Grants to Local Non-Profits and National Partnerships

Of the $3.5 million distributed in 2007, more than 40 percent of the co-op's giving budget was dedicated to community-based nonprofits that share our commitment to conservation and recreation, with an emphasis on reaching youth.

Because our grants program is focused on the communities where our employees live, work and volunteer, they help nominate local nonprofits for consideration. Last year, REI's community-based grants program helped support 305 organizations.

We continue to donate our stores' meeting and event space as a service to recreation clubs and conservation nonprofits. We also welcome them to post volunteer announcements and event information on our store Outdoor Resource Center bulletin boards to bring awareness to their efforts.

The co-op is also proud of our many national nonprofit partners that are dedicated to helping thousands of individuals enjoy safe and responsible recreation.

Examples of our nonprofit partnerships include:

Adventure Cycling Association (Missoula, Mont.) — Support the development of a 2,058-mile bike route along the Underground Railroad from Mobile, Ala. to Owen Sound, Ontario in Canada.

Bikes Belong (Boulder, Colo.) — Help fund the Bicycle Friendly Communities Grants Program, presenting grants twice annually to help cities across the country achieve their bicycle friendly goals.

Wilderness Inquiry (Minneapolis. Minn.) — Support the year-round wilderness adventure program reaching youth aged 13 to 18 to educate on outdoor and camping skills, and leadership development.

American Canoe Association/Red River Division (Dallas) — Support the nonprofit's programming that works with persons with disabilities who desire outdoor recreation experiences.