Together Outdoors, in conjunction with the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, has announced the recipients of its Inclusive Micro-Grant Program. This initiative distributes a total of $70,000 among eight grassroots organizations to foster a more inclusive outdoor recreation environment across small and rural communities.
The initiative attracted nearly 300 applications in its second cycle, a significant increase from the previous round, reflecting a growing interest in expanding accessibility to outdoor activities. Each of the selected organizations will receive grants ranging from $6,000 to $10,000 to support their unique projects.
This grant program is part of a broader effort by Together Outdoors to enhance diversity and inclusivity in outdoor recreation, a mission supported by foundational contributions from THOR Industries and Winnebago Industries. Additional funding from these companies has ensured the continuation of the program, with another round of grants scheduled for release in late summer 2024.
Ambreen Tariq, senior program director at Outdoor Recreation Roundtable and lead of the Together Outdoors Coalition, expressed her enthusiasm for the progress made by the grant recipients. “We are thrilled and honored to celebrate the achievements of our newest awardees in the second round of our Inclusive Micro-Grant Program,” Tariq stated. She emphasized the commitment to profiling the awardees in the coming months to highlight their efforts in expanding access to the outdoors.
The grant recipients represent a broad spectrum of missions and objectives, each aiming to reduce barriers and enhance engagement within their communities.
Access on the Go in Davis, West Virginia, focuses on increasing accessibility in outdoor spaces for individuals with disabilities. The organization will use the grant to improve the Elk River Trail, making it more accessible and inclusive.
In Admiralty Island National Monument, Alaska, the Angoon Alaska Youth Stewards use their grant to foster leadership among Southeast Alaskan youth through hands-on restoration and stewardship projects. This funding will also support the group’s first in-person training sessions, which include first aid and local history education.
Farmington Area Single Track, based in Farmington, New Mexico, engages youth from San Juan County to the Navajo Nation through cycling. The grant will boost the group’s capacity to reach and serve 50 Navajo youth, offering them meaningful outdoor experiences.
Huellas Latinas in Saint Paul, Minnesota, utilizes its funds to provide Spanish language programming and outdoor recreation education aimed at improving access and engagement among the Latinx community. Their newly created Outdoor Adventure program will feature camping, skill-building, and environmental care training.
Chicago’s Light of Loving Kindness focuses on integrating mental wellness with outdoor activity. The organization plans to use the funds to hire a Marketing & Digital Media Coordinator, enhancing the promotion of their programs which cater to underserved and BIPOC communities.
Our Heritage Outside operates on a national level, dedicating its efforts to amplify Black history within the U.S. National Park system. The grant will support ongoing educational projects and preparations for future historical commemorations.
Black Men Hike in Los Angeles uses their funding to promote mental and physical wellness among Black men through group hiking events. The program will expand to include emergency and survival training for its Hiking Ambassadors.
Lastly, The Great Malden Outdoors in Malden, Massachusetts, aims to reduce barriers to outdoor participation through new programming and resource provision. Their efforts include creating advertisements, translating materials, and managing programs to enhance community access to the outdoors.
Renee Jones, vice president of Marketing at THOR, commended the grant recipients for their leadership in fostering a more inclusive and connected outdoor community. “Your initiatives aren’t just changing lives, they’re sparking a ripple effect of positive change,” Jones noted. THOR looks forward to the continued success and impact of these programs in creating a more inclusive outdoor environment.