The fund has been set up to support continuing exploration. Image: TNF

Major outdoors brand The North Face has launched a €1m fund to help exploration continue after the coronavirus crisis.

The company said the Covid-19 Explore Fund will provide critical financial support to anyone who makes exploration possible, from mountain guides to climbing coaches; from urban climbing gyms to ski schools.

The finance is open to registered companies and charities in the UK, Germany, France, and Italy, with the aim of ensuring those who have worked to foster and inspire exploration before, will be able to do so once again, when the time comes, it said.

A spokesperson for The North Face said: “The brand will work closely with national and local outdoor officials to allocate funds appropriately and support recovery throughout the crisis.”

Applications can be made up to 22 May.

The spokesperson said the announcement is part of the brand’s ongoing response to the crisis, which has also seen The North Face athlete team members provide free home workouts for people to stay fit and weekly film premieres online to keep everyone inspired whilst inside.

The North Face is part of VF Outdoor, the Denver-based multinational that has several outdoor brands.

Jan Van Leeuwen, TNF general manager for Europe, the Middle East and Asia, said: “These are unprecedented times for everyone, including so many organisations and individuals that contribute to the global outdoor community.

“We’re incredibly fortunate to be part of such a strong and resilient industry and we’re proud to launch this fund to ensure those that make exploration possible today will be able to do so tomorrow.

“We wanted to say thank you and give back to our outdoor family.”

Details of how to apply for funds are on The North Face website.