How to raise funds for trails?
April 29, 2011 4:38 PM Subscribe
What are your best fundraising ideas for a new non-profit focused on trail building for mountain biking/hiking? Another local trail building org has used raffles, film festivals, and races/contests.
We need $$ for insurance, consulting, and tools.
We need $$ for insurance, consulting, and tools.
One local group arranged some hikes to some historic or scientifically interesting out-of-the-way places on private property, charged a little per person to go towards their fundraising goals. They got a lot of history and science/ecology buffs who weren't typical hikers so they weren't just fundraising from the same set of people as usual. People were excited because they were places not typically accessible to the public.
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 5:23 PM on April 29, 2011
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 5:23 PM on April 29, 2011
Best answer: No, really. At least form an alliance with the other group. In my hometown, the trails organizations have done far better by banding together. For one thing they can then afford staff, somethiing the five smaller organizations didn't have the means to do. Staff can write grants, which leads to more money, which makes for more trails...which leads to more support...
To actually answer your question, a 100 dollar per plate dinner, especially if it is supported by a trails-loving restaurant owner, can raise a lot of money fast.
Pasta feeds before big races is another good thing.
A voluntary 50 dollar annual pass and 5 dollar daily fee With a sign to that effect, and a link to pay online will get a lot more money than just a pipe at the trailhead.
posted by rockindata at 5:35 PM on April 29, 2011
To actually answer your question, a 100 dollar per plate dinner, especially if it is supported by a trails-loving restaurant owner, can raise a lot of money fast.
Pasta feeds before big races is another good thing.
A voluntary 50 dollar annual pass and 5 dollar daily fee With a sign to that effect, and a link to pay online will get a lot more money than just a pipe at the trailhead.
posted by rockindata at 5:35 PM on April 29, 2011
VIP Passes to the trail, even if the only benefit is that they're well-designed and stand-out. If you can add any additional benefits that would be all the better. If there is a building at the trailhead maybe VIPs could borrow a loaded iPod or keep a pair of shoes there or something. Well-made clothing with the trail logo might also be a big hit, as we see with PBS fund-raising. A moonlight event on the trail, like a gourmet campout, might also appeal.
posted by Mertonian at 8:06 PM on April 29, 2011
posted by Mertonian at 8:06 PM on April 29, 2011
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posted by Chocolate Pickle at 4:43 PM on April 29, 2011 [3 favorites]