Frequently Asked Questions
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What is The Explore Fund?
The North Face Explore Fund is a grant-giving program committed to supporting nonprofit, community organizations that break down the barriers to getting youth outdoors.
We at The North Face ® love the outdoors. It's where we develop character, confidence, clear minds, healthy bodies, and respect for nature. We believe in sharing this passion by enabling all types of exploration - from your backyard to the Himalayan peaks. The goal of the Explore Fund is to inspire the next generation of young explorers and conservationists by funding groups that help kids discover nature's playground.
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Who can apply for an Explore Fund grant?
In order to maximize the impact of The Explore Fund, we limit our grants to funding nonprofits that:
- focus on breaking down barriers to getting youth outdoors.
- have clearly defined goals and objectives, target a specific issue/youth community, are action-oriented and quantifiable, and are committed to long-term change.
- have 501(c)(3) status, or are seeking this designation
- build community and encourage public involvement
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What can you use the Explore Fund grant for?
The Explore Fund grants may not be used for indirect costs, overhead, and other expenses not directly related to the project or program. Fringe benefits are also excluded, as are salaries. As The Explore Fund is intended to function as complementary support, we strongly encourage applicants to seek additional, concurrent funding from other funding sources.
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Why does Explore Fund focus on groups that help to get youth outdoors?
The goal of the Explore Fund is to get more youth outdoors by funding programs that reconnect children with nature. We are firm believers in the physical, mental and social benefits of a healthy, active outdoor lifestyle, and that a strong connection with the outdoors will lead to greater support and protection of our natural landscapes.
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When will final decisions be made?
We will be announcing the grantees for the 2011 Spring/Summer programs on May 15th. Our announcement date for the 2011 Fall/Winter programs will be November 7th.
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What is 501(c)(3) status?
A subsection under the United States Internal Revenue Code. The subsection relates to non-profit organizations and tax law and identifies which non-profit organizations are exempt from paying federal income tax. 501(c)(3) organizations are corporations, funds or foundations that operate for religious, charitable, scientific, literary or educational purposes.
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What's the relationship between the Explore Fund and PlanetExplore?
PlanetExplore is an online community designed to help individuals and families learn about and participate in outdoor activities and events in their area. The goal of PlanetExplore is to inspire and enable people of all ages to become regularly active outside and to develop the benefits gained through a connection to nature.
In order to find the best outdoor activities in your community, PlanetExplore has teamed up with a host of like-minded partners and outdoor-focused nonprofits. The Explore Fund is our way of finding, engaging and funding new partners that help further our goal to inspire the next generation of explorers and conservationists by helping them discover nature's playground.