REI Cooperative Action Fund Distributes More Than $12 Million in Grants to Expand Access to the Outdoors in 2025

The REI Cooperative Action Fund today released its 2025 Impact Report, highlighting a year of collective action to expand access to the outdoors, protect public lands and strengthen the growing movement connecting nature and health.

In 2025, the REI Fund distributed more than $12 million in grants to 369 nonprofit organizations nationwide, powered by the generosity of more than 1.3 million donations. Those investments helped nonprofit partners drive measurable impact across the country:

• 1.8M+ acres of public and recreational land stewarded or protected
• 13K+ miles of trails and waterways created, stewarded or protected
• 800K+ participants connected to outdoor experiences
• 184 studies advancing the science of nature and health

"The outdoors has the power to strengthen communities, improve well-being and create a sense of belonging," said Kristen Ragain, executive director of the REI Cooperative Action Fund. "This year's impact reflects what's possible when REI Co-op, donors, nonprofit partners and local leaders come together to help ensure more people can experience the benefits of time outside."

Since its launch in 2021, the REI Fund has invested more than $35 million in nonprofit organizations nationwide. REI Co-op continues to cover operating expenses, enabling 100% of public donations to directly support nonprofit partners.

In 2025, grants supported nonprofits working in three key areas:

Creating Space Outside: $3.7 million to 159 organizations protecting public lands and improving access to outdoor spaces.

_{Petaluma River Park Foundation – Petaluma, CA is advancing a trailblazing model for community-led park development that is inspiring other projects across the country.}

Connecting People Outside: $6.5 million to 196 organizations expanding access to outdoor experiences and recreation opportunities.

_{Adaptive Adventures – Nationwide is helping people rediscover purpose, community and themselves through high-quality, adaptive sports programming.}

Centering Health Outside: $1.4 million to 11 organizations advancing research and programs focused on nature and health.

_{Friends of Patapsco Valley State Park – Ellicott City, MD is supporting a new network of adaptive trails in Maryland’s oldest and largest state park, allowing people of all abilities to enjoy the park’s natural beauty.}

The report also highlights the work of nonprofit partners across the country, including organizations advancing adaptive recreation, outdoor education, trail stewardship, nature-based healthcare and community-led park development.

_{City Kids Wilderness Project – Washington, D.C.}

The full 2025 Impact Report is available at reifund.org.

About the REI Cooperative Action Fund