Outdoor Prolink And Its Members Donate $77,000 In 2023, Building On Legacy Of Community Giving & Non-profit Collaboration
Outdoor Prolink, the premier platform for outdoor industry professionals, is setting a proactive course for 2024, building on the remarkable success of its philanthropic efforts in the previous year. In 2023, the Outdoor Prolink community – comprised of guides, instructors, and industry professionals – collectively raised over $77,000 dollars. Generated by Outdoor Prolink members, these funds were thoughtfully distributed amongst 11 non-profit organizations.
Founded in 2004, Outdoor Prolink acts as the facilitator of trust to connect qualified outdoor professionals with the best outdoor brands in the US and Canada. In 2023, Pursuit Prolink was launched specifically dedicated for hunting and fishing brands and professionals. Utilizing a strict vetting process, Outdoor Prolink and Pursuit Prolink strive to be the most authentic and responsible pro purchase program in the industry. Through the platform, brands engage trusted outdoor professionals and utilize their influence to drive retail sales growth. Qualified outdoor professionals earn privileged discounts on the outdoor gear they rely on for their work, in order to further the pursuit of outdoor recreation for everyone.
In 2023, Outdoor Prolink concentrated its philanthropic efforts on four core nonprofit partners, each aligning with the brand’s commitment to environmental and social responsibility. These included PridePads Africa, an initiative dedicated to improving menstrual health and education in Africa; Protect Our Winters (POW), a group focused on combating climate change and its impact on winter sports; The Conservation Alliance, which works towards the protection of wild places for their habitat and recreation values; and American Whitewater, an organization committed to the preservation and management of America's whitewater rivers. This focused approach allowed Outdoor Prolink to make a more significant, targeted impact in areas crucial to both the outdoor community and the broader global community.
In addition to the core four, Outdoor Prolink also selected seven non-profit partners to support at key intervals throughout the year. The following nonprofits were monthly beneficiaries of donations at checkout, based on when contributions would be most impactful for them. This strategy ensured that each organization received increased visibility and support precisely when it mattered most. These seven non-profits included Protect Our Rivers, SheJumps, dZi Foundation, Big City Mountaineers, The Venture Out Project, Latino Outdoors, and Backcountry Hunters & Anglers. Aligning donation cycles with key initiatives and critical awareness campaigns of these non-profits not only amplified the effectiveness of the support but also deepened the connection between these organizations and the Outdoor Prolink community.
"Giving back is not just a part of our business model; it's at the core of who we are," said Gareth Richards, founder of Outdoor Prolink. "We're thrilled to continue supporting the outdoor community and deepen our engagement with our non-profit partners in 2024."
Justin Van Saghi, Strategic Partnerships Manager of Protect Our Winters, added, “The impacts of climate change on the places we love—our communities, trails, mountains, and waterways— are greater than ever. Changing the trajectory of climate change will take smarts. It will take guts. And it will take passion. POW is laser-focused on forming relationships with key decision-makers across the country to ensure our priorities are on their agenda, work that would not be possible without the generous support of partners like Outdoor Prolink.”
Claire Smallwood, Executive Director of SheJumps, expressed gratitude, adding, “SheJumps just celebrated 16 years, and we are proud that as our organization has grown, so have our partnerships. The donation program with Outdoor Prolink is a tremendous honor for us and will allow us to not only grow in our programming but also ensure that we are offering as many free events as possible. Eliminating barriers to outdoor activities is a core component of what we do, and we are thrilled to have Outdoor Prolink’s support with that effort!”
The Conservation Alliance’s Conor McElyea, Senior Director of Membership and Partnerships said, “Throughout 2023, The Conservation Alliance helped 20 conservation projects cross the finish line, protecting 11.7 million acres of land, 40 river miles, removing the Klamath River dam - the largest dam removal in US history, and canceling oil and gas leases in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. As a member of The Conservation Alliance, Outdoor Prolink played an important role in making these possible, and we look forward to their continued support as we move into a big year in 2024.”
In 2024, Outdoor Prolink remains steadfast in its commitment to impactful philanthropy and deepening partnerships with non-profit organizations. The gratitude and recognition from partners like SheJumps, Protect Our Winters, and The Conservation Alliance highlight the substantial impact of Outdoor Prolink's efforts. As Outdoor Prolink moves forward, it is poised to continue its legacy of meaningful support and community engagement, making 2024 a year of anticipated growth and continued positive influence in the outdoor industry.
To learn more about Outdoor Prolink, please visit: outdoorprolink.com.
