You Can Do It!

For many people, the idea of raising $3,200-$3,800 dollars can be as daunting as the idea of climbing a 14,000 foot mountain. You can do both! In fact, many people find this one of the most surprising, rewarding parts of their experience. Read about the fundraising tools you have to help you, and check out the tips and suggestions, BAWT will be here to help you every step of the way!

Fundraising Tools

1. Support from BAWT- Conference Calls

Need help or ideas about how to raise funds for Climbing for Kids?
Join us for one of our upcoming conference calls with BAWT Director of Development & Finance, Mike Kawalek. Mike has over 20 years of fundraising knowledge and experience. In these calls you will get a chance to hear about past success stories, the best fundraising techniques, how to use BAWT’s online tools most effectively and a chance to share ideas and ask questions. Each call is scheduled to last approximately one hour.

Dates and Times:

Please RSVP here

Tuesday 2/7, 12pm
Thursday 2/23, 5pm
Tuesday 3/6, 12pm
Thursday 3/22, 5pm
Tuesday 4/3, 12pm
Thursday 4/19, 5pm
Tuesday 5/1, 12pm
Thursday 5/17, 5pm

Phone Number: 712-451-6000 Access Code: 850607#

We have 10 lines reserved for each call so PLEASE RSVP  if you are interested in participating.

2. Online Resources

Your online donation page accepts credit card donations, and tracks all your check donations as well. Upload your email contacts, send donation requests, post photos and stories, track fundraising progress, and most importantly, thank your donors.

Download the Climber Agreement
Download the Climber Packet

3. Letterhead and Reply Envelopes

Handwritten notes are a great way to ask for donations. Include a BAWT remit envelope to make it easy for your donors to send a check. We will also supply BAWT Thank You cards upon request.
o Sample Fundraising Letter
o Donation Receipt Form
o Donation Tracker Form

4. Social Networking Sites

If you have a Facebook, Myspace, or Twitter account, let people know about your climb by posting to your status. And, join us on Facebook at our Climbing for Kids fanpage.

5. Corporate Matching Gifts

Your donors can submit matching gift requests to their employers–many companies participate. Ask them to contact their HR department for details.Earth Island is a 501(c)3 tax-deductible, nonprofit organization and our tax ID is 94-2889684. This is the organization ID (also known as Federal Identification Number/FIN or Employer Identification Number/EIN). Checks should be made out to Bay Area Wilderness Training but may also be made out to Earth Island Institute if they include Bay Area Wilderness Training and the climber’s name in the memo or the donation letter.
o Earth Island’s 501(c)3 letter

6. Gifts of Stock

Gifts of stock may be transferred to the Schwab account of BAWT’s parent organization, Earth Island Institute. For more information about making a gift of stock and a gift of stock transfer form.
o Gift of Stock Form

Common Questions

1. Are donations tax-deductible?

Bay Area Wilderness Training is a fiscally sponsored project of Earth Island Institute.All donations made on behalf of a climber by someone other than a climber are fully tax-deductible. If you donate on behalf of your own climb, the tax-deductible amount of your donation is equal to the total donation minus the value of goods and services you have received in return. This amount varies between climbs so check with your Climb Coordinator for specifics.
o Earth Island’s 501(c)3 letter

2. How is the money I raise used?

Bay Area Wilderness Training (BAWT) works with over 300 youth agencies, helping them create and implement outdoor education programs. Working directly with these groups has enabled BAWT to help over thousands of kids experience the wilderness. The money you raise is used to fund BAWT programs like our free Gear Libraries, minigrants and BAWTMobiles. It also supports first-time camping experiences like our Camping at the Presidio program. For more information visit www.bawt.org.