REI Announces 2012 New England Grant Recipients

REI, the national outdoor retail co-op, will give $3.9 million to non-profits dedicated to environmental stewardship and outdoor recreation in 2012.  REI is dedicated to inspiring, educating and outfitting our members and customers for a lifetime of outdoor recreation and stewardship. REI's grants focus on supporting non-profit organizations that are leaders in providing fun, rewarding and meaningful volunteer opportunities in the outdoors. Our 2012 grant recipients have inspired us with their commitment to the environment, their communities and recreation in the outdoors. 

In New England, REI will give over $200,000 in grants to 16 non-profits in the Boston, Hartford and Norwalk areas in 2012. Local central Connecticut recipients include $10,000 to each the Connecticut Forest & Parks Association and the Knox Parks Foundation in Hartford.

The Connecticut Forest and Parks Association is the state-wide non-profit caring for and maintaining the over 800 miles of Blue Blazed hiking trails in Connecticut. The CFPA also provides recreational opportunities through their Family Rambles and Environmental Education programs. REI's grant will help to support volunteer trainings to ensure a network of stewards for hiking trails throughout the state.

Hartford's Knox Parks Foundation works with volunteers to beautify the city and create green spaces for all to enjoy. In 2012 Knox has worked to plant 1000 trees to replace many of those lost in recent storms. In 2013, REI will once again support the efforts of the Green Team as they work to reclaim and create seven green spaces in the city.

REI Norwalk grants include $7,621 to the New England Mountain Bike Association, Fairfield County Chapter, to support the monthly trail maintenance program, with the goal of doubling the amount of volunteers served in 2013. REI Norwalk also gave $9,020 to the Norwalk River Watershed Association to help support the Norwalk River Valley Enhancement Project, an effort to connect existing sections of hiking/biking trail across five towns.

The Boston Market (including Cranston, RI) gave $117,225 to nine area non-profits. Among the list is the Appalachian Mountain Club, receiving $15,000 to support the time and materials needed to coordinate a series of volunteer workshops for new trails leaders. These workshops will result in the adoption and restoration of 25 miles of trail spanning parts of Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Other groups receiving funding from the Boston Market include Save the Bay Inc, Oars Inc, Friends Of The Blue Hills Charitable Trust, Franklin Park Coalition, Essex County Trail Association Inc, Charles River Conservancy, Boston Natural Areas Network Inc and Sudbury Valley Trustees Inc. 

At the national level, REI will give $50,000 to multi-state organizations in New England. The Northern Forest Canoe Trail, based in Vermont will receive $10,000 to help create and implement plan for human waste management along the 740 mile waterway trail. $20,000 has been granted each to both the East Coast Greenway Alliance and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. Funds will support programs and volunteer hours to improve trail conditions and volunteer programs.

REI is thrilled to support the stewardship efforts and the positive impact on communities, green spaces and recreational areas which each of these groups has demonstrated. These groups have shown great strength in their abilities to promote, organize and execute meaningful volunteer projects with both a local and state-wide impact. REI is excited to support the continued efforts of these non-profits.

REI is a national outdoor retail co-op dedicated to inspiring, educating and outfitting its members and the community for a lifetime outdoor adventure and stewardship.  Founded in 1938 by a group of Pacific Northwest mountaineers seeking quality gear equipment, REI is committed to promoting environmental stewardship and increasing access to outdoor recreation through volunteerism, access to gear and financial contributions.