San Diego Foundation Receives $250,000 REI Grant to Expand Outdoor Learning for Youth
The San Diego Foundation (SDF) has been awarded a $250,000 grant from the REI Cooperative Action Fund. This funding is designated to broaden outdoor learning and recreation opportunities for youth across San Diego County. The grant aims to address a significant barrier to participation in outdoor activities: the cost of equipment. This investment will support the next phase of SDF’s Gear Acquisition Program (GAP), which is part of its larger 'Opening the Outdoors' initiative. Since its inception in 2023, GAP has already provided over 9,000 pieces of equipment and outdoor learning tools, such as backpacks, boots, binoculars, and science tools, to 30 local nonprofits. These resources enable young people to explore San Diego’s diverse natural environments, including beaches and mountains. The program has notably impacted the Chula Vista Elementary School District, where gear from GAP supports Coastal Education Programs reaching more than 7,000 students annually, allowing them to engage in hands-on scientific ... 
