Supporting grassroots efforts to foster public-lands access, Outdoor Research creates ‘We Can’ Grant

April 10, 2018

With the goal of helping fund projects with powerful local effects, Outdoor Research will field grant applications May 1-31.

SEATTLE, Wash. (April 10, 2018) – Supporting grassroots efforts to foster public-lands access, Outdoor Research, the Seattle-based manufacturer of outdoor apparel and gear, this week announced the 2018 window to submit applications for its new ‘We Can’ Grant Program. Now in its second year, the grant will award $10,000 annually to individuals or organizations undertaking efforts to improve access to the outdoors on their home turf. Applications for the next cycle can be submitted May 1 to 31, 2018.

Because it’s a cause close to the company’s values, Outdoor Research has been working behind the scenes for years to support organizations and programs that advocate from the top down for public lands and public-lands access. The ‘We Can’ Grant Program builds on this, but this time Outdoor Research is taking a ground-up approach, said Christian Folk, Director of Marketing.

“The idea for this grant program is simple – to support the people who leave it better than they found it,” Folk said. “Sometimes that’s as easy as picking up a piece of litter alongside the trail. Sometimes, it means applying some elbow grease in a place that needs some help. With this grant, we’re hoping to help organizations bring about change in their community on a much shorter timeline. When inspiration strikes, and someone in a community responds, little gestures can turn into big actions, and dreams into reality.”

In 2017, Outdoor Research awarded the first two ‘We Can’ Grants. The recipients were:

• Julie Gardner and Marc Bourguignon, who, through their work with Vertical Generation, are using the funds to bridge the gap between indoor and outdoor climbing for multi-cultural youth in the Denver and Seattle areas.
• Joe Sambataro, who, through work with the Washington Climbers Coalition, is using the funds to help complete much needed infrastructure work at four of Washington’s most used crags.

“What made these projects stand out was that they hit on principles we’ve long used to define our corporate stewardship: access, opportunity and education,” Folk said.

The application process is very straightforward, he said. The major stipulation is being affiliated with a non-profit organization, supporting a cause tied to public-lands or outdoor access.

“We hope to see applicants from across the country and from a wide variety of sectors,” Folk said. “If you feel your organization helps provide access, in all its forms, to the outdoors, then this grant was made for you.”

Applicants can visit www.outdoorresearch.com/wecangrant for more information and to download an application.

About Outdoor Research

Outdoor Research® is dedicated to inspiring the journey ahead with award-winning technical apparel and accessories. Based in Seattle since 1981, we are committed to improving our customer’s experience through innovative materials, purpose-driven features, and versatile products that are backed by our Infinite Guarantee®. We rely on the real-world testing of our athlete ambassadors, mountain guides, and local adventurers involved in our core sports: alpinism, rock and ice climbing, hiking, backpacking, paddling, trail running, and backcountry skiing and snowboarding. We’re here for the fun, adventure, excitement, and For the Journey Ahead™. Get to know us at www.outdoorresearch.com or follow the journey via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

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