FREEPORT, Maine, Dec. 15, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via PRWEB - Today L.L.Bean announced year end approval of its Charitable Giving Program that will allocate $2.1 Million in grants to more than 80 organizations for annual gifts, plus additional funding in small grants to dozens more. The program was approved by the L.L.Bean Board of Directors at their December meeting and represents an increase over last year's charitable program. The gifts, ranging from $5,000 to $225,000, will be dispersed to organizations involved in the areas of conservation and recreation, health and human services, education, and culture and the arts. L.L.Bean's corporate gifts to United Ways in Maine total over $550,000; through the generosity of employees an additional $1.1 million was donated to this year's campaign.
"We are pleased to provide funding to so many worthy organizations," said Shawn Gorman, L.L.Bean's Chairman of the Board. "These groups share the values and traditions of L.L.Bean by encouraging healthy outdoor living and addressing real human needs in our communities. We believe it is essential to support the work of community entities that so meaningfully impact the lives of our neighbors and friends."
For decades L.L.Bean has supported the community through its Charitable Giving Program, and in just the last 10 years has provided close to $30 million in funding to nonprofit organizations.
"We share our customers' passion for the outdoors," said Chris McCormick, President and CEO of L.L.Bean. "We also have a vested interest in working with organizations to address the most pressing community needs. We are fortunate to have so many strong nonprofit partners leading these efforts."
In the area of conservation and recreation, the focus of the program is engaging young people in healthy outdoor activities and ensuring access to recreational opportunities for all. Recipients of the 2015 Community Grants include long-time L.L.Bean partners with programs focused on youth: Maine Audubon, Teens to Trails, and Student Conservation Association. Several organizations promote stewardship and open access to outdoor recreational opportunities: Maine Island Trails Association, Nature Conservancy, Appalachian Trail Conservancy and sporting groups such as Trout Unlimited, Ducks Unlimited, Ruffed Grouse Society and Sportsman's Alliance of Maine.
Within the category of health and human services, the primary recipients are United Ways throughout Maine as well as local efforts to support those neighbors in need through Freeport Community Services, the American Red Cross, the Cancer Community Center, and Boy and Girl Scouts; in education, through statewide organizations that include the Mitchell Institute, Jobs for Maine's Graduates and Junior Achievement as well as support for school districts within L.L.Bean communities; in the area of culture and the arts the company donations include the Bangor Folk Festival, Maine State Music Theater and Portland Museum of Art.
This year program recipients include the Foundation for Maine Community College and Preble Street with gifts made in longtime L.L.Bean President Leon Gorman's memory.
Beyond the Charitable Giving Program, the company also continues to provide $200,000 in annual support to the Island Explorer propane bus system in Acadia National Park providing eco-friendly, free transportation to four million visitors to Maine's national park.
About L.L.Bean, Inc.
L.L.Bean, Inc. is a leading multichannel merchant of quality outdoor gear and apparel. Founded in 1912 by Leon Leonwood Bean, the company began as a one-room operation selling a single product, the Maine Hunting Shoe. Still family owned, Shawn Gorman, great grandson of Leon Leonwood Bean, was named Chairman of the Board of Directors in 2013. While its business has grown over the years, L.L.Bean continues to uphold the values of its founder, including his dedication to quality, customer service and a love of the outdoors. L.L.Bean products are rigorously tested, guaranteed to last and always shipped free. In the past five years, L.L.Bean has donated over $6 million toward conservation and land stewardship. The 220,000 sq. ft. L.L.Bean retail store campus in Freeport, ME, is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and welcomes more than 3 million visitors every year. L.L.Bean can be found worldwide at http://www.llbean.com, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, Google+ and Instagram.
A privately held company, L.L.Bean does not publicly disclose financials.
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