The Outdoor Foundation
The Outdoor Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), dedicated to increasing outdoor participation, equity, and access through research, community investment, and the Thrive Outside initiative. It awards multi-year, capacity-building grants to local Thrive Outside communities and is based in Boulder, CO.
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
An established nonprofit running multi-year youth outdoor participation or equity programs, ideally operating in a community-scale Thrive Outside model or partnering with local networks.
Good Fit
- • Program focus on youth outdoor participation, equity, and access.
- • Capacity-building projects for local community or regional Thrive Outside initiatives.
- • Organizational track record and ability to manage multi-year grants.
- • Located in or serving states/communities similar to previously funded recipients.
- • Clear partnerships with local parks, schools, or conservation groups.
Geography
Observed grants span ten states in 2023 and funding is broadly distributed across the United States rather than confined to the foundation's home state.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows a dozen independent recipients (15 in the prior year) including nonprofits, a foundation, and a municipal recipient, indicating a meaningfully broad institutional set focused on youth outdoor programs.
New Applicants
Based on two years of filings, all 2023 grantees were returning from 2022 and no new recipients appeared in the latest year; combined with no public application guidelines, this suggests selection is relationship-driven and entry for unfamiliar applicants is unlikely. The two-year window is limited but the behavioral pattern points to low turnover.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
