Outdoor Foundation

Black History Month is a powerful reminder to celebrate the strength, leadership, and contributions of Black individuals in every space—from government halls to mountain trails. We asked Outdoor Industry Association members, partners, and staff to share why Black leadership in the outdoor industry matters. Hear inspiring perspectives from trailblazers like Dr. Arlene Charles (COO, Outdoor Industry Association), Ashley Laporte (VP of Purpose & Impact, Burton Snowboards), Lesford H. Duncan, MPH (Executive Director, Outdoor Foundation), Sam Kelly (Ellisbeetle Entertainment), and Teresa Baker (Founder, In Solidarity Project). Don’t miss these stories. Read the blog now: https://bit.ly/4hM9sTt

It's official - on January 5, President Biden signed the EXPLORE Act into law. This historic win for outdoor recreation and public lands would not have have been possible without the united efforts of bipartisan politicians, business leaders, outdoor brands, and outdoor enthusiasts like you - thank you! Learn more about what this means for the outdoor industry and outdoor recreation spaces: https://bit.ly/4gKgXJz #policy #news #governmentaffairs #outdoorindustry

“Today marks a pivotal moment for our nation’s outdoor legacy and path towards equitable access to nature and outdoor recreation. With the Senate’s passage of the EXPLORE Act, we are not only opening trails, we’re opening doors to endless adventures and opportunities for all Americans. This bipartisan achievement reflects our collective commitment to preserving our natural wonders and ensuring every individual has the chance to connect with the great outdoors. The Outdoor Foundation celebrates this milestone as we continue to champion an outdoors for all where we all thrive outside,” said Lesford H. Duncan, MPH, Executive Director, Outdoor Foundation.

“Gratitude abounds, and this week, we’d like to acknowledge and thank our incredible board of directors for their service to the Outdoor Foundation. Our board members volunteer their time, talents, and resources, and their leadership, expertise, and commitment are vital to our continued success in making outdoor experiences accessible to all. Thank you for your passion and for the profound impact you’ve made in shaping a healthier, more inclusive outdoor community.” – Lesford H. Duncan, MPH, Outdoor Foundation Executive Director Board Members include: ? Amy Dominguez-Arms, Chair, Philanthropic and Nonprofit Consultant ? Jennifer Mull Neuhaus, Past Chair, Former CEO, Backwoods ? Hilary Hartley, Treasurer – Secretary, President, Thule Group ? Jennifer Boldry, Director, Applied Innovation Leader, NAXION ? Danica Carey, Director, Director of Marketing Operations, Seirus Innovation ? Bill Neff, Director, Vice President of Marketing – YETI ? Joseph Pellegrini, Director, Managing Director, R.W. Baird & Co ? Nate Simmons, Director, Co-CEO, Backbone Media #Thankyou #ThriveOutside #outdoorindustry

This #GivingTuesday, we're reflecting on the power of the outdoors to connect, heal, and inspire. Every step, every hike, every moment spent outdoors makes a difference—and so does your support. ?? With your help, we can continue to expand access to outdoor experiences, break down barriers, and ensure everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, regardless of background or ability. Donate today and join us in creating a more inclusive, healthier outdoor community for all.?https://bit.ly/3UiqyMa #GivingTuesday #ThriveOutside #OutdoorsForAll #OutdoorFoundation #GiveBack

Today, we're joining REI to #optoutside and spend time out in nature. Together, we can collectively increase equitable access to the outdoors, and grow a future generation of diverse outdoor enthusiasts and environmental leaders. #community #outdoorindustry

In honor of National Native American Heritage Month this November, the Outdoor Foundation is highlighting the outstanding efforts of Indigenous organizations in the outdoors: ?? Native Outdoors is in the business of empowering Indigenous communities for a more sustainable world. ?? Native Women’s Wilderness aims to inspire and raise the voices of Native Women in the Outdoor Realm. Ultimately, encouraging a healthy lifestyle within the Wilderness. ?? For over 30 years, Native Americans in Philanthropy (NAP) has promoted equitable and effective philanthropy in Native communities. ?? Native Like Water (NLW) prepares and reintegrates teens and young adults into ocean recreation, conservation, wellness, and inter-generational cultural self exploration. Their program focuses on an indigenous sacred relationship to water. All of these organizations are engaging their children, youth, families, and communities with the transformative power of the outdoors! #NationalNativeAmericanHeritageMonth #Community #ThriveOutside

In this season of gratitude, the Outdoor Foundation extends a deep THANK YOU to our incredible funders. These supporters have helped to power the Thrive Outside initiative making it possible for us and our community partners to connect more children and families to the transformative power of the outdoors. Together, we're creating a future where everyone has the opportunity to explore, build community, and THRIVE outside. Thank you for being part of this vital journey! Leadership Partners: Amazon, Capital One, Carhartt, L.L.Bean, Patagonia, REI, Thule Group, VF Corporation, Winnebago, Wolverine Worldwide, YETI, Richard King Mellon Foundation Community Supporters: Baird, BioLite, Hydro Flask, Nalgene, The North Face, Timberland #thankyou #partners #funders #thriveoutside #community #outdoorindustry

Yesterday, our Executive Director, Lesford H. Duncan, MPH, joined other outdoor leaders for ORR's Together Outdoors discussion on equitable grantmaking for outdoor recreation. We're proud to collaborate with other organizations and leaders fostering inclusion in outdoor spaces. Watch the webinar below:

We're excited to welcome Nate Simmons, Co-CEO of Backbone Media, to the Outdoor Foundation Board of Directors “The Outdoor Foundation is excited to welcome our newest board member, Nate Simmons. As a leader in the outdoor industry through Backbone, Nate brings a wealth of expertise in marketing and public relations. We look forward to his insights and leadership as we expand our storytelling efforts around outdoor recreation and inspire more people to connect with the great outdoors.” - Lesford H. Duncan, MPH, OF Executive Director “We’re thrilled to welcome Nate Simmons to the Outdoor Foundation Board. Nate’s strong networks and experience across the outdoor industry will be great assets as we engage new partners in helping connect more children and youth to the outdoors.” - Amy Dominguez-Arms, OF Board Chair #board #welcome #community #outdoorindustry