Our Commitment to Stewardship
REI is helping build a lasting legacy of trails, rivers, and wildlands for generations to come, supporting programs to help people of all ages and experiences participate. In 2005, REI gave over $2.5 million back to the communities in which we do business through grants and outreach programs. Sally Jewell, REI's president and CEO stated, "REI recognizes that today's youth will be tomorrow's stewards of the environment. REI is committed to providing opportunities for young people to experience the joys of outdoor recreation and learn how to care for open spaces and our shared public lands."
Grants: Annually, REI dedicates a portion of its operating profits to help protect and restore the environment, increase access to outdoor activities, and encourage involvement in responsible outdoor recreation. REI employees nominate organizations, projects, and programs in which they are personally involved to receive funding or gear donations. For more information, click here.
Stewardship Awards: REI has long supported organizations dedicated to environmental stewardship. We also recognize individual volunteers who work hard to make a difference. Each of our "Stewards for the Environment" receive $500 in REI gear and apparel, and the organizations with which they volunteer receive $20,000 from REI. Read all about the winners.
Service Project: We care for recreational places by participating in and coordinating hands-on service projects. Each store organizes local volunteer stewardship projects dedicated to restoring and improving areas in which we enjoy outdoor recreation. Find a service project near you.
Community Parks: On the heels of our most successful year ever, REI is sharing our success with our communities by dedicating $1 million to 100 community parks across the country, above and beyond the $3 million previously earmarked this year for outdoor recreation and conservation causes. Read more about REI's support of community parks.
Local Volunteer Opportunities: REI partners with VolunteerMatch to make it easy to do right by your neighbors and community. Get involved and make a difference! Learn more about volunteer opportunities near you.
Join us in our efforts to protect and restore our recreation areas and enhance access to outdoor recreation activities. To find out about volunteer opportunities in your community, go to your local REI store and check out the Outdoor Resource Center for local volunteer opportunities.
Youth Programs: At REI, we realize that we will rely on today's youth in years to come to protect and care for the outdoors. Therefore, we have partnered with the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics to delevop a fun, interactive and educational outreach program called PEAK (Promoting Environmental Awareness in Kids).
