Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s – Fundraising Events and Giveaway Donations (Rolling Applications)

Up to $2,500 in Merchandise or Gift Cards for Conservation, Outdoor Recreation, and Military Nonprofits

Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s provide in-kind donations of merchandise and gift cards to eligible nonprofit organizations hosting fundraising events, banquets, raffles, and community giveaways.

The program supports organizations whose missions align with conserving wildlife and habitat, connecting new audiences to the outdoors, or supporting military members and veterans.

Eligible organizations located near Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s retail stores in the United States and Canada may request up to $2,500 in merchandise or gift cards.

Applications are accepted year-round, and applicants should allow 60–90 days for review.

Application Timeline: Rolling / Ongoing

Organization: Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s
Support Type: In-kind merchandise and gift card donations
Geographic Focus: United States and Canada, near participating retail locations
Funding Amount: Up to $2,500 in merchandise or gift cards

About the Funder

Bass Pro Shops is a major North American outdoor retail company specializing in fishing, hunting, camping, boating, and outdoor recreation.

Founded by Johnny Morris in Springfield, Missouri, the company also operates Cabela’s stores and other outdoor recreation businesses.

Through its conservation and community initiatives, Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s support nonprofit organizations working to protect natural resources, introduce new audiences to outdoor recreation, and honor military service.

The company’s charitable giving includes merchandise donations, community support, conservation grants, and partnerships with nonprofit organizations across North America.

What This Program Supports

The Fundraising Events and Giveaway Donations Program provides in-kind support for organizations whose missions align with three priority areas.

Wildlife & Habitat Conservation

Organizations working to protect wildlife, conserve habitat, and promote responsible stewardship of natural resources.

Eligible organizations may use donated merchandise or gift cards to support fundraising activities benefiting:

• Wildlife conservation
• Habitat restoration
• Conservation education
• Natural resource stewardship
• Wildlife protection initiatives

Outdoor Access & Participation

Organizations that introduce new audiences to outdoor activities and help people connect with nature.

Relevant activities may include:

• Youth outdoor education
• Fishing and outdoor recreation programs
• Outdoor access initiatives
• Programs introducing underserved communities to outdoor experiences
• Nonprofit outdoor education activities

Military & Veterans

Organizations supporting active-duty military personnel, veterans, and military families.

Potential initiatives include:

• Veteran support programs
• Military family assistance
• Outdoor recreation opportunities for veterans
• Community programs honoring military service

Organizations must demonstrate that their overall mission aligns with at least one of the program’s three charitable priorities.

Eligible Support Types

Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s provide merchandise or gift cards for use at qualifying nonprofit events.

Eligible uses include:

• Fundraising banquets
• Charity raffles
• Fundraising auctions
• Door prizes
• Event giveaways
• Handouts distributed at qualifying events

Donated items may help organizations generate fundraising revenue, encourage participation, or support nonprofit event activities.

This program provides in-kind support rather than unrestricted cash grants.

Eligibility & Preferences

United States Applicants

Eligible organizations must be:

• Municipalities
• Public institutions
• IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations
• Organizations with another qualifying IRS 501(c) determination

Canadian Applicants

Eligible organizations must be:

• Provincially registered nonprofits
• Municipalities
• Public institutions
• Organizations registered as charities with the Canada Revenue Agency

Mission Alignment

Applicants must focus on at least one of the following:

• Conserving wildlife and habitat
• Connecting new audiences to the outdoors
• Supporting military and veterans

Organizations should clearly explain how their mission and fundraising event support these priorities.

Geographic Eligibility – United States and Canada

The program supports qualifying organizations located near Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s retail stores.

United States: Organizations in communities served by Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s retail locations.

Canada: Eligible organizations located near Canadian Cabela’s or Bass Pro Shops retail locations.

The program does not publish a fixed list of eligible states, provinces, cities, or distance limits.

Applicants should identify their nearest retail location and demonstrate a local connection.

Find Bass Pro Shops Stores: https://stores.basspro.com/

Find Cabela’s Stores: https://stores.cabelas.com/

Special Geographic Exception – Missouri Ozarks

Organizations based in Springfield, Branson, or nearby Missouri Ozarks communities should not use this application.

Bass Pro Shops provides a separate Missouri Ozarks Community Donations Program for eligible organizations in that region.

The Missouri Ozarks program supports local event sponsorships and nonprofit program requests.

Missouri Ozarks Program Information: https://about.basspro.com/community/support/

Ineligible Requests

This program is intended specifically for qualifying in-kind donations supporting fundraising events and giveaways.

Requests outside the three charitable focus areas are not aligned with program guidelines.

Organizations should also note:

• Cash grants are not the purpose of this application.
• Requests for general project funding should be directed to the appropriate grant program.
• Organizations in Springfield, Branson, and surrounding Missouri Ozarks communities must use the separate regional application.
• Applicants must meet the applicable U.S. or Canadian organizational eligibility requirements.

The company’s broader Outdoor Fund Local Impact Grants Program has different eligibility and funding rules.

Organizations seeking project grants rather than fundraising merchandise should review that separate opportunity.

Funding Amounts

Maximum Request: Up to $2,500

Support is provided through:

• Merchandise donations
• Gift cards

Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s may approve partial funding.

The requested amount is not guaranteed, and actual support depends on eligibility, available resources, and the company’s review process.

No minimum request amount is published.

Timeline & Review

📅 Application Timeline: Rolling / Ongoing

📅 Application Deadline: No fixed deadline published

📅 Recommended Lead Time: Allow 60–90 days for review

📅 Review Period: Approximately 60–90 days

Applications are accepted throughout the year.

Applicants should submit requests sufficiently early to allow review before their fundraising event or banquet.

Organizations planning events with fixed dates should account for the review timeline when preparing their requests.

Application / Request Process

Applications must be submitted through the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s online Benevity application.

Step 1: Confirm Organizational Eligibility

Verify that the organization meets the applicable U.S. or Canadian nonprofit, municipality, or public institution requirements.

Step 2: Confirm Mission Alignment

Ensure that the organization’s mission focuses on wildlife conservation, outdoor access, or military and veteran support.

Step 3: Identify the Fundraising Event

Prepare information about the event where donated merchandise or gift cards will be used.

Applicants should be ready to describe:

• Organization name and mission
• Event name and purpose
• Event location and date
• Intended use of donated merchandise or gift cards
• Requested donation value
• Community or conservation impact

Step 4: Confirm Geographic Eligibility

Identify the nearest Bass Pro Shops or Cabela’s retail location.

Organizations in the Missouri Ozarks should use the separate regional application.

Step 5: Submit the Online Application

Complete the Benevity application and allow 60–90 days for review.

Applicants can begin a new application or return to an existing application through the online portal.

Apply / Learn More: https://forms.benevity.org/7a008ce2-cc29-47d6-b04a-948abb049ed6

Official Program Guidelines: https://about.basspro.com/community/support/

Bass Pro Shops Store Locator: https://stores.basspro.com/

Cabela’s Store Locator: https://stores.cabelas.com/

Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit

This program is particularly well suited for organizations that:

• Focus on wildlife or habitat conservation
• Expand access to outdoor recreation
• Provide outdoor education
• Support military members or veterans
• Host fundraising banquets, raffles, or auctions
• Need donated merchandise or gift cards rather than cash funding
• Operate near a Bass Pro Shops or Cabela’s retail store
• Can plan fundraising events at least 60–90 days in advance

The program offers a practical opportunity for conservation and military-focused nonprofits to secure valuable in-kind items for fundraising events.

Organizations seeking direct financial support for conservation projects should consider the separate Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund Local Impact Grants Program.

Corporate Grants Guide Notes

Review Type: Rolling / Ongoing
Maximum Request: $2,500 in merchandise or gift cards
Recommended Lead Time: 60–90 days
Geographic Focus: United States and Canada, near Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s retail locations
Funding Priorities: Wildlife conservation, outdoor access, military and veterans
Best Suited For: Conservation and military-focused nonprofits organizing fundraising events, banquets, raffles, and giveaways
Special Restriction: Missouri Ozarks organizations must use the separate regional giving application