REI Cooperative Action Fund announces Fall 2025 grantees expanding access to the outdoors

SEATTLE – The REI Cooperative Action Fund, a community-driven nonprofit that supports organizations doing the essential work in making the outdoors more accessible and inclusive for everyone, announced the 293 organizations receiving a collective $4.72 million during its fall 2025 grant cycle, focused on expanding access to and connecting people to the outdoors.  

The REI Cooperative Action Fund was founded in 2021 by REI Co-op with the mission of supporting nonprofits dedicated to strengthening the health and well-being of people and communities through time outside. Fueled by community donations, this latest investment brings the REI Cooperative Action Fund’s total giving to approximately $36 million since its launch. 

To encapsulate its impact in those critical first years, the REI Fund has released an Impact Report that reflects on its early years to build connections, joy and belonging outside.  

“We know that nature is fundamental to the health and well-being of people and yet millions of Americans lack equitable access to the outdoors and far too many do not feel a sense of safety or belonging outside,” said Kristen Ragain, executive director of the REI Cooperative Action Fund. “Our grantmaking aims to change that reality by ensuring that people across the country can experience the healing powers of the outdoors. We couldn’t do this work without the dedication of the grantees we support and contributions from the wider REI community that support our mission.”  

The Co-op Community in Action 

The vast majority of this fall’s 293 grantees stem from the REI Fund’s Local Grant Program, in which co-op stores and distribution centers across the country recommend nonprofits from their own communities that align with the REI Fund’s mission. Through this, REI yielded 100% participation, receiving 568 nonprofit recommendations for consideration from every REI store and Distribution Center. The Local Grant Program is supported in part by Capital One, which this year made a $2 million donation. 

“The REI Cooperative Action Fund’s local grant program gives REI store employees the opportunity to support and partner with impactful nonprofits in our communities. We are proud to have recommended the Siskiyou Mountain Club for a grant.  They connect southern Oregon communities with their public lands through trail stewardship and volunteering” – Veronica Malone, REI Medford store manager 

The 2025 fall grant cycle will support local, regional and national grantees across all three grantmaking initiatives: creating space outside, connecting people outside and centering health outside, including:  

• All Out Adventures, Massachusetts, offers inclusive, year-round outdoor recreation activities for people with disabilities, veterans and older adults. With a combination of specialized equipment and trained staff, their diverse programs are designed to encourage people of all abilities to enjoy the outdoors together. 

• Warrior Surf Foundation, South Carolina, believes the healing power of community and time spent on the ocean should be open to all, without barriers. Through surf therapy, they help ensure that veterans and their families can access healing and connection outdoors.

• The Hummingbird Project, California, connects underserved middle and high school students to nature through outdoor experiences. They offer free nature outings, such as hiking and kayaking, that help young people discover the beauty and healing power of nature. 

To see a full list of all fall cycle 2025 grantees, visit: https://www.reifund.org/grantees/2025 

The REI Cooperative Action Fund will also welcome a new board chair and president: 

• Susan Viscon will join as board chair to the REI Fund. She is currently the chief new ventures and impact officer at REI Co-op and brings almost three decades of experience at the co-op to her role as chair.  

• Matthew Thurston joins the REI Fund as president, alongside his role as divisional vice president of sustainability and community affairs at the co-op. He brings fifteen years of experience in environment and human rights for REI.  

As a 501(c)(3) organization, the REI Cooperative Action Fund is led by its own board of directors with the support of a dedicated staff. REI Co-op continues to provide ongoing support for the REI Fund’s operations and grantmaking. Anyone can participate in the REI Fund’s mission, from direct donations to recommending a grantee. For a full list of grantees, visit REIFund.org/grantees. 

About the REI Cooperative Action Fund