Wilderness immersion for social impact leaders

Our programs empower changemakers with the leadership skills, strategic clarity, and connection with the planet needed to catalyze a meaningful and sustainable impact.

Who we serve.

This multi-faceted experience attracts a diverse group of social impact leaders and changemakers. Whether you’re a well-seasoned business owner or just starting on the path of entrepreneurship, the Wild Gift Fellowship can help support the growth of your leadership capabilities and your venture.

What we do.

Wild Gift is a non-profit organization that hosts guided backpacking trips for social impact leaders to practice problem-solving in a new, adventurous way. Our free Fellowship program is a harmonious blend of personal and professional development and deep immersion into the wilderness.

  • SYNERGY

    We believe that reverence for wild nature is essential for leadership and the welfare of all people.

  • GROWTH

    We believe that the dynamism and diversity of wild places are vast resources for learning and creativity.

  • CONNECTION

    We believe that strong connections with wild places and a supportive community are the foundation for lasting change.

  • INCLUSION

    We believe that diversity in race, age, gender, ability, and sexual orientation makes us a more capable organization.

The power of nature.

In the wild, we must be resilient, adaptable, and intentional. Our program allows participants to harness these teachings, and apply them to their venture, business, and daily life.

Mission

Wild Gift connects and empowers environmental entrepreneurs through immersive wilderness experiences.

Vision

Wild Gift envisions a more just and sustainable world built by changemakers who share a common bond with wild nature.

  • “As Executive Director of Wild Gift, I have the opportunity to witness the process of deep contemplation and reflection, as fellows question how to achieve more... how to make a bigger impact.”

    Cassidy Cichowicz

    Wild Gift Executive Director

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Meet our alumni

  • Laurel Birk

    Laurel Birk

    FOUNDER OF CONVERSATIONS WITH FOREST

  • Sarah Knapp

    Sarah Knapp

    FOUNDER OF MAPPY HOUR

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See all alumni
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FAQs

  • We welcome mentors and supporters who share our passion for environmental and social change. Please scroll down to the bottom and click “contact us” to reach out to our staff and learn more about how you can contribute your expertise, time, or resources to our mission.

  • You can stay informed about Wild Gift by subscribing to our newsletter below, or by following us on social media where we share updates, stories, and the latest achievements of our fellows and organization.

  • Wild Gift supports emerging leaders from North America and focuses on projects with a global and environmental impact. However, our network and mission have a broader international reach.

  • Donations are essential to our work. Please visit our donation page, where you can make a one-time donation or set up recurring contributions to help us empower the next generation of environmental and social entrepreneurs.

  • Currently, Wild Gift offers one Fellowship per year to founders of environmental and social impact organizations. In addition, we are launching a new program, Wild Strides, which is a "bite-sized" version of the Fellowship. Visit our Wild Strides page for more info!

    The areas we’ve trekked include:

    Utah:

    Southern Utah’s wildly diverse and pristine landscape makes it an ideal setting for a springtime backcountry experience. The prehistoric beauty of the arches, canyons, and buttes, along with the desert-adapted flora and fauna provide endless opportunities for exploration and immersion in a breathtaking wilderness setting. The route includes a mix of day hiking from remote basecamps to multi-day backpacking. No prior backpacking or canyoneering experience is required; however, we encourage participation from folks open to adventure and willing to be continuously awestruck by the incredible topography and landscape!

    Idaho:

    The Wild Gift basecamp in Sun Valley, Idaho is the gateway to the largest wilderness and roadless areas in the lower 48 US states. Far from major population centers, this remote wilderness is the domain of abundant wildlife flora and fauna, a blank canvas for engagement in one of nature’s most dynamic mediums. The route follows a gentle progression from rolling sub-alpine terrain to the jagged peaks of the Rocky Mountain ranges. No prior backpacking, snowshoeing, or skiing experience is required. Fellows will quickly develop the skills to travel safely, proficiently and joyfully. The adventure starts in a backcountry “hut” and progresses out into the wilderness traveling over several mountain ranges over a distance of 40 miles with close to 14,000’ of elevation gains and loss.

    Alaska:

    In the early years of Wild Gift, the trek was held in rural Alaska. Fellows trekked with two guides across glaciers, through rugged trail-less forests, and down rivers in old canoes. Perhaps some of the most wild expeditions, we hope to one day take our Fellowship back to the great frontier.

To see FAQs related to the Fellowship or Wild Strides specifically, please visit the respective pages.

Make a donation to Wild Gift

Support the next generation of environmental entrepreneurs by donating to our Wild Gift fund.