The Backpacker – Sponsorship & Donation Request Program (2026)
Community Support for Outdoor Events, Schools, Teams, and Nonprofits in Louisiana
The Backpacker accepts sponsorship and donation requests from organizations helping people get outside and strengthening Louisiana’s outdoor community.
The company specifically welcomes requests from local events, teams, schools, nonprofits, and community organizations. Requests are reviewed in the order they are received, and organizations are encouraged to apply as early as possible before their event or funding need.
Organization: The Backpacker
Support Type: Sponsorships and charitable donations
Geographic Focus: Louisiana, with an emphasis on the local outdoor community
Application Timeline: Rolling / ongoing
Funding Amount: Not specified
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About the Funder
The Backpacker is a Louisiana-based outdoor retailer with roots dating back to 1974, when founder Dale Mathews opened an outdoor adventure store in Baton Rouge.
Today, The Backpacker focuses on helping people explore the outdoors through outdoor gear, experiences, education, and community engagement. The company has a longstanding connection to Louisiana’s outdoor community and emphasizes respect for people, the environment, and the communities it serves.
Through its sponsorship and donation program, The Backpacker provides support to organizations and activities that encourage people to get outside.
What This Program Supports
The Backpacker specifically identifies several types of organizations and activities it is interested in supporting.
Outdoor & Recreation Events
Community events that encourage people to spend time outdoors, participate in recreation, or experience Louisiana’s natural resources may be particularly strong candidates.
Nonprofit Organizations
Local nonprofits whose missions or programs contribute to the outdoor community or help people access outdoor experiences may request support.
Schools
Schools and school-related initiatives may submit sponsorship or donation requests, particularly when the activity has a connection to outdoor recreation, youth engagement, or community participation.
Teams
Local athletic, recreation, outdoor, or community teams may also be considered for support.
Community Organizations
Organizations creating opportunities for people to get outside, build community, or participate in outdoor activities are encouraged to apply.
The Backpacker does not publish formal giving categories beyond its emphasis on Louisiana’s outdoor community, so applicants should clearly explain how their organization or event connects people with outdoor experiences.
Eligible Organizations
The Backpacker’s sponsorship program is open to requests from:
- Local events
- Teams
- Schools
- Nonprofit organizations
- Community organizations
- Groups helping people get outside
Detailed nonprofit tax-status requirements are not published on the sponsorship request page.
Applicants should focus on demonstrating a strong community connection and clearly explaining the purpose of the requested support.
Geographic Focus
The Backpacker describes its giving program as supporting the Louisiana outdoor community.
The company has a longstanding presence in Louisiana, including the Baton Rouge and Lafayette markets, and has also held activities in the Northshore area.
Organizations and events serving Louisiana residents and providing opportunities for people to participate in outdoor recreation are likely to be the strongest fit.
Funding & Support Amounts
The Backpacker does not publish standard sponsorship or donation amounts.
Organizations are asked to explain what they are requesting as part of the application.
Depending on the opportunity, support could potentially take the form of sponsorship or donated goods or services, although applicants should not assume a specific type or amount of assistance.
A clear, specific request will make it easier for The Backpacker to evaluate whether it can provide support.
Timeline & Review
📅 Application Timeline: Rolling / ongoing
📅 Review Process: Requests are reviewed in the order received
📅 Minimum Lead Time: No formal minimum published
📅 Recommendation: Apply as early as possible
The Backpacker specifically encourages organizations to provide as much advance notice as possible.
Applicants should avoid submitting last-minute requests whenever possible, particularly for events with a fixed date.
Application / Request Process
Organizations must submit a sponsorship or donation request through The Backpacker’s online request form.
Applicants should be prepared to explain:
- Their event or organization
- What they are requesting
- Their timeline
- How the organization or event benefits the community
- How the request connects with outdoor recreation or helping people get outside
Requests are reviewed by The Backpacker team in the order they are received.
Apply / Learn More:
➡️ https://backpackeroutdoors.com/pages/sponsorship-requests
Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit
This opportunity may be a strong fit for organizations that:
- Operate in Louisiana
- Encourage people to spend time outdoors
- Provide outdoor recreation or environmental experiences
- Organize community events
- Serve children and young people through schools or teams
- Are seeking sponsorship or in-kind corporate support
- Can demonstrate a natural connection between their mission and The Backpacker’s outdoor-focused brand
Organizations should emphasize the connection between their request and getting people outside. A proposal that demonstrates how The Backpacker’s involvement will increase access to recreation, encourage outdoor participation, or strengthen Louisiana’s outdoor community is likely to be more compelling than a general charitable request.
Corporate Grants Guide Notes
Support Type: Sponsorships and donations
Application Timeline: Rolling
Funding Amount: Not published
Geographic Focus: Louisiana
Best Suited For: Outdoor-focused nonprofits, community events, schools, teams, and organizations encouraging outdoor participation
Key Strategy: Clearly connect the request to outdoor recreation and The Backpacker’s mission of helping people get outside
Lead Time: No formal minimum, but earlier requests are encouraged
