Through Vista Outdoor’s philanthropic partner, The Vista Outdoor Foundation, they announced 12 nonprofit organizations that they’ve selected to receive grants.
The Vista Outdoor Foundation made major progress in our first year, and we’re pleased to continue the momentum in the second year with the addition of three new partners. For the second year in a row, the organizations selected for grants are leading the way in promoting conservation and encouraging more people to get outside. Their missions align with our own, and we’re proud to count all 12 groups as our partners in these efforts.
Chris Metz, Chief Executive Officer
The Vista Outdoor Foundation was formed last year as a not-for-profit, tax-exempt Delaware corporation. Its purpose is to partner with non-profits, through annual grantmaking, that align with Vista Outdoor’s Purpose, Vision and Commitents.
We are proud to be able to continue our support of last year’s grantees while also expanding the impact of the Vista Outdoor Foundation through the addition of three new nonprofit partners. Our support of these 12 organizations — which do everything from encouraging youth participation and diversity in outdoor sports to protecting the outdoor spaces that we depend on to pursue our respective passions — is based on our company’s belief that common ground can be found outside. We look forward to working alongside each group as they strive to unite outdoor enthusiasts.
Dylan Ramsey, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary of Vista Outdoor Inc.
and Chairman of the Vista Outdoor Foundation Board of Directors
Per Vista Outdoor’s press release, the following nonprofit partners are grant recipients.
- Warriors & Quiet Waters – Warriors & Quiet Waters guides post-9/11 combat veterans and their loved ones to thrive and find peace, meaning, and purpose through fly fishing and other inspirational activities in nature.
- First Tee – First Tee is a youth development organization that enables kids to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges.
- Eco Defense Group – Eco Defense Group consults with, trains and enables wildlife rangers in national and regional parks to identify and stop the poaching threat before an animal is killed.
- 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.
While the press release didn’t include the size of the grants, it was in the news recently that Warriors and Quiet Waters was awarded $30,000. They’re going to use the award to start a new program.
The program that we’re launching next year will really combine the power of nature and fly fishing with a self-discovery process that will go on over a period of many months
Brian Gilman, Chief Executive Officer of Warriors and Quiet Waters