Time outside and our connection to nature is fundamental to the social, cultural and physical health and well-being of all people. But today, millions of Americans lack access to the outdoors, and far too many people do not feel a sense of safety or belonging outside.
That is why REI founded the REI Cooperative Action Fund, a community-driven nonprofit that exists to provide support for nonprofit organizations across the country doing the deep and essential work to create a more equitable outdoors for everyone.
Thanks to REI Co-op’s generous support, 100% of your gift goes to grantee partners.
Join us in supporting organizations in these initiatives
Supporting organizations led by and serving Black communities; Indigenous peoples; people of color; LGBTQ+ community; people with physical disabilities; and women through connections to the outdoors. Prioritizing organizations that are leveraging the outdoors as a tool for equity, healing and joy, social justice, civic action, youth development, or creativity.
Increasing equitable access to outdoor spaces and recreation opportunities (parks, trails, open space, waterways). Prioritizing community-led and natural climate solutions that bring nature’s individual and environmental benefits closer to home for marginalized communities.
Investing, strengthening, and amplifying scientific research and supporting Traditional Ecological Knowledge that demonstrates time spent outside improves mental, physical, and emotional health, as well as resilience for people and communities.
P Connecting People Outside
Outward Bound Adventures
We are the oldest non-profit in the nation dedicated to outdoor education for BIPOC youth. We seek to ensure that youth from diverse communities have access to nature, environmental education, leadership development, and preparation for careers in conservation.
“I love OBA and I love everyone that’s on it because OBA helps kids and helps families. I was involved because they always treated you like family and you’re always welcome.”
— Dayqian Baker, member of the Youth Advisory Council (YAC)
P Connecting People Outside
Catalyst Sports
We give people with physical disabilities access to the life-changing impact of adventure within a supportive and inclusive community. We accomplish such a feat by providing adaptive sports across the Southeast.
“I have never felt so free! I was so focused on the bike I didn’t get to take the scenery in as much but I have never felt so close to nature.
— Maggie Frederick, Catalyst participant (Adaptive mountain biking)
H Centering Health Outside
Center for Nature and Health at University of California San Francisco
We are dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the world's most vulnerable populations through access to nature.
https://www.centerfornatureandhealth.org/ 
“Taking the time for self-care outside is a critical component of overall health
— Dr. Nooshin Razani
S Creating Space Outside
Tennessee RiverLine
We envision for a 652-mile system of paddling, hiking, and biking trails along the length of the Tennessee River, as well as a place-based strategy for economic development, public health, resource stewardship, and equitable access benefits for 2.4 million people in Tennessee River communities.
“Tennessee RiverLine has been instrumental in helping us increase community engagement with river activities and helping forge physical, social, and emotional connections between our community and the river.
— Rena Purdy, Executive Director, Wayne County Joint Economic and Community Development Board
S Creating Space Outside
Continental Divide Trail Coalition
More than a line on a map or a thin stripe of tread, we are a living connector of communities along the spine of North America, a thriving landscape of unique and precious ecosystems, and a meeting ground where people of all walks of life may unite to live, work, play, worship, and learn.
https://www.continentaldividetrail.org
“I never thought hiking the desert could be so exciting! It was great meeting CDTC and learning about the different plants in my own backyard. Excited to spend some more time out there!
— community member from Lordsburg, NM
H Centering Health Outside
Nature and Health Alliance
We seek to create knowledge, resources, and exchange so that everyone is aware of the critical relationships between nature and human health, and actions to ensure nature accessibility to every person.
https://www.natureandhealthalliance.org
“The Alliance provides the perfect platform to accelerate the discovery and application of research to improve human health through nature contact.
— Jay Maddock PhD, Texas A&M University