FUNDRAISING RESOURCES

How to fundraise for Hiking Clubs?

Explore essential resources for hiking clubs seeking grants, corporate sponsorships, and creative fundraising ideas to boost their impact in 2025.

Top 5 grants for Hiking Clubs nonprofits in 2025

Unlock funding for your nonprofit with grants designed for Hiking Clubs. Explore government, foundation, and corporate grants to expand your impact.

Community Change Grant

America Walks

$1,500

Foundation

Supports grassroots organizations working to increase walkability and create healthy, active places to live, work, and play. Hiking clubs could apply for trail improvement or community engagement projects.

Apply

National Trails Day Micro-Grant

American Hiking Society

$1,500

Foundation

Supports events organized by underrepresented communities for National Trails Day on June 7, 2025. Hiking clubs could apply for funding to host inclusive trail experiences or service projects.

Apply

Trail Accelerator Grant

International Mountain Bicycling Association

$10,000 - $30,000

Foundation

Supports trail planning and design consultation services. While focused on mountain biking, hiking clubs could partner for multi-use trail projects that include hiking components.

Apply

Trails Capacity Program Grant

American Trails

$5,000 - $10,000

Foundation

Funds projects that strategically improve trail maintenance, research, and stewardship. Open to all nonmotorized trail user groups, including hiking clubs, for projects on public or private land.

Apply

Land and Water Conservation Fund State Assistance Program

National Park Service

Varies by state

Government

Provides matching grants to states for outdoor recreation projects, including trail development. Hiking clubs could partner with local governments to apply for trail-related projects.

Apply

Top 5 companies donating to Hiking Clubs nonprofits in 2025

Partner with businesses that share your mission! Corporate sponsorships can provide funding, in-kind donations, and visibility to help your nonprofit expand and sustain Hiking Clubs efforts.

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Top 5 best fundraising platforms for Hiking Clubs

PayPal Logo
DonorBox Logo
Transaction fees
0%

2.9% + $0.30 per donation

  • Stripe: 2.2% + $0.30 per transaction
  • PayPal: 1.99% + $0.49 per transaction
  • ACH/Bank transfer: 0.8% ($5 maximum)

1.99% + $0.49 per transaction for eligible charities only

1.9% + $0.10 per donation received

3% for sending money with a credit card; 1.9% + $0.10 for goods and services payments

Platform fees
$0
No platform fees. Similar to Zeffy, GoFundMe relies on voluntary “tips” from donors to cover platform fees for nonprofits.
1.75% platform fees. 2.95% platform fees for event ticketing, membership payments and P2P campaigns. Reduced fees for pro and premium plans.
No platform fees
No platform fees
Monthly fees
$0 / month
No monthly fees
Donorbox offers 3 subscription plan: Standard $0/month | Pro $139/month | Premium custom pricing
No monthly fees
No monthly fees
Value for money
Capterra ratings
4.9 / 5
4.1/5
4.7/5
4.5/5
4.8/5
Ease-of-use
Capterra ratings
4.8 / 5
4.2/5
4.7/5
4.6/5
4.7/5
Quality of support
4.9 / 5
3.9/5
4.8/5
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4.4/5

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10 Best fundraising ideas for Hiking Clubs in 2025

Innovative fundraising fuels your mission. From peer-to-peer campaigns to community events, explore creative ways to raise funds and ensure long-term success for your Hiking Clubs.

1

Trail Sponsorship Program

Launch a program where individuals or businesses can sponsor sections of hiking trails. Sponsors receive recognition through trail markers, online maps, and club communications. This creates a sustainable revenue stream while enhancing trail maintenance.

2

Virtual Hike-a-Thon Challenge

Organize a month-long virtual hike-a-thon where participants log their hiking miles and raise funds through peer-to-peer fundraising. Use a mobile app to track progress, share photos, and create friendly competition among participants.

3

Eco-Friendly Hiking Gear Pop-Up Shop

Partner with sustainable outdoor brands to create a pop-up shop featuring eco-friendly hiking gear. Host the shop at popular trailheads or outdoor events, offering exclusive discounts to club members and donating a percentage of sales to trail conservation efforts.

4

Guided Sunset Hike Series

Launch a series of exclusive guided sunset hikes led by local experts. Combine breathtaking views with educational talks on topics like astronomy, wildlife, or photography. Charge a premium for these unique experiences and offer tiered pricing for different group sizes.

5

Trail Maintenance Crowdfunding Campaign

Create a targeted crowdfunding campaign for specific trail maintenance projects. Use before-and-after photos, video updates, and real-time progress tracking to engage donors. Offer unique perks like personalized trail markers or exclusive guided hikes for top contributors.

6

Annual 'Summit to Sea' Challenge

Organize a multi-day hiking challenge that takes participants from a mountain summit to the nearest coastline. Partner with local businesses for accommodations and meals along the route. Participants fundraise to enter and receive exclusive gear and experiences based on their fundraising level.

7

Hiking Club NFT Collection

Create a limited edition NFT collection featuring iconic trails, rare wildlife sightings, or stunning vistas from your club's hikes. Each NFT purchase supports trail conservation and grants the owner special access to club events or exclusive hikes.

8

Adopt-a-Trail Program

Develop an adopt-a-trail program where local businesses, schools, or community groups can 'adopt' a section of trail for regular maintenance and improvements. Adopters receive recognition and can use their adopted trail for team-building events or company outings.

9

Hiking Gear Swap and Sale

Host a seasonal hiking gear swap and sale event where members can sell or trade their gently used equipment. Charge an entry fee and take a percentage of sales. Partner with outdoor retailers to showcase new products and offer exclusive discounts to attendees.

10

Trailblazer Leadership Program

Create a premium leadership development program that combines outdoor skills training with professional development workshops. Partner with corporate sponsors to offer this as a unique team-building experience for their employees, with proceeds supporting the hiking club's initiatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

<div ms-code-snippet-q="1">What are the best fundraising ideas for hiking clubs in 2025?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="1">In 2025, hiking clubs can leverage several effective fundraising strategies. First, consider using Zeffy, a top online fundraising platform for nonprofits, to set up peer-to-peer campaigns where members can create personal fundraising pages. Organize themed hikes or challenges, such as a 'Summit for Support' event, where participants collect pledges for reaching specific peaks. Virtual events, like online workshops on hiking skills or gear maintenance, can attract a wider audience. Collaborate with outdoor gear companies for product sponsorships or percentage-of-sales donations. Lastly, implement a monthly giving program, offering exclusive trail guides or early access to club events as incentives. According to recent nonprofit trends, personalized donor experiences and mobile-optimized campaigns are crucial, with 57% of nonprofit website traffic coming from mobile devices in 2024.</div><div ms-code-snippet-q="2">How can hiking clubs increase online donations in 2025?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="2">To boost online donations in 2025, hiking clubs should focus on creating a seamless digital giving experience. Start by using Zeffy, a user-friendly fundraising platform designed for nonprofits. Optimize your website for mobile donations, as mobile users now account for 75% of nonprofit site traffic. Implement one-click donation options and recurring giving programs to increase convenience. Leverage social media storytelling, showcasing the impact of donations through compelling visuals and member testimonials. Personalize email campaigns, which can lead to 82% higher open rates. Consider incorporating QR codes on trail markers or club materials, linking directly to donation pages. Lastly, explore emerging trends like cryptocurrency donations or augmented reality experiences that showcase trail improvements funded by donors. Remember, the average online gift is now $118, so tailor your suggested donation amounts accordingly.</div><div ms-code-snippet-q="3">What are effective grant writing strategies for hiking clubs in 2025?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="3">Effective grant writing for hiking clubs in 2025 requires a strategic approach. Begin by researching grants specifically tailored to outdoor recreation and conservation, as these align closely with hiking club missions. Utilize grant databases and set up alerts for new opportunities. When writing proposals, focus on demonstrating measurable impact, such as trail maintenance metrics or increased community engagement in outdoor activities. Incorporate data on the health benefits of hiking, as this aligns with many funders' priorities. Highlight your club's use of innovative technologies, like trail mapping apps or eco-friendly maintenance practices. Collaborate with local environmental organizations to strengthen your application and show community support. According to recent nonprofit trends, emphasizing diversity and inclusion initiatives in your programs can significantly boost grant appeal. Lastly, consider hiring a professional grant writer or attending workshops to refine your skills, as competition for funding is expected to increase in 2025.</div><div ms-code-snippet-q="4">How do hiking clubs create successful peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="4">To create successful peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns, hiking clubs should start by selecting a user-friendly platform like Zeffy, which offers robust features for nonprofit peer-to-peer fundraising. Set clear, achievable goals and create a compelling campaign theme tied to your club's mission, such as 'Miles for Trails' or 'Hike for Conservation'. Provide participants with personalized fundraising pages and equip them with shareable content, including impactful stories and visuals. Offer incentives for top fundraisers, like exclusive gear or guided hikes. Leverage social media integration, as 32% of donors are inspired to give via social platforms. Implement gamification elements, such as leaderboards or milestone badges, to boost engagement. Host a kick-off event to train and motivate fundraisers, and maintain regular communication throughout the campaign. According to recent trends, mobile optimization is crucial, with 50% of peer-to-peer donations now made on mobile devices. Lastly, celebrate successes publicly to maintain momentum and show appreciation for participants' efforts.</div><div ms-code-snippet-q="5">What are the most effective ways to retain donors for hiking clubs in 2025?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="5">Retaining donors for hiking clubs in 2025 requires a multi-faceted approach focused on engagement and appreciation. First, implement a robust donor management system to track interactions and preferences. Personalize communication, as personalized emails see 82% higher open rates. Develop a tiered recognition program, offering exclusive experiences like guided hikes or early trail access for different giving levels. Utilize storytelling in your communications, showcasing the tangible impact of donations on trail maintenance or conservation efforts. Implement a monthly giving program, which can increase donor retention rates by up to 90%. Leverage technology to keep donors engaged, such as virtual reality trail tours or real-time updates on trail conditions. Host appreciation events, both in-person and virtual, to build community among donors. According to recent trends, transparency is key, so provide regular, detailed reports on how funds are used. Lastly, seek feedback from donors and act on it, showing that their opinions are valued beyond their financial contributions.</div>