The REI Foundation

Created in 1993 as a private foundation supported by the co-op, today the REI Foundation focuses on ensuring that tomorrow's outdoor enthusiasts and conservation stewards reflect the diversity of the country. Believing that love and respect for the natural outdoor world is initiated early in life, the Foundation directs much of its work toward young people.

Highlights

In 2007, a diverse cross section of public and private leaders – elected officials, thought leaders, corporate executives (including representatives from REI) and nonprofit CEOs, educators and others – participated in the National Forum on Children and Nature, hosted by The Conservation Fund. The Forum is dedicated to reconnecting today's youth with nature.

In 2008, the Forum and its advisory panels solicited and evaluated more than 500 proposals for projects that improve children's connection to nature. The result of this national effort was the endorsement of more than 30 nonprofit projects. From this group the REI Foundation funded several projects, including:

• The National Audubon Society based in New York City. The REI Foundation provided a grant to support Audubon's efforts to engage children from Latino communities with nature in urban areas, with a focus on nature centers in Los Angeles, Seattle and Phoenix. ($110,000)
• The Earth Team Environmental Network in Berkeley, Calif. The REI Foundation's grant to this organization supported Earth Team's Eco-Stewards program. The environmental education and restoration program integrates instruction and hands-on field work to connect youth with nature and to foster the use of new media, empowering them to become environmental stewards through restoration projects in their own community. ($14,000)
• Aquatic Adventures: SEA Power Initiative in San Diego, Calif. SEA Power is focused on young people from CityHeights – a traditionally underserved and highly urbanized community. The grant from the REI Foundation will make it possible for approximately 60 young people of color to participate in a number of programs that will increase their engagement with nature and create lifelong stewards. ($20,000)
• Outdoor Outreach: Outdoor Leadership Program in San Diego, Calif. The Foundation's funds will support paid internships for ten youth leaders serving as assistant instructors helping to run 275 outdoor trips – such as hiking, backpacking and mountain biking – for 700 youth. ($25,000)
• WiLDCOAST: Border Clean Water Campaign in San Diego, Calif. With support from the REI Foundation, WiLDCOAST will expand its Border Clean Water and Otay River Valley Campaigns to reduce the environmental and public health threats associated with pollution in the Tijuana River and increase access to healthy recreational areas. ($25,000)
• YMCA of San Diego: Al Fresco. The goal of Al Fresco is to increase knowledge and participation in outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship activities for children and their families attending four San Ysidro elementary schools. The REI Foundation's support will allow the YMCA to serve a population that is over 80% Hispanic. Grant support will also develop YMCA staff members' outdoor recreation and education skills, extending the life of the grant for many years. ($17,084)

A secondary purpose of the Foundation is for support of relief efforts in response to natural disasters around the globe. In 2008, the Foundation provided $20,000 in support of relief efforts for the earthquake in the Sichuan Province of China.

In 2008, in response to the interest of REI members, it became possible for members to request that REI donate their patronage refunds to the Foundation. Provided as a service to interested members, this offering generated less than $1,000 in donations in its first year.

Challenges

The Foundation reoriented its mission in 2008 and is presently in the process of building its program direction, which has included work to develop funding strategies and relations with key non-profit partners. This work is continuing in 2009 with a focus on increasing participation in the outdoors Given the enormity of the task and the Foundation's limited resources, a sharp strategic focus emphasizing high leverage efforts is essential.

Looking Ahead

In 2009, the REI Foundation will continue to fund programs and organizations focused on helping children reconnect with nature, especially children in underserved communities and communities of color. Given the nature of the economy, available funds for grant giving are not expected to grow over 2008.