The North Face Explore Fund (Australia and New Zealand)

Deadline: 30-Sep-23

The North Face is pleased to receive applications from passionate groups that work in innovative ways to increase participation in the outdoors and to protect the environment.

Exploration has the power to change lives and connect communities. When one search out new experiences, overcome obstacles and connect with each other, one can change themselves. The Explore Fund is how they’ve put this idea to work—by removing barriers so everyone can get outside. Together with the partner community, they’ve activated what it means to explore—for people and for culture.

Program Category

The Explore Fund grants are offered in two main categories:

• Creating a Community of New Explorers: Supporting underrepresented communities in outdoor adventures, through potentially new and interesting ways, is core to this program category. Want to work with groups that are helping change the narrative of outdoor exploration and are addressing issues of representation and access. Ideal programs engage or support communities in ways that might include developing inclusivity and self-awareness, healing and trust through outdoor activities, or developing outdoor leaders through innovative programming and trips to public lands. If your program seeks to develop new outdoor adventurers, this category is for you.
• Protecting the Environment: Projects large and small in scale are vital for protecting the natural ecosystems and the ability to continue to enjoy them. Ideal programs think creatively about engaging communities in environmental work and creating connections between people and the land. Potential projects might address needs for new trails or forests, elevating indigenous knowledge of land management or other topics such as climate change on public lands or in cities. Organisations that work with new technologies and programmatic approaches to protecting the environment are encouraged to apply. If your program focuses on environmental education, please complete the application under this category.

Funding Information

• A total of $25,000 is available for funding through the open grant process.
• Applicants may apply for up to $10,000 in grant funding and a minimum of $5,000.
• In rare cases, The North Face may award more than $10,000 to specific projects. Whether grants are awarded and the amounts of any such awarded grants are within the sole discretion of The North Face.

Eligibility Criteria

• Be a not-for-profit, social enterprise or community group.
• Be based and operate in AU or NZ. Projects outside AU or NZ do not qualify.

Ineligible Projects

• Programs without a significant outdoor component or activities that are not aligned with the activities and interests of The North Face.
• Projects focused on research, white papers, and conferences.
• Endowment or capital fund campaigns
• Ropes courses, museum and aquarium trips
• Dancing and art classes
• Advocacy or political campaigns
• Sustainability, green building projects, or landscape projects
• Expeditions & Races
• Land acquisitions or conservation easements
• Most salaries.
• Wildlife and ocean conservation focused projects
• Agricultural and food waste focused projects
• Film, video, book or movie projects
• Marketing or awareness raising projects
• Festivals
• Projects outside of Australia or New Zealand

Evaluation Criteria

Council looks at the following three guidelines:

• Impact:
  • How well does the program:
    • Create new and innovative approaches to participation, access, and/or environmental protection.
    • Invite underrepresented and/or underserved communities to participate in the outdoors.
    • Show a positive benefit to participants and/or the environment in tangible, measurable ways.
    • Provide opportunities for future or reoccurring outdoor and/or environmental stewardship opportunities.
    • Demonstrate a history of working with their target audience.
• Values:
  • How clearly does the program:
    • Welcome underrepresented communities to the outdoors.
    • Encourage responsible participation in the outdoors.
    • Focus on providing the community being served with opportunities for reflection and deeper connection with outdoor activity and/or environmental work.
    • Show authenticity in executing their work.
    • Align with the spirit of exploration and activities supported by The North Face.
    • Show awareness and respect for the traditional owners and custodians of the lands on which they meet.
• Design:
  • How well does the application and proposed project:
    • Clearly define its plan and goals.
    • Differentiate itself from other programs or programs in its geographic region.
    • Have a plan for outreach to their target community.
    • Staff their program appropriately.
    • Provide a detailed and appropriate budget.

For more information, visit The North Face.