Ibex Outdoor Clothing, a designer of Merino wool outdoor clothing and cycling apparel, introduced the Ibex Impact Fund – a new advocacy program to support non-profit organizations that help communities and lands around them.
Developed by Ibex’s internal CloseKnit social responsibility team consisting of Ibex employee volunteers, the team will select deserving non-profit organizations to receive monetary and product donations through the Ibex Impact Fund. Selection criteria will be based on a set of parameters that align with Ibex’s corporate values, including: an interest in getting people outside, making outdoor spaces cleaner and more accessible and supportive of animal welfare.
Ibex is seeking small non-profits where the company’s grant money can help affect change and make a difference. In its first year, the grant award amounts will be between $500 – $1,000 and will be presented to recipients in the fourth quarter of 2017. Beginning in 2018, the CloseKnit team will award grants during two rounds, in Q2 and Q4.
“Ibex is made up of more than just people who work in our Vermont headquarters, our retail stores, and within our supply chain. The collective ‘We’ includes all of our customers, too,” said Regan Betts, director of brand for Ibex and CloseKnit team member. “We recognize that we all love to pursue adventures outside in Ibex products, but also know that sometimes an individual or a group isn’t able to get out there; that’s when we want to step in and help make that path accessible.”
In the Spring of 2016, Ibex leadership team members prioritized a higher commitment to Ibex’s values of social responsibility, philanthropy and the natural environment. This led to establishing the CloseKnit team. Applications must be received by September 1, 2017 for this year’s granting cycle.
Photo courtesy Ibex Outdoor Clothing
