Pursue Balance
Growth Grants
...the Gift of what is Possible
Pursue Balance is committed to creating opportunities that allow people to move towards balance in order to live better lives, lead by example and create a healthier community.
Granting guidelines and criteria may be downloaded below. Please submit all applications by emailing to grants@pursuebalance.org. (Alternatively, you may mail them to PO box 6819 Jackson, WY 83002.) Applications will be accepted June 16th through August 15th (until 5pm mountain standard time). Applications will be reviewed by a committee and grants will be awarded October 15th.
Growth Grant Guidelines (PDF)
Growth Grant Application (PDF)
Pursue balance offers a growth grant program that makes funding available to create opportunities that allow people to strive towards reaching their full potential. Offering the gift of what is possible, Pursue Balance has established a Grant Program that makes 20% of yearly revenues available to individuals who qualify through an application process. The application will detail their financial need and the way in which fulfilling this request may bring the applicant a meaningful experience and closer to living their life in personal and environmental balance.
WHY offer Grants to individuals versus other nonprofits?
Because when people move as individuals towards balance they live better lives, lead by example and create a healthier community.
Help people pursue with a donation to a growth grant.
2008 GRANT RECIPIENTS
Southern Ocean Solo
I am Ryan Langley, a 15 year old boy, currently preparing myself
and my boat for a nonstop sailing voyage around the world! A voyage
like this has never been accomplished by someone my age before. The
circumnavigation is expected to take 9 to 11 months, 5 to 6 of those in
the southern ocean. Few people have ever experienced the ocean at the
bottom of the world, and I am very fortunate to have the opportunity
to. Through this website you can follow my progress and become part of
the adventure!
Unimak’s Wind
An Expedition to the Aleutian Islands
Lisa Van Sciver
Expedition Dates: April 1st – April 30th
The three original goals were:
- to circumnavigate and explore Unimak, the Aleutian chain’s largest island, using kites and skis;
- to offer a new perspective and modern ski gear to the False Pass community;
- to publish an article about the experience.
Exploration using Kites and Skis
Our goal to explore and learn about kite skiing in the Aleutian Islands was met. We were unable to cover as much ground as planned, since the terrain and weather we encountered made travel more difficult than expected. Eight out of eighteen days we spent unable to move due to consistently high winds. We spent many days either kiting or hiking, up and down hills, each person towing over 100 pounds of food and gear.
The trips greatest mountaineering fete was accomplished by two other expedition members and me. We climbed and skied the 9,000 foot active volcano Shishalidin. From the time we left camp to the time we returned, we covered twenty miles and ascended over 10,000 vertical feet, due to the rolling hills in front of the volcano. The mountain’s warmth from the volcanic activity created a hard icy surface making the skiing quite challenging. The ice fields with up to fifteen foot wide crevasses forced us to travel roped and to seek a alternative routes.
We learned that due to the massive bodies of water, The Bering Sea and Pacific Ocean, the Aleutian Island’s are not an optimal kiting or skiing destination. Extremely high winds scoured mountain sides, leaving icy slopes. Although the conditions were not as hoped, Unimak did offer a unique and adventure. We were forced to alter our goals. In the beginning we hoped to cover ground and explore the high peaks, but in the end our only goal was to survive safely.
"In three short weeks what I experienced taught me life lessons. Stepping forth and exploring something new created an unpredictable adventure and a unique exposure. The physical and mental challenges I endured strengthened me, and broadened my awareness of achieving a balanced, satisfying life.....Visiting a remote location, where we encountered unforgettable experiences, was a mind-opening opportunity the six of us could never have anticipated. Because of its remote location, False Pass, Unimak has a very different culture than our own. Since the island is United State’s soil, the societal influences of our country are present, but the isolated life is unique. Some villagers have maintained the traditional hunting and fishing lifestyle. They shared these traditions with us by throwing a pot latch in our honor. We ate dried whale fat, seal meat cut from the bone, halibut chowder, dried salmon, seal oil, and badarkis: a half-shell crustacean. The villagers’ hospitality made up for the inhospitable weather. .....Through these journeys, I grew and learned the importance of reaching out to new places and people. Connecting and sharing my life with others, is a priority and helps me maintain personal balance and happiness."
Thank you for sharing your experience with us Lisa!
Qualifying for the United States Ski Mountaineering Team
Chris Kroger
Goal:
- To qualify for the US Ski Mountaineering Team
- Travel to Switzerland for ski mountaineering world championships
"To qualify and compete with the world's best ski mountaineer racers was a special experience. To set a goal, circle it , then achieve it helps gives balance to my life."
"Everything worked smooth, Thanks to Pursue Balance. I would not have been able to compete at World's Championships without their support and funding...I love the mountains and I love skiing. For me, traveling gracefully, efficiently, and smoothly through the high alpine country on skis, negotiating steep terrain with many variables is something my soul needs. I am continually revived after spending all day in the mountains, drawing their energy in me. I will continue ski mountaineering adventure/expeditions and may try for 2010 Ski Mountaineering Worlds"
Thank you Chris for sharing your experience with us!