Dutch sportswear brand Protest has launched the Protest Fun(d), an initiative to help everyone ride more. The Fun(d) provides financial donations and focuses on two pillars: non-profit organizations and creative initiatives. This means that it supports both NGOs in pursuing their social goals as well as supporting creative adventurers with endless ideas.
As a company, Protest has been supporting the Dutch non-profit organization Surf Project for several years, which offers surfing lessons to children with Down syndrome, autism or ADHD. The Protest Fun(d) was born out of Protest Sportswear’s mission “to help everyone ride more” and the goal of supporting lesser-known non-profit organizations. Protest understood the challenges smaller nonprofits face in gaining exposure and changed its approach from actively seeking them out to using its brand awareness and reach to draw attention to them. Each quarter, Protest recognizes a new European non-profit organization with a one-time donation of €10,000. Non-profit organizations can apply via the website to be considered for these donations. The focus is on non-profit organizations that serve people with disabilities, special needs or in life-changing situations, which aligns with the mission of Protest Sportswear and the Fun(d).
“Fun is in our DNA, and we aim for everyone to enjoy the outdoors,” commented Protest. “This initiative aims to stimulate creativity and bring the most imaginative ideas to life. That’s why year-round, the Fun(d) also supports individuals or groups in bringing the craziest and funniest projects to life, focusing on fostering outdoor fun.” This includes projects such as building a mini wave pool in the backyard, a snow slide on the roof or sharing a camper van for outdoor adventures. Applications can be submitted at any time, with Protest selecting several initiatives each year.
First to be supported: Snowboarders of Solidarity
The first non-profit organization to be supported under the Fun(d) program is Snowboarders of Solidarity (S.O.S.), a French organization. S.O.S. cares for refugee snowboarders from politically unstable countries and helps them make a new start and integrate into their new communities through snowboarding. With our donation of €10,000, we can provide them with equipment, clothing and snowboarding lessons, help them learn French and pay for mental health therapy, among other things.
Protest invites non-profit organizations and creative minds with fun ideas to apply for the Protest Fun(d). The brand encourages everyone to work together to make dreams come true and expand opportunities for outdoor activities for all.
