April 25, 2024 EOCA: Vote for which conservation projects to fund
The European Outdoor Conservation Association opens its bi-annual public vote to determine which conservation projects should receive funding. Check out the projects, and cast your vote today!
The European Outdoor Conservation Association (EOCA) is delighted to announce that its public vote to help choose the first of its conservation projects for 2024 is now open. With a potential reach into the millions, this is an opportunity for the shortlisted organizations to present themselves on an international platform to gather support and showcase the vital work they do.
Twice a year, non profits are invited to apply to EOCA for funding for a specific nature conservation project of up to €30,000. The funding comes from the collective support of the European outdoor leisure sector, encompassing nearly 150 brands. These companies, big and small, are taking their responsibility for looking after wild places seriously, and, by pooling funds and working together, making a bigger difference on the ground, at a grassroots level than if they were working alone.
EOCA divides the projects into three categories: Forest, Wild Places, and Water. All projects funded by EOCA must address a threat to a habitat and species, involve education, and have the support of and benefit the local community, mitigate climate change and biodiversity loss, and finally, have a link to the outdoor enthusiast.
“This funding round, we received a huge number of applications and, after an extensive and rigorous selection process, we are delighted to present our shortlisted projects,” shares Joint General Manager of EOCA, Catherine Savidge.
“Through this public vote, we want to give all outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers the opportunity to help us select which projects EOCA funds this spring, whilst at the same time raising awareness of urgent conservation issues that need addressing around the world.”
How to vote
To learn more about the candidate projects and take part in the vote, please go to https://www.eocaconservation.org/our-projects/project-voting/. Voting ends on 9th May at 12.00 midday (BST) / 13.00 (CEST).
About EOCA
The European Outdoor Conservation Association (EOCA) is an initiative from the European outdoor leisure sector with the objective of protecting the wild areas it cares so passionately about.
Designed to harness the incredible power of the sector and to raise money to donate to grassroots conservation groups, the European Outdoor Conservation Association is funded by membership and other fundraising activities within the European outdoor leisure sector. Membership is open to anyone that can demonstrate an involvement in the sector.
From January 2015, a select group of ‘Sustaining Members’ pledged their support to EOCA by committing to fund the sustainable growth of the organisation with an extra €10,000 donation per year over and above their annual membership fee. This money is being used to help finance the Association’s core running costs, supporting its sustainable growth, and has enabled a move to 2 funding rounds per year.
The current EOCA Sustaining Members are: Cumulus, KEEN, Nikwax, Osprey, Pertex, Stanley, The North Face, and the European Outdoor Group (EOG), which is also the Founder Member of the association.
To find out more about the association please go to: www.eocaconservation.org
Images: European Outdoor Conservation Association
