Protecting the wild spaces of our earth and helping more individuals to recreate and play
in those spaces have been priorities of the management and employees of Mountain Hardwear
since the company started in 1993. In 2006 Mountain Hardwear restructured its philanthropic
giving program so that it had a more directed focus, clearer guidelines and a board of
directors to oversee it. The new program, called Mountain Hardwear Gives Back,
has five arms designated to reflect the company's priorities. Listed below are the Gives
Back partner designations and the 2007 grant recipients.
Please note that the majority of grants for 2007 have been awarded. If there are remaining
funds in September, additional grants will be awarded at that time. The deadline to submit an
application for remaining 2007 funds as well as 2008 grants is July 1st.
Please download an application for more information.
Photo credit: Dr. Rodney Jackson
GRANTEE SPOTLIGHT: AMERICAN HIMALAYAN FOUNDATION
The Snow Leopard, an elusive wild cat which lives a precarious existence in Upper Mustang, Nepal is in danger of becoming extinct. The problem is heightened because the animals often prey on livestock and frustrated herders have resorted to killing the cats to protect their animals. Predator-proof corrals offer a win-win solution that is working. Mountain Hardwear's grant to the American Himalayan Foundation, which funds the Snow Leopard Conservancy, has resulted in 14 corrals and three solar electric fences, protecting about 30,000 small livestock (goats and sheep) and 245 households.
This project will allow Dr. Rodney Jackson over a two-year period to continue the Snow Leopard Conservancy's program to predator-proof corrals and educate locals about conservation in Upper Mustang. The funds cover corral building materials, a solar electric fence, local transportation, stipends for local herders, and part of the salary of SLC's capable Field Director, Chimi Gurung.
Environmental Partners
Organizations and programs dedicated to keeping wild spaces clean, healthy and accessible.
Outdoor Community Partners
Organizations which develop opportunities for others to learn about and partake in outdoor
sports as well as organizations which support the communities to which Mountain Hardwear's
customers travel to explore, trek and climb.
Recreation Partners
Organizations that develop and maintain or support a specific region or aspect of the outdoors for recreation or preservation of culture.
Industry Partners
Industry organizations which facilitate Mountain Hardwear's success in the industry which in turn furthers the company's 'Gives Back' efforts.
Employee Partners
Mountain Hardwear encourages its employees to be proactive in practicing and supporting the company’s Give Back program. Employees may apply for grants to accomplish a project or for paid time off for volunteer work. An Employee Partners outline and application may be requested by employees from Mountain Hardwear’s HR department.