Polaris establishes $5 million partnership with National Forest Foundation
Polaris has announced a new partnership with the National Forest Foundation (NFF), through which the Polaris Foundation will donate $5 million over five years, according to a recent announcement. The Polaris Fund for Outdoor Recreation will provide grants and project funding to support outdoor recreation and conservation work to help protect forests and surrounding lands for years to come.
“Polaris’ investment – the largest single private commitment in our history – will achieve measurable, meaningful impact on our National Forests,” said Ray A. Foote, executive vice president of the NFF in the announcement. “Together, we will restore trails, improve wildlife habitat, and protect watersheds across the country. We are excited for how these projects will also create vital new connections between National Forests and the communities they serve. The NFF is deeply grateful for the Polaris Foundation’s support.”
“Experiencing and appreciating the natural beauty of the world around us has been a part of Polaris’ DNA since our founding. The NFF’s goal of creating personal and meaningful connections to our National Forests complements Polaris’ purpose of inspiring people to Think Outside,” said Lucy Clark Dougherty, president of the Polaris Foundation in the announcement. “As long-time supporters of NFF, we are proud to further our partnership and the Foundation’s good work protecting public lands.”
According to the announcement, Polaris and NFF have a longstanding history of working together to support trail creation, trail restoration and reforestation projects. The Polaris Fund for Outdoor Recreation will build upon the success of these past projects. Polaris and NFF will use the fund to award Polaris Grants annually to further outdoor recreation and preservation. Through the fund, Polaris and the NFF will work together to award deserving parties with Polaris Grants to support projects that support trail creation, preservation or improvements to promote riding access and environmental stewardship.
The Polaris Fund for Outdoor Recreation is a $5 million investment from Polaris and will paid at $1 million annually from 2021-2025.
Through the Polaris Foundation the company partners with organizations like the NFF, Tread Lightly, and community riding clubs to enable environmental stewardship. Additionally, Polaris’ annual T.R.A.I.L.S. Grants has provided funding to national, state and local organizations promoting safe and responsible riding and supporting environmental preservations and trail access. To date, the program has supported approximately 325 ATV, off-road and snowmobiling organizations with more than $2.7 million in grants.
