Opportunities to find gear, guidance, and an inclusive-outdoor community in Pittsburgh, just got bigger & better! Thanks to a $5,000 grant awarded to Venture Outdoors in support of our Women & Nonbinary Snowboarding, Mountain Biking, & Kayaking programs. This award is given to us in honor of THE Billie Jean King, who started the Women’s Sports Foundation 50 years ago with a $5,000 check.  

Billie Jean King was also one of the greatest tennis players of all time and a Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient for her advocacy for women in sports and LGBTQ rights, Billie Jean King won 39 Grand Slam titles in her tennis career and led the fight for equal pay in tennis.

Gainbridge, Parity, and the Women’s Sports Foundation (WSF) announced the recipients of grants for “Parity Week by Gainbridge: Investing in the Future of Women’s Sports.” This year, $150,000 in grants is being awarded to 21 deserving organizations and athletes that support girls and women through sports and/or education. This includes Venture Outdoors!

“By championing organizations and athletes that support women and girls in sports and education, we are supporting causes that prioritize inclusivity and community – both on and off the playing field,” said Group 1001 President and CEO Dan Towriss. “Aligning with Gainbridge® ambassador and equality champion Billie Jean King and the Women’s Sports Foundation® is a way to make a positive and long-term impact on women and girls in sports and education.” 

This grant will help us provide training for our staff and Volunteer Trip Leaders, invest in new equipment, and increase the number of programs we offer. It will give more people the opportunity to try mountain biking, snowboarding, and kayaking without having to first invest in expensive equipment or training. 

Visit our events calendar to see the latest programs for women and nonbinary folks. We’ll have mountain bike clinics through most of the year, snowboarding instructions in winter, and kayak trips in the summer.

Thank you, Billie Jean King!