Do you have a great idea for how to connect young people with the outdoors? If so, Outdoor Nation wants to hear about it. We might even provide a small grant to support your project.

Through Outdoor Nation, the Outdoor Foundation and its partners provide seed grants to young leaders as well as organizations that are working to get youth outside.

From starting an outdoor club, to organizing a service project, to filming an outdoor documentary, Outdoor Nation is investing in the most innovative, youth-inspired ideas that make a lasting difference.

The Outdoor Foundation works with organizations to develop, manage and evaluate customized grant programs such as those shown here.

For more information on current grant programs see below.

CURRENT GRANT PROGRAMS

Grassroot Outdoor Alliance Activation Grants

**Only available to employees of GOA Members

Outdoor Nation is accepting applications from individuals between the ages of 18 and 28 who are currently working at one of the more than 70 specialty outdoor stores belonging to the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance. Interested individuals should believe in connecting more people to outdoor spaces and increasing participation in outdoor recreation. Four projects will be selected to receive up to $2500. DEADLINE: May 15, 2012.  

  Stay Tuned! More awesome Outdoor Nation grant opportunities coming in 2012!

PREVIOUS GRANT PROGRAMS

Paddle Nation Project Grants

The Paddle Nation Project award grants up to $2,500 or less that are designed to give young individuals the resources and funding needed to bring their innovation ideas to life. This funding supports pioneering projects and initiatives that are youth-developed that result in increased paddling participation. Projects reinforce the idea that recreational paddling is one of the most accessible and impactful ways in which young Americans are introduced to the outdoors. CHECK OUT THE WINNING PROJECTS!

Outdoor Nation California Action Awards

The Outdoor Nation California Action Awards awarded $2,500 to four individuals who had the best, most innovative, project ideas for how to strengthen environmental literacy in the state of California. This award was designed to allow youth to grow as leaders and influencers within their community while addressing one of the most challenging issues facing young people today – environmental illiteracy. Winning projects are youth-led and empower young people to be part of the decision making process related to environmental literacy. After all, who better to have a voice in outdoor education than the students themselves! CHECK OUT THE WINNING PROJECTS!

Outdoor Nation Grants

Outdoor Nation recognizes that sometimes the smallest grant can make the largest difference. The Outdoor Nation Grants opportunity is awarded $2,500 to bring innovative ideas to life. This projects support the goals of the America’s Great Outdoors (AGO) initiative, launched by President Obama in early 2011, and allow youth to tackle some of the many challenges facing young people today, from a population’s disconnect with the outdoors to a community’s overall declining health. These community-based, youth led-initiatives leverage existing programs and resources, including the National Park Service. CHECK OUT THE WINNING PROJECTS!

Take Me Fishing Awards

The Take Me Fishing Awards of $2,500 or less are designed to give young individuals the resources and funding needed to bring their innovation ideas to life. This award supports pioneering projects and initiatives that are youth-developed and result in increased fishing participation. Projects reinforce the idea that recreational fishing is one of the first and most important ways in which young Americans are introduced to the outdoors. CHECK OUT THE WINNING PROJECTS!

Explore Fund

The Explore Fund supports organizations that encourage youth outdoor participation, focusing primarily on creating more connections of children to nature, increasing access to both front and backcountry recreation, as well as providing education for both personal and environmental health. Applicants can apply for up to $2500 for projects that encourage youth outdoor participation, focus on sustainability initiatives, or help to create a connection to nature that will empower the future leaders of tomorrow. Fall 2012 Cycle will open September 1.

CamelBak Challenge Grants

Thanks to our partners at CamelBak, Outdoor Nation supported 10 innovative projects last year. Through the CamelBak Challenge Grant program, thousands of youth across the country have become involved in outdoor projects –from leading and organizing recreational activities such as hiking and canoeing to spearheading community environmental awareness events to teaching young people ways to reduce their carbon footprint and help address climate change. Read about the 2010 Camelbak grants.  

QUESTIONS?

If you have any questions about Outdoor Foundation/Outdoor Nation grant programs, contact Ivan Levin at ilevin@outdoorfoundation.org.