Thrive Outside: Detroit

THRIVE OUTSIDE Detriot

The Detroit Parks Coalition is an alliance of community members and parks leaders working together to support healthy, equitable & vibrant parks in Detroit.

Thrive Outside Detroit Community Partners
KEY FOCUS AREAS
Community engagement, citizen science, outdoor activities in forest preserves, green spaces, the Chicago River and Lake Michigan, health and wellness, and environmental justice

Backbone Organization

Detroit Parks Coalition

Steering Committee Partners

Belle Isle Conservancy, Chandler Park Conservancy, Clark Park Coalition, Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, Downtown Detroit Partnership, Friends of Patton Park, Friends of Rouge Park, Midtown Detroit, Inc., People for Palmer Park, Sidewalk Detroit, O’Hair Park Community Association

Community Partners

City of Detroit, Connect 313, Detroit Pistons, Detroit Police Department, Detroit Public Library, Detroit Public Schools Community District

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Ready to Thrive Outside?

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Lesford Duncan

Executive Director

lduncan@outdoorfoundation.org

Thrive Outside: Boulder/Denver

THRIVE OUTSIDE Boulder/Denver

Thrive Outside Boulder/Denver works to connect underserved youth to nature and the outdoors through the Nature Kids/Jovenes de la Naturaleza Program, which is active in Lafayette Colorado, and expanding its reach to Boulder, Longmont, and Denver with support from the Outdoor Foundation.

Thrive Outside Boulder/Denver Community Partners
KEY FOCUS AREAS
Pre-k to high school, backyard to backcountry, and family-integrated environmental education and outdoor recreation programming Backbone

Backbone Organization

Thorne Nature Experience

Steering Committee Partners

City of Lafayette, City of Boulder, Wildlands Restoration Volunteers, Calwood Education Center, Cottonwood Institute, CU Science Discovery, City of Longmont

Community Partners

Avid4Adventure, Brujula, Boulder County Housing and Human Services, Boulder County Open Space, Boulder Housing Partners, Boulder Valley ICO, Boulder Valley School District, Casa de la Esperanza, Centaurus High School, City of Boulder FRS, Eco Arts Connections, EcoCycle, Explorando Senderos, Garden to Table, Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, Growing Gardens, I Have a Dream Boulder County, Jax Mercantile, Keystone Science School, Longmont Community Foundation, Longmont Youth Center, Medicine Horse, Rocky Mountain Conservancy, Safe Routes to Schools, St. Vrain State Park, St. Vrain Valley School District, Wish for Wheels, YMCA of Boulder Valley

Ready to Thrive Outside?

Get In Touch

Lesford Duncan

Executive Director

lduncan@outdoorfoundation.org

Thrive Outside: Chicago

THRIVE OUTSIDE Chicago

The Thrive Outside Chicago Community, led by The Nature Conservancy, is bringing together an existing network of partners dedicated to reducing barriers to the outdoors by increasing meaningful outdoor engagement opportunities for youth and adults in Chicago. Our partners are focused on youth-centered environmental education, growing food in community gardens, environmental justice, environmental stewardship and citizen science in green spaces, community wellness, and health, and providing outdoor engagement opportunities to Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color (BIPOC) and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, and all other sexualities, sexes, and genders (LGBTQIA+) and other groups that have been historically excluded in outdoor programming. The goal of this network is to foster outdoor experiences to create passionate outdoor enthusiasts.

Thrive Outside Chicago Community Partners
KEY FOCUS AREAS
Community engagement, citizen science, outdoor activities in forest preserves, green spaces, the Chicago River and Lake Michigan, health and wellness, and environmental justice

Backbone Organization

The Nature Conservancy

Steering Committee Partners

Asian Climbing Collective, Black People Outside (BPO), Chicago Adventure Therapy (CAT), Chicago BIPOC Birders, Chicago Climbs, Faith in Place, Latino Outdoors Great Lakes, Outdoor Color Crew, Queers on the Rocks

Community Partners

All Things Through Christ Outreach Ministries (ATTCOM), Chicago Community Arts Studio, Chicago Muslims Green Team (CMGT), Chicago Park District, Chicago Prairie Tennis Club, Chicago Tool Library, Climb Big Chicago, Envision Unlimited, Escala, Feminist Bird Club, Friends of Big Marsh, Girls in the Game, Light of Loving Kindness, Maxwell Street Community Garden, One Family Illinois (formerly SOS Children’s Villages Illinois), Out Our Front Door, Outdoor Asian Chicago, Papalotzin Healing Collective, PODER, Project Impact 180, South Side Nature Play, U.N.I.O.N. Impact Center, We Keep You Rollin’, We Strive for Change, West Lawn Conservation Club, Young Men’s Educational Network (YMEN)

Ready to Thrive Outside?

Get In Touch

Lesford Duncan

Executive Director

lduncan@outdoorfoundation.org

Thrive Outside: San Diego

THRIVE OUTSIDE San Diego

The Thrive Outside San Diego Community, led by The San Diego Foundation, is strengthening an existing network of nonprofit, philanthropic, academic and government partners such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, County of San Diego Parks & Recreation Department, Outdoor Outreach, YMCA of San Diego County and the Nonprofit Institute at the University of San Diego. This network is working together to increase meaningful outdoor engagement opportunities for children and families with the support of the Thrive Outside grant. San Diego’s network partners work not only to provide outdoor experiences for the community but also to expand outdoor amenities. The goal of this network is to make the outdoors part of the fabric of the lives of children and families in the San Diego region, especially South County where one in seven residents live in poverty and have limitations to accessing the outdoors. By highlighting outcomes associated with outdoor engagement, San Diego leverages Thrive Outside funding to raise additional funds to improve the quality of life for San Diego children and families.

Thrive Outside San Diego Community Partners
KEY FOCUS AREAS
Ocean and mountain activities, collaboration with San Diego County Behavioral Health Initiative, local and state advocacy to address equity barriers, youth and BIPOC leadership development, (e.g., Leaders for Outdoor Equity)

Backbone Organization

The San Diego Foundation

Steering Committee Partners

Outdoor Outreach, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, YMCA of San Diego, University of San Diego Nonprofit Institute, County of San Diego Parks and Recreation, and Parks California

Community Partners

BIPOC Support Foundation, Botanical Community Development Initiatives, City Heights Community Development Corporation, Coastal Roots Farm, Earth Discovery Institute, Groundswell Community Project, Groundwork San Diego – Chollas Creek, Horn of Africa, La Maestra Foundation Inc., Living Coast Discovery Center, Ocean Discovery Institute, Olivewood Gardens & Learning Center, Outdoor Outreach, San Diego Canyonlands Inc., San Diego Natural History Museum, San Diego Parks Foundation, SAY San Diego, The EcoLogik Institute, Un Mar De Colores, Urban Surf 4 Kids

SAN DIEGO COMMUNITY PARTNERS

THE SAN DIEGO FOUNDATION

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US FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

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YMCA OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY

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UNIVERSITY OF SAN DIEGO

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OUTDOOR OUTREACH

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COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO PARKS AND RECREATION

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SAN DIEGO COMMUNITY PHOTOS

Ready to Thrive Outside?

Get In Touch

Lesford Duncan

Executive Director

lduncan@outdoorfoundation.org

Thrive Outside: Oklahoma City

THRIVE OUTSIDE OKLAHOMA CITY

The Thrive Outside Oklahoma City Community is led by the OKC RIVERSPORT Foundation together with a broad-based network of partners infusing an active, outdoor lifestyle among youth.

Thrive Outside Oklahoma City Community Partners
KEY FOCUS AREAS
Water sports including whitewater rafting and kayaking, Adventure Therapy Program, and biking and running programs

Backbone Organization

RIVERSPORT Foundation

Steering Committee Partners

OKC Parks & Recreation, Oklahoma City Indian Clinic, Latino Community Development Agency (LCDA), YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City, Bike Club, OKC Public Schools Native American Services, and John Rex Charter School

Community Partners

ASTEC, Bike Club, Boys and Girls Club of Oklahoma County, Bridges of Norman, Class Matters, Cleats for Kids, Course for Change, Crooked Oak Schools, Crossroads Youth and Family Services, Douglass HS, Eastside Wrestling Camps, FD Moon MS, First Serve, Freedom City / Thick Descriptions, It’s My Community, JD McCarty Center, Kidvation Global, MaComb 21st Century School, MetroTech, Millwood Public Schools, OKC Beautiful, OKC City Center, OKC Fury, OKC Parks and Recreation, OKCPD Fact Unit, OKCPS Athletic Director, OKCPS Native American Student Services, Oklahoma City Black Alumni Coalition, Oklahoma City Indian Clinic, Pivot, Police Athletic League, Positive Tomorrows, ReMerge, Scouting America, Stop the Violence, Sunbeam Family Services, Urban Bridge at Bridge Impact Center, USA Softball, YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City

OKLAHOMA CITY COMMUNITY PHOTOS

Ready to Thrive Outside?

Get In Touch

Lesford Duncan

Executive Director

lduncan@outdoorfoundation.org

Thrive Outside: Grand Rapids

THRIVE OUTSIDE GRAND RAPIDS

The Thrive Outside Grand Rapids Community is led by Our Community’s Children, a partnership of the City of Grand Rapids and Grand Rapids Public Schools; the Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department; and a close set of initial partners in the Grand Rapids Environmental Education Network. Thrive Outside is kick-starting a comprehensive outdoor program for Grand Rapids youth to connect with nature, play outdoors, and serve as leaders in neighborhood and park projects that engage families and children. This initiative allows Grand Rapids to build on the foundation set forth through the Connecting Children to Nature initiative and brings to scale, through planning and partnerships, a citywide effort to engage children in nature. Grand Rapids works to engage kids of all ages with an emphasis on those in fifth through 12th grades. This investment leverages additional foundation support, and its opportune timing will pave the way for further public and private investment.

Thrive Outside Grand Rapids Community Partners
KEY FOCUS AREAS
Gear Library, public-private partnerships, and school-based programming

Backbone Organization

Grand Rapids Parks & Recreation

Steering Committee Partners

Grand Rapids Public Schools, and Grand Rapids Environmental Education Network

Community Partners

All Good Sports, American Heart Association, AYA Youth Collective, Bethany Christian Services – Bellaview, Bethany Christian Services – Bridgeway, Bethany Christian Services – immigrant and refugee program, Bethany Christian Services – Refugee Transitional Assessment Center, Bethany Christian Services – TLC, Bethany Christian Services main office, Blandford nature Center, Boston Square Neighborhood Association, Boys and Girls Club – Stiel Center, Burton Middle School GRPS, Center for Community Transformation, Cesar Chavez Elementary, Community Food Club, Downtown Grand Rapids Inc, Eastown Community Association, Fit Kids 360, Friends of GR Parks Green Team, Girl Scout Troop #8159, GR Asian-Pacific Foundation, GR Environmental Services, GR Montessori, Grand Rapids Christian Middle School, Grand Rapids Parks Department, Grand Rapids Scouts, Grand Valley State University, Grandville Arts & Humanities – Cook Library, GRPS – GR Ford Academic Center, GRPS Summer School , Hudsons Fish Camp, JamesTown CRL, Kent County Probation – 17th district circuit Court, King Park Neighbors, KSSN – Cesar Chavez, KSSN – Harrison Park, Latina Network of West MI, Latino Outdoors GR , New City Kids, Our Community’s Children, Outdoor Afro, Premier Skate Shop, Ridgemoor Park PTA, River Rally, Secom, Shawmut Hills Elementary, Southwood Elementary, Stepping Stones Montessori, The Botanical Society of America, Wedgewood Christian Services, Wilderness Inquiry, Young Life

Grand Rapids COMMUNITY PARTNERS

OUR COMMUNITY’S CHILDREN

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GRAND RAPIDS PARKS & RECREATION

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GRAND RAPIDS PUBLIC SCHOOLS

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GRAND RAPIDS ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION NETWORK

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PLASTER CREEK STEWARDS

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FRIENDS OF GRAND RAPIDS PARKS

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GROUNDSWELL

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Ready to Thrive Outside?

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Lesford Duncan

Executive Director

lduncan@outdoorfoundation.org

Thrive Outside

THRIVE OUTSIDE INITIATIVE

Where Communities Come Together
The Outdoor Foundation’s Thrive Outside Initiative awards multi-year, capacity-building grants to diverse communities to build and strengthen networks that provide children and families with repeat and reinforcing experiences in the outdoors. This community-led initiative is built with trusted local and national partners and is supported by three years of funding. Together, we’re working to create a more inclusive and accessible outdoor experience for all.
Thrive Outside Communities
Thrive Outside Communities

ATLANTA, GA

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BOUlDER/DENVER, CO
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CHICAGO, IL
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DETROIT, MI
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GRAND RAPIDS, MI
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MAINE
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OKLAHOMA CITY, OK
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PHILADELPHIA, PA
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Pittsburgh, PA
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SEATTLE, WA
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ST. LOUIS, MO
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SAN DIEGO, CA
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TWIN CITIES, MN
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WASHINGTON, D.C.
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Western, NC
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ATLANTA, GA

The Thrive Outside Atlanta Community is led by the West Atlanta Watershed Alliance together with a diverse network of partners in West Atlanta and along the Chattahoochee River.

BOUlDER/DENVER, CO

Thrive Outside Boulder/Denver, works to connect underserved youth to nature and the outdoors through the Nature Kids/Jovenes de la Naturaleza Program.

CHICAGO, IL

Thrive Outside Chicago, led by The Nature Conservancy, brings together an existing network of partners dedicated to reducing barriers to the outdoors by increasing meaningful engagement opportunities everyone.

DETROIT, MI

Thrive Outside Detroit, led by YMCA of Metro Detroit and Detroit Outdoors, connects youth and families with outdoor recreation and nature by working with regional organizations and agencies to share resources and skills.

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GRAND RAPIDS, MI

The Thrive Outside Grand Rapids Community is led by Our Community’s Children, a partnership of the City of Grand Rapids & Grand Rapids Public Schools & the Parks & Recreation Department.

MAINE

The Thrive Outside Maine Community, led by the Nature Based Education Consortium (NBEC), is strengthening an existing statewide network of nonprofit, philanthropic, and business partners.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK

The Thrive Outside Oklahoma City Community is led by the OKC RIVERSPORT Foundation together with a broad-based network of partners infusing an active, outdoor lifestyle among youth.

PHILADELPHIA, PA

The Thrive Outside Philadelphia Community, led by the National Wildlife Federation, is bringing together several regional organizations, stakeholders and existing large-scale networks to create pathways for equitable access to the outdoors.

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Pittsburgh, PA

Thrive Outside Pittsburgh is building a regional ecosystem that expands access to outdoor recreation, strengthens youth development, and activates the region’s parks and public spaces as engines of social impact.

SEATTLE, WA

Thrive Outside Seattle, led by the King County Play Equity Coalition, brings together regional nonprofits, for-profits, government entities, and other networks to identify strategies for equitable access to outdoor spaces.

ST. LOUIS, MO

The Thrive Outside St. Louis Community, led by newly created River City Outdoors, is activating a growing network of community stakeholders dedicated to making outdoor recreational opportunities more accessible and equitable.

SAN DIEGO, CA

The Thrive Outside San Diego Community, led by The San Diego Foundation, is strengthening an existing network of nonprofit, philanthropic, academic and government partners.

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TWIN CITIES, MN

The Thrive Outside Twin Cities Community, led by Wilderness Inquiry, is using community organizing techniques to coalesce a new diverse group of partners, helping families connect with the outdoors on the Mississippi River.

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WASHINGTON, D.C.

The Thrive Outside Washington, D.C. Community is a network of organizations committed to maximizing the value of public spaces along the Anacostia River to residents of Ward 7 and 8 in the District of Columbia.

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Western, NC

Thrive Outside Western North Carolina is increasing opportunities for outdoor engagement and career development while responding to the evolving needs of the community in the wake of Hurricane Helene

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THRIVE OUTSIDE COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP PARTNERS

1:1 donation match from Thrive Outside Community organizations.

Ready to Thrive Outside?
Get In Touch

Lesford Duncan

Executive Director

lduncan@outdoorfoundation.org