Yamaha Motor Corp., USA has announced that the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative (OAI) contributed over $1 million in grant awards in 2023, marking the largest annual funding total since the program’s inception in 2008. This significant increase, nearly double from the previous year, reaffirms Yamaha’s position as a leader in the powersports industry, advocating for access to public lands for motorcycle, ATV, side-by-side and e-bike owners, and enriching the greater outdoor recreation community.
Steve Nessl, Yamaha’s motorsports marketing manager, stated, “Yamaha’s goal for the Outdoor Access Initiative is to serve as a meaningful resource to those supporting access to public land for all types of recreation. Investing $1 million in one year is a significant achievement. We remain committed to supporting those who work tirelessly to ensure riders and outdoor enthusiasts can continue to enjoy our nation’s outdoor spaces.”
In the fourth quarter of 2023, the funding cycle focused on projects aimed at educating and inspiring the next generation of motorized and outdoor recreation enthusiasts. Two notable recipients were Cycle Kids Inc. and the Strider Education Foundation, which engage elementary school-aged children in bike-riding fundamentals as part of physical education curriculum. Additionally, the Sierra Foundation will provide local 5th and 6th grade students the opportunity to attend the Rich Oliver Mystery School four-week Ride & Wrench camp to learn motorcycle riding and maintenance skills.
“Riding a bike often marks one’s first taste of adventure and independence in an outdoor setting, and Yamaha is thrilled to provide kids with the chance to learn in a safe, structured environment,” Nessl added. “Fostering a love of outdoor recreation is central to our mission, and these grants to school-based programs mark the beginning of many students’ journeys.”
Over $300,000 in grants were awarded in the fourth quarter of 2023 to organizations including:
- Colorado 500
- Itasca County Land Dept.
- Lakeville SnoTrackers Inc.
- Lutsen Trailbreakers Snowmobile Club
- Northwest Colorado Trail Corp
- Pennsylvania ATV Trail Development
- The Nature Conservancy – Tennessee
- Wild Rivers Coast Mountain Bike Association.
The application deadline for consideration in the first funding cycle of 2024 is March 31. Visit YamahaOAI.com to learn how to apply for a grant and review the submission guidelines, as well as find the grant application form and an informative blog featuring project recaps for inspiration.
