Collage of cyclists on a ride in the city and two friends kicking back in a fall meadow.
On a mission to create a more equitable outdoors.

Now is the time to deliver on that right. For everyone.

Time outside and connection to nature is fundamental to the health and well-being of all people. But millions of Americans lack access to the outdoors, and far too many people do not feel a sense of belonging or safety outside. 

That's why REI founded the REI Cooperative Action Fund which directly supports organizations working to improve the health and well-being of people and communities through time spent outside.

Thanks to REI Co-op’s generous support, 100% of your gift goes to grantee partners. 

We’re proud to share that over 3 million donations from REI Co-op members, employees and friends have supported the REI Cooperative Action Fund since it launched in October 2021. 

Join us in supporting organizations in these initiatives

One hand grasps another's against the richly textured bark of a pine tree.

P Connecting People Outside

Connecting historically excluded communities to the outdoors - cultivating joy, healing, belonging, connection and well-being.
The treetop view of early autumn yellow and green leaves.

S Creating Space Outside

Ensuring people have equitable access to quality, close to home culturally-relevant outdoor spaces.
A youngster practices their handstand in a city park.

H Centering Health Outside

Strengthening and amplifying research that demonstrates nature is critical for individual and community health and well-being.

Explore our Grantees

A group of ten diverse youth smiling toward camera while hiking New Army Pass.

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.

https://www.obainc.org

“

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)

Catalyst Sports

P Connecting People Outside

Catalyst Sports

We empower people with disabilities to explore the outdoors, offering adaptive programs and equipment for adventure and freedom.

https://catalystsports.org

“

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)

Kids and adults enjoy a sunny outdoor presentation under the trees.

H Centering Health Outside

Center for Nature and Health, University of California San Francisco

The Center for Nature and Health is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the world's most vulnerable children through access to nature.

https://www.ucsfbenioffchildrens.org/programs/center-for-nature-and-health

“

Taking the time for self-care outside is a critical component of overall health

— Dr. Nooshin Razani

A diverse group of twelve people wearing swimsuits and swim shorts while sitting in boats with paddles in hand along the Tennessee RiverLine

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.

https://www.tnriverline.org

“

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

A group of four people wearing baseball caps look over a map of Herman Gulch, flanked by rocky hills.

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

Nature and Health Alliance

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. Grants are focused on movement building strategies including backbone support, state chapter expansion, inaugural national surveillance survey, database, and more.

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