With #OptOutside and family gatherings behind us, our thoughts turn to the important idea of goodwill toward all. Enter GivingTuesday, which takes place the first Thursday after Thanksgiving.
This day is the brainchild of the smart folks at the 92nd Street Y and its Belfer Center for Innovation & Social Impact, a cultural center in New York City, who started it in 2012. Its purpose: to celebrate and encourage giving back. Since then, it has expanded into a global movement for generosity in many different forms—volunteering, advocacy, kindness, community-building, skill sharing and more.
There are lots of opportunities to get involved in this worldwide day of generosity. We rounded up our favorite ways to invest in the outdoor community on this specific day—and throughout the year.
1. Donate to a nonprofit.
We know time outside can improve well-being, strengthen communities and create a sense of belonging. Want to help more people experience the benefits of the outdoors? This GivingTuesday, consider a donation to the REI Cooperative Action Fund, a community-driven nonprofit that has given nearly $40 million in grants to more than 360 outdoor-focused organizations since its launch in 2021. The Fund supports initiatives that work to make the outdoors more accessible and inclusive for everyone. With ongoing support from REI Co-op, 100% of donations from the general public to the REI Fund go to grantees. Donate here.
2. Give your old gear a new life.
You may have just grabbed a shiny tent on Cyber Monday, but your old tent still wants to get out an adventure. Consider passing on your lightly used items, which can reduce waste and help more people get outside. REI Co-op Members can participate in the Re/Supply trade-in program: Send us your lightly used gear, and we’ll send you a gift card. Or set up a local drive—help your friends and family members clean out their gear closets while ensuring the gear benefits people in your community.
3. Volunteer.
Many nonprofits build and maintain trails, fight for increased access to public lands, and help get more people outside. Although donations are much appreciated on GivingTuesday and beyond, volunteering offers another opportunity to make a difference. Reach out to an organization you’re passionate about and ask them how you can get involved. Or check REI.com for volunteer opportunities near your local store. Are you a writer, photographer, accountant or simply know your way around a pickaxe? Donate your time—your expertise can go a long way.
4. Start a fundraiser.
Maybe you don’t have extra cash, gear or time to volunteer. If you have access to the internet, though, you can host a fundraiser. Planning an online fundraiser is a simple way to gather the power of your community together to give back this season. Just remember to assess the fees before choosing an online fundraising tool—some take a hefty chunk of change out of donations for processing fees, credit card fees and other hidden costs.
5. Buy gifts that do good.
This season, commit to philanthropy even as you’re spreading holiday cheer to your loved ones (or yourself). Do a little research and choose presents that have a give-back component. For example, Patagonia allots 1% sales to benefit the preservation and restoration of the natural environment. And the LifeStraw Give Back Program supports safe drinking water around the world. Shop outdoor gear from emerging brands with founders of color who have participated in the REI Co-op Path Ahead Ventures initiative. Or commit to only buying from companies that seek to measure and decarbonize their production processes. It’s a win-win.
6. Bring someone new outside.
Giving back doesn’t have to be through a nonprofit. Paying it forward can be as simple as bringing someone new into the outdoors. Have a friend in your bubble who doesn’t know how to climb? Take them to the closest crag. Does your kid’s schoolmate lack time outside? Consider a double-family hike.
7. Take a first-aid class.
Part of spending time outdoors means being a good steward, both of the land and your fellow recreationists. Learning emergency preparedness skills can be a great way to contribute, time and time again (if necessary). Find an outdoor safety or first-aid class near you.
8. Consider the future.
While many organizations and initiatives see a bump in participations and donations at the holidays, sustained commitment is what keeps their lamps lit. So, keep the goodwill going year-round: Set up monthly automatic donations to your favorite nonprofit, create calendar alerts for future volunteer activities and make a plan for staying involved.
9. Advocate for the outdoors.
Since 2021, more than 775,000 people in the REI community have raised their voice with the REI Cooperative Action Network and helped pass 42 historical policies for the outdoors. Search the Network’s priority campaigns around climate action, outdoor equity and protecting places we love, and use the template form to quickly and easily contact your representatives with your opinion and perspective. Browse all active campaigns here.
10. Spread the word to the next generation.
You’ve already shared your fundraiser online, posted a selfie of you doing trail work and brought a friend outside. Don’t forget to engage the next generation. If they care about supporting nonprofits, protecting the environment and enjoying outdoor recreation, they’ll keep the good going far into the future. Look for an outdoor mentorship program near you, take a friend’s kids along on a hike, or sign your own youngsters up for scouting or nature classes.
Other Ways to Pay It Forward
Have another idea for honoring GivingTuesday this year? Let us know in the comments.
Editor’s note: This article was updated on November 10, 2026.