2023-2027 Strategic Plan

In 2022, Wilderness Inquiry embarked on an intentional path forward for the organization with the development of a new, five-year strategic plan. Guided by our commitment to equitable inclusion in the outdoors, the plan sets the course for building stronger organizational efficiency, excellence, and long-term sustainability, while expanding our reach and impact. Through collaborative planning, we’ve created the momentum needed to shape our future and the future of outdoor learning, recreation, and engagement.

Read Our Strategic Plan Summary

Strategic Priorities

National Brand with National Reach

The expansion of program reach and depth will connect more people with the health/wellness benefits of time spent outdoors and attract additional resources to forward our mission to advance inclusion and improve quality of life. The importance of the programs offered by Wilderness Inquiry for our identified core focus communities underlines the need to provide our services to everyone in the country. Access to a national network of funders with a passion for connecting all people to the natural world is critical for sustaining the organization and providing opportunities for individuals without the means to otherwise benefit from Wilderness Inquiry programs.

Organizational Efficiency and Excellence

Wilderness Inquiry acknowledges that increasing internal organizational capacity is needed to achieve our goals. It is important for the organization to grow from within and ensure that it has the capability to equitably deliver high-quality and inclusive services. Wilderness Inquiry intends to attract diverse participants, staff, and funders, and the internal processes must reflect these intentions of the organization.

Long-Term Sustainability

Wilderness Inquiry will need to make long-term process and efficiency improvements to continue to sustainably provide quality services. The organization acknowledges that external factors – political, economic, and environmental – will likely influence our ability to provide services. Based on this understanding, the organization will need to further develop adaptable strategies to ensure long-term sustainability.

Adopting the Plan

This strategic plan was developed by identifying strategic priorities, goals, outcomes, and strategic actions. The priorities will guide Wilderness Inquiry’s overarching strategy and growth over the next five years and will provide a pathway for the future. Strategic actions are more specific, and help articulate how the organization can realize these priorities. As such, the strategic actions are likely to shift over time as the work progresses. Wilderness Inquiry staff has developed metrics to measure progress on each strategic action and identify when shifts need to be made.

Through this work, we remain grounded by our mission and core values that guide our day-to-day work of connecting people of all ages, backgrounds, identities, and abilities to the natural world. The future of Wilderness Inquiry lies before us, set on a strong foundation and ready for us to shape it for future generations.

The Wilderness Inquiry trips I have participated in have always provided me, through your inclusive mission, a renewed optimism, a greater vision for myself, my life, and a confirmation of the inherent kindness of others."

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2023-2027 Strategic Plan

Strategic Priorities

Adopting the Plan

Connecting People Through Shared Outdoor Adventure