Wander Project
Wander Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that runs a Charity Bib Program enabling endurance athletes to fundraise for charitable causes through partner race events, supported by tiered memberships, a virtual national parks challenge, and an ambassador network.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded-
- HeadquartersSalt Lake City, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Wander Project does
Wander Project is a U.S. tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (Tax ID 83-1778644) headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, founded in 2018 and operated by a five-person core staff led by Executive Director Zander Chase and Deputy Director Courtney Bierschbach. The organization enables individual runners to transform endurance race participation into charitable fundraising through its core Charity Bib Program: athletes commit to a minimum fundraising threshold tied to event distance (e.g., $500 for a 5K, $1,000 for a half marathon, $1,000-$3,000 for ultras, $3,000-$5,000 for festivals/multi-day events) and receive free race entry in exchange. Wander Project retains 20-35% of raised funds depending on partnership tier, with the balance distributed to one of 90+ nonprofit partners ranging from mental health (Bigger Than the Trail), environmental (The Wilderness Society), cancer research (Breast Cancer Research Foundation), to veteran support (Warrior Trail Foundation).
The technology stack is intentionally lean and non-proprietary: RunSignUp handles charity bib registration, fundraiser pages, and Facebook Fundraiser integration; Donorbox processes direct donations through donorbox.org; PayPal handles credit card transactions. There are no patents or proprietary technology assets. Supporting programs include a four-tier membership subscription ($0-$250/year), the Wander The West Virtual Challenge (a multi-stop national parks virtual event), a 12-person Ambassador Program, and a library of fundraising templates and tutorials. Marketing is executed via Substack email, Facebook, Instagram, ambassador-driven outreach, and on-site presence at partner event expos.
The revenue model is a hybrid of three streams: (1) retained percentage of charity bib fundraising (transaction-fee style), (2) annual membership subscriptions at $50-$250 tiers plus a free spectator tier, and (3) direct tax-deductible donations. The go-to-market is event-driven and partnership-dependent: Wander Project does not own events but distributes charity bib slots through six race/event partners (Vacation Races as primary, plus Aravaipa Running, Orca Running, AKtive Soles, Beast Coast Trail Running, TransRockies Run). In 2024 the organization facilitated $315,000 in charitable giving across 171 athletes and 25 events, with $37,000+ concentrated in Javelina Jundred alone in 2025.
Wander Project firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Wander Project
- Legal name
- Wander Project
- Website
- https://wanderproject.org
- Company type
- Private
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Wander Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that runs a Charity Bib Program enabling endurance athletes to fundraise for charitable causes through partner race events, supported by tiered memberships, a virtual national parks challenge, and an ambassador network.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Wander Project industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Nonprofit Charitable Fundraising Services
- NAICS
- Spectator Sports (71121), Other Spectator Sports (711219), Grantmaking and Giving Services (8132)
- SIC
- Services-Racing, Including Track Operation (7948), Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Road Running Events (Marathons, Half Marathons, 10K/5K) (MPAKAIAA)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Endurance Stage & Destination Challenges (Multi-day Tours, Charity Challenges) (MPAKAIAG)
Keywords
Where Wander Project is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Salt Lake City
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Wander Project business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Membership subscriptions: Annual membership program with four tiers ($0-$250) providing swag, discounts, early access to events, and community involvement. Spectator (free), Start Line ($50), Aid Station ($100), Finish Line ($250).
- Charity bib fundraising retention: Organization retains 20-35% of funds raised through charity bibs depending on partnership level. National Partners: 20% retained, Regional Partners: 25% retained, Local Partners: 30% retained, Your Choice charities: 35% retained (reduced to 25% if raised $20,000-$49,000, 20% if raised over $50,000).
- Direct donations: Tax-deductible donations accepted through Donorbox platform. Wander Project is a U.S. tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Tax ID 83-1778644.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | One time | 5K events require $500 minimum fundraising |
| Other | One time | Half Marathon events require $1,000 minimum fundraising |
| Other | One time | Ultra events require $1,000-$3,000 minimum fundraising |
| Other | One time | Festivals and multi-day events require $3,000-$5,000 minimum fundraising |
| Subscription | Monthly | Spectator membership is free |
| Subscription | Annual | Start Line Member - $50 annual donation |
| Subscription | Annual | Aid Station Member - $100 annual donation |
| Subscription | Annual | Finish Line Member - $250 annual donation |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels8 records
Marketing channels6 records
Wander Project product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Wander Project operates a Charity Bib Program that enables runners to fundraise for charitable causes in exchange for free race entry at partner endurance events. Runners commit to minimum fundraising amounts ($500 to $5,000 depending on event distance) and choose from a network of over 90 nonprofit partners. The organization also runs a four-tier Membership program, a virtual national parks challenge, and an Ambassador program to support community engagement.
Product overview
Wander Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that operates a portfolio of programs centered on enabling runners to fundraise for charitable causes through outdoor racing events. The core offering is the Charity Bib Program, which allows athletes to turn race participation into fundraising by committing to a minimum fundraising goal in exchange for free race entry. Supporting programs include Memberships (four tiers providing swag, discounts, and voice in partnerships), the Wander The West Virtual Challenge (a virtual national parks exploration event), the Ambassador Program (community advocates), and Fundraising Resources (educational tools and templates). The organization partners with race events nationwide including Vacation Races, Javelina Jundred, Cocodona, and others.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Charity Bib Program A program enabling runners to fundraise a minimum commitment ($500 for 5K, $1,000 for half marathon, $1,000-$3,000 for ultras, $3,000-$5,000 for festivals and multi-day events) in exchange for waived race entry at partner events. Athletes select from 90+ verified 501(c)(3) nonprofit partners to support.
- Memberships Four-tier annual membership program providing supporters with swag, race discounts, early event access, and community voice: Spectator (free), Start Line ($50/year), Aid Station ($100/year), and Finish Line ($250/year).
- Wander The West Virtual Challenge A free virtual road trip event in August where participants virtually explore national parks, log miles, and can optionally fundraise with funds distributed to national park nonprofit partners including Rocky Mountain Conservancy, Grand Teton National Park Foundation, Glacier National Park Conservancy, Washington's National Park Fund, Yosemite Conservancy, Joshua Tree National Park Association, and Friends of Arches and Canyonlands Parks.
Quantifiable outcome
- $315,000 raised in 2024 across 171 athletes supporting 90+ charities
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Wander Project
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Wander Project technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration3 records
Wander Project partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and secondary.
- Vacation RacescorePrimary event partner offering charity bibs at iconic national park events including Zion Half/Ultras, Grand Circle Trailfest, Rocky Mountain Half, Bryce Canyon Ultras, Mount Rainier Half, and Blue Ridge Mountains Trailfest.
- Aravaipa Running (Javelina Jundred)coreEvent partner for Javelina Jundred, one of the most anticipated 100-mile ultra events. Charity bibs offered for both 100-mile and 100K distances.
- Orca RunningsecondaryPacific Northwest race partner offering charity bibs at Orca Half Marathon and other running events in the region.
- AKtive SolessecondaryAlaska-based running events partner including Hatcher Pass Marathon and Relay with charity bib offerings.
- Beast Coast Trail RunningsecondaryEast Coast trail running events partner including Seven Sisters Trail Race in Massachusetts. Amy Rusiecki serves as both Race Director for Seven Sisters and Board Member for Wander Project.
- TransRockies RunsecondaryMulti-day stage race partner in Colorado offering charity bibs for the endurance event.
- Rocky Mountain ConservancycoreOfficial nonprofit partner for Wander The West Virtual Challenge Stop 1. Primary philanthropic partner of Rocky Mountain National Park since 1931.
- Grand Teton National Park FoundationcoreOfficial nonprofit partner for Stop 2 of Wander The West Virtual Challenge. Works directly with Grand Teton National Park on special funding initiatives.
- Glacier National Park ConservancycoreOfficial nonprofit partner for Stop 3 of Wander The West Virtual Challenge. Mission to protect and preserve Glacier's Wilderness, Wildlife, and Wonder.
- Washington's National Park FundcoreOfficial nonprofit partner for Stop 4 covering Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks. Supports critical projects across all three parks.
- Yosemite ConservancycoreOfficial nonprofit partner for Stop 5 of Wander The West Virtual Challenge. Dedicated to preserving Yosemite National Park with over 100 years of partnership history.
- Joshua Tree National Park AssociationcoreOfficial nonprofit partner for Stop 6 of Wander The West Virtual Challenge. Primary nonprofit partner of Joshua Tree National Park since 1962.
- Friends of Arches and Canyonlands ParkscoreOfficial nonprofit partner for Stop 7 (final stop) of Wander The West Virtual Challenge. Supports Arches and Canyonlands National Parks in Utah.
- Challenged Athletes FoundationcoreNational nonprofit partner providing support for athletes with physical challenges. Featured partner at multiple events including Cocodona and Javelina Jundred.
- Bigger Than The TrailcoreMental health awareness organization focused on outdoor activities. National nonprofit partner supporting runners' fundraising efforts.
- Rising HeartscoreNonprofit advocating for Indigenous inclusivity in running. Featured partner at multiple ultra events including Cocodona and Javelina Jundred.
- The Wilderness SocietysecondaryEnvironmental conservation nonprofit. Charity bib athletes have run for this organization to support trail and national park preservation.
- RunSignUpcoreTechnology platform used for charity bib registration, fundraising tracking, and race results. Enables Facebook Fundraiser integration for linked donations.
- DonorboxcoreDonation processing platform used for direct donations to Wander Project. Secure SSL encrypted payment processing.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Wander Project competitors and assessment
Company assessmentMarket position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Wander Project social profiles
Digital presenceWander Project compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
Wander Project financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Wander Project leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Wander Project funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Wander Project 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 Wander Project
What does Wander Project do?
Wander Project operates a Charity Bib Program that enables runners to fundraise for charitable causes in exchange for free race entry at partner endurance events. Runners commit to minimum fundraising amounts ($500 to $5,000 depending on event distance) and choose from a network of over 90 nonprofit partners. The organization also runs a four-tier Membership program, a virtual national parks challenge, and an Ambassador program to support community engagement.
Is Wander Project a public or private company?
Wander Project is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Wander Project founded?
Wander Project was founded in -1. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Wander Project based?
Wander Project is headquartered in Salt Lake City, United States, in the North America region.
How does Wander Project make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Membership subscriptions are the primary driver. The others are charity bib fundraising retention and direct donations.
Does Wander Project have an API?
No public API is recorded for Wander Project.
What industry is Wander Project in?
Wander Project's product category is Nonprofit Charitable Fundraising Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAKAIAA, Road Running Events (Marathons, Half Marathons, 10K/5K), with a secondary code of MPAKAIAG, Endurance Stage & Destination Challenges (Multi-day Tours, Charity Challenges). Its NAICS code is 71121 and its SIC code is 7948.