Cotopaxi: Outdoor Gear with a Purpose for Global Impact

What is the Cotopaxi Project?

Global Uprising, PBC, doing business as Cotopaxi, is not your average outdoor gear company. What sets them apart? They distribute 100% of the monetary donations received from customers directly to the Cotopaxi Foundation every month. The foundation itself is a Utah-based private 501c3 nonprofit organization, dedicated to making a real difference. Giving is at the heart of Cotopaxi’s model — it’s more than just business; it’s about doing good. With 1% of their annual revenue going straight to the foundation, Cotopaxi aims to boost grantmaking, democratize impact, and create meaningful change in communities worldwide.

Main Benefits of the Cotopaxi Foundation

Here’s the lowdown on what makes Cotopaxi’s approach stand out:

• 100% of customer donations go directly to the Cotopaxi Foundation monthly.
• 1% of annual revenue is dedicated to supporting nonprofits focused on poverty alleviation.
• Focus on Latin America, targeting health care, education, and livelihoods.
• Over 96% of products use recycled, leftover deadstock, or sustainably minded materials.
• Certified B Corporation status, ensuring accountability in social, environmental, and economic impact.
• Member of 1% for the Planet, reinforcing commitment to environmental stewardship.
• Not currently providing tax-deductible receipts but exploring options for the future.

The Mission Behind the Gear

Adventure isn’t just about exploring the outdoors — it’s about seeing the world differently and making it better. Cotopaxi creates responsibly made outdoor gear that’s not only colorful and high-performing but also brings joy to everyone who uses it. Their mission? To build a movement that supports communities globally. Every product purchased contributes to this mission, encouraging customers to be part of “Doing Good” by supporting the foundation directly. It’s a cycle of positive impact, fueled by adventure and responsibility.

People, Planet, and Purpose

Sustainability at Cotopaxi isn’t an afterthought — it’s a holistic approach. The biggest impact lies within their supply chain, so they partner with factories that prioritize sustainability and treat workers fairly. Choosing recycled and leftover materials for the vast majority of their products (over 96%) shows a serious commitment to reducing environmental footprints. This isn’t just about making gear; it’s about making gear that respects people and the planet.

The Story Behind the Name and Symbol

The name Cotopaxi comes from one of the world’s highest active volcanoes in Ecuador, a place that deeply influenced the company’s founder, Davis Smith. Growing up in Latin America, Davis witnessed firsthand the hardships caused by unequal access to opportunity. Inspired by the mountain’s glacial streams, wild llamas, and rugged trails, he founded Cotopaxi to use business as a force for good. Speaking of llamas — these quirky, hardy animals live in some of the toughest parts of the Andes. They’re sociable, loyal, curious, and a bit eccentric — kinda like the Cotopaxi team itself.

Project Impact and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 1: No Poverty — Supporting poverty alleviation through health care, education, and livelihoods.
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being — Funding nonprofits that improve health outcomes.
• SDG 4: Quality Education — Empowering communities through educational initiatives.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth — Promoting ethical labor practices in supply chains.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production — Using sustainable materials and reducing waste.
• SDG 13: Climate Action — Partnering with 1% for the Planet to support environmental causes.

Why Cotopaxi Stands Out in the Apparel Industry

With a B Corporation score of 125.6, Cotopaxi is a shining example of how a benefit corporation can blend outdoor adventure with global development. Their focus on sustainability, ethical production, and poverty alleviation sets a high bar. From backpacks to apparel, every product tells a story of impact — not just style or function. It’s about creating gear that does good, supports communities, and inspires customers to join a movement bigger than themselves. In a world where business often prioritizes profit over purpose, Cotopaxi proves that you can have both — and then some.

What Cotopaxi actually does

Cotopaxi is an outdoor gear company based in Salt Lake City, Utah, founded in 2014, built around a business model that funds the Cotopaxi Foundation, a Utah-based 501c3 nonprofit. Cotopaxi commits 1% of its annual revenue to the foundation, plus 100% of monetary customer donations, and is B Corp certified.

Where the mission shows up

• Materials: outdoor gear made from over 96% recycled and sustainably sourced materials.
• Foundation grantmaking: annual and revenue-based donations distributed monthly to nonprofit grantees.
• Global reach: foundation programs now active across 10 countries, concentrated in Latin America.

Proof, not just claims

The Cotopaxi Foundation has also reached over 340,000 people through humanitarian crisis response programs, and is a 1% for the Planet member.

Trusted by

Why this belongs on a sustainability directory

Cotopaxi connects its outdoor gear business directly to SDG 1 (no poverty) and SDG 3 (good health and well-being) through foundation grants to poverty and health nonprofits like CARE Ecuador and United to Beat Malaria, and to SDG 4 (quality education) through grantees like Escuela Nueva and OneGoal.