When it’s time to start planning your next major fundraising event, it’s important to think outside the box. With so many charities out there today asking for support, developing a fundraising initiative that stands out from the crowd can be a challenge.
Enter the exciting world of adventure fundraising. An adventure fundraiser is a charity challenge with a twist. It involves recruiting your supporters to embark on a multi-day guided travel experience, such as a hike or cycling itinerary, where they can achieve a physical accomplishment while raising money for your cause. It could be hiking the Larapinta Trail and summiting Mount Sonder, completing an ambitious trekking route in Tuscany, or scaling the dizzy heights of Everest Base Camp.
While fresh air and exercise come with their own perks, there’s plenty of other reasons to consider an adventure fundraiser. Read on to find out more.
1. Reach new audiences
Because adventure fundraising involves a fun travel experience, it can be a great way to reach new audiences and introduce them to your cause. For instance, your established supporters can help recruit their friends to join the trip and grow your pool of supporters. Travel also appeals to a broad range of people, and the opportunity to combine a holiday with a charitable cause can be a great way to convert participants who otherwise might not engage in more traditional forms of fundraising.
2. Convert passive supporters into lifelong advocates
Travel can be life-changing, and if you’ve ever travelled overseas with friends, you’ll know that those shared memories together can stay with you years after the suitcase has been packed away. It’s the same for adventure fundraising. Bringing together a group of like-minded travellers on a mission can create a real sense of belonging, creating new life-long friends and dedication to your charity’s cause. In fact, it’s not uncommon for supporters to continue to support a charity on multiple adventure fundraisers over several years.
3. Share a behind-the-scenes perspective with your supporters
A multi-day adventure provides a rare and valuable opportunity for charities to spend time with their supporters in a meaningful way. Often a senior figure of the charity, such as a CEO or someone familiar with the inner workings of the organisation, will join an adventure too. This allows supporters to gain a unique insight into the charity they support, form a personal bond, and walk away having heard a first-hand account of the invaluable work your charity is doing.
4. But what about logistics?
You’re a charity, not a tour operator. You’re busy changing lives, not changing flights. Adventure fundraisers are typically organised by charity challenge agencies, such as (ahem), Inspired Adventures, who will handle all the logistics for you. At Inspired Adventures, our team provides direct training and fundraising support to your supporters while also managing travel logistics such as accommodation, transfers, guides, first aid and more.
5. Adventure fundraisers deliver high returns
Group travel is based on economy of scale, with 10-15 participants being the sweet spot for a fun and inclusive group. On average, participants will raise over $5,500 each, meaning the average return on an adventure fundraiser can be well over $45,000.
Think an adventure fundraiser sounds right for you, but not sure where to start? Get in touch with Inspired Adventures today to take your first steps.
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