Outdoor Foundation Grants

OUTDOOR
FOUNDATION
GRANTS

CONNECTING AMERICANS TO THE OUTDOORS

Some of the best projects getting youth outdoors take place at the local level by small grassroots organizations – making it difficult to find, fund and evaluate effective programs. This has created a major gap between worthy nonprofits that desperately need support and organizations interested in investing.

The Outdoor Foundation has become the bridge. The Foundation has provided more than 500 organizations with over $5 million in grants that have connected 30,000 young people to outdoor recreation and nature-based activities, from hiking and biking to camping and climbing.

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MAPPING THE MOVEMENT

The Outdoor Foundation has funded hundreds of innovative, one-the-ground projects that have connected thousands of people to the outdoors. It has also bolstered outdoor clubs on college campuses and hosted summits for young outdoor champions to learn to lead the outdoor revolution.

See the Outdoor Foundation’s nationwide impact.

EXPLORE

THE NORTH FACE EXPLORE FUND

KEEN EFFECT

NATIONAL PARK
SERVICE CHALLENGE
COST SHARE PROGRAM

PARKS4KIDS

BOGS 2% TO
OUTDOOR
EDUCATION

THE PADDLE
NATION PROJECT

PrAna
EXPLORER GRANT

THE NORTH FACE EXPLORE FUND

ENABLING EXPLORATION & STEWARDSHIP

The North Face Explore Fund provides $500,000 annually in grants to nonprofit organizations working in powerful and creative ways to encourage participants to experience outdoor activities and develop an enduring appreciation of the outdoors. Since its founding in 2010, the Explore Fund has provided nearly 500 grants to nonprofits that serve thousands of people in communities around the country. The Explore Fund reflects our commitment to introduce more people to the joy of exploring the outdoors and the natural world.

https://www.thenorthface.com/about-us/outdoor-exploration/explore-fund.html

KEEN EFFECT

INSPIRING RESPONSIBLE OUTDOOR PARTICIPATION AROUND THE WORLD

KEEN is committed to inspiring responsible outdoor participation to help preserve the places where we all play. The KEEN Effect is a way to support organizations who are dedicated to just that! Through the KEEN Effect, nonprofit organizations around the world are awarded $10,000 grants to dedicate to responsible outdoor participation.

https://www.keenfootwear.com/grants.html

NATIONAL PARKS SERVICE CHALLENGE COST SHARE PROGRAM

PROMOTING URBAN OUTREACH, YOUTH ENGAGEMENT AND CONNECTING PEOPLE TO THE OUTDOORS

The Challenge Cost Share Program supports National Park Service parks, national trails and wild & scenic rivers and their local partners. Projects address urban outreach, youth engagement and/or connecting people to the outdoors. The initiative requires a 1:1 match by the local recipient — resulting in greater financial leverage and impact.

https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1837/index.htm

PARKS4KIDS

CONNECTING YOUNG PEOPLE TO PARKS

To commemorate and celebrate the National Park Centennial, the Outdoor Foundation and Outdoor Industry Association launched Parks4Kids to connect young people with parks. Parks4Kids provides micro grants to teachers, schools and nonprofits to connect our next generation with their nation’s parks. For only $10, a kid can have a powerful park experience! Check out this Parks4Kids video and click below to learn more.

http://parks4kids.info

BOGS 2% TO OUTDOOR EDUCATION

USING NATURE AS A CLASSROOM

Bogs lives to get outside. Every child should be able to do the same. Nature is the perfect classroom to learn, play and enjoy being a kid. For every purchase, Bogs donates 2% to outdoor education. The goal is to provide scholarships and grants so all kids can grow and learn.

http://www.bogsfootwear.com/shop/community.html

THE PADDLE NATION PROJECT

CONNECTING YOUNG AMERICANS WITH WATERWAYS THROUGH PADDLING

The Paddle Nation Project awards give organizations the fund pioneering projects and initiatives that result in increased paddling participation. Projects reinforce the idea that recreational paddling is one of the most accessible and impactful ways in which young Americans are introduced to the outdoors. Check out this Paddle Nation video and click below to learn more.

http://www.cybergrants.com/pls/cybergrants/quiz.display_question?x_gm_id=4494&x_quiz_id=5170&x_order_by=1

PrAna EXPLORER GRANT

INSPIRING KIDS TO ENJOY THE OUTDOORS

The Explorer Grant program supports local projects connecting young people with the outdoors. Many young people – especially minorities in underserved communities – don’t participate in outdoor activities due to lack of awareness, access and resources. prAna believes that engaging young people through ongoing outdoor activities is key to developing a lifetime love for the outdoors and becoming a recreation enthusiast.

http://www.cybergrants.com/pls/cybergrants/quiz.display_question?x_gm_id=4494&x_quiz_id=7148&x_order_by=1

Interested in funding opportunities for outdoor projects? Watch this webinar about the Outdoor Foundation’s current grants.

WHY WORK WITH US?

The Outdoor Foundation provides turn-key services that enables brands to realize the benefits of a robust giving program – minimizing administrative expenses while maximizing programs efficiency. Services include:

> Charitable program, message and material development
> Branded online platform
> Criteria and application development
> Promotion, outreach strategy and support
> Connecting brands to the right nonprofits based on market and/or demographic
> Proposal review and recommendations, grantee management and oversight, fiscal agent and project evaluation
> Project content curation (narrative, photos, videos)
> In-depth expertise of the charitable marketplace

Interested in finding out more? Read our 3 Tips for a Successful Corporate Giving Program.

GET IN TOUCH

LISE AANGEENBRUG

Executive Director

laangeenbrug@outdoorfoundation.org

IVAN LEVIN

Deputy Director

ilevin@outdoorfoundation.org 540.818.5818

RYAN LAUER

Senior Manager, Strategic Partnerships

rlauer@outdoorfoundation.org 202.817.2035