Spring Social Giving Update: Announcing REI Cooperative Action Fund as Our Featured Partner
Each quarter, we choose an organization that is near and dear to our hearts as our Pledge 1% recipient. The Pledge 1% movement challenges companies to donate 1% of their revenue, product, or employee time (or all three) to support local nonprofit organizations. This quarter, we are excited to announce the REI Cooperative Action Fund as our Pledge 1% recipient.
“It's important to us that we give back to the world that supports us. Pledge 1% makes it easy to honor that commitment by making sure that we are always donating to charitable causes, whether a little or a lot, in good times and bad.” – Tavis Malcolm, Founder of Morrison Outdoors
The REI Cooperative Action Fund is an incredible charity that aids in funding nonprofit organizations focused on making the outdoors more inclusive and accessible for everyone. This includes various organizations right here in our home state of New Mexico, which we are so grateful for! We spoke with Katherine, the Development Director for REI Co-Op Action Fund, to learn more about how this charity got started, how they choose which nonprofit organizations they support, and how we can help further their mission.
How did the REI Cooperative Action Fund get started, and what is your mission?
In 2021, REI Co-op founded the REI Cooperative Action Fund (REI Fund), a public charity, to deliver on our shared purpose to connect everyone to the power of the outdoors. For the first time in the co-op’s 83-year history, the REI Fund enabled co-op members, employees, and the public to contribute and provide financial support to a nationwide network of nonprofit organizations doing the essential work in making the outdoors more accessible and inclusive for everyone. In the first 4 years, over 4.4 million donations supported approximately $36 million in grants to over 550 nonprofits.
Why is it important to get families, youth, and people of all backgrounds outside exploring nature?
We believe that time outside is fundamental to the health and well‑being of all individuals and communities. The science is in*: Time spent outside reduces stress, builds resilience, strengthens immunity, and supports children's development. But right now, there are barriers that restrict time outside for millions of youth and adults.
The nonprofits we support are doing incredible work to connect people to nature. For example, The Hummingbird Project in 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.
How do you choose which nonprofit organizations receive your support? Is it possible to recommend an organization?
We fund nonprofits that substantially further our mission through one of our three grantmaking initiatives: creating space outside, connecting people outside, and centering health outside. Our approach to grantmaking is cooperative, which includes receiving recommendations for funding from REI stores, the general public, community advisors, other funders, etc. This enhances our ability to make impactful, mission-aligned grants.
To see our full list of grantees, visit our website.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
You too can be part of the growing community of supporters and champions of the REI Cooperative Action Fund.
There are many ways to give, and every donation is 100% impactful.
- Give today: REIfund.org/donate.
- When shopping at an REI store, make a donation at the cash register.
- Fundraise your way with our peer-to-peer fundraising platform! Turn any idea or activity you love into a fun way to make a difference.
- Sign up for our newsletter on our website.
We are grateful to Morrison Outdoors and our growing community of donors who share and support the collective joy and love of the outdoors.
In support of this incredible organization, we are directing a portion of every sale made in April, May, and June to help the REI Cooperative Action Fund support nonprofit organizations focused on connecting everyone to the power of the outdoors.
We believe everyone, regardless of age, ability, or circumstances, should have access to the outdoors. We are proud to support organizations that share that mindset! Check out the REI Cooperative Action Fund website for more information on the organizations they support and ways you can help further their mission today.
