The Alpkit Foundation is thrilled to announce a significant milestone in its journey to support communities and individuals across the UK: over £750,000 has been awarded to more than 2,500 projects since its inception. Through small grants and targeted support, the Alpkit Foundation is dedicated to helping people access and enjoy the great outdoors while making a positive impact on mental, physical, and environmental well-being.
The full Impact Report is available to enjoy online. Packed full of colourful graphics and inspirational stories, it is a celebration of the charitable work many of you have undertaken over the past year, a snapshot of work that started long ago and will continue for many years to come - for most it is a way of life, devotion to making a better world.
"This review is once again built of those little snippets of joy, stories of projects driven by real activists among those communities and deeply passionate about the benefits of time outdoors. As it should be. - Col Stocker Alpkit Foundation Trustee.
Founded on the belief that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the benefits of the outdoors, the Alpkit Foundation has continuously backed grassroots initiatives that break down barriers to outdoor experiences. From supporting refugee women learning to cycle, to helping young people develop marine conservation skills in Scotland, the Foundation has been a beacon of change. Here are some highlights from the report:
Inspiring Stories of Impact in 2024:
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Blue Youth Project: In collaboration with the Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC), the Alpkit Foundation provided funding to help young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in Scotland engage in marine conservation. The project removes barriers like transport costs, offering young people the chance to gain invaluable skills while connecting with nature.
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Pedal Power: This initiative in Glasgow empowered refugee and asylum-seeking women by teaching them how to cycle, boosting their confidence and independence. A small grant of £300 helped cover materials for bike maintenance, supporting their journey to freedom on two wheels.
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Accessible Sailing for Cerebral Palsy Plus: In Bristol, Alpkit Foundation’s support enabled individuals with cerebral palsy to enjoy a fully accessible sailing day. The funds went towards hiring essential equipment, giving participants a chance to experience the joy and empowerment of water-based activities.
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Kessock Swim Academy: Reviving the famous Kessock Ferry Swim in Inverness, the Alpkit Foundation supported a local outdoor education charity, Àban, to guide teenagers from pool training to attempting the challenging 1200m open water crossing. This project nurtures a healthy lifestyle and fosters a deep connection to nature.
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Love Her Wild: A volunteer-led initiative, Love Her Wild fosters outdoor activities for women across the UK. The Foundation’s grant helped train new leaders, making the outdoors accessible to more women, regardless of income or experience.
Looking ahead to 2024 and beyond
In the past year alone, the Foundation received 1,449 applications and supported 634 projects with £131,000 in grants. These efforts have contributed to building stronger, healthier, and more inclusive communities across the country. Whether it's funding kayak skills sessions, supplying lights for night running groups, or helping with volunteer training, the Alpkit Foundation’s reach continues to grow.
As we charge forward through 2024, the Alpkit Foundation is proud to have surpassed three-quarters of a million pounds in support for over 2,500 projects. This achievement reflects the power of community, the strength of outdoor experiences, and the Foundation’s commitment to making these opportunities accessible to all.
“We believe time spent outdoors is time well spent. Through our grants and support, we’re making that happen for more people than ever" - Ross Steedman, Alpkit Foundation Trustee.
A Call to Action: Join Us
The Alpkit Foundation is only able to support these life-changing projects because of the Alpkit community. Every purchase of Alpkit gear directly contributes to the Foundation’s work. Individuals can also donate directly or fundraise for the Foundation, ensuring more people have the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.
Keep in touch with the Alpkit Foundation
Founded by Alpkit, the Alpkit Foundation is dedicated to protecting wild spaces and helping people access the outdoors. By offering small awards to grassroots projects, the Foundation supports positive action to remove barriers to outdoor participation, promote environmental conservation, and improve well-being.
To learn more about how you can apply for support, donate, or get involved, visit alpkit.com/foundation.