The North Face 2017 Explore Fund grant-giving program has commenced and will remain open through April 5, 2017 for applications. This year, $500,000 will be awarded to nonprofit organizations that inspire and support meaningful outdoor experiences and environmental stewardship activities.
The Explore Fund is broadening its focus in 2017 to include stewardship to continue to ignite the work of nonprofits focused on environmental causes. Successful applicants will be nonprofits that demonstrate how they are working through their programs to increase diversity and access to underrepresented populations in the outdoors and deepen relationships with their participants.
“We believe spending time in the outdoors is important for mind, body and soul, yet not everyone has access to nature,” said Ann Krcik, senior director of outdoor exploration, The North Face. “The nonprofits funded through the Explore Fund inspire their participants to try new outdoor activities and instill a lifelong desire to care about the environment.”
Applications are evaluated based on the projected impact, clarity of the proposal and alignment to the spirit of adventure and exploration. The Explore Fund reviews grants by individual merits and as part of a balanced portfolio that includes factors such as geography, type of program, target audiences and more.
The North Face Explore Fund has seen strong engagement from programs taking participants to national parks and federal public lands. Providing opportunities for people to experience these natural playgrounds inspires more people to be stewards of their public lands. The North Face is partnering with the National Park Foundation, the official charity of America’s national parks, to facilitate Explore Fund grant-making.
To be considered for an Explore Fund grant, applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or in a formal relationship with a qualified fiscal sponsor. All applicants must fully complete the online submission process and provide the required application information. Explore Fund grants are for one year and funding in a giving cycle does not guarantee future support.
The North Face introduced the Explore Fund in 2010 and the program has since provided more than $2.2 million in grants to U.S. organizations committed to inspiring the next generation of outdoor explorers and conservationists.
For more information and to submit an application before April 5, please visit explorefund.org.
Photo courtesy The North Face
