October Issue #5
How Annual Giving Could Impact Equity in the Outdoors
In this fifth and final issue of our October series, we'll be focusing on the costs and funding necessary to sustain the programs making the outdoors more accessible.
Opening the doors
Nonprofits and community groups run mentorship programs, rent or buy adaptive equipment, operate free or subsidized lessons, and coordinate transportation. These all have real financial costs. Below, we break down the common cost centers, demonstrate how some organizations cover them, and explain the funding strategies that keep these programs running.
Chill’s financial expenses for 2024 fiscal year
Where the money goes
Have you ever wondered how much it costs to run one of these programs and where the money goes? There is no universal number that magically unlocks funding for these programs. Every organization will have different needs, but as the pie chart above reflects, most expenses go towards programs and services. The above chart shows Chill’s expenses for the 2024 fiscal year. As you can see, general and administrative expenses account for less than 12% of their overall spending.
While the below is not an exhaustive list, I hope it will help you to better understand the economics behind running these programs. If you want to see a specific program’s breakdown, search for their annual report.
Adaptive and speciality equipment: From sit-skis, off-road wheelchairs, and other adaptive devices often in the thousands per unit.
Program delivery (staff, instructors, training): Adaptive instructors require specialized training and often higher staff to participant ratios.
Transportation and logistics: Vans, buses, and drivers are essential for many programs bringing underserved youth to programs.
Facilities, insurance, trail infrastructure: Even volunteer-run trail stewardship requires tools, insurance, and administrative overhead.
Capital needs and emergencies: Facility repairs, gear replacement, and shortfalls.
SheJumps serves girls 6+ and women 18+ who either have never participated in outdoor activities or are active members of the outdoor community looking to give back and share their passion
How to break down barriers to entry and fund programs
Support multi-year operating grants: Predictable funding enables organizations to retain staff, maintain gear, and plan strategically.
Fund capital equipment pools: Grants that purchase adaptive equipment, fund a specific position or program.
Donate: Whether at the program level or donating your time by volunteering.
Building a more inclusive outdoors takes more than passion—it takes capital that matches ambition. As we head into the holidays and annual giving campaigns ramp up, understanding the financial investment required to sustain programs expanding outdoor access is essential. Whether it’s a small weekend trip that costs a few thousand dollars or a regional adaptive center with multi-million dollar commitments, funding programs that help others get outside is what turns sporadic experiences into lifelong passions and hobbies.