Every morning editors across the country sift through electronic piles of mostly boring press releases in hopes that we will stumble across a gem or two of information that will be of incalculable interest to our readers. Some frustrated editors will tell you that opening up their laptops to find a steaming pile of fresh turd would be preferable to the odorless mound of irrelevant press releases they have to spend the next hour deleting. I recently received not one, but two press releases for what was dubbed a “21st Century survival guide” titled, How to Avoid Getting Screwed While You’re Getting Laid. The press release proclaims the book was written “exclusively for men” by a “tough, gritty Oregon attorney.” Deleted.
But when targeted to the right publication, press releases can be a beautiful thing. This afternoon a press release directed me to the Greater Outdoors Project, a philanthropic push by Redwood Creek Wines that combines the three things Wenders everywhere try to make time for: having a drink, helping out a nonprofit, and protecting the great outdoors.
The Greater Outdoors Project awards financial grants to nonprofits to use towards specific environmental projects that aim to preserve, protect and provide access to the great American outdoors. The cool thing about this project is that they are giving away some decent money: The program will award one $50,000 grant and eight $10,000 grants to nonprofit organizations that share their commitment to protecting the outdoors.
A panel of judges will review all submissions and choose the top nine finalists. Voting will then be opened up to the general public, who, between April 1 and August 31, can cast their vote for their favorite project. The nonprofit with the highest percentage of public votes will be awarded the $50,000 Grand Grant. The eight runner-up organizations will each receive the $10,000 grants.
All registered 501(c)(3) outdoor/environmental nonprofits, such as mountain and trail clubs or conservation groups, are encouraged to apply.
Sometimes a press release is not much more than just that – a release. But then again, sometimes it can lead to a pretty interesting story as well.
Tell the organizers of your favorite outdoors/enviro nonprofit organization to sign up here for a chance to win. February is the last month they will be accepting applications.
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