Grants Update: Three in one

Jackson Charitable Trust backs Family & Community Programs
Venture Outdoors just heard from the trustees of the John E. and Sue M. Jackson Charitable Trust that they’re awarding $2,500 in support of the Family and Community Programs, which seek to make getting outside easy for families with weekly family programming, monthly Family Outdoor Fests, community outreach and more!

Support from the Jackson Charitable Trust will support growth during the next phase of this initiative, during which we plan to keep inspiring families to get outdoors and individuals to embrace outdoor leadership.

Sure, it’s chilly, but you can still bundle up your family and head outdoors! For a detailed schedule of Family and Community programs, see www.ventureoutdoors.org. We have trips planned across the city, there might be one in your neighborhood!

American Eagle supports Pittsburgh Connections
The American Eagle Outfitters Foundation has again announced a grant supporting the Pittsburgh Connections program, this year for $3,500. In 2008, AE support of $7,500 helped connect 1,291 students from Carnegie Mellon and Duquesne Universities to the outdoors. In 2010, we hope to connect with Carnegie Mellon University, Duquesne University, Chatham University, and the University of Pittsburgh.

The Pittsburgh Connections program seeks to slow the “brain drain,” the loss of many bright young minds upon graduation, by making outdoor recreation affordable to students who will face the decision: stay or go? Through student days or discounts; special events including outdoor rock climbing, flat water paddling, snow tubing, and caving; opportunities for volunteering or leadership training; Pittsburgh Connections helps students grow in enthusiasm for the city’s possibilities!

Kayaking will continue at Lake Elizabeth with funds from Charm Bracelet Project
Thanks to a third and final grant of $5000 from the Charm Bracelet Project, Community Kayaking on Lake Elizabeth is guaranteed another season of making outdoor recreation easy and affordable, as well as promoting the visibility and success of other great organizations on the Northside!

In 2007, Venture Outdoors first approached the Charm Bracelet with the goal of providing beginner-friendly flat water kayaking on Lake Elizabeth because it’s shallow, scenic, sports a small island at the center to make an easy paddling loop. The water also lies close to many of the Northside’s gems, including the National Aviary, Children’s Museum, and Andy Warhol Museum. Through support from the Charm Bracelet Project, VO has been able to offer discounted or free kayaking so that residents and visitors can experience kayaking and explore the Allegheny Commons regardless of their ability to pay.

The Charm Bracelet Project, sponsored by Pittsburgh Children’s Museum and ongoing support by the Grable Foundation and others, is a network of cultural, educational, and recreational organizations on the Northside dedicated to promoting and networking their neighborhood’s vibrancy. For more information on the Charms bracelet or to see which Northside organizations swing from it, visit www.pittsburghkids.org/Templates/CMP_Level3_List.aspx?CID=565&SECID=5&MENUID=299