Since our founding in 2011, HIKE for Mental Health has directed more than $1 million to mental health research, veterans’ mental wellness, and wilderness trail preservation — while keeping our cumulative operating costs to roughly $159,000 over that same period. We believe that efficiency reflects who we are: an all-volunteer organization where founders and supporters cover much of the cost of doing business so that hike donations can go where they matter most.
Our mission to end the stigma surrounding mental illness grows stronger each year as more hikers, hike leaders, sponsors, and contributors help spread the word.
Where the money goes
The large majority of funds raised through our hikes and walks is directed to alleviating the suffering associated with mental illness, primarily through research grants funded via the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation.
These NARSAD grants enable breakthrough research into the causes and treatments of conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, PTSD, depression, eating disorders, addiction, anxiety, OCD, and other brain and behavior disorders.
Veterans mental health
Our Pearland Veterans Day Walk raises funds for organizations supporting Texas veterans battling PTSD and other mental health challenges. Over the years, beneficiaries of the Walk have included organizations such as Camp Hope — PTSD Foundation of America, Combat Marine Outdoors, and Warrior Refuge.
Since 2013, the Walk has distributed well over $140,000 to local veterans’ organizations.
Trail Conservancy
A meaningful share of the proceeds from our hikes goes back to the trails that make our work possible. Over the years, we have distributed funds to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy , the Pacific Crest Trail Association, the Continental Divide Trail Coalition, and other trail maintenance organizations, helping preserve the outdoor experiences at the heart of our mission.
Operating Expenses
Our operating costs — credit card processing fees, website hosting, insurance, software, event materials, and basic administrative expenses — have totaled approximately $159,000 since our founding in 2011. These costs have historically been covered through founder and board contributions, merchandise sales, and donations specifically directed to operations, allowing the vast majority of hike donations to flow directly to our mission.
As an all-volunteer organization led by people with full-time jobs elsewhere, we have kept overhead to a minimum for more than a decade. We are now working toward our next chapter: hiring our first full-time Executive Director, funded through a dedicated capital effort rather than by diverting funds from our mission programs. You can read more about that transition on our About page.
Want more information?
If you would like more information about the financials of HIKE for Mental Health, you may:
- ask us for more information
- verify our 501(c)(3) nonprofit status at the official IRS website using EIN 45-4085310
- check out our Gold Seal of Transparency on Candid (formerly GuideStar)
- request to view our Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, or Form 990 filings by contacting us
We are committed to complete transparency, so if anything is unclear, please ask us so we can make it clearer for everyone. Thanks!
