Becca Polglase
The last 20 months have challenged all of us in ways we never could have imagined. Now more than ever, we need the outdoors to connect with one another, as well as experience the physical, emotional, and mental benefits that outdoor recreation provides.
Unfortunately, getting enough time outside is difficult for many. Lack of time, responsibilities at home and at work, and lack of technical knowledge are just some of the challenges that prevent people from experiencing all the outdoors has to offer. At The Mountaineers, we endeavor to make sure financial hardship isn’t one of those challenges.
Ensuring all people can access opportunities to build confidence and feel belonging in the outdoors is a critical way The Mountaineers can support the health and wellness of our community. We need your help to make this possible.
Every year, donors support outdoor access by providing more than 150 scholarships for youth and adults to participate in courses, camps, and experiential learning. In my time at The Mountaineers, many individuals have shared how they were able to participate in a course thanks to the scholarship they received. Many of these folks are now mentoring new students in our community. Time and time again, we hear how critical donor-funded scholarships are to supporting new students in joining our growing outdoor community:
“My Mountaineers scholarship made it possible for me to take scrambling, navigation, and wilderness first aid, which had a huge impact on my life. Learning about off-trail travel and increasing my mountaineering skills through these courses gave me so much more confidence in myself.
I am a full-time college student and also a mother of 3 kids. Often, I don’t have the money or time to spend on myself or my personal interests. This scholarship allowed me to spend time doing something I always hoped to do. I was proud to show my kids how I worked through my personal goals and succeeded. I will definitely look for ways to start volunteering and give back. Thank you!”
- Monica H., 2-year member, scholarship recipient
On Tuesday, November 30, The Mountaineers will once again participate in #GivingTuesday. This year, we increased our fundraising goal to meet the growing needs of our community and aim to raise $20,000 for Mountaineers scholarships.
Yes, this means there’s going to be a few emails. We wouldn’t be asking if it wasn’t mission-critical.
Supporting scholarships at The Mountaineers is easy, and gifts of all sizes have a meaningful impact. You can make a donation online through Facebook or our #GivingTuesday donation page. If you have questions about how to make your gift, would like to make a gift of securities, or would like to give through your Donor Advised Fund, please reach out to development@mountaineers.org.
Thank you for considering a gift in support of the health and well-being of our community. It truly means a lot to us.
How to Participate in #GivingTuesday
- Make a gift online at mountaineers.org/givingtuesday. No need to wait until November 30 - make your gift today!
- Donate through our Facebook fundraiser and share the impact of your gift with your friends.
- Double the impact of your scholarship gift when you make a first-time Peak Society-level gift of $1,000 or more. NEW Peak Society donors will receive a 100% match of their scholarship gift, up to $20,000.
Peak Society Matching Opportunity
While we will celebrate #GivingTuesday on November 30, this global day of giving also formally kicks off our year-end giving efforts.
New this year! First time Peak Society donors have the opportunity to double the impact of their gift by making a personal contribution of $1,000 or more. When you elect to join the Peak Society with a first-time gift at this level, you will see your gift 100% matched by a generous pool of donors, up to $19,000. All gifts of $1,000 or more from new Peak Society donors received from November 15 through December 31, 2021 are eligible. Contact Amber Carrigan with questions.
The Mountaineers® is a 501(c)(3) organization supported through earned revenue and elevated through charitable contributions, tax ID:27-3009280, 7700 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115.
