Alpkit Foundation

Overview

Alpkit think getting outdoors is amazing, it is good for the mind, body and soul. This is why it is so inspiring to see the work of individuals and projects helping others overcome obstacles to get out and enjoy it too.

This is why Alpkit puts 1% of sales into the Alpkit Foundation. This is their payback. Small awards that support grass roots, direct action projects and passionate game changers where a positive difference can be made to remove the barriers in getting outdoors and experience the benefits of time spent outdoors.

They have over 2,500 projects with more than £750,000 in small grants. They’re incredibly proud to see the effect that these small steps can make. 

Previous awards have included help to tackle issues such as diversity & inclusion in the outdoors, participation, education, conservation and protection of our natural environment and health & well-being. 

Support could be:

• £50 to £500 cash to individuals, community groups, schools and organisations to encourage people to get outdoors and have great experiences that otherwise couldn’t happen; e.g. giving a cash grant to a school to fund transport costs
• There's no limit to the number of times you can apply for an award. 
  • They welcome multiple awards over time and each award is assessed on its own merit. 
  • The only criteria they apply in making awards is that the project meets the funding criteria and the Alpkit Foundation has enough money in the pot.
• If possible, please apply at least 3 months before the start of a project so that the trustees have time to consider it at their next meeting.

They particularly like to support projects that:

• Encourage responsible outdoor activity
• Have long-lasting benefits
• Introduce new people to get outdoors
• Demonstrate value for money

For example: 

• Providing discounted equipment for outdoor adventures and trips to individuals, groups, schools and organisations that wouldn’t be viable without support from the Alpkit Foundation. 
• Support outdoor educational programs; e.g. grants for outdoor First Aiders or Mountain Leader Training.
• Support proactive conservation and environmental projects; e.g. community gardens and allotments or grants to help re-wild woodland and protect our wild places.
• Support projects which encourage the development of facilities for outdoor skills and activities to be experienced by wider groups who otherwise may miss out e.g. cycling, climbing, outdoor swimming facilities.

Funding priorities:

• Diversity and Inclusion Projects that engage individual and groups from a diverse range of backgrounds
• Environmental Projects that seek to support, conserve, or generate understanding of our environment and wild places
• Health Projects enabling people to gain physical and mental wellbeing from the Great Outdoors
• Education Projects such as First Aid, D of E, Forest Schools and Mountain Leader
• Participation Projects that get more people experiencing the Great Outdoors