Exploration changes lives. When we search out new experiences, overcome obstacles and connect with each other, we change ourselves. The Explore Fund is how we put this idea to work—by removing barriers so everyone can get outside and protect wild places. We’re activating what it means to explore—for people and for culture.
WHAT WE DO
Since 2010, we’ve been creating access and driving equity in the outdoors by funding hundreds of nonprofit organizations around two main themes: Enabling Exploration and Loving Wild Places.
ENABLING EXPLORATION
Exploration is within everyone, but some face more barriers than others. By removing obstacles and empowering people, we change the way that we think about the outdoors, ourselves, and our place on the planet. We open ourselves to the wide range of cultures and experiences that connect us.
LOVING WILD PLACES
For over 50 years, we’ve worked to protect wild places and create connections to outdoor playgrounds, both on mountaintops and in city parks. There is incredible value in the physical and mental benefits of exploring the outdoors, and we want that opportunity to be available for everyone, now and into the future.
THE NORTH FACE® PARTNERS WITH THE OUTWARD BOUND TRUST
TO ENSURE EXPLORATION IS FOR EVERYONE
The first official project, as The North Face® expands The Explore Fund across Europe
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In the UK, The North Face is partnering with The Outward Bound Trust -
an educational charity that helps young people to defy limitations through adventure.
Amanda Calder-McLaren, Brand Comms Director EMEA, said:
“For over five decades, The North Face has been pushing the limits of exploration. The Explore Fund is how we turn our purpose into action. We’re thrilled to be launching The Explore Fund by announcing a very special diversity project with The Outward Bound Trust, designed to support young underprivileged people living in city environments to access the outdoors. We firmly believe that advancing diversity in the outdoors will make for a kinder, more connected world.”
Through a series of events and activities over the next year, The North Face and The Outward Bound Trust will be enabling thousands of young people to experience exploration in the UK and how it can shape their lives.
Following a successful campaign last year for the brand’s She Moves Mountains campaign – aimed at empowering women and girls to explore the outdoors – The North Face and The Outward Bound Trust are continuing to encourage equality and are now providing career opportunities for young people who would never normally have access to outdoor sports. They believe that getting young people outside at an early age will ignite their imagination and create a curiosity for the natural world.
Nick Barrett, Chief Executive of The Outward Bound Trust said:
“We’re excited to be developing our work with The North Face this year. It’s great to work alongside an organisation who shares our passion for outdoor adventure, and genuinely wants to help develop and diversify our sector. We’re excited to see how our program unfolds, and about the opportunity to not only offer more young people the chance to experience real exploration in the wilderness but help them to progress a career in the outdoors as well.”
Check out more from
the Outward Bound Trust
contact us
For any further information, please reach out at The_North_Face_Europe_Explore_Fund@vfc.com