December 7, 2012 /3BL Media/ - The North Face today announced that it has awarded the second round of Explore Fund grants for 2012, more than $140,000 in grants to 58 projects that will impact more than 80,000 youth across the nation. As part of its mission to start a global movement of Outdoor Exploration, The North Face introduced the Explore Fund (www.explorefund.org) in 2010 and the program has since provided more than $1 Million in grants globally to organizations committed to inspiring the next generation of outdoor explorers and conservationists. Since launching in 2010, The North Face has donated more than $765,000 to over 300 nonprofit organizations in the U.S.

Explore Fund grantee, Athletes for Cancer based in Colorado, is dedicated to enriching lives impacted by cancer through nature and the outdoors. The North Face Explore Fund grant will help support Camp Koru, a 6-day outdoor adventure camp that gives young survivors an opportunity to tackle outdoor challenges, build self-confidence and learn skills to thrive in life.

We are very pleased and grateful to receive support from The North Face Explore Fund,” said Tonia Farman, executive director of Athletes 4 Cancer. “We truly believe in the physical, emotional and social benefits of connecting kids with the outdoors, and this funding will help us continue to provide that experience to young cancer survivors.”

The National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD) in Colorado is a therapeutic snowboard program designed to get youth outdoors during the winter season, regardless of any type of physical, cognitive, emotional or behavioral disability. Led by qualified instructors and local rehabilitation centers, NSCD is focused on using the outdoor experience to work on goal setting and build self-esteem. The Explore Fund grant will help provide for training, equipment and lift tickets throughout the season.

“There can be so many barriers to getting kids outdoors, whether it be a disability, health resources or simply a lack of access. A large percentage of the grants went toward funding organizations that are addressing these issues by providing access and education,” said Ann Krcik, director of Outdoor Exploration at The North Face. “We believe that if you can get kids to love the outdoors, not only will they develop skills that will help them throughout life, but they will grow up to care about their natural world, protecting the places they explore.”

Fall/Winter funds were granted to organizations across the country that break down barriers to getting outdoors, with a focus on:
$ 61,000  - Access to front and back country recreation

$ 48,000  - Education for personal and environmental health

$ 31,000  - Creating a connection to nature

With this second round of micro-grant, a total of $265,000 will be awarded to nonprofits in the U.S. through the 2012 Explore Fund by the end of the year.

The Explore Fund spring grant cycle will be announced in early 2013. For more information on this cycle's grantees, please visit www.explorefund.org.