Toyota’s Support to Fund Inaugural Year of Love Our Byways Micro-Grant Program, Applications Open Through End of July
PLANO, Texas (June 29, 2021) – With many Americans ready for a change of scenery and a new adventure, the joy of driving begins with packing our bags and hitting the road. In support of the great American road trip, Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) announces a new collaboration as the Official Automotive Partner of the National Scenic Byway Foundation. Included in Toyota’s support is $50,000 to fund the inaugural year of the Love Our Byways micro-grant program, which will further enable nonprofit byway organizations to organize conservation and beautification programs that will be amplified by grassroots volunteers.
In much the same way that Congress set aside iconic lands to be protected as National Parks, the Department of Transportation has designated a network of spectacular drives to be protected as part of the America’s Byways collection. The National Scenic Byway Foundation is the national voice of these amazing drives, supporting the byway community through advocacy, education, promotion, engagement and by enabling connections.
“It was a natural fit for Toyota to partner with the National Scenic Byway Foundation through the Love Our Byways micro-grant program,” says Angie White, senior manager, Media, Toyota Motor North America. “Through the micro-grant program, we’re able to lend support to the many volunteers who work to conserve our diverse and beautiful nationwide network of byways that many of our customers drive themselves. Toyota is proud to bring awareness to America’s byways, which provide endless opportunities for exploration and adventure.”
The National Scenic Byways Program was established by Congress in 1991 to preserve and protect our nation’s scenic roads, as well as to promote tourism and economic development. There are currently 184 designated National Scenic Byways and All-American Roads in 48 states, including 49 new designations that were recently added to the America’s Byways collection in February 2021. America’s Byways are the source of millions of joyful road trip memories. Take them through some of the most beautiful and iconic landscapes in the world – unique and important enough to be destinations unto themselves. To become part of the collection, qualifying roads must have one or more of the following six “intrinsic qualities”: 1. Scenic, 2. Archeological, 3. Historic, 4. Recreational, 5. Natural, or 6. Cultural.
“America’s Byways are roads that take you to the very heart and soul of America,” said National Scenic Byway Foundation president Chris Sieverdes. “Byways connect us to this country’s beauty, history and culture. As the national voice of scenic byways and roads, we’re excited to partner with Toyota and look forward to working with them to preserve the grand drives that are part of our nation’s automotive heritage. Whether you’re looking for a bit of nostalgia on Historic Route 66 or culturally relevant exploration by touring the Selma to Montgomery March Byway, the America’s Byways collection has a road that’s sure to stir your soul.”
For a complete directory of the America’s Byways collection, go to TravelByways.com.
For more information or to learn how to apply for the micro-grant program, see www.nsbfoundationcom, email info@nsbfoundation.com or call Sharon Strouse, Executive Director of the National Scenic Byway Foundation, at 330-231-3468.
All applications are due by 12 noon (EDT) Friday, July 30, 2021. Grants will be prioritized based on expected byway impact, scope of volunteer involvement and regional diversity.
