Since its inception at the beginning of 2005, the KEEN FOUNDATION has continued to expand its support of national environmental, conservation and social organizations, focusing particularly on groups that are expanding opportunities for people to experience as well as protect the outdoors. KEEN believes that supporting good causes is a corporate obligation and that respecting the environment is simply a matter of conscience.
Recently two organizations have been awarded funds by the KEEN FOUNDATION:
FRIENDS OF FOREST PARK: www.friendsofforestpark.org
Mission: To maintain, preserve, protect and improve Forest Park, located in Portland, Oregon.
Forest Park is one of the largest forested city parks in the United States. Covering more than 5,000 acres, the park overlooks the Willamette River and stretches for nearly eight miles along the northeast slope of the Tualatin Mountains. The 30+ mile long Wildwood Trail (a National Recreational Trail) traverses Forest Park; more than 70 miles of interconnecting trails and lanes provide opportunities for loop hikes of varying lengths.
The Friends of Forest Park is an organization made up of local volunteers and their mission is to maintain, preserve, protect, and improve the City of Portland’s Forest Park in order to enhance its value as an irreplaceable asset for wildlife habitat and for the use and enjoyment of the public. They do this by focusing on: land acquisition, habitat preservation, trail and trailhead projects, and public outreach.
The KEEN FOUNDATION will become the presenting sponsor of Friends for Forest Parks annual fundraiser Walk/Run for the Wildwood, an event that provides the public with an opportunity to discover and learn about sections of Forest Park.
“KEEN is excited to be sponsoring this dynamic organization with strong roots both in Portland and in the outdoors and to partner with them on their key fund raising event, Walk/Run for the Wildwood,” said Bobbie Parisi, Vice President of Marketing.
THE YOUTH OUTDOOR LEGACY FUND: www.youthoutdoorslegacyfund.com
Mission: Provide grants to volunteer driven organizations that get kids outside.
With urban sprawl, shifting family structures and new technologies, todays youth are less and less active. The Youth Outdoors Legacy Fund offers children of all walks of life a chance to get out, experience nature and develop a lifelong appreciation for our environment. Founded by Dennis Madsen, retired President of REI, The Youth Outdoors Legacy Fund relies on donations from individuals and businesses. The goal of the fund is to create a $5 million dollar endowment, which will permit the foundation to grant $250,000 to organizations like Trip for Kids, Outward Bound Adventures and Earth-Corps.
The KEEN FOUNDATION has offered their support by donating funds to the Youth Outdoor Legacy Fund.
