Climb for Hope
Climb for Hope is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that funds breast cancer and MS research through charity mountaineering expeditions. Participants commit to raising $2,800–$5,000 minimums across beginner to advanced climbs, with 66% of donations going directly to Johns Hopkins researchers.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2004
- HeadquartersTowson, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Climb for Hope does
Climb for Hope is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2004 by Andrew Buerger in Towson, Maryland, after his sister Jodi was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. The organization raises funds for breast cancer and multiple sclerosis research through a portfolio of charity mountaineering and adventure expeditions. Its core product is a set of guided climbing experiences at varying skill levels—ranging from beginner Mt. Adams climbs to advanced Mt. Rainier ascents and international expeditions on Mexico's Pico de Orizaba—where each participant commits to raising a minimum of $2,800 to $5,000 depending on the expedition. The organization also operates Paddle For Hope, a canoeing expedition program launched in 2019 on Minnesota's Boundary Waters, as a complementary fundraising vehicle.
The business model is a hybrid of event-driven fundraising, direct-to-consumer donations, and corporate sponsorships. Climbers fundraise through personal pages on third-party platforms like Givebutter, while corporate sponsors—including iHeartMedia, B'more Organic, adVenturesAcademy, Ancient Organics, and AdventurHER Travel—provide cash and in-kind support. Since 2007, the organization has raised approximately $750,000 cumulatively, with roughly $100,000 to $150,000 raised annually. Funds are distributed with 66% directed to researchers at Johns Hopkins University (including Dr. Andrew Ewald's cancer metastasis work and Dr. Peter Calabresi's myelin repair research) and at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (Dr. Nancy Lin's HER2-positive breast cancer brain metastasis research, added in 2023), while 33% supports healing experiences for those affected by cancer and MS.
The organization is entirely volunteer-run with no paid staff and no administrative overhead, operating as a lean nonprofit with 1-10 people involved. Expedition logistics are handled by long-term guide partner Rare Earth Adventures, while donations are processed through Givebutter and donorsupport.co. Core customer segments are individuals affected by cancer and MS, outdoor enthusiasts seeking purpose-driven adventure, families, and corporate sponsors aligned with the health mission. To date, over 250 people have safely summited mountains worldwide as part of Climb for Hope expeditions, and the organization has helped accelerate breast cancer research by an estimated six months through its funding of Dr. Leisha Emens' early-stage work.
Climb for Hope firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Climb for Hope
- Legal name
- Climb for Hope Inc.
- Website
- https://climbforhope.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2004
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Climb for Hope is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that funds breast cancer and MS research through charity mountaineering expeditions. Participants commit to raising $2,800–$5,000 minimums across beginner to advanced climbs, with 66% of donations going directly to Johns Hopkins researchers.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Climb for Hope industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Charity Adventure Expeditions
- NAICS
- Grantmaking Foundations (813211), Tour Operators (56152), Voluntary Health Organizations (813212)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Rock Climbing, Mountaineering & Via Ferrata Guides (THAAADAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Climbing & Via Ferrata Guiding / Instruction (THAAALAH), Hiking, Trekking & Backpacking Tour Operators (THAAADAA), Adventure Therapy & Therapeutic Wilderness Programs (THAAAOAG), Rock Climbing, Via Ferrata & Mountaineering (THAJABAE)
Keywords
Where Climb for Hope is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Towson
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Climb for Hope business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Operations, Marketing or Sales, Personnel
Revenue model
- Individual Fundraising: Each climber raises funds through personal fundraising pages and donations. Minimum fundraising requirements range from $2,800 to $5,000 depending on the expedition. The organization raises approximately $100,000 to $150,000 each year.
- Corporate Sponsorships: Corporate sponsors align with the mission, receive brand visibility, website presence, social media mentions, and Patagonia pro-deals. Examples include iHeartMedia, B'more Organic (donates 1% of sales), adVenturesAcademy, Ancient Organics, and AdventurHER Travel.
- Direct Donations: Individual donors can make direct monetary contributions to support breast cancer and MS research.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Mt. Adams - Beginner level, 4-day climb |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Grand Canyon - Beginner level, 5-day rim-to-rim hike |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Mt. Rainier - Advanced level, 5-day climb |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Mt. Olympus - Advanced level, 7-day climb with Blue Glacier |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Pico de Orizaba - Intermediate/International, 8-day climb |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels6 records
Climb for Hope product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Climb for Hope organizes guided charity mountaineering expeditions—including Grand Canyon rim-to-rim hikes, Mt. Adams, Mt. Rainier, Mt. Olympus, Pico de Orizaba, and Eldorado Peak climbs—as well as Paddle For Hope canoe trips. Climbers join by committing to raise a minimum of $2,800 to $5,000 in donations for breast cancer and multiple sclerosis research at Johns Hopkins University and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The organization covers guide fees, group equipment, accommodation, and meals while climbers are responsible for personal gear, airfare, and meeting their fundraising minimums.
Product overview
Climb for Hope is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization offering a portfolio of charity adventure expeditions that combine outdoor mountaineering experiences with fundraising for breast cancer and MS research. The core offerings include Grand Canyon rim-to-rim hikes, Mt. Adams beginner climbs, Mt. Rainier advanced expeditions, Pico de Orizaba international climbs, Mt. Olympus glacier traverses, Eldorado Peak climbs, and Paddle For Hope canoe trips. All expeditions include professional guiding services, training programs, fundraising tools, and community support. The organization primarily partners with Rare Earth Adventures for professional guides and uses Givebutter for donation processing. Climbers are expected to meet fundraising minimums ranging from $2,800 to $5,000 depending on the expedition.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Paddle For Hope: Paddle expeditions on the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness of Northern Minnesota launched in 2019.
Products and services
- Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim Expeditions Charity hiking expeditions through the Grand Canyon offering both rim-to-rim (26 miles) and rim-to-rim-to-rim (50 miles) options. Climbers descend and ascend thousands of feet while raising funds for breast cancer and MS research, with a $3,000 fundraising minimum.
- Mt. Adams Climbs Beginner-friendly three-day mountaineering expeditions on Washington State's second highest peak (12,276 ft), serving as an introduction to glaciated dormant volcano climbing with snow school training. Fundraising minimum of $2,800.
- Mt. Rainier Expeditions Advanced Disappointment Cleaver climbs on Washington State's highest peak (14,411 ft), a technical mountaineering experience including Mountaineering Day School and ascent via Ingraham Glacier. Fundraising minimum of $3,500.
- Pico de Orizaba Expeditions Intermediate international climbs on Mexico's highest peak and third highest in North America (18,491 ft), a transformational expedition requiring $5,000 fundraising minimum.
- Mt. Olympus with Blue Glacier Advanced expedition on Washington's most heavily glaciated peak (7,980 ft), featuring glacier travel, rock climbing pitch, and coastal views over five days from beach to summit. Fundraising minimum of $3,500.
- Eldorado Peak Climbs High-altitude mountaineering expeditions in Washington's Cascades, featuring challenging ridge crossings and glacier travel with teams raising funds for cancer and MS research.
- Paddle For Hope Canoeing expeditions in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness of Northern Minnesota, launched in 2019 as an additional fundraising expedition type alongside mountain climbs.
Quantifiable outcome
- $750,000 raised since 2007, with 66% going directly to Johns Hopkins researchers
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Climb for Hope
Customer profileNamed customers2 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Climb for Hope technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Climb for Hope partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Rare Earth AdventurescoreProfessional mountaineering guides who handle all logistics of expeditions including safety, emergency response, and technical instruction. Long-term partners who have been guiding Climb for Hope expeditions for many years. They handle nitty-gritty details so participants can focus on the experience.
- Johns Hopkins University - Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer CentercorePrimary research beneficiary. Funds Dr. Andrew Ewald's cancer metastasis research focused on understanding how breast cancer cells spread and testing whether reducing lipid acquisition can block tumor growth and metastasis.
- Johns Hopkins University - Multiple Sclerosis CentercorePrimary MS research beneficiary. Funds Dr. Peter Calabresi's myelin repair research using stem cell technology to potentially repair brain and spinal cord lesions in MS patients.
- Dr. Nancy Lin (Dana-Farber Cancer Institute)minorNew research partnership added in 2023. Dr. Lin's work advances new treatments and prediction strategies for patients with HER2-positive breast cancer brain metastasis.
- iHeartMediaminorCorporate sponsor with over a quarter billion monthly listeners in the U.S. Provides brand visibility and marketing exposure through radio and digital platforms.
- B'more OrganicminorOrganic protein smoothie company that donates 1% of sales to Jodi's Climb for Hope. Company originated after a fundraising expedition climb in Iceland in 2010. Sold in nearly 3,500 doors across the country.
- adVenturesAcademyminorProvides hands-on adventure training programs to unleash innovation and build meaningful relationships. Aligns entrepreneurs and investors with adventure experiences.
- Ancient OrganicsminorCalifornia artisan ghee-maker committed to supporting independent local organic dairy farms. Provides product for pre-climb bulletproof coffee and nutrition.
- AdventurHER TravelminorWoman-led company dedicated to getting more women outside adventuring. Focuses on introducing women to outdoor adventure sports including mountaineering.
- Earth Treks Climbing GymminorBaltimore-based climbing gym where B'more Organic originally delivered products. Organization leads training hikes in Baltimore/Washington area before climbs.
- Mountain Shop (Portland)minorPortland-based outdoor gear shop where climbers can rent mountaineering boots and purchase needed gear before expeditions.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Climb for Hope competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Project Koru: Runs outdoor adventure camps and trips (surfing, stand-up paddleboarding) for young adult cancer survivors. Directly comparable mission of combining adventure with healing for those affected by cancer.
- First Descents: Provides outdoor adventure experiences (climbing, kayaking, surfing) for young adults impacted by cancer. Closely comparable charity-adventure model serving a similar cancer-affected segment with guided expedition delivery.
- Moving Mountains for MS (B'resheet): Charity endurance events (cycling, climbing, hiking) raising funds for multiple sclerosis. Direct functional twin to Climb for Hope, with the same MS fundraising cause and adventure-based fundraising approach.
- True North Treks: Organizes outdoor treks and adventure experiences for cancer survivors and caregivers. Comparable nonprofit adventure-therapy model aimed at the cancer-affected population.
Broad incumbents
- Livestrong Foundation: Cancer survivorship nonprofit supporting patients and funding research. Comparable mission of supporting people affected by cancer, with broader program portfolio and significantly larger donor base.
- Breast Cancer Research Foundation: Largest private funder of breast cancer research worldwide. Directly comparable grantmaking focus on breast cancer research but at a $100M+ scale versus Climb for Hope's $100K-$150K annual program.
- Susan G. Komen: Premier breast cancer research and patient-support nonprofit. Same cause vertical as Climb for Hope's breast cancer funding line but operates nationally with a broad portfolio including research, advocacy, and community health.
- National Multiple Sclerosis Society: Largest U.S. nonprofit funding MS research, advocacy, and programs. Operates in the same cause vertical as Climb for Hope's MS funding line but at vastly greater scale and with a broader, non-adventure-based delivery model.
Others
- Back on My Feet: Uses running and athletic participation to help individuals experiencing homelessness achieve self-sufficiency. Comparable model of pairing physical challenge with a social/charitable mission and corporate volunteer engagement.
- Big City Mountaineers: Provides wilderness mentoring and mountaineering trips for under-resourced youth. Comparable model of using guided mountaineering experiences to deliver a social mission, though serving a different beneficiary population.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat3 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Climb for Hope social profiles
Digital presenceClimb for Hope compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Climb for Hope financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Climb for Hope leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Climb for Hope funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Climb for Hope M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Climb for Hope
What does Climb for Hope do?
Climb for Hope organizes guided charity mountaineering expeditions—including Grand Canyon rim-to-rim hikes, Mt. Adams, Mt. Rainier, Mt. Olympus, Pico de Orizaba, and Eldorado Peak climbs—as well as Paddle For Hope canoe trips. Climbers join by committing to raise a minimum of $2,800 to $5,000 in donations for breast cancer and multiple sclerosis research at Johns Hopkins University and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The organization covers guide fees, group equipment, accommodation, and meals while climbers are responsible for personal gear, airfare, and meeting their fundraising minimums.
Is Climb for Hope a public or private company?
Climb for Hope is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Climb for Hope founded?
Climb for Hope was founded in 2004. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Climb for Hope based?
Climb for Hope is headquartered in Towson, United States, in the North America region.
How does Climb for Hope make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Individual Fundraising is the primary driver. The others are corporate Sponsorships and direct Donations.
Who are Climb for Hope's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Project Koru, First Descents, Moving Mountains for MS (B'resheet) and True North Treks. Broad incumbents are Livestrong Foundation, Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Susan G. Komen and National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Others are Back on My Feet and Big City Mountaineers.
Does Climb for Hope have an API?
No public API is recorded for Climb for Hope.
What industry is Climb for Hope in?
Climb for Hope's product category is Charity Adventure Expeditions. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAAADAC, Rock Climbing, Mountaineering & Via Ferrata Guides, with a secondary code of THAAALAH, Climbing & Via Ferrata Guiding / Instruction. Its NAICS code is 813211.