KOA Expands Efforts to Make the Outdoors Accessible in 2024

Kampgrounds of America (KOA) continues to advance outdoor accessibility and community engagement through the KOA Foundation, which invested more than $240,000 in 2024 to support national and local non-profit organizations. 

The initiative, now in its second year, aligns with KOA’s mission of “connecting people to the outdoors and each other.”

Since its launch in 2023, the KOA Foundation has directed 1% of KOA’s pre-tax profits toward organizations that promote conservation, accessibility, and community outreach. 

“At KOA, we understand how life-changing time in nature can be,” said Foundation Director Nicole Kreiger. “This belief drives the KOA Foundation, allowing us to have a greater impact in our communities and provide opportunities for under-represented populations to experience the outdoors.”

In 2024, the foundation allocated $115,000 to national initiatives focused on making outdoor spaces more accessible. 

Key beneficiaries included Friends of the Smokies, Open Space Institute, Warriors & Quiet Waters, and Care Camps. These organizations enhance adaptive recreation, land conservation, and outdoor healing programs for veterans and children facing health challenges.

Among the highlighted projects, KOA’s partnership with Friends of the Smokies provided GRIT Freedom Chairs, all-terrain wheelchairs designed to help individuals with mobility limitations explore trails and campgrounds in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 

George Kilbert, a KOA Regional Marketing Manager and Foundation advocate, played a key role in the project.

“By supporting Friends of the Smokies, we ensure all visitors – regardless of ability – can explore and enjoy public lands,” said Kilbert. “The joy of watching someone navigate a mountain trail for the first time, thanks to the adaptive equipment we provided, is exactly why this work matters.”

Beyond national initiatives, the KOA Foundation contributed approximately $125,000 to local organizations in Billings, Montana, where the company’s corporate headquarters is based. The funds supported groups such as the Billings Symphony, The Glacier Institute, Dress for Success, Boys & Girls Club, Habitat for Humanity, and Special Olympics of Montana.

“We are proud to call Montana home for over 60 years,” said Kreiger. “We are honored to support such great organizations, but our commitment to the community far exceeds the monetary donation we provide through the KOA Foundation. We also strongly encourage our employees to volunteer for community nonprofits in leadership roles.”

As KOA looks ahead to 2025, the foundation plans to expand its reach with continued investments in accessibility and conservation efforts. The organization remains committed to ensuring more people, regardless of background or ability, can experience the benefits of outdoor recreation.