Philanthropy
Kahtoola was founded on the belief that business can be a force for good. For over two decades, we’ve partnered with organizations dedicated to preserving indigenous cultures, strengthening outdoor communities, and protecting the environment. These partnerships inspire us to do more and reflect our commitment to creating positive change.
Foundations of Giving
Just as founder Danny Giovale’s accident in the Dolomites was the inspiration for the first Kahtoola product, his exposure to Tibetan people and culture was the genesis of our philanthropy program. Deeply moved by the Tibetan people's joyful resilience and simple lifestyle, Danny realized the transformative power of meeting basic needs and removing barriers.
From day one, this vision of human potential became a cornerstone of Kahtoola's culture, driving a commitment to people, their growth, and the positive impact they can have in the world. Regardless of profit, we invest 1% of our annual revenue in efforts that empower others. What began as a focus on preserving indigenous cultures has since expanded to include outdoor communities and environmental initiatives. This vision culminated in what is now the Kahtoola Philanthropy Program, which unites all our initiatives under one mission.
Kahtoola Philanthropy Program
The Kahtoola Philanthropy Program was created to reflect our core values through purposeful giving. Our three pillars — indigenous cultures, environmental responsibility, and outdoor community — guide our efforts to support organizations making a difference.
As our program continues to evolve, we’re shifting away from an open application process to focus more on existing partnerships. This change allows us to concentrate our limited resources and strengthen long-term relationships in key areas where a small company like ours can make a meaningful difference. We remain deeply committed to supporting work that aligns with our mission and sharing the stories of the organizations we support.
An embodiment of Kahtoola's values, "The Queen of Zangla" follows founder and owner Danny Giovale on a multi-week backpacking trip along the Zanskar River, an ancient trade route in the Indian Himalaya, where he observes the threats of climate change and road development on traditional Tibetan Buddhist culture.
