2024 Annual Report

2024 was a significant year for the Great Outdoors Foundation and its partners. To celebrate, we’ve captured some of the year’s highlights in our Annual Report. Below you’ll find an overview letter from Chief Executive Officer, Hannah Inman. To read the full report, click here.

Letter from the CEO

You may not know this, but when I started in my role, one of our primary fundraising initiatives included selling $5 firewood bundles for Polk County Conservation camp sites. Our strategy and implementation have changed slightly since then, but the essence of our work has not. This year, the Great Outdoors Foundation celebrates 30 years as an organization, and it’s created the perfect opportunity to reflect on our origin.

On June 22, 1995, the articles of incorporation for the Conservation Foundation for Polk County, Inc. — what is now the Great Outdoors Foundation — were filed with the Iowa Secretary of State. In Article III, which outlines the purpose of the organization, it reads:

“To do any and all acts to bring about the conservation of natural resources, the enhancement of outdoor recreation opportunities, wise land use, conservation education, protection of open spaces, and the promotion of environmental ethics.”

Three decades later, we’re proud to continue doing the work laid out by the dedicated individuals who founded our organization. In the last year we have:

• Increased staff capacity through team development and professional trainings.
• Celebrated with partners at ground breakings, ribbon cuttings, and dedications for Great Outdoors Foundation-supported projects.
• Activated more than $28 million in water quality investments through the Conservation Acceleration Fund.
• Bolstered organizational policies and procedures to lay the foundation for continued growth.
• Overhauled our branding, complete with a fresh website.
• Hosted record-setting events including our Annual Golf Outing and Wild Prairie Showdown.
• Crossed $100 million in funding secured for ICON Water Trails.
• Shared Great Outdoors Foundation thought leadership at 10 different conferences and events with attendees totaling nearly 3,000.
• Resourced partner organizations undergoing transitions.
• Drafted and approved our strategic plan, outlining key goals in alignment with our organizational values.

From developing the Conservation Acceleration Fund to leading the capital campaign for ICON Water Trails, providing backend support for projects like the Athene North Shore Recreation Area or sharing thought leadership with other conservation partners, our vision remains the same. And while this looks a little different from our firewood bundle days, our donors, volunteers, and staff are committed to doing any and all acts that bring about conservation.

In other words, whatever is earthly possible.

Thank you for your support over the last thirty years. What we’ve been able to accomplish together is inspiring, but I believe it pales in comparison to what we’ll do together in the decades ahead.

Hannah Inman, CEO