The Outdoor Foundation – a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring and growing future generations of outdoor leaders and enthusiasts – and Prana today launched the Prana Explorer Grant program. These grants are designed to support local projects that connect young people to ongoing outdoor experiences.
“Many young people, especially minorities in underserved communities, don’t participate in outdoor activities due to lack of awareness, access and resources,” said Andre Walker, Prana’s brand engagement and partnerships lead. “Prana believes that engaging young people through continuous outdoor activities is key to developing a lifetime love for the outdoors and to becoming an avid outdoor enthusiast.”
Through the Prana Explorer Grant program, 12 nonprofit organizations will receive $5,000 awards to bring their project ideas to life and build partnerships that ensure sustainable outdoor recreation program offerings. Projects will engage underserved youth, who as a result of positive, consistent exposure to outdoor recreation, will become comfortable with and aware of local outdoor play opportunities and learn how to self-organize outdoor outings in the future.
“The Outdoor Foundation believes in supporting innovative on-the-ground projects that make lasting change,” said Ivan Levin, deputy director at the Outdoor Foundation. “Thanks to support from Prana, we are investing in localized projects that will increase outdoor participation and ultimately create healthier, more active communities.”
Applications are being accepted now from 501c3 non-profit organizations based in or around the following metropolitan areas: Edina, MN; Denver/Boulder, CO; Manhattan Beach, CA; Portland, OR; San Diego and San Francisco/Palo Alto, CA. Applications are due on April 30, 2017 and grant recipients will be announced by May 26, 2017.
Photo courtesy Prana
