Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA), has created a new foundation.
Aimed at increasing the company’s philanthropic efforts, the KOA Foundation serves to fulfill the brand’s mission to connect people to the outdoors and each other, KOA said.
The foundation’s funding will be channeled into three primary categories to meet the mission: outdoor accessibility, outdoor preservation and sustainability and KOA community initiatives.
KOA, Inc. is committing 1% of pre-tax profit annually to fund the foundation. The KOA Foundation is a registered 501c(3) organization.
“Giving back has been part of our DNA since we were founded over 60 years ago. The foundation’s formation solidifies our ability to make an impact, in both dollars and time, to our mission,” said Toby O’Rourke, KOA CEO and president. “We are focused on increasing access to the outdoors, protecting natural spaces and improving quality of place in the communities where our campgrounds operate, and our employees live.”
The foundation’s inaugural activity is funding The Get Out There Adventure Bag. The bag gives youth lacking outdoor access essential gear. The organization will create and distribute 1,000 bags and distribute them to urban youth as well as their adult chaperones.
“We are passionate about connecting people with nature and believe that everyone should have an opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors,” O’Rourke said. “The Get Out There bag program is just one example of the many programs we will support and champion across the outdoor industry.”
The Kampgrounds of America Foundation will supplement ongoing gifting efforts by KOA, Inc. Care Camps will continue to receive one dollar of every sale of the company’s KOA Rewards loyalty program. Care Camps sends children affected by cancer and their families to oncology summer camps.
Headquartered in Billings, Montana, KOA, Inc. supports Montana Big Sky State Games, Montana Special Olympics, the U.S. Bobsled and Skeleton teams, and Ponderosa Elementary School in Billings.
To learn more about the Kampgrounds of America Foundation or donate, click here.
