Wilderness Drives Strong Leadership.

Leadership Drives Change.

Wilderness-based programs for early-stage social impact founders.

Our Programs
Support Wild Gift
Our Alumni

(credibility statment): Since 2002, Wild Gift has supported more than 130 founders working to create stronger communities and a healthier planet.

Apply Now for the 2026 Wild Gift Fellowship!

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Apply Now for the 2026 Wild Gift Fellowship! 〰️

Our Impact

For more than two decades, Wild Gift has helped founders grow into strong, grounded leaders capable of driving lasting change. Our more than 130 alumni lead organizations in climate resilience, conservation, community wellbeing, regenerative agriculture, social equity, and beyond.

Fellows consistently report that Wild Gift is a defining moment in their leadership journey, deepening clarity, strengthening confidence, and providing a community they continue to turn to for years.

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• 130+ Fellows supported
• Programs at no cost to participants
• Alumni leading ventures across 20+ states
• One of the longest-running wilderness-based leadership fellowships in the U.S.

Why We Exist / The Need for Wild Gift

Wild Gift was created to bring the transformative power of nature to leaders who are working to build a better world. Time in deep wilderness offers a rare opportunity to develop the clarity, resilience, and grounded perspective that strong leadership demands—the same qualities needed to build an effective, lasting organization.

Entrepreneurs hold tremendous potential to create positive impact, but the journey is demanding. It’s filled with constant decisions, uncertainty, and pressure. Wild Gift exists for early-stage social impact founders, providing the space to strengthen their leadership, sharpen their strategic direction, and build the internal resolve needed to create meaningful change throughout their lives.

  • “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

  • "Walls came down that I didn't even know were up, forever friends were forged, and limits were tested. It was powerful, deeply emotional, and beautiful."

    Rachel Willis

    2023 Wild Gift Alum

  • "I learned a lot being surrounded by other female entrepreneurs... we were all a working unit in making everything happen."

    2022 Wild Strides Alum

  • "I've deeply enjoyed the camaraderie within our cohort and support for each others' ventures, and the structured programming to further the development of my venture through reflection."

    Jay Simpson

    2022 Wild Gift Alum

Wild Gift supports early-stage founders and changemakers working on climate solutions, conservation, community wellbeing, sustainable systems, and social equity. We prioritize individuals who normally would not take a 3 week trek or have access to leadership, venture development, and mentorship opportunities. All of our programs are free or low cost (alumni gatherings), offering immersive experiences and year-round support regardless of leader’s capacity.

Join Us

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Get involved:
• Apply to the Fellowship
• Support Wild Gift
• Stay connected through our newsletter
• Reach out to explore partnerships

Who we serve.

Why Wilderness

Wilderness builds strong leaders. Away from noise and distraction, founders learn to navigate challenge, sit with uncertainty, and trust their instincts. Backcountry travel mirrors the realities of building a mission-driven venture, both require adaptability, courage, clear decision-making, and a willingness to stay the course.

Wild places don’t just reveal leadership; they strengthen it. Time in nature gives founders renewed purpose, sharper perspective, and the confidence to lead with integrity and vision.

Meet our alumni

  • Laurel Birk

    Laurel Birk

    FOUNDER OF CONVERSATIONS WITH FOREST

  • Sarah Knapp

    Sarah Knapp

    FOUNDER OF MAPPY HOUR

  • Raj Vable

    FOUNDER OF YOUNG MOUNTAIN TEA

  • Christian Shaw

    FOUNDER OF TREESWAX

  • Georgia Grace Edwards

    FOUNDER OF GNARA APPAREL

  • Alexander Bailey

    FOUNDER OF BLACK OUTSIDE, INC.

  • Rachel Willis

    FOUNDER OF OUTPATCH

  • James Gray

    FOUNDER OF SEREN LABS

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 social impact leaders by donating to our Wild Gift fund.

Donate today