Vista Outdoor Foundation Announces 2021 Grant Partners
The Vista Outdoor Foundation Board of Directors selected ten non-profit organizations to receive a total of over $600,000 in grants as part of the Foundation’s inaugural grant cycle. The ten organizations represent a cross section of outdoor and recreational causes, including organizations that promote conservation, encourage youth and veteran participation in outdoor sports, and work to improve diversity and inclusion in the outdoors.
“I’m proud of the work the Vista Outdoor Foundation has done to support non-profit partners across the country,” said Chris Metz, Chief Executive Officer of Vista Outdoor Inc. “The organizations selected for grants are at the forefront of outdoor impact and their efforts align with our Company’s mission to get more people outside. We are pleased to support the Foundation in these worthy endeavors and look forward to more progress ahead.”
The Foundation received more than 100 requests for funding as part of the grant approval process. The ten organizations selected to receive grants were chosen following a rigorous review of grant applications by the Foundation’s Board of Directors based on operational, geographic, and mission-based criteria.
“The creation of the Vista Outdoor Foundation was motivated by a belief that common ground can be found outside,” said Dylan Ramsey, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary of Vista Outdoor Inc. and Chairman of the Vista Outdoor Foundation Board of Directors. “The Foundation seeks to identify and support organizations that work to unite all outdoor enthusiasts, from encouraging youth participation and diversity in outdoor sports to protecting the outdoor spaces that we depend on to pursue our respective passions. The ten organizations selected for grants this year have a tremendous track record of delivering meaningful results. On behalf of the Foundation, I look forward to partnering with them to achieve more great things in the coming years.”
Vista Outdoor Foundation 2021 Grant Recipients
Blue Star Families
Blue Star Families was founded by military spouses in 2009 to empower military families to thrive as they serve.
International Mountain Bicycling Association
The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) is the worldwide leader in mountain bike advocacy, and the only organization in the U.S. focused entirely on trails and access.
Little Bellas: Mentoring on Mountain Bikes
Little Bellas creates opportunities for girls to experience success using mountain biking as the platform and pathway to personal growth.
National Ability Center
The National Ability Center empowers individuals of all abilities by building self-esteem, confidence and lifetime skills through sport, recreation and educational programs.
National Forest Foundation
Chartered by Congress, the National Forest Foundation was created with a simple mission: bring people together to restore and enhance our National Forests and Grasslands.
Outdoors Tomorrow Foundation
The Outdoors Tomorrow Foundation teaches outdoor education and promotes and funds conservation of wildlife worldwide.
Pedal Power MN
Pedal Power has created a model for 4th and 5th grade classes to go out for weekly rides with their teachers, to use bikes instead of buses, and to ride year-round with an after-school group to locations all over Minneapolis.
Protect Our Winters
Protect Our Winters helps passionate outdoor people protect the places and lifestyles they love from climate change.
Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation, Inc
Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation provides shooting-sports education and opportunities to school-age youths to encourage young athlete personal growth and development.
Youth Seen
Youth Seen fosters and empowers the social and emotional well-being of LGBTQI youth and their families, including through outdoor experiences at Camp Youth Seen, its annual Summer camp in the Rocky Mountains.
Stay tuned for more about each of these organizations and what they plan to do with the grant.