#USA #Seattle #REI Cooperative Fund #Justice Outside #Latino Outdoors

REI Cooperative Action Fund Unveils Spring 2025 Grantees

In a major announcement on June 26, 2025, the REI Cooperative Action Fund, a nonprofit entity dedicated to expanding outdoor accessibility, revealed its Spring 2025 grantees. The fund is distributing a remarkable total of $7.2 million to 76 organizations committed to making outdoor spaces more inclusive for various communities. The initiative underscores REI’s ongoing commitment to promoting mental health and well-being through interactions with nature.

Kristen Ragain, the managing director of the REI Cooperative Action Fund, expressed gratitude towards the community, stating, “We are incredibly grateful to the REI community of individuals, family foundations, and businesses who are leaning into our mission to expand access to the healing powers of the outdoors.” This statement highlights the significant support the fund has received, including a recent transformative donation exceeding $2 million that benefited organizations like Justice Outside, Latino Outdoors, and Outdoor Afro.

The importance of outdoor experiences in enhancing mental health is increasingly recognized, and this funding arrives at a pivotal moment when research continually emphasizes nature's benefits for well-being across different demographics.

Focus on Diverse Communities

The Spring 2025 grantee selection mainly includes organizations that focus on connecting historically excluded communities to the outdoors. Half of the selected nonprofits are part of the Connecting People Outside grant portfolio. This initiative cultivates joy, healing, belonging, and connection, ultimately improving community health. Here are a few noteworthy grantees from this cycle:

• - We Hike to Heal: This organization forms inclusive spaces that empower women to prioritize self-care. They emphasize healing through nature while nurturing mental and emotional well-being.
• - Minority Veterans of America: Dedicated to creating accessible outdoor experiences, this organization supports veterans and their families as they transition from military to civilian life, fostering resilience through nature.
• - Adaptive Adventures: They offer progressive outdoor adventures tailored to individuals with physical disabilities and their families, ensuring that everyone can enjoy outdoor activities irrespective of their location or economic circumstances.

These organizations exemplify the REI Cooperative Action Fund’s mission by reaching marginalized communities and promoting greater access to the healing benefits of the outdoors.

Continued Commitment to Philanthropy

Since its inception in 2021, the REI Cooperative Action Fund has distributed around $31 million to various nonprofits, reinforcing its role as a catalyst for change in outdoor accessibility. This latest grant cycle demonstrates the organization’s sustained effort to foster inclusivity in outdoor spaces, a vision supported by both community donations and collaborative efforts within the REI network.

For those interested in supporting the REI Fund's mission, opportunities range from direct donations to recommending potential grantees, thereby engaging more people in creating a more accessible and vibrant outdoor landscape.

For a full list of the Spring 2025 grantees, visit REI Fund Grantees.

In conclusion, the REI Cooperative Action Fund’s Spring 2025 grants reflect a significant stride toward ensuring that all individuals can experience the healing powers of the outdoors, regardless of their background. This initiative not only empowers underserved communities but also reinforces the vital connection between nature and mental health for a healthier society overall.