FAQs

How can I start my Challenge? What do I need to do?

The “How it Works” page gives a step-by-step description of the process. It’s really quite simple, and should be fun! Take the time to look through the materials we provide. We hope you’ll find them useful. We welcome feedback!

The “How it Works” page talks a lot about mountain climbers and hiking. I’m confused.

When Peaks Over Poverty was founded in 2008, a group of mountain climbers wanted to raise money for local farmers by doing a climb-a-thon (Peaks Challenge), and raising $1 for every foot they climbed. So, the original fundraising materials were developed to help more hikers and outdoor enthusiasts launch their own Challenge. However, the fundraising materials apply to anyone and everyone! We like to think of the “mountain” and “climber” references as a metaphor for the Challenge, and the social problem we are trying to hurdle.

If I do the Peaks challenge, do I have to be an experienced mountain climber or hiker?

Absolutely not! This Challenge is for everyone and anyone who is looking to get outside and raise money to help improve the environmental quality and well-being of mountain communities. We strongly encourage beginners and offer support through our website and links to help you get started.

How do I determine my “fundraising goal”?

Set a goal that is realistic for YOU. How much do you think you can raise to help your cause reach its mission? Shoot high! You’ll be surprised how many people are willing to support your Challenge.

Can I do more than one Challenge, or the same Challenge more than once?

Of course! There is no limit to your number of Challenges you do. The more the better! However, it’s best to concentrate on one at a time, and if you enjoy the experience of making a difference, try another one! When you activate your blog, you can enter information for more than one campaign, but in order to fundraise for your upcoming Challenge, you must select “current”.

Can I fundraise for an organization that is not listed on your website?

Eventually, we hope that Peaks Over Poverty can be a platform for any non-profit or community member to register a cause or a challenge. However, as a start-up, we are still working through our own technical, logistical, and other organizational challenges. We want to start slow and do things right. So for now, we hope you will support one of the incredibly organizations listed in our Causes section.

Do I have to do one of the Challenges you list on the website? Can I make up a new Challenge for one of the organizations you support, even if they specify a specific Challenge?

Absolutely! There are no “official” regulations for how you launch a Challenge and fundraise. We encourage people to be creative and come up with their own way to spread awareness and generate support.