Give with Confidence
You can support Wilderness Inquiry with the confidence that our organization meets and exceeds standards for program excellence and financial management. Pound for pound and dollar for dollar, few deliver on their mission as much as Wilderness Inquiry. Since 1978 we have served over 400,000 people, and received numerous awards along the way. Transparency is important to us. You can download our most recent audit and more from our Annual Report page. If you have any questions, please call us.
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“We are proud to announce Wilderness Inquiry has earned our fifth consecutive 4-star rating. Attaining a 4-star rating verifies that Wilderness Inquiry exceeds industry standards and outperforms most charities in your area of work. Only 15% of the charities we evaluate have received at least 5 consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that Wilderness Inquiry outperforms most other charities in America. This exceptional designation from Charity Navigator sets Wilderness Inquiry apart from its peers and demonstrates to the public its trustworthiness.” – Michael Thatcher, CEO, Charity Navigator
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“Congratulations on meeting Charities Review Council’s 25 Accountability Standards. A thousand hoorays to you and your staff! Your commitment to strength and accountability makes the whole sector thrive.” – Kris Kewitsch, Executive Director, Charities Review Council, September 1, 2016
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“Summer programming and opportunities are now, more than ever, crucial for the well-being of our youth. Thanks to programs like Canoemobile and fellow awardees, kids are able to stay engaged over the summer months through fun and unique learning experiences that will prepare them for the start of the school year.” — Matthew Boulay, CEO of the National Summer Learning Association
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“Wilderness Inquiry was founded on the idea that shared outdoor experiences have the power to transform individuals and communities – a discovery made after an seven-day trip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area for people with and without disabilities. Today, Wilderness Inquiry continues to bring out the best in people by forming strategic alliances with the National Park Service, the Mississippi River Fund, the Minneapolis and Saint Paul schools, and other organizations. The organization has used strategic planning to achieve aggressive growth goals for each of the past 15 years, completed two successful capital campaigns, has active collaborations with more than 100 different organizations serving youth, families, people with disabilities, low-income families and the elderly and is actively engaged in evaluating the results of its work both through internal and independent studies.” – Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, September 20, 2010.
Awards
Plaque of Appreciation
Presented to Greg Lais by the Wilderness Inquiry Board of Directors, 1987
Celebrating 10 years of innovative programming, the Wilderness Inquiry Board of Directors presented Greg Lais with this Plaque of Appreciation, noting his efforts and contributions toward environmental education.
Take Pride in America
Presented by The United States Department of the Interior
The Take Pride in America certificate was awarded to Wilderness Inquiry for their support and partnership of Take Pride in America, a program dedicated to the care of public lands.
Certificate of Appreciation
Presented by the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department, 2016
Presented to Wilderness Inquiry and its Canoemobile program for its continuing effort to inspire youth to get outside.
Award of Excellence
Presented by the Minneapolis Advisory Committee on People with Disabilities, 2015
Awarded to Wilderness Inquiry for their commitment to serving people with disabilities and celebrating 25 years of Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
Educator of the Year
Presented by the Northwest Indiana Paddling Association, 2014
The Educator of the Year award, presented by Northwest Indiana Paddling Association, recognizes and celebrates Wilderness Inquiry’s commitment to outdoor education and environmental stewardship.
Outstanding Partner Award
Presented by the Northwest Indiana Paddling Association, 2013
The NWIPA Outstanding Partner Award recognizes Wilderness Inquiry and their cooperative partnership efforts with the Northwest Indiana Paddling Association.
Heart of the Continent Geotourism Award
Presented by National Geographic and The Heart of the Continent partnership, 2013
In recognition of their efforts in sustaining and enhancing unique geographical character of a region.
Plaque of Appreciation
Presented by the Carlson School of Management, UMN, 2007
Presented to Wilderness Inquiry Founder and Executive Director, Greg Lais for his contribution to the Securian Leadership Lecture Series.
Special Honor
Presented by The Wilderness Society, 2005
In recognition for their unwavering effort in making the wilderness accessible to everyone, The Wilderness Society presented this Special Honor plaque to Wilderness Inquiry.
Eagle Award
Presented by Disability Rights Advocates, 2005
For Wilderness Inquiry’s efforts in improving access to travel, recreation and adventure for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.
Boggs/Mitchell Award
Presented by The Arc of Minnesota, 2005
Given to Wilderness Inquiry, the Boggs/Mitchell Award represents their dedication towards recreation inclusivity.
Community Builder Award
Presented by the ANCOR Foundation, 2005
The Community Builder Award recognized Wilderness Inquiry’s exemplary efforts in providing opportunities and support to people with disabilities and their communities.
Full Community Inclusion Award
American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (Formerly American Association on Mental Retardation), 2005
In recognition of their pioneering effort to include people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds in outdoor adventures in promotion of healthy lifestyles, self-confidence and environmental stewardship.
Recreation Award
Presented by The Minnesota State Council on Disability, 2001
The Minnesota State Council on Disability presented Wilderness Inquiry with the Recreation Award for their outstanding commitment on behalf of people with disabilities in the state of Minnesota.
Recognition of Appreciation
Presented by Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), 1999
In continuing recognition of Wilderness Inquiry’s significant contribution to the PVA National Bass Trail and their efforts to introduce PVA members to the joys of recreational fishing.
Certificate of Appreciation
Presented by United States Department of Agriculture, 1999
The U.S. Department of Agriculture presented this Certificate of Appreciation for the extraordinary professionalism and dedication in the development of the Short Course on Universal Design & Outdoor Environment from 1993-1999.
Chair’s Award
Presented by Minnesota State Council on Disability, 1998
To the people of Wilderness Inquiry for years of bringing the joy of the outdoors to people of all backgrounds and abilities.
Recognition of Appreciation
Presented by Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), 1998-99
In recognition of Wilderness Inquiry’s significant contribution to the PVA National Bass Trail and their efforts to introduce PVA members to the joys of recreational fishing.
Leisure Services Award
Presented by Arc of Hennepin County, 1997
To Wilderness Inquiry for their efforts in providing accessibility in the outdoors for people with developmental disabilities and their families.
Conservation Award
Presented by Audubon Chapter of Minneapolis, 1996
In 1996, Audubon Chapter of Minneapolis presented Wilderness Inquiry founder and executive director, Greg Lais, with the Conservation Award for his efforts in preserving the natural habitat throughout the state of Minnesota.
Boggs/Mitchell Award
Presented by Arc Minnesota, 1996
For Wilderness Inquiry’s continuous efforts in community betterment throughout Minnesota.
The Diversity Award
Presented by Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, 1996
The Diversity Award recognized Wilderness Inquiry’s cooperative efforts in organizing successful St. Croix events for diverse users.
Continued Business Partnership
Presented by Metro Work Center, Inc., 1995
In recognition of continued business partnership between Wilderness Inquiry and Metro Work Center, Inc. for creating and providing employment opportunities for various persons.
Certificate of Appreciation
Presented by Veterans Village of San Diego (Formerly Vietnam Veterans of San Diego’s Family Assistance Program), 1994
Presented for Wilderness Inquiry’s generous support in providing outdoor recreation to combat Vietnam veterans and their families.
Year of The Prairie in Hennepin Parks
Presented by Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, Hennepin Parks, 1993
Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park recognized Wilderness Inquiry’s support for the Mississippi River Carp Festival in 1993.
Certificate of Appreciation
Presented by National Park Service, 1993
The National Park Service presented WI with the Certificate of Appreciation noting their gratitude for WI’s contributions and support to the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway.
Certificate of Appreciation
Presented by Access America’s Great Outdoors, 1993
Access America’s Great Outdoors presented this Certificate of Appreciation to Wilderness Inquiry for their un-matched efforts in ensuring access to the outdoors.
Distinguished Service Award
MN State Council on Disability, 1992
Wilderness Inquiry Founder and Executive Director was presented with the Distinguished Service Award recognizing his contribution to helping people with disabilities in the state of Minnesota.
Established Business Partnerships
Presented by Metro Work Center, Inc., 1992
Presented to Wilderness Inquiry for their continuing partnership and dedication towards providing employment opportunities for diverse persons.
Provided Employment Opportunities
Presented by Metro Work Center, Inc., 1991
The Established Business Partnerships award recognizes the partnership between Wilderness Inquiry and Metro Work Center, Inc. and both party’s dedication toward providing employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
Letter of Recognition
Presented by First Lady, Barbara Bush, 1989
In 1989, Mrs. Bush thanked Wilderness Inquiry founder and executive director, Greg Lais for his unwavering devotion toward helping people with disabilities.
Outstanding Recreation
Presented by Minnesota Access Achievement Awards, 1989
The Outstanding Recreation award was given to Wilderness Inquiry for their distinguished contribution toward the independence of persons with disabilities.
Community Service Award
Presented by Illinois Park and Recreation Association and Illinois Association of Park Districts, 1989
The IPRA recognized Wilderness Inquiry’s devotion for the advancement of parks, recreation and leisure in the state of Illinois.
Organization Citation
Presented by the National Therapeutic Recreation Society, 1988
In recognition of their exceptional contributions to the field of therapeutic recreation, the National Therapeutic Recreation Society presented Wilderness Inquiry with the Organization Citation Award.