The Outdoor Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), released its annual report showcasing 2023 impact data and highlights from its national Thrive Outside Initiative and previewing participation research from the Outdoor Participation Trends Report.
Since the launch of the Thrive Outside Initiative in 2019, the Outdoor Foundation has helped to connect tens of thousands of youths and their families to the benefits of the outdoors, the organization said. In 2023, Thrive Outside Communities engaged over 95,000 participants through transformative experiences in the outdoors, diversifying outdoor participation through cross-sector partnerships and youth outdoor programming.
In 2023, the Outdoor Foundation continued its grantmaking to support multiyear investments in regional collective impact approaches across the country to connect children, youth, and families to the outdoors. Thrive Outside has helped build capacity of large and diverse coalitions (including nonprofit, school, health, social service, government and philanthropic partners) with a shared vision to provide positive, healing and equitable experiences for communities in the outdoors.
“We are thrilled to announce the publication of the Outdoor Foundation’s 2023 Annual Report. The report underscores the tremendous impact of our Thrive Outside Initiative, showcasing how our grantees’ collective efforts are transforming communities nationwide,” said Lesford Duncan, executive director of Outdoor Foundation.
Annual highlights from the national initiative include a series of new collaborative program models in Oklahoma City, San Diego and Washington, D.C., where partnerships have been created between mental health providers (children’s hospitals, county mental health and social service agencies) and outdoor nonprofit organizations to provide outdoor healing programs for youth struggling with mental and behavioral health issues.
Additionally, in areas like Detroit, Grand Rapids, St. Louis and the state of Maine, the Outdoor Foundation has supported the development of new outdoor gear programs and libraries so community members and organizations can access the necessary equipment and training needed to lead outdoor activities safely and effectively regardless of their resources.
On a broader scale, in 2023 the foundation’s Thrive Outside networks have been at the forefront of the development and implementation of millions of dollars of new resources for outdoor programming.
From local community funds to statewide outdoor equity funds, each of these programs is centered around increasing equitable access to outdoor recreation and engaging underrepresented and historically excluded communities.
“Through strategic community investments and groundbreaking research, the Outdoor Foundation is breaking down barriers to outdoor access and increasing diverse participation in communities like never before,” said Duncan. “We are continually inspired by the countless stories of empowerment and connection that have emerged from our Thrive Outside Communities.”
To that end, participants served through the foundation’s Thrive Outside Initiative in 2023 were approximately 70% Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC), and its collective impact approach continues to drive community-led systems change that reduces barriers for those most marginalized.
Looking at the work ahead, the Outdoor Foundation said it continues to listen to both the successes and needs of its Thrive Outside Communities. As the organization thinks strategically about expanding to new Thrive Outside regions, it continues to seek and adapt financial and technical resources to meet the gaps.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our partners, donors and dedicated team for their unwavering support. Together, we are blazing new trails and shaping a brighter future for outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship,” concluded Duncan.
View the Outdoor Foundation 2023 annual report here.
