Rei Cooperative Action Fund
REI Cooperative Action Fund is a community-driven 501(c)(3) public charity (EIN 85-4299419) that gives grants to nonprofits working to expand access, inclusion, and health through outdoor experiences. The fund operates three grantmaking initiatives and primarily provides unrestricted, multiyear grants to grantee partners.
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Organizations working to expand equitable access, inclusion, or health through outdoor experiences — typically established nonprofits, coalitions, or university programs able to absorb general unrestricted support.
Good Fit
- • Primary mission aligns with outdoor access, inclusion, or nature-and-health work.
- • Organizational capacity to use general, multiyear unrestricted support.
- • Regional or national reach or potential to scale impact.
- • Established track record or partnership relationships with peer organizations in the outdoor sector.
- • Ability to manage recurring multi-year funding and report on broad program outcomes.
Geography
Latest-year grants reached 45 states and the largest state accounted for about 17% of 2024 dollars, indicating a national footprint rather than a local focus.
Recipient Variety
In the latest year 257 distinct recipients were funded, including nonprofits, university foundations, and coalitions; dollar concentration is modest (top one ≈8%, top five ≈21%) despite substantial year-to-year returning grantees.
New Applicants
Direct evidence is mixed: 2024 shows relatively few new entrants (24), while prior years had higher new-recipient rates; the fund publicly states that applications are by invitation only and provides no open application guidelines, yet a public website and a general contact email exist, so unsolicited enquiries are possible but formal entry appears invitation-driven.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
