OUR mission
The Great Outdoors Foundation provides leadership, fosters partnerships, increases awareness, and raises funds — serving as a catalyst to power passion and support for regional projects that expand and restore natural spaces, enhance outdoor recreation and learning opportunities, and promote conservation.
We connect people of all ages and backgrounds to nature by collaborating with other organizations who share a common vision of healthy environments that provide a variety of outdoor recreation and education opportunities. Driven by our clear purpose, we challenge ourselves to seek and take on partner projects offering exceptional and long-term impact requiring a regional approach and creative funding.
OUR INITIATIVES
CONSERVATION CREDITS
Our simple method to invest in local environments.
LEARN MOREREGIONAL PARK PROJECTS
We fundraise for major outdoor initiatives.
LEARN MOREICON WATER TRAILS
A $125M effort to activate our waterways.
LEARN MOREPOLK COUNTY CONSERVATION
Sustainable funding for our region's conservation.
LEARN MOREWATER QUALITY ADVOCACY
Our role in the collaborative state-wide effort.
LEARN MOREOUR 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.
