Elevation Fund — Impact Report #2 (Q2 2026)
Overview
The Elevation Fund is The Outsiders’ long-term commitment to supporting the next generation of outdoor talent across action sport and the creatives who tell their stories.
Q2 2026 builds on the second pilot delivery in 2026, focused on new funding and infrastructure for Casey Brown’s Dark Horse Academy events to support growth in new locations.
Impact
Funding Deployed — Total to date: $4,000
$3,000 — Content challenge prize (Aug 2025)
$1,000 — Targeted micro-funding for local 15-year-old videographer to join filming project (Q1 2026)
Additional ~$20,000+ value delivered (not included in funding total)
40 participants supported without program fees (ordinarily ~$500 per participant)
People Supported — Total to date: 41+
Youth MTB athletes with Casey Brown at the Dark Horse Academy.
Delivery & Outcomes
Supported an existing global female MTB event series (elite athletes and academy participation with local youth athletes) across Japan, Canada, New Zealand and the United States through:
Securing accommodation via Outsiders’ tourism relationships
We have opened relationships with two new Dark Horse Academy locations - Hakuba, Japan and Truckee, Tahoe US.
We have laid the groundwork for accommodation and resources to be provided by the hospitality groups for new Dark Horse events to kick off in 2027 for a three year period.
Aligned with local resources and local partners to set up the infrastructure required for the events including jumps and courses.
Working with partner brands to unlock funding for this grassroots event series
We are currently finalising an e-sim partner to support with cash funding for the event series, and e-sim data packs for athletes and participants.
Q3 Focus
BREAD — Athlete Dinner Series
Building on The Outsiders’ mission to create meaningful connections between athletes, brands and the wider adventure community, we are launching BREAD — a new athlete dinner series bringing together established athletes, emerging talent, industry leaders and aligned brands.
A casual evening built around breaking bread, sharing knowledge and building relationships, BREAD gives athletes the opportunity to connect with peers, learn from industry leaders, and discuss the commercial landscape.
Each dinner will feature conversations around topics including:
Sponsorships and funding open discussion & Q&A
Creating sustainable income as an athlete
Building long-term commercial value beyond performance
BREAD will take place during each of The Outsiders Content Residencies, creating a consistent platform for athlete connection across our global series.
Alongside the dinner, each event will include a curated brand mixer and gifting experience, introducing athletes to brands actively looking to support and collaborate with athletes. The goal is to create genuine connections where there is mutual alignment — opening the door to new commercial relationships, partnerships and opportunities.
BREAD is designed to bridge the gap between talent and opportunity, helping athletes build stronger networks, understand their value, and connect with the right brands at the right stage of their journey.
Image shot by Jay French
Delivery August 2026 SNOW Residency Talent Development program in Wanaka, New Zealand:
Mentorship from world-class MTB and outdoor commercial photographer Jay French
Technical training with Dakota Brown and Nikon New Zealand
Intro to presenting to camera and directing social media talent session with We Are Explorers contributor and presenter, Casey Fung
Access to Nikon systems, including the Nikon Z series developed in collaboration with RED
Program will include;
Live Q&A on career pathways and commercial work
Hands-on workshops and technical training
Intro to presenting to camera and directing social media talent session
Talent Development Program delivered in Lake Hawea, New Zealand (February 2026)
About The Elevation Fund
The Elevation Fund provides support across the United States, Canada, Japan, and New Zealand, guided by a clear funding mandate focused on:
Athlete film funding and industry connections
Creative development and mentorship
Grassroots event funding
Alongside direct funding, the Fund supports talent through curated development programs designed to provide real-world experience and industry access.
2026 is a foundational year focused on building alignment, establishing trusted partnerships, and formalising an Advisory Board across sport, events, and creative leadership. This will support the development of a partner-backed fund for deployment from 2027.
The Elevation Fund is designed to grow alongside The Outsiders — ensuring that as the business scales, funding, opportunity, and impact scale with it.
Want to get involved?
If you would like to support The Elevation Fund through funding, accommodation, gear, or opportunities for athletes and creatives, please reach out or schedule a chat in Michelle Bates calendar.
Michelle Bates
Founder & Executive Producer, The Outsiders
michelle@for-outsiders.com+61 422 383 229 (AUS)