The Outdoor Foundation and Grassroots Outdoor Alliance Award $50,000 to Retailer-Endorsed Community Projects Across the U.S.

 The Outdoor Foundation and Grassroots Outdoor Alliance Award $50,000

to Retailer-Endorsed Community Projects Across the U.S.

Building on this success, the Foundation plans to significantly expand its work with local retailers in 2014 and beyond – investing in community connections to inspire outdoor activity.

Washington DC (Sept 16, 2013) – The Outdoor Foundation, the non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring and growing future generations of outdoor leaders, partnered with Grassroots Outdoor Alliance and its members to identify and fund community projects that connect young people and the outdoors. Thanks to proceeds from Outsiders Ball, the Foundation was able to work with Grassroots members to award more than $50,000 to local non-profit organizations that engage young people in outdoor outings from paddling to climbing and hiking to biking. These grants also serve to strengthen retailers’ relationships with their communities – helping to drive outdoor business as well as participation.

Building on the success of Outsiders Ball and recognizing the importance of local retailers’ involvement, the Outdoor Foundation plans to significantly expand its work with retailers in 2014 and beyond – investing in community connections to inspire outdoor activity.

“We’re thrilled to work with Grassroots Outdoor Alliance and its members to inspire a new generation of outdoor enthusiasts and customers,” said Chris Fanning, executive director of The Outdoor Foundation. “Outdoor retailers are the anchors of our industry. By providing them with a connection point to communities of young outdoor enthusiasts, we hope to strengthen their consumer base as well as the overall health of our country and industry.”

“Grassroots Outdoor Alliance and The Outdoor Foundation are passionate about giving back to local communities while inspiring and motivating youth to get outside and enjoy the outdoors. The grant program that The Outdoor Nation offered to our retail membership was fantastic and greatly appreciated. The grants will provide very real and measureable benefits to so many kids in local communities that will make a real difference in their lives. We look forward to working to partnering with The Outdoor Nation on any future programs ” shared Roanne Miller, president of Grassroots Outdoor Alliance.

At the inaugural Outsiders Ball, five retailers from across the country took center stage and advocated for additional funds for their community projects. More than 90 individuals raised their paddles during the live auction to support the projects. Overall, Outsiders Ball raised $375,000 – supporting community projects as well as Outdoor Nation, the Foundation’s signature outdoor program.

The Outdoor Foundation’s Outsiders Ball will continue as an annual fundraising event — the place to be on the eve of Outdoor Retailer Summer Market. For more information on how you can get involved in the work of The Outdoor Foundation or sponsor the next Outsiders Ball, contact Chris Fanning at cfanning@outdoorfoundation.org. To see videos from the event, check out the Outsiders Ball YouTube Channel.

About the Outdoor Foundation
The Outdoor Foundation is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to inspiring and growing future generations of outdoor enthusiasts. Through groundbreaking research, action oriented outreach, and education programs, the Foundation works with partners to mobilize a major cultural shift that leads all Americans to the great outdoors. In 2010, the Foundation launched Outdoor Nation, a pioneering initiative that aims to empower young leaders to champion the outdoors on campuses and in communities across the United States. For more information visit: OutdoorFoundation.org and OutdoorNation.org.

About Grassroots Outdoor Alliance

Grassroots Outdoor Alliance has 45 members with nearly 100 retail locations across the United States. Grassroots unites independent outdoor retailers as a strong voice to protect and promote the experience of outdoor enthusiasts across the United States. To learn more about Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, visit our website at www.grassrootsoutdoors.com