Merrell Offers $2,500 Grants to Help People Enjoy the Outdoors

Thanks to Merrell, one of the core brands in outdoor footwear and apparel, playing outdoors just got easier (and more affordable). Their new grant program “The Pack Project” is the cornerstone of their The Pack community (@merrelloutside #thepack) and promises to enrich—and enable—ten deserving recipients with grants of up to $2,500 each.

With so many grants dependent on age, athletic ability, and economic situation, we applaud Merrell’s egalitarian efforts to level the playing field. The only qualification necessary? A good idea that’s entrenched in the outdoor lifestyle. The company states that grants are open to “any and all big ideas that inspire an outside active life.”  Wanna go on a road trip and blog about it? Or maybe it’s time to build that climbing wall or skate park your community has long needed. This may be your chance. Merrell will award five grants of up to $2,500 each for the first round of applicants (proposals are due no later than August 17^th), and another five grants for the same amount, with proposals due October 17^th. Winners will be announced on September 12^th and November 5^th respectively.

Both individuals and charitable organizations are encouraged to apply—the key thing to remember is that the grants are designed to provide resources and funding needed to “bring innovation and active ideas to life and to support pioneering projects and initiatives that result in increased active outdoor participation.” So if you have a field of dreams that involves hiking, biking, paddling, running, skiing, wing-suit flying, or an outdoor activity that defies categorization, this might be the grant for you.

Apply at www.merrell.com/thepack (and if you win, don’t forget to send us a postcard from the road!).