Kahtoola, creator of award-winning footwear traction and performance-driven gaiters, announced the recipients of its triannual grant program’s summer distribution. Over the past 23 years, Kahtoola has awarded grants to support organizations that fall into one or more of three focus areas: preservation of indigenous cultures (including indigenous mountain cultures in Tibet and Nepal), environmental responsibility and outdoor community.
“As Kahtoola continues to grow and evolve, we are excited that our philanthropic efforts continue to grow as well,” said Danny Giovale, founder of Kahtoola. “The entire company is actively involved in our grant program, and we are proud to help a select group of non-profit organizations that align with our values.”
Kahtoola’s summer ‘22 grant recipients include:
- Grand Canyon Youth’s educational outdoor expeditions connect young people to the transformative power of the rivers and canyons of the Southwest. The award will be used to fund indigenous, refugee and other underrepresented youth on the Grand Canyon, San Juan, and Verde River expeditions in 2023.
- Tolani Lake Enterprises’ grant will support agricultural programs in the Navajo Nation including the Sihasin Demonstration Garden project that teaches traditional and contemporary growing techniques for desert environments.
- The City of Flagstaff Open Spaces STEAM program focuses on outdoor education programs for local youth. Grant funds will support an Open Space Educator Position to help educate and encourage students of color and Native American students to explore and steward local lands.
- Elevate Nepal’s grant will bolster efforts to improve access to vital resources in the region with the expansion of water, power, and sewage infrastructure surrounding Makwanpur, Nepal.
- The Sedona Red Rock Trail Fund is dedicated to the maintenance and enhancement of non-motorized National Forest trails. The grant allocation will go towards the Cathedral Rock trail restoration project to restore natural areas around one of the most popular trails in Sedona.
Each year, Kahtoola distributes three rounds of grants: spring (March 31 application deadline), summer (July 31 deadline), and fall/winter (November 30 deadline). For more information or to apply for the fall deadline, please visit Kahtoola.com.
Photo by Sally Jewel
