Frequently Asked Questions

The Fund is a 501(c)(3) public charity.  

REI Co-op founded the Fund to advance the notion that time outside is a human right and to address the fact that the right is not equitably enjoyed across the country. REI Co-op will continue to support the operations and grantmaking of the Fund through cash and in-kind support. The REI Cooperative Action Fund is a separate legal entity from REI Co-op.  

Yes. REI Co-op supports general operations of the Fund, as well as grantmaking. Thanks to the generosity of REI Co-op, 100% of donations from the general public* are invested in organizations promoting justice, equity and belonging in the outdoors to strengthen the health and well-being of people and communities. (*excluding credit card transaction fees) 

The REI Cooperative Action Fund is a community-supported public charity that directly supports organizations promoting justice, equity and belonging in the outdoors to strengthen the health and well-being of people and communities. REI Co-op is supporting the Fund’s start-up expenses, general operations and some grantmaking. 100% of donations from the general public* (REI members, customers and employees, businesses and other donors) are invested in grantees.  (*excluding credit card transaction fees) 

Yes. Anyone may donate to the Fund.

Yes, the Fund compensates community advisors for their valuable time and expertise.

Community advisors are selected using a broad array of criteria including leadership in building a more accessible and inclusive outdoor culture. Community advisors provide input on some of the Fund's grantmaking priorities and grantee selection.  

REI Co-op will continue to invest in nonprofits around the country through their grant programs. To learn more, visit the REI Impact Report. 

Thanks to the generosity of REI Co-op, 100% of donations from the general public* are donated to organizations promoting justice, equity and belonging in the outdoors to strengthen the health and well-being of people and communities. (*excluding credit card transaction fees for gifts made on our website)

REI Cooperative Action Fund is a 501(c)(3) public charity. Donations are tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. If you have questions about deductibility, consult a tax advisor.  

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When donating on REIfund.org, you will automatically be e-mailed an acknowledgment of your donation. 

Donors may log into our self-service portal to make changes to their recurring donation at any time. Click here for access.

Yes, please mail checks to the REI Cooperative Action Fund, Dept. LA #22039  Pasadena, CA 91185-2039. If you would like to receive a donation confirmation, please send your name, mailing address and/or email address along with the check. 

Yes. Please contact info@REIfund.org with any questions.

Donating REI member dividend or member rewards to the REI Cooperative Action Fund is not an option at this time.  

You can share nonprofits that align with the Fund’s mission and grantmaking initiatives through the “recommend a potential grantee” form here. (Note: This form is not an application. The Fund is unable to guarantee a response or funding for all organizations submitted.) 

Potential grantees are identified through our growing network that includes Fund staff and community advisors, nonprofits, REI field teams, other funders and recommendations from the co-op community through our “recommend a potential grantee” form here. (Note: This form is not an application. The Fund is unable to guarantee a response or funding for all organizations submitted.) 

Eligibility for funding requires the following:

1. Grantees must be aligned with one of our three grantmaking initiatives. 2. Grantees must have a current 501(c)(3) public charity status or have a fiscal sponsor that has a current 501(c)(3) public charity status. 3. Grantees must be based in the U.S, and serve U.S. communities. 4. The REI Cooperative Action Fund gives grants to organizations with a commitment to justice, equity and belonging. All grantees must have a demonstrated commitment to this as shown in a diversity, equity and inclusion plan or something similar. 5. Grantees must have an nondiscrimination policy.

The Fund does not support individuals, political or religious organizations, preschool -12th-grade schools, or endowment campaigns. Not all eligible organizations will receive funding.   

Currently, the Fund invites organizations to apply for funding. To be considered, please submit your organization information through our “recommend a potential grantee” form here. (Note: The Fund is unable to guarantee consideration or funding for all organizations submitted.) 

Yes.

The Fund carefully considers a number of factors when determining grantees, such as alignment with the Fund’s grantmaking initiatives, mission, geographic locations, organizational leadership, and more. Grantmaking decisions are informed in part by Fund staff and community advisors, as well as REI field teams, other funders and nonprofits. Ultimately, all grantmaking decisions are approved by the Fund’s board of directors.   

The Fund has two grantmaking cycles annually: spring and fall.