Rei Cooperative Action Fund
The REI Cooperative Action Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Sumner, Washington. Founded in 2021, it operates as a community-driven grantmaking foundation dedicated to supporting organizations creating a more equitable and accessible outdoors. The organization employs 9 staff members and maintains a lean operational structure focused on its philanthropic mission.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$7.3M
-11.6% YoY
Annual Giving
$8.5M
+25.1% YoY
Grant Count
304
+390.3% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$28K
-74.5% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
Mission: To support nonprofits doing the essential work in making the outdoors more accessible and inclusive for everyone.
Core Belief: Time outside and connection to nature is fundamental for the social, economic, and individual health and well-being of all people.
Vision: A world where everyone can experience the health and well-being benefits of nature.
The organization recognizes that millions of Americans lack access to the outdoors and many do not feel a sense of safety or belonging outside. The REI Cooperative Action Fund addresses this through three primary grantmaking initiatives:
Connecting People Outside
Supporting organizations led by and serving historically excluded communities—including Black and Indigenous communities, people of color, LGBTQ+ communities, people with physical disabilities, and women. Prioritizes organizations leveraging the outdoors as a tool for equity, healing, joy, social justice, civic action, youth development, and creativity. $18M+ donated to date.
Creating Space Outside
Ensuring equitable access to quality, close-to-home, culturally-relevant outdoor spaces and recreation opportunities (parks, trails, open space, waterways). Prioritizes community-led and natural climate solutions. $10M+ donated to date.
Centering Health Outside
Strengthening and amplifying research demonstrating that nature is critical for individual and community health and well-being. $7M+ donated to date.
Grantmaking
1. **Strategy Grants** – Support sector-wide initiatives including funding for research and tools, coalition building, narrative change, and capacity building. Organizations are identified by the REI Fund's grantmaking team, other funders, and the general public. The organization periodically partners with compensated leaders in the outdoor equity space to help select and vet grantees.
Review Cycle
. Recent grantee announcements have been made for both fall 2025 and spring 2025 cohorts.
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The REI Cooperative Action Fund funds nonprofits across the country. The organization's offices are located on the traditional homelands of the Coast Salish peoples, including the Duwamish Tribe and Puyallup Tribe.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Fiscal Year 2024:
- Revenue: $9.56M
- Expenses: $9.05M
- Total Assets: $7.29M
- Total Liabilities: $11.4k
Tax Status: 501(c)(3) public charity; tax-exempt since April 2021. EIN: 85-4299419
Rating: Earned a Three-Star rating with an 87% score based on Accountability & Finance metrics.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $7,287,068 | $8,243,596 | $5,245,105 |
| Revenue | $9,560,905 | $9,381,381 | $6,565,561 |
| Expenses | $9,051,728 | $7,210,765 | $2,997,147 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $299,359 | $740 | — |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
144 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from Rei Cooperative Action Fund
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
- Matthew Thurston – President
- Kristen Ragain – Founding Executive Director
- Michelle Kirkpatrick – Board Member
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| BEN STEELE | CHAIR | 1 | — |
| ERIC ARTZ | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| WILMA WALLACE | DIRECTOR, GEN COUNSEL THRU 01/24 | 1 | — |
| KATIE KNIFFEN | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| SQUIRE SIMPSON | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| SHARON PHILPOTT | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| CHRIS CARR | DIRECTOR THRU 04/24 | 1 | — |
| DOGBERTO QUINTANA | DIRECTOR THRU 07/23 | 1 | — |
| MARC BEREJKA | PRESIDENT | 10 | — |
| KRISTEN RAGAIN | V.P. THRU 10/23, MANAGING DIRECTOR | 40 | — |
| JEREMY KELLY | TREASURER FROM 10/23 | 5 | — |
| RICK PALMER | TREASURER THRU 10/23 | 5 | — |
| RAELYNN HULSE | SECRETARY | 5 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The organization has announced multiple recent grantee cohorts, including fall 2025 and spring 2025 grant recipients. Individual grantees have publicly acknowledged awards, such as THOR (Trails Have Our Respect) receiving a $15,000 grant in 2025.
REI Cooperative Action Fund announces Fall 2025 grantees ...The REI Cooperative Action Fund maintains active engagement with the outdoor equity sector and continues to expand its grantmaking reach across the country.
REI Cooperative Action Fund announces Fall 2025 grantees ...Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
What could you do with Rei Cooperative Action Fund on Grantable?
- Assess strategic fit with your organization
- Draft a tailored letter of inquiry
- Find open RFPs from this funder
- Monitor for new funding opportunities