The North Face expands Explore Fund into Australia, NZ

(Source: Supplied)

The North Face says it will launch its Explore Fund – a program designed to boost equity in the outdoor industry – in Australia and New Zealand.

Unveiled in 2010, The North Face was considered the first grant-making initiative in the outdoor sector aimed at boosting outdoor participation in the US. Prior to launching in Australia and New Zealand, the program has already been expanded into Canada in 2012, Europe in 2018, and the Asia-Pacific region last year.

The Explore Fund was established to fund local organisations that foster new explorer communities and advance outdoor opportunities.

This year, the business has committed $25,000 for qualified Australian or New Zealand organisations.

The North Face has also created a council of five prominent individuals with experience in preserving the environment and establishing venues and opportunities for more equitable systems, both inside and outside of outdoor communities.

The council will assess each organisation’s impact and values along with the project’s design components when reviewing applications.

“It’s clear that our collective outdoor community is changing. We have seen new communities form, grow and champion the needs of diverse people in the outdoors in really exciting ways,” said Coralie Fleming, an Explore Fund Council member. 

“We see our role as council members as amplifiers of that existing work and not as directors of it. We believe in the power of our communities to break barriers, and in our ability to support their leadership.” 

Applications are now being accepted until August 28 on The North Face Explore Fund website

You have 7 articles remaining. Unlock 15 free articles a month, it’s free.