The North Face Opens up the First Round of Applications for the Explore Fund
2012 Explore Fund grants to total more than $250,000 awarded to non-profit organizations across the country
(3BL Media / theCSRfeed) San Leandro, CA - March 1, 2012 - The North Face today announced the opening of the first cycle of the 2012 Explore Fund™ grant-giving program, which will provide $125,000 in micro-grants to support non-profit organizations that are getting youth outdoors. To date, The North Face has provided $500,000 in grants 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. A total of $250,000 will be awarded to non-profits all over the country this year through the Explore Fund.
Through the Explore Fund grantees like Outdoor Outreach, The North Face has helped to give thousands of America’s youth an opportunity to explore the outdoors. Big City Mountaineers, a 2011 Explore Fund grant recipient, empowers at- risk and underprivileged youth to make positive, lasting changes in their lives through outdoor exploration.
During this cycle of the Explore Fund, grants of up to $2,500 will be awarded to non-profit organizations with activities geared toward spring and summer activities based on three different focus areas: access to front and back country recreation, education for personal and environmental health, and connection to nature that will empower the future leaders of tomorrow.
Applications for Explore Fund 2012 Spring/Summer cycle are now being accepted online through April 6, 2012. The most promising projects will be announced on May 9, 2012. For more details, grantee highlights and ongoing updates, please visit www.planetexplore.com/explorefund.
About The North Face®
The North Face, a division of VF Outdoor, Inc., was founded in 1968. Headquartered in San Leandro, California, the company offers the most technically advanced products in the market to accomplished climbers, mountaineers, snowsport athletes, endurance athletes, and explorers. The company’s products are sold in specialty mountaineering, backpacking, running, and snowsport retailers, premium-sporting goods retailers and major outdoor specialty retail chains.
