The It's Great Out There (IGOT) Coalition has announced the launch of its 2024 grant programme, extending an invitation for applications from grassroots, non-profit organisations across Europe. This initiative, made feasible through the generous support of IGOT members, is designed to strengthen projects focused on delivering Outdoor Activity Days (OAD), with a primary goal of fostering community engagement and enhancing outdoor experiences.
Launched by the outdoor industry in 2017, the It's Great Out There Coalition is a not-for-profit collaboration with a mission to ‘get Europe active outdoors’ by motivating, activating, and advocating for responsible outdoor access. The coalition works with organisations and grassroots initiatives to promote outdoor enjoyment for all, contributing to the overall #itsgreatoutthere campaign. By the end of 2023, the coalition’s grant programme had facilitated 8,379 Outdoor Activity Days through 46 separate projects.
Eligible projects can now apply for #itsgreatoutthere grants of up to €5,000, with the potential for increased financial or in-kind support from coalition members or other partners. Comprehensive details about the application process, criteria, and guidelines are available in the full grants guide. The application window is open until 29 February. Throughout this period, all submissions will undergo a thorough evaluation based on specific criteria. Coalition members will subsequently have the opportunity to endorse projects they deem most deserving from a shortlist, actively participating in the project selection process.
Margo De Lange, secretary general of the It's Great Out There Coalition, comments: “Celebrating the great outdoors isn't just about leisure, it's about fostering a deeper connection with nature and promoting holistic well-being. Through the #itsgreatoutthere grants, we're empowering communities across Europe to embrace outdoor activities, ultimately enriching lives and strengthening bonds with our natural environment.”
Organisations that are interested in making an #itsgreatoutthere grant application can do so online at https://itsgreatoutthere.com/our-work/grants.