North Face’s Explore Fund: Diversifying the Outdoors
After reading How Outdoor Brands Can Widen Their Appeal by Bella Webb in Vogue Business, I became interested in learning more about some of the grassroots organizations North Face is collaborating with through its Explore Fund. For over a decade, they have sponsored outdoor organizations that aim to make exploring more accessible to all.
Here are some of the organizations the Explore Fund is helping to support!
Paradox Sports is a non-profit organization that aims to enable people with disabilities to participate in adaptive climbing and help them break barriers to experience the powers of nature. Since 2007, Paradox Sports has organized climbing clinics, outdoor excursions, and training courses throughout the United States. All of these focus on enhancing participation and community bonding among the two camps of adaptive sports and climbing. This organization opens the doors to outdoor activities for people of different abilities, allowing them to enjoy climbing and the outdoors.
The Greening Youth Foundation focuses on encouraging youth and young adults from underrepresented backgrounds to connect with the outdoors and pursue environmentally-minded careers. Their programs range from engaging youth in activities that promote healthy lifestyle choices to creating internship opportunities with organizations like the National Forest Service. They aim to diversify the next generation environmental leaders. Their programs empower youth to protect natural resources while fostering personal growth, environmental awareness, and professional development in green careers.
Outdoor Afro is a national nonprofit that celebrates and inspires Black communities to the outdoors through “education, recreation, and conservation.” Founded in 2009 by Rue Mapp, Outdoor Afro has developed into a diverse network of leaders who guide various outdoor adventures, like hiking, camping, fishing, and birdwatching, all aimed at fostering meaningful relationships with nature. This organization focuses on creating safe and inclusive spaces where people can explore and enjoy the outdoors while building community. Outdoor Afro also works to change the narrative around who participates in outdoor recreation.
Beyond the Gear 