I Spy! Binoculors help a young camper explore the sand dunes of a national park.

Grantmaking Approach

Our three grantmaking approaches include:

  • Local Grants: Nonprofits are recommended by local REI employees and the general public. These grants support the Space and People initiatives. To recommend a potential local grantee, click here.
  • Advisor-led Grants: Nonprofits are recommended by our compensated advisors supporting all of our initiatives. To learn more about our Advisors, click here.
  • Strategic Grants: Nonprofits are identified by the Fund's grantmaking team, other funders, and the general public supporting all of our initiatives. 

The REI Cooperative Action Fund awards grants twice a year, in spring and fall. All grants are approved by the REI Cooperative Action Fund staff and board of directors. To learn more about our grantees, please explore our comprehensive grant database.

“What the REI Cooperative Action Fund is doing is different. Their model of trust-based philanthropy, with unrestricted funding and a simplified application process, has unlocked high-impact, community-focused initiatives. We feel supported and respected for the work we do in our community. Most importantly, because of this partnership, we can connect even more youth to transformative experiences and relationships in the outdoors. We are already sharing how this Fund should be a model to others.”

–Outdoor Outreach San Diego, CA