Apply Now For The North Face Explore Fund
UPDATE: Clock is ticking – final week of applications next week get yours in by 30 September!
The North Face has opened applications for the Explore Fund in Australia and New Zealand, an initiative aimed at accelerating equity in the outdoors.
Following the success of its first year, the Explore Fund will continue in 2023 to help overcome barriers and increase accessibility in the outdoors.
With a financial commitment of $25,000, The North Face will award up to five successful applicant groups that are based and operate in Australia or New Zealand.
The grants will be offered in two main categories, creating a community of new explorers, and protecting the environment.
Explore Fund grantees will again be selected by the Explore Fund Council, who will continue the work done during the 2022 grant selection process.
“Last year we saw so many fantastic applications to the Explore Fund that it made it a tough job for the Council members to decide on the recipients.
“After such a successful first year we are excited to see what 2023 brings and we can’t wait to connect with and support more amazing community groups out there doing important grassroots work”, said Explore Fund Council member and The North Face Team Athlete, Duncan Brown.
When reviewing applications, the Council will evaluate the values and impact of each organisation, along with the design elements of the proposed project.
The inaugural grant recipients of the Explore Fund Grant were First Hike Project Inc. (Australia), Trailblazers Charitable Trust (New Zealand), and For Wild Places (Australia). Interviews with the Founders of each organisation can be viewed here.
The North Face formalised the outdoor industry’s first grant making program focused on increasing outdoor participation in the U.S when it launched The Explore Fund in 2010. The program expanded to Canada in 2012, Europe in 2018 and the Asia-Pacific region in 2021, before making its way to Australia and New Zealand in 2022.
For more information or to apply for a grant visit www.thenorthface.com.au/explore-fund
Applications are now open and close on September 30, 2023.
