The North Face Issues a call for Explore Fund Applicants

ALAMEDA, Calif., April 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The North Face today announced the opening of the 2013 Explore Fund™ grant-giving program, which will provide $250,000 in grants to support non-profit organizations that are connecting youth to the outdoors. In previous years, Explore Fund grants have been awarded of up to $2,500, but the 2013 grant cycle is upping the ante by offering grants of up to $25,000.

This year, The North Face will introduce Facebook crowdsourcing later this summer to the grantee selection process, which will give the top 10 grant applicants the opportunity to vie for $10,000 - $25,000, and The North Face fans a chance to be directly involved in supporting a great cause. Organizations are encouraged to tap into their creativity, their non-profit networks and the social media power of The North Face to reach more than 3 million fans and followers with their mission. With the help of its fans, The North Face will award:

• 30 grants of $2,500
• 5 grants of $10,000
• 5 grants of $25,000

Since the Explore Fund launched in 2010, The North Face has donated more than $1 Million worldwide to organizations helping to get more kids outdoors, impacting the lives of more than 80,000 kids in the U.S. alone as part of The North Face mission to inspire a global movement of Outdoor Exploration.

"We have seen how much of an impact a $2,500 grant can have on-the-ground for a small organization, and on kids they work with," said Ann Krcik, director of Outdoor Exploration at The North Face. "With this new grant approach we hope we are able to empower organizations that are inspiring the next generation of outdoor explorers and conservationists to think even bigger with their programs and outreach efforts."

During the 2013 Explore Fund cycle, grants will be awarded to organizations with activities on three different focus areas: access to front and back country recreation, education for personal and environmental health, and creating a connection to nature that will empower the future leaders of tomorrow. The North Face will select the $2,500 grantees and the top 10 organizations for crowdsourcing funding. 

Applications for 2013 Explore Fund grants are now being accepted online through May 1, 2013. The top projects receiving funding will be announced on June 18, and the top 10 will move on to the Crowdsourcing stage for a chance to earn $25,000 in funding. For more details, grantee highlights and ongoing updates, please visit www.explorefund.org.

About The North Face®
The North Face, a division of VF Outdoor, Inc., was founded in 1968. Headquartered in Alameda, 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.

Media contact:
Jessica Hollister
The North Face
510.748.2594
[email protected]                          

SOURCE The North Face