Together Outdoors, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing outdoor diversity and inclusion, will disburse $25,000 in grants this September.
It’s no secret that outdoor sports don’t exhibit much cultural diversity. The Together Outdoors (TO) Coalition is one of the nonprofits trying to change that. And to that end, Together Outdoors recently announced it will award $25,000 in grants to organizations that serve communities of color, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA people, and other intersecting minority groups.
The grant money will allow diversity-focused organizations to develop research and resource tools and create outdoor-recreation programming, events, and leadership-development initiatives.
“Funding from the initial pilot round of our grant program will go directly to frontline, grassroots leaders and organizations working to make the outdoors more accessible and welcoming,” Gerry Seavo James, TO Coalition lead, said in a statement.
“This grant program epitomizes exactly what Together Outdoors was founded on doing — to help with incubating an environment where all people have access to welcoming outdoor recreation experiences.”
The grant is the result of support from THOR Industries and Winnebago Industries, both major players in the recreational vehicle market.
“In support of Together Outdoors’ mission to alleviate barriers to inclusion in the outdoors, THOR is honored to empower frontline organizations driven to cultivate the necessary change that will allow everyone to ‘Go Everywhere and Stay Anywhere,'” said Bob Martin, THOR president and CEO.
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How to Apply for a ‘Together Outdoors’ Grant
Grant applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria, but applying does not require 501(c)3 status.
However, the applicant’s organization or project income level must currently be under $150,000. And the applicant must have received less than $80,000 in grants in the last 2 years. TO will evaluate proposals based on how well they match grant focus areas (including “activating change outdoors”). From there, audits on need, feasibility, and sustainability will follow.
For more detailed eligibility requirements and applicant information, and to apply for a grant, go to Together Outdoors’ website. Applications are due by Sept. 5, 2022. TO will disburse awards on Sept. 30, 2022.
