REI Cooperative Action Fund Invests $200K in the Center’s Research and Community-Building Efforts to Create a More Inclusive, Accessible, and Equitable Outdoors
May 20, 2025
The UW Center for Nature and Health (the Center) is proud to announce a renewed partnership with the REI Cooperative Action Fund (REI Fund), which has awarded us a $200,000 grant to advance our strategic priorities and deepen the Nature and Health movement across the Pacific Northwest.
Since 2021, the REI Fund has been a vital champion of our work. Their continued, unrestricted support empowers us to do what matters most: amplify diverse voices through speaker travel and honoraria and foster deep, meaningful connections in our community—often through a shared meal and networking. Together, we’re building a future where everyone has equitable access to nature.
“At the Center for Nature and Health, we’re shaping a future where everyone—regardless of background or geography—can access and benefit from the healing power of nature. Thanks to the ongoing support of the REI Fund, we’ve strengthened a growing coalition of nature and health advocates across the Pacific Northwest and advanced critical research at the crossroads of environmental equity and public health. We’re deeply thankful for the REI Fund’s steadfast commitment to making the outdoors more inclusive, accessible, and equitable for all.”
– Josh Lawler, PhD
Co-founder and co-director, UW Center for Nature and Health
Equitable access to nature delivers powerful, measurable returns—from improved public health and reduced long-term costs to climate resilience and stronger communities. At the Center, we’re partnering with communities, government agencies, and community-based organizations to raise awareness and inform policies that prioritize these actions.
“Thanks to the REI Fund’s support, we’ve fostered a diverse, transdisciplinary network—uniting lived experience with a variety of academic approaches—to co-create a Nature and Health movement that truly reflects the voices, values, and needs of many communities.”
– Gregory Bratman
Co-director, UW Center for Nature and Health
About the REI Cooperative Action Fund
Time outside and connection to nature is fundamental to the health and well-being of all people. But millions of Americans lack access to the outdoors, and far too many people do not feel a sense of belonging or safety outside. That’s why REI founded the REI Cooperative Action Fund which directly supports organizations working to improve the health and well-being of people and communities through time spent outside.
The REI Fund believes that time outside and our connection to nature is fundamental for the social, economic, and individual health and well-being of all people. Each year, the REI Fund announces new grants in the spring and the fall to grantees across three grant initiatives:
- Connecting People Outside
Connecting historically excluded communities to the outdoors – cultivating joy, healing, belonging, connection and well-being. - Creating Space Outside
Ensuring people have equitable access to quality, close to home culturally-relevant outdoor spaces. - Centering Health Outside
Strengthening and amplifying research that demonstrates nature is critical for individual and community health and wellbeing.