Mountain Climb for Charity: How to Organise & Raise Funds

Mountains have long been a symbol of challenge and adventure, offering breathtaking views and a sense of accomplishment once you reach the summit. But climbing a mountain isn’t just a personal journey, it can be a powerful way to raise funds for a cause you deeply care about. Choosing to do a mountain climb for charity not only brings awareness to vital issues but also creates a sense of community as supporters unite to make a difference.

In this Explore by Nature guide, you’ll explore the steps to successfully organise a mountain climb for charity. This includes fundraising strategies, event organisation, promotion, and what to do before, during, and after your climb.

Why Mountain Climb for Charity?

A mountain climb for charity serves two purposes, physical achievement and altruism. Here are a few compelling reason to consider climbing for charity:

• Raise Awareness - a mountain climb for charity can spotlight social issues, health causes, or environmental challenges, generating public interest and discussion.
• Build Community - engaging friends and family can create a shared sense or purpose, fostering teamwork, and bonding over a shared goal.
• Fitness Challenge - training for a mountain climb enhances physical fitness and mental resilience, promoting a healthier lifestyle.
• Personal Achievement - reaching the summit is a personal triumph that can inspire others to take on their own challenges, both physical and philanthropic.

Using an epic climb to raise money often results in unforgettable experiences that you can share with your supporters. Stories of perseverance and triumph resonate with people, inspiring them to contribute and engage with your cause.

Organising Your Fundraising

Choose Your Charity

Now that you've decided to mountain climb for charity, one of the first questions to answer is: which charity? There are so many wonderful causes out there with powerful fundraising campaigns behind them. It can be a little overwhelming trying to narrow down what speaks to you.

My first recommendation would be to look close to home. Is there any family, friends or coworkers who have a personal fundraising campaign ongoing? Not only is it incredibly rewarding to aid in a personal crowdfunder, but these smaller fundraising endeavours rarely reach a national and international audience, making it more challenging to raise the required funds. After my cousin was injured, a local group created a personal fundraiser called the Gemma Potts Community. Their aim was to raise funds for my cousin's physiotherapy and to purchase equipment she may need. Since its formation in 2024, many people close to us have chosen to fundraise for this cause.

If there are no local fundraisers, it's time to work out what type of charity resonates with you. Is it environmental, wildlife-related, medical, educational, or related to other social issues? From there, search online for charities working to support these causes. While choosing a large, well-known international charity is often a reliable choice, it's not always clear where the money goes. It might be that you try to find smaller charities that are either national or working within a specific area, where it's more clear what your donation will be used for.

I've supported the following charities during mountain climbs:

• International Fund for Animal Welfare - Mount Kilimanjaro, 2016
• Livingstone Lions - Yorkshire 3 Peaks, 2022
• Spinal Research - Mount Toubkal, 2023

Set a Fundraising Goal

Start by defining how much money you plan to raise. Setting a fundraising target is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it provides a clear objective that can motivate you and your potential donors. A concrete number gives people something tangible to aim for, creating a sense of urgency and purpose in your efforts. Additionally, having a specific target allows you to gauge the effectiveness of your fundraising strategies and adjust them as necessary.

Understanding the financial needs of the charity you are supporting is essential. If possible, look into their annual budget, specific programs that need funding, and any upcoming initiatives that require financial backing. Consider the size of your social and professional networks, as well as their capacity to donate. If you've been involved in previous fundraising efforts, evaluate what was raised to get a sense of what might be achievable.

Aim for a target that challenges you, but is still attainable. Setting a target that is too high may discourage potential donors, while a goal that is too low might not inspire enough excitement. Break your overall target into smaller, more manageable milestones. This could mean setting weekly or monthly sub-targets, making the larger goal feel less daunting and allowing you to celebrate small wins along the way.

Create a Fundraising Strategy

Opt for a diverse fundraising strategy that combines different methods.

• Online Crowdfunding - utilise platforms such as GoFundMe or JustGiving to reach a wider audience and make it easy and convenient for your supporters to donate.
• Sponsorship - approach local businesses to become sponsors and promote them in communications about your climb, and vice versa.
• Fundraising Events - organising smaller events in the lead-up to your mountain climb for charity can help raise awareness and funds.
• Merchandise Sales - offering branded gear or products can generate extra income for longer term fundraising projects. Ensure you're set up to sell merchandise as there can be tax implications.

Create a compelling story for your fundraising campaign. Articulate why you're climbing the mountain and why your chosen cause matters to you. Personal stories and emotional connections can motivate others to support your efforts. Explain how the raised funds will be used and the potential impact they will have on the charity's mission. People are more likely to donate when they understand how their contribution will help.

Advertise Your Mountain Climb for Charity

Promoting your event is crucial for its success. Use a combination of marketing strategies:

• Social Media - leverage social media networks, such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, to announce and promote your event. Use compelling visuals that represent the climb and your charity, post engaging narratives about the cause and why you're climbing, and keep followers informed with countdowns and milestones reached.
• Business Newsletters & Communications - find local businesses or sponsors who can provide resources, promotional support, and communications in exchange for brand visibility. Invite them to write posts, emails, or share videos about the climb, amplifying your reach and credibility.
• Build a Dedicated Website - if possible, and typically for longer-term fundraising campaigns, consider creating a website to centralise all information regarding the climb. Provide clear information about the date and location, clearly articulate your fundraising target and how donations will be utilised. 

Organise Fundraising Events

Smaller fundraising events in the lead up to your mountain climb for charity can be excellent opportunities to engage your community and raise awareness. Consider your target audience and choose events that resonate with them. After the event, send out thank-you notes/emails to attendees, volunteers, and sponsors. Acknowledge their contributions and share how their support will have a positive impact.

Popular Fundraising Ideas

• Charity Runs/Walks - a great way to combine training for your upcoming mountain challenge with raising awareness for your fundraising campaign. Perhaps attract more attention by dressing up for your walk or run.
• Auctions - online or in-person auctions are fantastic ways to raise money and engagement. Speak to local businesses, post on social media, and email both big and small companies, ask if they're able to donate anything to your auction. You can host in-person with crowd bids, create a website for an online auction, or use an existing platform, such as JumbleBee.

• Quiz Night - there are so many quiz ideas online to create your own big quiz that suits your target audience. Ask local pubs or businesses if you can hire their space either for free or for a reduced fee. Use social media to organise and advertise your event. Decide on an entry fee for your quiz. Perhaps ask local businesses for prize donations for your quiz night winners.
• Music Night & Raffle - do you know any local bands or singers that might be willing to put on a small fundraising concert at a local pub? A music night is a great way to attract people to your event, where you can rely solely on donations and/or entry fees, or even host a raffle for the night.
• Bake Sales - if you can set up a bake sale table either at work, university or school, this is a fun way to help raise funds. Asking friends for help in the baking will save some preparation time and offer a range of goodies to sell. 

Organising a Mountain Climb for Charity

Choose Your Mountain

Select a mountain suitable for you and, if climbing as a group, for your group's skill level. Consider accessibility, weather conditions, trek length, and trail difficulty. Popular options, such as Ben Nevis, Mount Kilimanjaro & Mount Toubkal, often have well-established routes. Check out my guides to the Yorkshire 3 peaks, the UK 3 peaks, and Mount Toubkal for more information on these climbs.

Choose a mountain that is convenient for participants to access yet provides an adventurous experience. If climbing multiple peaks, consider how you'll travel between them and if you need to hire someone to help with the driving.

Solo, Group & Guides

Will you be tackling this mountain solo or in a group, and should you hire a guide? 

Climbing alone allows you to set your own pace, choose your route, and make spontaneous decisions without needing to consult others. It can lead to profound personal insights and self-reflection. There is, however, an increased level of risk. If you encounter an emergency, help may not be readily available. You may miss out on the support that comes from climbing with others, especially during touch sections of the climbs. Only consider climbing solo if you're comfortable with navigation, experienced in hiking, and have trained appropriately for the challenge.

A group setting can provide greater safety, as multiple individuals can watch each other's backs and respond more effectively in cases of emergencies. Climbing with others can also enhance the experience through shared stories, support, and encouragement. However, they often require compromises, as everyone needs to agree on the pace and plans. This can slow down faster climbers or push others beyond their comfort zones. Organising schedules, transportation, and equipment can also be stressful and time-consuming for groups.

Hiring a guide depends on your experience, comfort level, and the location of the mountain. Some mountain climbs, such as Mount Toubkal, require hikers to hire a guide by law. Guides play a pivotal role in mountain climbs as they possess extensive knowledge of the terrain, weather conditions, and climbing techniques. A guide can help navigate tricky sections of the climb and make decisions based on changing environments. This is especially valuable if you're unfamiliar with the area. For novice climbers, hiring a guide can provide valuable instruction and support. If, however, you're a seasoned climber with strong navigation skills, you may feel confident tackling the climb alone or with friends. 

Do You Need a Permit?

Research your chosen mountain and check if you need a permit for climbing. Peaks in national parks or protected areas often require a permit. If you book with a guide, the permit may be included in the price so ensure you communicate with the company about this. Permits can require months of advance application, especially for busy seasons, so it's important to conduct this research early in your planning process. Some permits have regulations on the number of climbers allowed on a trail, which is important to know if you're considering a group trek.

Plan Logistics

With your mountain selected and any necessary permits secured, it's time to dive into logistical planning. Outline your expenses, including permits, supplies, transportation, accommodation, food, and potential emergency expenses. If you're unable to take on 100% of these costs, set a realistic fundraising target that covers a percentage of these costs while still contributing to your charity. This percentage needs to be decided before any fundraising begins and needs to be transparent to your supporters.

When arranging our Mount Kilimanjaro climb back in 2016, we chose to dedicate 50% of our fundraising to the cost of the climb and 50% to our chosen charity, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW). This was made clear in all of our communications to our supporters. In other charity climbs since, 100% of funds raised have been donated. It all depends on your financial position and the amount you anticipate raising.

Organise how your group will get to the mountain, and between mountains if climbing more than one peak. Consider hiring a bus if you have a large group or using carpools for smaller teams. If long distances are involved, perhaps hire someone to do most of the driving so the climbers can rest during the journey. Should the expedition involve overnight stays, book accommodation in advance, whether camping or local lodges, to ensure availability. Address the food and hydration needs for the duration of the climb. Include options that cater to dietary restrictions and pack essential supplies like first-aid kits, climbing gear, and navigational devices.

During the Mountain Climb for Charity

A mountain climb for charity is not only about reaching the summit, but also fostering camaraderie, ensuring safety, and capturing the memorable moments.

Foster Team Spirit

If you're climbing as a group, before you embark, engage in team-building exercises that encourage communication and trust. Activities such as group hikes or obstacle courses can help build relationships and support, while aiding in your fitness training. 

Establish shared objectives that extend beyond simply summiting the mountain. These could include collective fundraising targets, shared moments of encouragement, or milestones that reinforce teamwork throughout the climb. As you climb, celebrate small achievements along the way. Whether it's reaching a designated checkpoint or overcoming a challenging stretch of the trail, recognising these moments can boost morale. If there's quite a few of you, pair up climbers to create a buddy system. This not only fosters collaboration, but ensures everyone is accounted for.

Stay Safe

Safety should be a top priority. Adequate training is vital. Ensure all participants are physically prepared by engaging in an appropriate fitness regimen prior to the climb. This should include cardiovascular training, strength training, and practice hikes.

Know your limits and encourage everyone to listen to their bodies. It's important to understand personal thresholds and not push beyond them. Communicating openly with the team can help prevent fatigue and injuries. Remind everyone of the importance of hydration and nutrition throughout the hike.

Invest in appropriate climbing gear, including proper footwear, weather-appropriate clothing, and essential safety equipment such as first-aid kits. Conduct a gear check before the climb to ensure everyone is prepared. If you're climbing with a guide, adhere to established safety protocols and guidelines. Familiarise yourself with the terrain and weather conditions, and always have a contingency plan in case of emergencies. If you're climbing without a guide, ensure you have at least one navigational device that does not rely upon electronics and know how to use it.

Capture the Experience

Document the climb through photos or videos. These moments can be used for post-climb promotion and to share the experience with your supporters. If you're climbing in a group, consider choosing a member of the team to capture the journey. Document thoughts and experiences through the climb in a small journal. This can help to reflect on personal growth and changes in perspective, which can be shared with supporters post-climb.

Share the Experience

If signal allows for it, use social media stories or live streams to share on-the-ground experiences during the mountain climb for charity. This gives followers a real-time glimpse into the journey. Ask for encouraging messages or share polls about the climb, which can strengthen the community aspect and engagement of your campaign.

After the Charity Climb

Completing a mountain climb for charity is not just an adventure, it's a journey that can transform lives, bring communities together, and amplify the message of your cause. The period following the climb is equally important as it lays the foundation for impact and engagement.

Thank Your Supporters

Take the time to personally thank your supporters. Whether they donated money, offered encouragement, or volunteered their time, acknowledging their contributions is essential. Send personalised emails or messages to express your gratitude, detailing how their support made a difference. Provide details about the funds raised and how they will be used to support the charity's mission. 

Utilise social media platforms to publicly thank your supporters. A simple post acknowledging individual contributions or a collective shout-out can go a long way. Make sure to tag relevant supporters to increase engagement and build community. Consider sending formal thank-you letters, especially to major donors or sponsors.

Share Your Story

Create a recap video, blog post, or social media series showcasing your journey, the challenges faced, and how the funds raised will be used. Transparency fosters trust and encourages future donations. If the climb did not go as planned, communicate this openly. Share what you learned from the experience and how it still contributed to the charity's mission. This content can inspire others to engage with your cause or even embark on their own fundraising adventure.

Host a Celebration Event

Upon return, host a gathering to reflect on the climb, share stories, and express gratitude to all supporters and your climbing team. This event can serve as an excellent way to raise further funds and help build connections with your supporters.

Evaluate & Reflect

If you were part of a climbing team, get together for a debriefing session. Discuss what went well, what could be improved, and the emotional experiences encountered during the journey. This open dialogue fosters stronger relationships among team members and can inform future climbing events.

Evaluate the effectiveness of your fundraising strategy. Look at how much was raised versus the initial goals, donor engagement, and outreach efforts. This analysis can help refine your approach for future fundraising activities.

Encourage each team member to reflect individually on their personal growth throughout the climb. Journals, rating experiences, or simply discussing feelings can lead to valuable insights that resonate beyond the climbing experience.

To Summarise

Embarking on a mountain climb for charity can be an exhilarating way to raise funds and support causes that matter. With the right strategies, planning, and community involvement, you can turn your climbing ambition into a powerful fundraising campaign that leaves a lasting impact. Whether it's the thrill of reaching the summit or the joy of giving back, every step counts.

The journey doesn't end when you reach the summit, it continues through the connections made, the stories shared, and the reflections gathered. Each mountain climbed for charity is an opportunity to build community united by purpose and compassion. Embrace the after-glow of your adventure and carry that spirit forward.

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