July 13, 2026 REI Fund spends $12M in push for outdoor access in 2025
The REI Fund is expanding outdoor access by supporting over 360 nonprofit organizations working to connect people to the health and well-being benefits of time outside.
The REI Cooperative Action Fund today released its 2025 Impact Report, highlighting a year of collective action to expand outdoor access, 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.
Where the grants went
In 2025, grants supported nonprofits working in three key areas of outdoor access: Creating Space Outside, which received $3.7 million across 159 organizations protecting public lands and improving access to outdoor spaces; Connecting People Outside, which received $6.5 million across 196 organizations expanding access to outdoor experiences and recreation opportunities; and Centering Health Outside, which received $1.4 million across 11 organizations advancing research and programs focused on nature and health.
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.
The full 2025 Impact Report is available at reifund.org.
About REI Cooperative Action Fund
The REI Cooperative Action Fund is a 501(c)(3) public charity launched in 2021 by REI Co-op to support nonprofits doing the essential work in making the outdoors more accessible and inclusive for everyone. The REI Fund has inspired millions of REI members, thousands of REI employees and community members to support organizations that are improving the health and well-being of all people through time outside. With ongoing support from REI Co-op, 100% of donations from the general public to the REI Fund go to our grantees.
Lead image: REI
