Patagonia Opens Up Funding for Grass Roots Fish Protection

Patagonia is sometimes not as loud about their conservation efforts as other companies, perhaps because wildlife and resource protection is a part of almost everything they do. For example, their World Trout initiative, which is funded purely through T-shirt sales, has generated over $333,000 for wild trout protection since its inception in 2005.
We got word yesterday that Patagonia is extending their commitment to protecting threatened fish populations by opening up their grant application process to all interested groups. Beginning in August, even the smallest groups can go to www.patagonia.com/flyfishing and apply for funding. Cool beans.
Read the extended entry for the full press release.

WORLD TROUT FUNDING SURPASSES QUARTER OF A MILLION DOLLAR MARK
CREATION OF GRANTS PROGRAM EXPANDS SUPPORT FOR ALL SPECIES OF THREATENED FISH
Ventura, CA (July 28, 2008) Patagonia, Inc, the outdoor gear and technical apparel company announced today their World Trout initiative, has generated over $333,000 since its inception in 2005.
World Trout was founded by Patagonia owner Yvon Chouinard and author/artist James Prosek, who believed that immediate, hands-on action through grassroots groups can begin to address multiple threats facing our native trout species. Educating the public about these groups’ efforts and raising money to support their activities was the goal. As a result, original artwork by such renowned artists as James Prosek, Tim Borski and Alan James Robinson, has been used to create unique t-shirts, with $5 from the sales of each t-shirt set aside to fund these groups. Patagonia’s Website brought awareness of each group’s effort, and summarized each season, how those funds had been used.
“We cannot depend on the government to address threats facing our fish populations. So we look to specific groups actively and passionately working to protect their fisheries, providing them with funds to get things done” commented Patagonia owner Yvon Chouinard. “We are committed to World Trout, and have made this a long term initiative for our company”.
Because of increasing requests for support and the significant amount of dollars being raised, Patagonia is creating additional funding opportunities for both fresh and saltwater grassroots groups working to protect threatened fish. Beginning in August, interested groups can go to the Patagonia website (www.patagonia.com/flyfishing) to apply for funding through a special online grant process.
“Seeing the hands on success of these groups, plus the global support from all our customers buying t-shirts and recommending worthy organizations, Patagonia wanted to provide an avenue for additional funding. This new World Trout Grants Program allows us to hear directly from grassroots organizations worldwide, allowing us to react to emergency situations and alternative funding strategies”, stated Bill Klyn, Fish Marketing Manager.
About Patagonia
Noted internationally for its commitment to product quality, Patagonia’s Environmental Grants program has contributed over $26M to grassroots environmental programs since it first began back in 1985. Since 1993, Patagonia is noted world-wide for using recycled soda pop bottles in many of its polyester fleece garments. Raising the bar even further, our Common Threads Recycling Program takes back ours and our competitors’ polyester underwear and specific Malden Mills fleece, along with organic cotton t-shirts, to be recycled into new fibers. The company has paved the way for others to get on the garment recycling bandwagon. In addition, Patagonia initiated the Footprint Chronicles, a unique, transparent insight into the impact a product generates from its sourcing of materials until it is delivered to our warehouse. For further information on these programs, visit www.patagonia.com/recycle.
Media Contacts:
Bill Klyn
307-739-9818
[email protected]
Tim Rhone
805-667-4878
[email protected]