Grantmaking Approach
We believe that time outside and our connection to nature is fundamental for the social, economic, and individual health and well-being of all people.
But today, millions of Americans lack access to the outdoors, and many don’t feel a sense of safety or belonging outside. The REI Cooperative Action Fund exists to provide support for nonprofit organizations across the country doing the deep and essential work of enabling everyone to enjoy the health and well-being benefits of time spent outside.
We fund nonprofits that substantially further our mission through one of our three grantmaking initiatives: creating space outside, connecting people outside and centering health outside. Since our founding, the REI Cooperative Action Fund has worked to build mutually trusting relationships with the nonprofits we support. Through our grantmaking, we honor the expertise of our grantees and their deep knowledge of the spaces and communities they serve. This is why we offer mostly unrestricted, multiyear funding, giving grantees the flexibility to determine where grant dollars can have the greatest impact.
These grants support our strategy to support the sector with funding for research and tools, coalition building, narrative change and capacity building. Nonprofits are identified by the REI Fund's grantmaking team, other funders and the general public that align with all three of our grantmaking initiatives. Periodically, we partner with compensated leaders in the outdoor equity space to help select and vet some of the organizations we fund.
These grants support local and regional nonprofits creating space outside and connecting people outside that provide direct service to their communities. Nonprofits are recommended by local REI store and distribution center employees and the general public.
Outdoor Outreach San Diego, CA
To help increase the strength and capacity of our grantees, we offer Catchafire free of charge to all our grantees. Catchafire is a platform that connects professional volunteers with nonprofits to provide skills-based assistance, essentially acting as a matchmaking service between talent and purpose. It helps nonprofits access expertise they might otherwise not be able to afford, saving them money and resources. Support includes executive leadership, finance and operations, fundraising, human resources, marketing and communications, technology and much more.
In 2025, we participated in our first Grantee Perception Report in partnership with the Center for Effective Philanthropy. This survey enabled us to confidentially gather candid and reliable feedback from grantees on their experience with the REI Cooperative Action Fund. The results provide insights into how to improve our grantmaking practices, build stronger relationships with grantees, and enhance overall impact. We look forward to integrating learnings into our funding practices.
Your donation supports nonprofits across the country working to create a world where everyone can experience the health and well-being benefits of nature.
