Click Here to Make an Online Donation
Fundraising contributions are an essential part of our ministry. Registration fees from Wilderness Trail’s events cover only a fraction of our annual budget and in order to continue and grow our ministry, we depend on the financial support of our donors. Through your contributions our ministry is able to grow and offer youth and adults the life-changing experience of meeting God in the wilderness.
Although times are tough for many of us, we know that your passion and love for Trail is great. It is because of this that we appeal to you to help grow our ministry!
Capital Improvements
Our two new staff quarters and two new bathhouses (completed May 2011) were built for us at cost by Palm Harbor Homes, with the total project cost just shy of $400,000. The addition of these new buildings will allow our ministry to better support the number of hikers that already visit us each season, but more importantly, allow Wilderness Trail to host even more hikers- helping to fulfill founder L.B. Izzi’s dream to share this ministry with as many youth as we can. A gift to the capital campaign is especially meaningful, as it will take many years to completely pay for these buildings.
Ways to Give
Give to our Everyday Fund
A gift to our Everyday Fund will help support the daily needs of our ministry- be it for office or hiking equipment, staffing or trail food! Your “operations contributions” are vital each and every day for the functionality of our ministry.
Give to Scholarship a Hiker
Hiker scholarships are a fundamental part of our ministry. Through scholarships, youth who could not otherwise attend are given the life-changing experience of meeting God in the wilderness. Like all our hikers, these youth gain increase self-confidence, a deeper understanding of the body of Christ, and a chance to see and live out Christ-centered servant leadership. In many cases, their presence also provides their Staff and other hikers the opportunity to get to know and love someone from a different background.
Need-based scholarships are provided to hikers who submit an application and provide a reference who can attest to their need. In 2010, 39 hikers received need-based scholarships.
Gifts of Recognition
This is a great way to recognize a person or occasion with a gift that truly lasts. Gifts may be made in honor of a special person or to celebrate an important event. Contributions may also be made in memory of a friend or family member. Be sure to include the name and address of your special person, so that all recipients of your gift(s) will be notified via card by Alisa. The amount of your gift will not be disclosed, unless requested.
Make your check payable to: Wilderness Trail, Inc. at P.O. Box 742, Waynesville NC 28786
...or donate online. From our online contribution page, you can choose to make a one-time or recurring gift. Recurring monthly pledges are a great way to make a small amount grow without putting a big strain on your bank account at one time.
Wilderness Trail is a 501(c)3 nonprofit and all contributions are tax-deductible.
2010 Ornament
Christmas Ornaments
WT makes a new Christmas ornament each holiday season in a limited edition of 100. 2010's ornaments feature the Wilderness Trail Hiking People, who represent Galatians 6:2: "Bear one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ". You can still order yours; each ornament costs $50 and all proceeds benefit our ongoing capital improvements. We have a few 2008 and 2009 ornaments left (the Chapel and the Lodge); while supplies last, you can purchase the 2008 ornament with this 2009's for $75. Once you make payment through our web payment page and you will be contacted via email to confirm the shipping information.
Tie-Dyed Shirts 
Wilderness Trail's tie-dyed t-shirts make great souvenirs and gifts, with all proceeds to benefit the on-going capital improvements. This year's t-shirts are hunter green and come in Adult S-XL; there is a limited amount, so order yours before they run out! Once you make payment through our web payment page and you will be contacted via email to confirm the shipping information.
Corporate Sponsorships
Wilderness Trail emphasizes to its hikers that servant leadership, the Body of Christ, and the faith journey don’t just exist on the trail; they are just as real in our everyday lives. While Many of our “alumni” have gone on to serve in professional ministry, many more go on to act as servant leaders and set positive examples in secular jobs.
Our Corporate Sponsorship program is another opportunity for “secular” businesses to create positive change. Small and large businesses can give back to their communities and nurture future leadership by helping Wilderness Trail to continue and to grow as a ministry.
During our Summer Events, our hikers travel 45 miles over the course of 5 days on Trail. After 150 miles with us they earn “Trail Blazer” status. We invite you to journey with us by making a pledge as a…
Trail Blazer Sponsor: $5,000+
- Receive the benefits of a ‘Mile 45 Sponsor’, plus your logo added to our brochure, which is distributed to thousands of current and potential participants each year
Mile 45 Sponsor: $2,000
- Receive the benefits of a ‘Mile 25 Sponsor’, plus public recognition of your support displayed at our Lodge.
Mile 25 Sponsor: $1,000
- Receive the benefits of a ‘Mile 10 Sponsor’, plus a plaque for display at your office or business
- Your logo displayed on our website as a corporate sponsor
Mile 10 Sponsor: $1,000
- Your business name listed on our website as a corporate sponsor
- Recognized annually in our newsletter, circulation 3,500+
Planned Giving
Types of planned gifts include a bequest, in which you leave a percentage, specific amount, and/or residual of your estate to Wilderness Trail. To include Wilderness Trail in your will, you can use the following language: “I give $________; ________% and/or all of the residue of my estate to Wilderness Trail, Inc., Waynesville, NC, a North Carolina not-for-profit corporation.” To find a planned gift that is most beneficial to your specific situation, talk with your financial advisor.
Benefits to the donor: Reduces the taxable portion of your estate; gift lives on after the life of the donor.