Paddle Nation Seeks Support & Grant Applications

Outdoor Nation is currently seeking Paddle Nation Project Grant applications from individuals between the ages of 18 and 28 and 501c3 non-profits. Projects are selected through a competitive application and review process. Proposals are due by Feb. 1, 2013.  The council is also calling on fellow paddlesport retailers and manufacturers to match $50,000 of funding provided by Nielsen Expositions and the National Park Service, to reach Outdoor Nation’s goal of $100,000.·

Together we can assist more people to have an opportunity to SUP and ultimatley make a difference in lives.

BOULDER, Colorado - The Outdoor Industry Association® (OIA) Paddle Advisory Council is seeking industry support for the second annual Paddle Nation Project Grants, an initiative of The Outdoor Foundation’s Outdoor Nation program. The council plans to award a minimum of 20 grants of $2,500 each to innovative paddle projects that connect young Americans to their waterways through recreational paddling in the United States.

The Paddle Nation Project is made possible by support and funding from the OIA Paddle Advisory Council — a coalition of top paddlesport manufacturers, retailers and stakeholders —as well as Nielsen Expositions and the National Park Service. 

The council is calling on fellow paddlesport retailers and manufacturers to match $50,000 of funding provided by Nielsen Expositions and the National Park Service, to reach Outdoor Nation’s goal of $100,000. 

Last year’s Paddle Nation Project Grants empowered and inspired youth across the United States to experience a range of paddlesport activities, and served audiences from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. In 2012, Outdoor Nation awarded $30,000 in paddle grants to 13 innovative projects, engaging more than 1,125 people, organizing 101 outdoor outings and resulting in 351 hours spent participating in paddle activities. Projects included classroom environmental stewardship education, on-water paddling lessons and habitat cleanup. You can view a description of the 2012 winning projects on the Outdoor Nation website.  

Outdoor Nation is currently seeking Paddle Nation Project Grant applications from individuals between the ages of 18 and 28 and 501c3 non-profits. Projects are selected through a competitive application and review process. Proposals are due by Feb. 1, 2013.  View the Paddle Nation Project Grant application.

Outdoor Nation is an initiative of The Outdoor Foundation, the non-profit organization that OIA established to inspire and grow future generations of outdoor enthusiasts. It is funded by the generous support of more than 250 outdoor companies as well as many public and private organizations in other sectors. 

To contribute to the Paddle Nation Project Grants, contact Chris Fanning, (cfanning@outdoorfoundation.org) executive director of The Outdoor Foundation.

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