Keen has launched its second year of the Keen Effect grant program. Keen Effect II will see the footwear brand award 10 grants to deserving not-for-profit organisations around the world, as voted for by the public.
The company set up the initiative to reward the unsung heroes of the outdoor world – the organisations that are getting people outside to enjoy the outdoors responsibly.
In 2014, the Keen Effect awarded US$100,000 in grants to 25 organisations in 16 states in the U.S., and seven countries around the world. In doing so, more than 23,500 people were directly engaged in outdoor recreation in the program’s first year.
In the UK, one of the grant-winning organisations was Outfit Moray in Scotland, who received £1,650 to help create opportunities for local families and adults to engage with the outdoors, introducing them to activities that they never had access to before.
"The grant helped us to launch our 'Explore the Outdoors' programme,” said Outfit Moray’s Caroline Bate, “which gave 24 local people the opportunity to take part in outdoor adventures that they had never tried before. The money meant that the activities were accessible to everyone, and helped people to build new skills, discover new places on their doorstep, and learn how to enjoy the outdoors responsibly."
Following last year’s success, Keen aims to engage with even more of its fans who share a love of the outdoors and a passion to preserve it for future generations.
“The Keen Effect offers us an exciting opportunity to engage with our fans, learn about organisations and projects they are passionate about, and then support some of the groups in their backyards,” said Keen’s Perry Laukens.
“Through the Keen Effect, our eyes are opened to hundreds of incredible organisations around the world who are inspiring responsible outdoor participation and we are thrilled at the opportunity to help inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.”
The Keen Effect is part of the company’s Hybrid.Care giving program – which has donated more than €6 million in cash and resources to non-profits around the world since 2004.
So now it’s down to you – to nominate non-profit organisations that you think inspire responsible outdoor participation as a way towards building strong communities, creative and sustainable thinking, and introducing new audiences to the outdoors.
Applications received by March 1 will be considered for the first round of grantee winners announced on Earth Day, April 22. Applications filed between March 1 and Aug. 1 will be considered for the final round of winners to be announced on National Public Lands Day, Sept. 26. Applications are accepted throughout the year.
To learn more about the Keen Effect II and to make your nominations, please check out: keeneffect.com
