***Due to a decrease in art sales over the last year we are currently pausing this fund for 2025 and will be re-evaluating this program and how to best pay forward the art sales that come in from last year and this please feel free to reach out and let us know if you have suggestions***
In 2022, we received an overwhelming number of inquiries from the EcoElsa Community looking for scholarship and free program opportunities for families in need and people with trouble accessing the outdoors. Because of this we began working as an organization and with our current partner groups to find ways of furthering the accessibility of our programs. Currently, 50% of our profits from art sales is going into this fund to cover us providing the Free Classes and Free Hike Friday programs we will be offering in 2024. We plan for this to continue with 2024 art sales funding free classes and hikes then in 2025 and so on.
December of 2023 we will have a better idea of how many free classes and and hikes we will be able to offer but so far based on sales numbers and projections for Q4 art sales we will most likely be able to do a few of each. This means there will be a limited number of groups and people we will be able to offer these with for the inaugural year of this new fund and appreciate everyone’s understanding. We will be accepting inquiries from current Program Partners and Nonprofits now (10/1/23) through December 15th, 2023 for free hikes and or classes that will run January 1st, 2024 through August 31st, 2024. You can reach us at ecoelsallc@gmail.com just make sure to put “Outdoor Access Scholarship Fund” or “Free Hike Friday Program” in the subject line.
Current Free Classes & Hikes
To be announced
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there restrictions to who can register?
Yes, each of the groups will be using their own criteria to determine who can register to make sure the classes are helping provide access to people who otherwise would not be able to attend these programs. We respectfully ask that you follow these guidelines to make sure program spots go to people who need them as each class or hike will have a limited number of spots. To learn more about these restrictions make sure to read the registration description with the group we are partnering with to provide this program. Restrictions may include things like proving need, residence in the city, or something else to qualify.
When are new programs posted?
New programs available will be posted as soon as we know but typically will be posted at least 1 month before the program will take place.
When would a program be canceled & when would you notify me?
A program would be cancelled in the event the weather conditions would be unsafe for participants and instructors. We also will consider driving conditions when making this decision. You would be notified via email at least 24 hours in advance.
Would you reschedule a program after it has been canceled?
Depending on educator availability we may reschedule canceled programs for the next month. Priority registration would be given to participants who were already registered for the canceled program and then more spaces opened up if there was still room.
