Frequently Asked Questions

What does The Cairn Project support?

The Cairn Project supports homegrown, community-driven organizations that are doing the exceptional work of getting pre-teen and teenage women outside and into wild places. We select our local partners based on the quality of their programs, their commitment to expanding access for underprivileged young women, and their potential for even greater impact with the help of increased resources. These community changemakers are equipping and empowering young women to embark on an array of human-powered adventures in their backyards and beyond – backpacking, mountain biking, mountaineering, packrafting, surfing, and more.

I want to recommend a group for funding from The Cairn Project. How do I do that?

Awesome! We are always excited to hear about local groups that might be a good fit for The Cairn Project’s funding program. Please help them out by sharing a bit more information about the group with us at [email protected].

How big are the grants that TCP gives?

As we embark on this new initiative, we are starting small and leaving plenty of room to grow. Our first round of grants averaged $5K. We are excited to reach groups in a number of different cities and communities, laying the groundwork for growth and longer-term partnerships. As a start up organization, our grant program will evolve as we do. To date, we have granted over a quarter of a million dollars to organizations across the United States.

Does a group need to be a non-profit to be eligible for a grant from The Cairn Project?

All of the local partners we have identified for our inaugural year are registered non-profit organizations. In general, non-profit status is required for our grantees, and is an important attribute of organizations with the internal capacity we are looking for in our local partners. However, there are exceptions. Contact us at [email protected] for more information.

Why girls-only programs?

Because girls are inspiring! Let’s face it, girls and boys are different. They struggle with different challenges, they encounter different expectations, and they have different needs as they develop their confidence and their sense of self. The Cairn Project applauds all programs that are working to get kids and young adults outside and on the trail. Our particular mandate is to foster opportunities where young women can set off on their own adventures, free from the social dynamics that are unavoidable in the coed context. And as an organization started by two women whose friendship is fueled by outdoor adventure, we want to help seed the unique bond and support that can grow among young women getting outside together.

Why teen and pre-teen programs?

A lifetime of adventure and stewardship is best seeded when women are still young women. The teen and pre-teen years are a crucial period for girls to discover their strengths and passions, build self-esteem, and explore their sense of place in the world. They are also years that pose tremendous pressures and challenges for young women. The Cairn Project is about affirming all of the good that can come of young women getting outdoors — for themselves, their communities, and for the planet.