Hike for Hope

Your Adventure Package — Fundraising Tips

Presented by G Adventures

With the Jane Goodall Hike for Hope, we’re inviting people across Canada to connect with the natural world and raise funds to ensure the work that Dr. Jane championed can continue. To help make your fundraiser as successful as possible, we’ve put together some fundraising tips and best practices.

Fundraising Made Easy

• Step 1: Make giving as easy as possible for your donors.
  • Set up your page on CrowdChange. Upload your photo and let your supporters know that building a better future for animals, people, and the environment — with the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada — is important.
  • Pro tip: People give to people, not just causes. The more you can speak about what the Hike for Hope means to you, the more your donors can connect with your story — and the more successful your fundraising is going to be.

• Step 2: Think about who you can ask to support your hike.
  • Partner: If it’s important to you, it’ll be important to them, too.
  • Family: Beyond your parents, consider aunts, uncles, cousins, or grandparents who may be interested in supporting your fundraising campaign.
  • Friends: Is your birthday soon? Consider asking for donations instead of presents this year, and see what kind of difference your friends can make in your honour.
  • Neighbours: Nothing can beat good neighbours. Consider seeking support from them, and think about what you could offer in return — walking dogs, watering plants, and so on.
  • Colleagues: Chances are some of your colleagues may be interested in supporting you and your fundraising campaign. It never hurts to ask during your next lunch break.
    • Pro tip: Many companies have gift matching programs. If one of your colleagues is donating to your campaign, make sure they look into your workplace’s gift matching opportunities.
  • Social media followers: Reach out to your social media network, too! There are probably more people than you would think who are interested in contributing. Let them know why you are participating in the Hike for Hope, and make it easy for them to support you.

• Step 3: Share why you care — and ask!
  • Now that you have considered who you might reach out to, think about what you want to say. This is the part that can feel uncomfortable, but it does not need to be.
  • Let them know why you care. People are much more likely to give when they understand your personal connection: What inspired you to take part? Why is this cause important in your life?
  • Remind them that every dollar counts! Whether they give $10 or $100, the funds add up — and every step you take is part of making an incredible difference. And make sure you include the link to your personal page, so they can give to your Hike for Hope specifically.
  • We recommend starting with one standard template, and modifying that message for each recipient. Making this message personal is key! For inspiration, check out the sample below.
  • Think about the best way to reach each person on your list, and then connect with them through that method. Different people communicate different ways, so meet them wherever they are most comfortable — a basic email, a Facebok message, an Instagram DM.
  • Pro-tip: If you donated to your own fundraising page, ask them to match your gift. Or ask them to donate the amount of your Hike for Hope goal — for example, if you plan to hike for 30 minutes or 30 kilometres, ask for $30. This can be a fun way to connect steps and gifts!
  • Pro tip: Don’t give up near the finish line. If you’re close to your next milestone, let them know. “I’m $[X] away from my next goal” is an important, concrete, and motivating ask that gives a donor a clear sense of impact. Anyone would love being the person who puts you over the top!

• Step 4: Say thank you.
  • The most important step! Make sure you recognize when someone donates to your page — send them a handwritten note, give them a call, send them a text. It lets them know you appreciate their gifts, and may even help with recruiting them again next year.
  • Pro tip: Add an extra “thank you” once you have finished your hike. You can share updates, pictures, and speak about your experience once it’s done — and, again, let them know how thankful you are for the support they have shown you.

Fundraising Milestones

$25 — Trekker

Raising $25 unlocks an exclusive Jane Goodall Hike for Hope poster, designed by an artist based in Halifax. Show off this poster to commemorate your participation.

$100 — Adventurer

Raising $100 unlocks special stickers that you won’t find anywhere else. You can put them on your laptop or your notebook, or share them with your friends and family.

$250 — Navigator

Raising $250 unlocks a limited edition reusable water bottle, ensuring you can stay hydrated when you head out into nature.

$500 — Trailblazer

Raising $500 unlocks an exclusive hat, which you can wear with pride to show your support — and to stay cool from the sun when you head outdoors.

$500 — Captain

When a team page raises $500, the Team Captain receives an exclusive Team Captain Pin — which you can wear to show your support and inspire others with your leadership.

$1,000 — Summiter

Raising $1,000 unlocks an enamel pin to celebrate your leadership, and plantable greeting cards, which you can use to thank those who donated in support of your hike.

Please note that rewards can only be shipped to addresses in Canada.

Fundraising Resources

Want to be prepared when your loved ones ask you about the Jane Goodall Hike for Hope? We’ve created these resources for you — so you can hand them out whenever someone wants to learn more about your hike. Download them today and have them ready for when you need them.

Sample Email Message

Hi [Name],

You might not know this, but chimpanzees — our closest living relatives — are endangered. And the wild places they call home are disappearing fast.

The Jane Goodall Institute of Canada is working to change that, protecting wildlife and partnering with local communities and young changemakers who are taking action.

For me, this work is personal. Like so many, I was moved by Dr. Jane Goodall's extraordinary life. To mark one year since her passing, I've decided to honour her memory the best way I know how — by taking action.
 
I've decided to join the Jane Goodall Hike for Hope. This October, I'll be hiking through [location], and I've committed to raising at least [$] to help fund the Institute's conservation work — and advance Dr. Jane's mission.

Will you help by making a donation to my Hike for Hope? Every dollar makes a real difference, and would be so appreciated. You can contribute here: [CrowdChange link].

Thank you so much for your support!
[Your name]

Sample Social Media Post

I've signed up for the Jane Goodall Hike for Hope, and I'd love your support!

In honour of Jane Goodall and all that she stood for, I'll be hiking through [location] this October. I've committed to raising [$] — and it would mean the world to me if you could donate to my campaign.

[explain why you're choosing to take part]

If you're feeling inspired, you can donate [here: CrowdChange link/at the link in my bio]. Every dollar makes a real difference and helps fund the work that the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada does!

Thank you to our official Adventure Sponsor, G Adventures. For decades, G Adventures has helped people explore the world responsibly, sustainably, and meaningfully. The approach they take to small-group travel, community connection, and respect for wildlife and our shared environment aligns deeply with Dr. Jane’s mission — and we are proud to have them as our official Adventure Sponsor, helping you prepare for your journey.