The North Face Explore Fund
We at The North Face love the outdoors. It’s in our DNA
and defines us as a company. Our desire to share this passion is the
catalyst behind The North Face® Explore Fund™. Through these annual
grants, we seek to inspire and enable the next generation of explorers
and conservationists.
The 2016 Explore Fund grant cycle is currently closed.
Overview
The North Face Explore Fund provides $500,000 annually in grants to nonprofit organizations working in powerful and creative ways to encourage participants to experience outdoor activities and develop an enduring appreciation of the outdoors. Since its founding in 2010, the Explore Fund has provided more than 400 grants to nonprofit organizations that serve thousands of people in communities around the country. The Explore Fund reflects a significant commitment by The North Face to introduce more people to the joy of exploring the outdoors and the natural world.
New in 2016
Celebrate the National Park Service Centennial
To celebrate the National Park Service Centennial, The North Face is encouraging and giving special consideration to nonprofits that choose to activate their programs in national parks. The North Face Explore Fund has set aside $250,000* of the $500,000 total grant funding in support of these organizations. Applicants may also request funding to bring their programs to federally managed lands and waters, which are being celebrated as part of the Centennial. To learn more about national parks near you, visit the FIND YOUR PARK website. *Dedicated amount is subject to change at the discretion of The North Face.
These designated funds also include consideration for nonprofits that choose to support the Every Kid in a Park initiative, which allows fourth grade students and their families to obtain a pass for free entry to national parks and other federally managed lands and waters nationwide. If your nonprofit has the ability to work specifically with fourth graders on these federal public lands, you are encouraged to apply. Visit the EVERY KID IN A PARK website to learn more about the initiative.
ENGAGE WITH THE NORTH FACE ATHLETES
This year, applicants may request participation from one of THE NORTH FACE ATHLETES at an event or program related activity. To be considered, applicants must share how participants would engage with an athlete during a one-day event and how their participation will enhance the program experience for participants. Athletes may be asked to join events, outdoor activities, speaking engagements, and/or program related activities. Receiving an Explore Fund grant does not guarantee athlete participation and a limited number of athletes will participate in grantee programs.