The coalition’s existing grants scheme has been adapted in the context of the major impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the non-profit sector. In the latest round, with support from the European Outdoor Group, 10 ‘micro-grants’ of €1,000 each will be awarded to the most compelling proposals. Applications are now open at https://www.itsgreatoutthere.com/grants and the deadline for submissions is Sunday 16 August.
Launched in 2017, the #itsgreatoutthere grants programme supports community based projects, which have primarily been developed to take new participants into the outdoors, and have in particular encouraged younger and more diverse audiences to get active. Any non-profit organisation can apply for an #itsgreatoutthere grant and since they were introduced, they have supported 19 projects with grants of varying sizes, directly benefiting nearly 5,500 people.
As the population of Europe emerges from COVID-19 related restrictions, evidence is strong that citizens now have an increased appetite to head into the outdoors. The round of 10 #itsgreatoutthere micro-grants is designed to deliver vital support to more small-scale non-profit initiatives that will help new participants to get active, and do so in a safe and responsible way.
Margo de Lange, It’s Great Out There Coalition policy officer explains: “Our recent consumer research has shown that in recent months people everywhere have gained a greater appreciation of the outdoors and an increased desire to explore the natural world once restrictions have lifted. We now have a golden opportunity to help more people to enjoy outdoor activities, but there are significant challenges that come with that.
“Citizens from all backgrounds who are planning to explore the natural world for the first time need help and advice to do that safely and responsibly, but some of the non-profit organisations that traditionally provide that assistance have been badly hit by the pandemic. In short, the resources available for this kind of work have been significantly reduced. We’re very grateful for the support of our members and the European Outdoor Group, which means that we are able to launch this #itsgreatoutthere micro-grants scheme. I urge non-profits around Europe that may meet our criteria to consider applying. We want to help you to get more people active in the outdoors, in the right way.”
Applications for #itsgreatoutthere grants can be submitted between now and midnight on Sunday 16 August. The It’s Great Out There Coalition will choose the 10 best proposals and each will be awarded €1,000 to help deliver their project. The coalition will also help put successful applicants in contact with some of its members and other partners from the outdoor industry that may be able to assist with the supply of products or other support in kind, such as professional mountain guiding.
The full criteria for #itsgreatoutthere micro-grants and application form can be found at www.itsgreatoutthere.com/grants. Questions for the coalition team can be sent to info@itsgreatoutthere.com.
