OUR mission

Advance conservation through innovation, collaboration, and stewardship.

OUR INITIATIVES

CONSERVATION CREDITS

Our simple method to invest in local environments.

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REGIONAL PARK PROJECTS

We fundraise for major outdoor initiatives.

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ICON WATER TRAILS

A $125M effort to activate our waterways.

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POLK COUNTY CONSERVATION

Sustainable funding for our region's conservation.

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WATER QUALITY ADVOCACY

Our role in the collaborative state-wide effort.

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OUR impact

We are Central Iowa’s pathway to sustainable, healthy environments.  

In order to fully activate Central Iowa’s green capital, the region needs a leader and catalyst for conservation and outdoor recreation. That’s where we come in. The Great Outdoors Foundation aligns visions, convenes partners, and builds frameworks that yield high-impact projects like ICON Water Trails and the Raccoon River Pedestrian Bridge.

We are the foremost fundraising professionals in the conservation and outdoor recreation sector. Together, we activate meaningful, accessible initiatives that enhance our environment and improve quality of life. 

Over the last three years, we have invested more than $200 million in conservation and outdoor recreation initiatives, and we’re just getting started. Click the button below to read our 2022 Annual Report. 

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