PORTLAND, Ore., Jan. 12, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- After its successful inaugural season in 2014, KEEN unveils its second year of the KEEN Effect program to support non-profits globally. For 2015, the KEEN Effect II will award 10 grants to non-profits around the world. KEEN is dedicated to building stronger communities and a healthier planet, and through the KEEN Effect II fan-activated grants program KEEN will fulfill that promise by supporting organizations that are getting people outside to responsibly enjoy the outdoors.

In 2014, the KEEN Effect awarded $100,000 in grants to 25 non-profits in 16 states in the U.S., and seven countries around the world. In doing so, more than 23,500 people were directly engaged in outdoor recreation in the program's first year. Following last year's success, KEEN aims to engage with even more of its fans who share a love of the outdoors and a passion to preserve it for future generations.

"The KEEN Effect offers us an exciting opportunity to engage with our fans, learn about organizations and projects they are passionate about, and then support some of the groups in their backyards," said Kirsten Blackburn, KEEN Brand and Community Coordinator. "Through the KEEN Effect, our eyes are opened to hundreds of incredible organizations around the world who are inspiring responsible outdoor participation and we are thrilled at the opportunity to help inspire the next generation of environmental stewards."

Positioned under KEEN's Hybrid.Care giving program – which has donated more than $8M in cash and resources to non-profits around the world since 2004 – the KEEN Effect encourages KEEN fans and the general public to nominate non-profit organizations that align with the company's outdoor-focused, core values. Through the KEEN Effect II, KEEN is looking forward to supporting organizations that inspire responsible outdoor participation as a way towards building strong communities, creative and sustainable thinking, and introducing new audiences to the outdoors.  

Last year, 25 non-profits received a total of $100,000 to help bring their inspiring projects to life. One of those organizations, Wilderness Volunteers Giving Back, received $10,000 to help organize more than 50 weeklong volunteer trips in the wilderness and other protected areas across the U.S.

"The KEEN Effect was a huge boost to our program, and enabled us to get more than 20,000 hours of volunteer labor donated to our public land agencies. That's a total savings of more than $500,000 for taxpayers for stewardship of our precious wild lands," said Paul Goldberg, Wilderness Volunteers Program Manager.

To learn more about the KEEN Effect II, please check out: keeneffect.com or contact keeneffect@keenfootwear.com. Applications received by March 1 will be considered for the first round of grantee winners announced on Earth Day, April 22. Applications filed between March 1 and Aug. 1 will be considered for the final round of winners to be announced on National Public Lands Day, Sept. 26. Applications are accepted year-round. 

About KEEN
Inspired by a love of the outdoors, KEEN Inc., manufacturer of hybrid outdoor and casual products, including footwear, clothing, and accessories, is dedicated to creating quality products that support the lifestyles and outdoor adventures of active people around the world. KEEN products can be found online and through more than 5,000 retail locations in more than 60 countries, as well as in KEEN Garage retail stores in the U.S., Europe, and Asia, where fans can enjoy the branded experience. The company operations and culture reflect a stand-out commitment to building a strong community and a healthier planet so that all can create, play, and care. Learn more at www.keenfootwear.com.

MEDIA CONTACT | Keith Cozzens, Verde Brand Communications, keith@verdepr.com, 970.259.3555 x122.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150112/168391LOGO

SOURCE KEEN

Related Links

http://www.keenfootwear.com/