The Keen Effect will give grants to 25 projects worldwide

An outdoors brand is offering cash for projects and wants enthusiasts to put forward nominations for grants.

Keen, best known for its footwear but also now branching into outdoor clothing, has $100,000 (£62,665) to donate to projects that fuel people’s passion for protecting the environment and promoting responsible outdoor participation.

Non-profit organisations are eligible for the grants and the company is particularly keen to reward schemes that encourage newcomers to enjoy the great outdoors.

Grants to organisations outside the USA are available in two categories: up to $2,500 (£1,567) or up to $10,000 (£6,267).

Closing date for applications to the scheme, the Keen Effect, is 6 December.

Chris Enlow, corporate social responsibility manager at Keen, said: “At Keen, we believe spending time outdoors is a key element to build strong communities and a healthier planet.

“We also know we have incredibly caring, creative and connected fans.

“We designed the Keen Effect with that in mind, to give Keen fans the opportunity to help fund the hard-working non-profits that enable them and others to enjoy the outdoors.

“Keen is a brand rooted in the outdoors and in doing the right thing. We make hybrid products that enable people to get outside and play.

“The Keen Effect takes our commitment to the outdoors a step further by funding programmes that enable even more people to enjoy nature’s playgrounds.”

Keen said since 2004 it has distributed more than €5m in cash and resources to non-profit organisations around the globe.

Mr Enlow said: “We encourage people to spread the word about this great new programme and urge eligible non-profits to apply.

“Hopefully our donations will inspire more people to get outside while helping to protect natural playgrounds. We’re excited to see the effects of the Keen Effect in the months and years to come.”

Details of eligibility criteria and how to apply are on the Keen Effect website.