Frequently Asked Questions

The Fund is a 501(c)(3) public charity.  

The REI Cooperative Action Fund is a community-driven nonprofit that supports nonprofits working to create a more equitable outdoors for everyone. REI Co-op supports the general operations and some grantmaking. 100% of donations from the general public* are invested in grantees. (*excluding credit card transaction fees)

100% of donations from the general public* support local, regional and national nonprofits that are creating a more equitable outdoors for everyone. (*excluding credit card transaction fees)

REI Co-op founded the Fund to advance the belief that time outside is a human right and to ensure that everyone is able to enjoy the health and well-being benefits of time spent outside. The REI Cooperative Action Fund is a separate legal entity from REI Co-op. REI Co-op supports both the operations and grantmaking of the Fund through cash and in-kind support.

Yes. We are grateful for the deep and meaningful support of our founder, REI Co-op. Since our founding, REI has donated the total cost of our operating expenses and some of our grantmaking. Thanks to the generosity of REI Co-op, 100% of donations from the general public* are invested in creating a more equitable outdoors for everyone. (*excluding credit card transaction fees)

Thanks to the generosity of REI Co-op, 100% of donations from the general public* are distributed to organizations working to ensure that everyone enjoys the health and well-being benefits from time spent outside. (*excluding credit card transaction fees)

The REI Cooperative Action Fund is a 501(c)(3) public charity. Donations are tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. If you have questions about deductibility, consult a tax advisor.

85-4299419

When donating on REIfund.org, you will automatically be e-mailed an acknowledgment of your donation. 

Donors may log into our self-service portal to make changes to their recurring donation at any time. Click here for access. For questions and further help please contact info@REIFund.org.

Yes, please mail checks to the REI Cooperative Action Fund, Dept. LA #22039, Pasadena, CA 91185-2039. If you would like to receive a donation confirmation, please send your name, mailing address and/or email address along with the check.

Yes. Please contact giving@REIFund.org with any questions. We welcome the opportunity to discuss personalized giving plans.

No. Donating REI member dividend or member rewards to the REI Cooperative Action Fund is not an option at this time.

Yes. Simply click on "in honor/memory of" when you make a gift online at www.reifund.org/donate. This opens beautiful e-card options where you can share a personalized note that is e-mailed to the recipient.

Please use our simple search tool during the donation process at www.REIFund.org/donate to add your work email. This will determine if your gift is eligible to be matched by your employer – or ask your HR department how to request a matching gift. Your gift can go twice as far with workplace match programs – thank you for taking the time to double your impact.

Thank you for making a gift using this custom link so that we may thank our REI employees for making personal gifts.

No. Each quarter REI Co-op transfers 100% of all donations made in stores to the REI Cooperative Action Fund. Credit card fees are not deducted from this cumulative amount.

The Fund has two grantmaking cycles annually: spring and fall.

The Fund carefully considers a number of factors when determining grantees, such as alignment with the Fund’s grantmaking initiatives, mission, our strategic areas of focus, geographic locations, organizational leadership, and more. Grantmaking decisions are informed in part by Fund staff and community advisors, as well as REI store and fleet teams, other funders and nonprofits. Ultimately, all grantmaking decisions are approved by the Fund’s board of directors.

You can share nonprofits that align with the Fund’s mission and grantmaking initiatives through the “recommend a potential grantee” form here. (Note: This form is not an application. The Fund is unable to respond to recommendations submitted online.  These recommendations go into a larger pool for consideration and organizations are notified if selected for additional information.)

Currently, the Fund invites organizations to apply for funding. The Fund also holds targeted RFPs (request for proposals) for specific funding opportunities.

Potential grantees are identified through our growing network that includes Fund staff and community advisors, nonprofits, REI store and fleet teams, other funders and recommendations from the co-op community through our “recommend a potential grantee” form here. (Note: This form is not an application, and the Fund is unable to respond to recommendations submitted online.  These recommendations go into a larger pool for consideration and organizations are notified if selected for additional information.)

Eligibility for funding requires the following:

1. Grantees must be aligned with one of our three grantmaking initiatives. 2. Grantees must have a current 501(c)(3) public charity status or have a fiscal sponsor that has a current 501(c)(3) public charity status. 3. Grantees must be based in the U.S. and serve U.S. communities. 4. Grantees must have a nondiscrimination policy and a diversity, equity and inclusion plan in place, or something similar.

Note: The Fund does not support individuals, political or religious organizations, preschool -12th-grade schools or endowment campaigns. Not all eligible organizations will receive funding.

Yes.

Yes, the Fund compensates community advisors for their valuable time and expertise.

Community advisors are selected for their expertise using a broad array of criteria including leadership in building a more accessible and inclusive outdoor culture. Community advisors provide input on some of the Fund's grantmaking priorities and grantee selection.