long in the life of an organization, but for Virginia Off-Road, the journey since our launch in May 2025 has been nothing short of transformative. In just over three months, we’ve taken bold steps toward redefining what it means to be an off-road community in Virginia. We set out with a mission that was bigger than just riding trails: to unite the state’s off-roaders under a banner of safety, stewardship, and inclusivity.
Now, as the only 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Virginia dedicated to off-roading (yes, plenty of 501(c)(7) orgs out there, they are VERY different, but were the only 501(c)(3) in Virginia), we can proudly say that the groundwork for lasting impact is already in place. From membership growth to education, from environmental stewardship to donor support, the numbers speak volumes—but behind those numbers are stories of people, trails, and a shared love for the outdoors.
This is the story of what we’ve accomplished in our first 100 days, and why it matters for the next 100 years of off-roading in Virginia.
Building a Community of Off-Roaders
Every movement begins with people, and Virginia Off-Road is no exception. Since our launch, we’ve welcomed 270 members into the fold—each one representing a commitment to responsible adventure and shared values. Of these, 101 are donating members, 170 are non-donating members, and 9 have stepped up as lifetime members, investing in the organization for the long haul.
Our online community has flourished too. The Virginia Off-Road Facebook group has already grown to 1,161 members, making it a lively hub for conversation, trail recommendations, mechanical tips, and event planning. The group’s rapid growth underscores something we knew all along: off-roaders in Virginia were ready for a space that was about more than just vehicles—it’s about connection, camaraderie, and giving back.
This mix of grassroots enthusiasm and committed financial support gives Virginia Off-Road a strong foundation. Every new member represents not just a number, but a person who believes in what we’re building. And together, those people have begun shaping a culture that prioritizes education, safety, and stewardship without sacrificing the thrill of adventure.
Education & Certifications: Knowledge for the Trail
One of the first goals we set was to ensure that Virginia off-roaders had access to quality educational programs. In just 100 days, the results speak for themselves.
- 17 participants have already completed our Off-Road 101 Course, covering the fundamentals of vehicle safety, terrain awareness, and responsible practices.
- 10 participants earned their certifications through the Leave No Trace Behind Course, learning how to minimize environmental impact and preserve trails for future generations.
- 29 members went even further, completing TrailMaster certifications, which empower them to act as peer leaders, educators, and role models within the off-road community.
These numbers reflect more than checkboxes on a report—they’re investments in a safer, more informed community of riders. Every certificate awarded represents someone better prepared to tackle Virginia’s trails responsibly.
As the first nonprofit of our kind in Virginia, our ability to deliver structured learning opportunities has quickly become a cornerstone of our mission. And we’re just getting started. Upcoming months will bring expanded courses, more certifications, and interactive workshops designed to reach even more off-roaders across the state.
Trail Stewardship: Leaving the Outdoors Better Than We Found It
At Virginia Off-Road, we believe the health of our trails is directly tied to the health of our community. From day one, we committed to making stewardship central to our identity.
In just 100 days:
- Members have collected 71 pounds of trash, helping keep our public lands and trails cleaner for everyone.
- We’ve launched a Trail Rescue program, with 9 dedicated members already volunteering to assist stranded off-roaders and provide support in emergencies.
- The Trail Badge program has taken off, with 221 badges earned to date. Each badge is more than just a symbol—it’s a story of exploration, responsibility, and pride in being part of Virginia’s trail network.
These efforts are more than numbers—they’re a demonstration of how off-roaders can be a force for good. Too often, our community has been misunderstood as careless or destructive. In reality, we’re proving the opposite: that off-roaders are among the strongest allies for conservation, clean trails, and sustainable recreation.
Financial Transparency & Donor Support
Nonprofits thrive on trust, and from day one, we’ve made transparency a cornerstone of Virginia Off-Road.
Our 2025 annual budget goal is $9,500, and in just 100 days, we’ve already raised $5,108 in donations and pledges. At the time of this report, our cash balance sits at $637—a clear reflection of how quickly member support turns into direct action and programming.
We’re especially grateful to the five corporate sponsors who joined us early on. Their backing has not only provided critical funding but also validated our mission in the broader outdoor and business communities.
With 101 donating members already contributing, we’ve built a strong base of financial supporters who recognize that responsible off-roading requires more than passion—it requires investment. Every donation, whether $5 or $500, directly fuels education, stewardship, and program growth.
$0 has been given to the board or myself as any compensation and it will remain that way.
Milestones in Numbers
Sometimes the best way to capture progress is to step back and look at the numbers. In just 100 days, Virginia Off-Road has achieved:
- 270 total members (101 donating, 170 non-donating, 9 lifetime)
- 1.1k Facebook group members
- 221 trail badges earned
- 29 TrailMaster certifications awarded
- 17 Off-Road 101 course completions
- 10 Leave No Trace Behind course completions
- 16 bags of trash collected (71 pounds)
- 9 trail rescue members
- 5 corporate sponsors
- $5,108 in donations/pledges toward $9,500 goal
- $637 current balance
Each number tells its own story, but together, they paint a picture of a young nonprofit that is already delivering measurable results.
Stories from the Community
While statistics highlight progress, stories remind us why this work matters. One member recently shared the pride of earning a TrailMaster certification, explaining how the program gave them confidence not only to explore trails safely but also to guide newer off-roaders. Another participant in the Leave No Trace course remarked how surprised they were to learn simple, practical steps that make a big difference in preserving natural spaces.
And behind every trail badge earned is a story of exploration—families discovering new places, veterans reconnecting with the outdoors, and riders finding a deeper sense of belonging in Virginia’s off-road community.
These stories will continue to shape our narrative as we grow, reminding us that Virginia Off-Road isn’t just about numbers or milestones—it’s about people and their journeys.
Looking Ahead: The Next 100 Days
If the first 100 days were about proving what’s possible, the next 100 will be about building momentum. Our goals for the months ahead include:
- Growing membership toward the 500-member mark.
- Expanding education offerings, with more opportunities for course completions and certifications.
- Increasing stewardship initiatives, from clean-ups to Adopt-a-Trail projects.
- Doubling the number of Trail Rescue volunteers to ensure statewide coverage.
- Securing additional sponsors and donor commitments to meet or exceed our $9,500 budget goal.
- Launching exciting events like the Off-Road Interactive Scavenger Hunt this October, which blends fun, exploration, and fundraising for our veteran support programs.
By keeping our focus on education, stewardship, and community, we’re confident that Virginia Off-Road will continue to set a standard not just for Virginia, but for off-road organizations nationwide.
Closing: Gratitude and Commitment
One hundred days ago, Virginia Off-Road was an idea. Today, it’s a community. We’ve proven that off-roaders in Virginia are ready to rally behind a cause bigger than themselves—a cause rooted in safety, inclusivity, and responsibility.
To our members, donors, sponsors, and volunteers: thank you. Your belief in this mission has turned words into action, and action into impact. Together, we are building more than a nonprofit. We are building a legacy.
Here’s to the next 100 days, and the thousands that will follow.
Josh
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