The North Face granted $125,000 in grants to 51 projects as part of the
first round of Explore Fund grant winners for 2012. The projects will
affect more than 20,000 children across the nation.
It is that time of year again! We just announced the first round of Explore Fund grant winners for 2012. To support organizations that are helping more kids get outdoors this winter, we've
“The Outdoor Foundation has identified access as a major barrier to getting youth outdoors. A large percentage of the grants went toward funding programs which address this issue,” said Ann Krcik, director of Outdoor Participation at The North Face. “During the granting process, we make a conscious effort to reflect on what we refer to as the virtuous cycle. We first need to provide the opportunity for kids to get outside and play. If we can provide them with an initial positive experience outdoors, they will grow up inspired to care about their natural world.”
Outdoor Outreach, based in San Diego, whose mission is to empower at-risk and underprivileged youth to make positive lasting changes in their lives through outdoor programing and Paradox Sports, which provides inspiration, opportunities and adaptive equipment to the disabled community empowering their pursuit of a life of excellence through human- powered outdoor sports, are two of the non-profits to receive Explore Fund grants this cycle. Both provide gear and opportunities for their communities to experience the outdoors with the support of experienced staff.
The North Face introduced the Explore Fund (www.explorefund.org), a grant-giving program supporting non-profit organizations that get youth outdoors, in 2010 as part of the company’s mission to encourage an active healthy lifestyle and protection of our natural landscapes by creating a stronger connection with the outdoors. These grantees are part of the first cycle of the 2012 The North Face Explore Fund.The North Face has committed to granting an additional $125,000 to non-profit organizations in 2012 through the Explore Fund with applications opening September 1.
