Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) announced the second-year impact of the KOA Foundation, investing over $240,000, to support national and local nonprofit organizations focused on community, conservation and accessibility.
The commitment aligns with KOA’s mission of “connecting people to the outdoors and each other,” it said.
Since its inception in 2023, the KOA Foundation has directed 1% of KOA’s pre-tax profits to create meaningful opportunities to experience the power of the outdoors.
“At KOA, we understand how life-changing time in nature can be,” said Foundation Director Nicole Kreiger. “This belief drives the KOA Foundation, allowing us to have a greater impact in our communities and provide opportunities for under-represented populations to experience the outdoors.”
In 2024, the KOA Foundation directed $115,000 towards national initiatives focused on making the outdoors more accessible. Key recipients included:
- Friends of the Smokies – Expanding adaptive outdoor programs in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
- Open Space Institute – Advancing land conservation and outdoor-focused initiatives.
- Warriors & Quiet Waters – Providing outdoor healing experiences for post-9/11 combat veterans.
- Care Camps – Helping children with cancer experience the healing power of camp.
The mission of the foundation resonates with KOA employees, encouraging employees to recommend partner organizations. One standout investment project was a partnership with Friends of the Smokies to provide GRIT Freedom Chairs, all-terrain wheelchairs enabling visitors with mobility limitations to explore trails and partake in camping in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. George Kilbert, a KOA regional marketing manager and foundation advocate, spearheaded the project.
“By supporting Friends of the Smokies, we ensure all visitors – regardless of ability – can explore and enjoy public lands,” said Kilbert. “The joy of watching someone navigate a mountain trail for the first time, thanks to the adaptive equipment we provided, is exactly why this work matters.”
In addition to the national contributions, the KOA Foundation prioritized giving back approximately $125,000 to local non-profit organizations in Billings, Montana, where Kampgrounds of America, Inc.’s corporate headquarters resides. Recipients include:
- Billings Symphony – Supporting community access to the arts.
- The Glacier Institute – Providing environmental education and conservation programs.
- Dress for Success – Empowering women to achieve economic independence.
- Boys & Girls Club – Offering youth development programs to inspire future generations.
- Habitat for Humanity – Building affordable housing solutions.
- Special Olympics of Montana – Providing people with disabilities opportunities to realize their potential and develop physical fitness and courage.
“We are proud to call Montana home for over 60 years,” said Kreiger. “We are honored to support such great organizations, but our commitment to the community far exceeds the monetary donation we provide through the KOA Foundation. We also strongly encourage our employees to volunteer for community nonprofits in leadership roles.”
As KOA’s Foundation is already preparing to expand its efforts in 2025, with a continued focus on making the outdoors accessible for everyone.
For more information on the KOA Foundation and its initiatives, visit KOA.com.
