Donations
At Backcountry North, our passion for the outdoors goes hand-in-hand with our commitment to community. Since 1978, we’ve equipped explorers in the Grand Traverse area and beyond with the gear, knowledge, and inspiration to get outside. Just as important to us is giving back – by supporting local organizations that protect the wild places we love and inspire the next generation of adventurers. Through donations of time, money, and goods, we’re proud to stand behind missions that align with our vision and values.
We focus our giving on non-profit causes that reflect the outdoor spirit and strengthen our community, including:
- Environmental initiatives that preserve our forests, trails, and natural spaces
- Stewardship of the Great Lakes and local waterways to ensure they remain healthy and accessible for generations to come
- Youth programs that inspire kids to explore, learn, and grow through time outdoors
- Outdoor education that encourage safe, responsible, and sustainable recreation
If your request aligns with these values, we’d love to hear from you. Due to the high volume of donation requests that we receive, we ask that you submit donation requests 90 days prior to the date of the event, in order to give us ample time to review. While we wish we could support every request, we have a set budget each year and can only approve a limited number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply?
We welcome requests from local non-profit organizations with 501(c)(3) status that directly serve our Northern Michigan community. Unfortunately, we do not contribute to political campaigns or religious organizations, and we are not able to donate to individuals, pledge drives, causes outside of Northern Michigan, or repeat requests from the same group in a given year. Please note that previous support does not guarantee future donations.
What paperwork do I need?
Every application must include proof of your organization’s 501(c)(3) status and your 9-digit Federal Identification Number. This official letter is issued by the Federal Treasury (not a standard tax-exempt form).
When will I hear back?
Donation requests are reviewed during our giving cycle, and notifications are typically sent a few weeks ahead of the event date. Due to the volume of applications, we may not be able to respond right away, so we ask for your patience as we carefully review each submission. To help us stay organized, we prefer using email as the primary way to communicate about your request.