Orbea has announced the launch of Orbea Foundation, an organisation created to develop its own projects and collaborate with organisations working to improve people’s lives, strengthen communities and contribute to the sustainable development of the regions where they operate.
The creation of the foundation marks the next step in a commitment that has long been part of Orbea’s history. Since becoming a cooperative in 1969, the brand has worked alongside associations, sports clubs, educational institutions, social organisations and research centres. With the foundation, Orbea now has a dedicated structure to invest more resources, drive new initiatives and expand its ability to create lasting impact.
“Organisations have both the ability and the responsibility to help improve the communities they are part of. As a cooperative, we have always believed that lasting change comes through collaboration and by combining our strengths. We see this in projects that create opportunities wherever they take place, from trail-building initiatives that generate economic value in the Pyrenees to programmes that promote more sustainable mobility. Orbea Foundation has been created to strengthen that commitment and help us go even further alongside those who share our purpose,” says Arrate Vidarte, Director of Orbea Foundation.
The foundation builds on Orbea’s long-standing social commitment, opening a new chapter that will extend its reach and impact. It will develop its own projects while supporting third-party initiatives that share its values and address social, environmental and community challenges.
Its work will focus on five strategic areas that reflect Orbea’s identity and its commitment to building a better future: sustainable mobility; sport and wellbeing; education, economic activity and cooperativism; social justice; and cultural and sporting heritage.
Collaboration will be one of the foundation’s guiding principles. Its ambition is to work alongside organisations that share the same commitment to creating positive impact by combining knowledge, resources and capabilities to achieve more together. Organisations interested in collaborating or submitting initiatives can find more information about the application process and participation opportunities on the Orbea Foundation website.
Visit the Orbea Foundation website.
Here are some of the projects and countries where Orbea Foundation is already making an impact. To explore all of the initiatives, visit the Orbea Foundation website.
- Sustainable Mobility
In the field of sustainable mobility, Orbea Foundation currently partners with Olatu Berdeak to improve mobility in business environments, particularly industrial zones. Together, developing mobility plans and implementing solutions that encourage more sustainable and efficient commuting.
- Sport and Wellbeing
Orbea Foundation works with national and international organisations that promote cycling as a tool for social, sport and regional development. These initiatives focus on developing and maintaining cycling infrastructure, restoring and preserving trails, supporting schools and sports clubs, training young cyclists, promoting sustainable tourism and protecting the natural environment.
In Spain, notable projects include Zona Zero (Spanish Pyrenees) and Bera Bike Park–Bikedasoa (Bidasoa Valley). Internationally, the foundation supports initiatives such as Peak Pursuits (Canada), which helps young people access cycling, and Free-Hub – Pisgah Area Sorba (USA), dedicated to restoring and maintaining trail infrastructure in natural areas, among more than thirty projects worldwide.
- Education, Economic Activity and Cooperativism
The foundation collaborates with educational institutions and training organisations to promote technical skills, innovation and entrepreneurship linked to the cycling industry and the social economy.
Key initiatives include partnerships with Mondragon Goi Eskola Politeknikoa, supporting entrepreneurship through scholarships and the creation of cooperative spin-offs, and IMH Campus, where advanced manufacturing training for the bicycle industry is promoted.
- Social Justice
In the area of social justice, Orbea Foundation supports initiatives that promote inclusion, equal opportunities and wellbeing through sport, education and community action.
In Spain, projects include partnerships with the Spanish Cancer Association, which promotes sport as a tool for health and awareness, and Dale CandELA, a non-profit organisation dedicated to raising funds for ALS research. Internationally, the Foundation works with CYCLITS (Germany) to promote more inclusive and diverse cycling, and with UNICEF in Africa to support initiatives that improve children’s living conditions.
- Cultural and Sporting Heritage
Orbea Foundation collaborates with organisations dedicated to preserving cultural and sporting heritage by supporting initiatives that strengthen local identity, safeguard traditions and encourage community participation.
Notable projects include partnerships with Maille Pilota Elkartea, which promotes and preserves Basque pelota, Bizipoza, supporting organisations that work with children and families through awareness and volunteering initiatives, Lurgaia, dedicated to biodiversity conservation and Zazpi Pago, a project that combines the organisation of a community running event with the restoration and promotion of traditional trails.
