Donation FAQs
Is Big City Mountaineers a charity?
How are donations in the Summit For Someone programs used?
I would like additional information on your finances and programs.
How much is the minimum pledge amount?
Can I raise more than the minimum pledge amount?
When is my fundraising deadline?
What happens if I do not raise the minimum pledge amount?
Do you accept company match donations?
Can I raise money after my climb?
I received donations that I used for raffle prizes. Would it be possible to get receipts for the companies that donated the prizes?
Can I transfer shares of stock to an SFS participant?
Can I accept donations by check?
Is Big City Mountaineers a charity?
YES, BCM is a non-profit orgnization. Our IRS Federal ID # is 65-0200163. Specifically, BCM is a 501(c)(3) corporation. We are audited annually and our IRS filings can be located at www.guidestar.org.
What is BCM's Program?
Big City Mountaineers (BCM), a 501(c)(3) non-profit, is a recreational mentoring program for at-risk teens. The mission of BCM is to enhance the lives of under-resourced urban teens through transformative outdoor experiences. Summit For Someone is the primary fundraiser for BCM's programs, which show teens a different perspective by taking them into wilderness areas in California, Colorado, Minnesota and the Pacific Northwest, with a one-to-one ratio of adult volunteers as positive role models. The core BCM program, RELATE (Recreational Experiences Linking Adults & Teens Environmentally) takes inner city kids on week long backpacking trips. Money raised by Summit for Someone participants directly increases the number of teens we can take out each summer on RELATE backpacking trips.
In 2010, funds raised by Summit For Someone helped provide more than 2,600 program days to BCM teens from youth agencies across four regions. BCM's partner youth agencies include:
- A Kidz Hope, Inc.
- Addison Trail High School
- The African Community Center
- BOLD
- The Bridge Project
- Caldera
- Carole Robinson Center
- Christopher House
- La Clinica, supported by Alameda County Public Health Department
- Denver Kids, Inc.
- East Oakland Boxing Association/Smartmoves
- East Oakland Youth Development Center
- Enlace Community Education
- Girls Inc. of Alameda County
- I Have a Dream Foundation, Boulder County
- Lutheran Community Services
- Male Involvement Program, supported by Alameda County Public Health Department
- The Matthews House
- McCormick Tribune YMCA
- Mercy Housing
- Neighborhood Boys and Girls Club, Chicago
- Project YESS
- Real Options for City Kids (ROCK)
- Urban Ventures
- Youth Employment Institute
- Youth Guidance
- Youth Outreach Services
How are donations in the Summit For Someone programs used?
Thanks to our extensive support in the outdoor industry, our event sponsors, and our sensitivity towards fiscal responsibility, BCM is very financially efficient. Below is a breakdown on how contributions to the Summit For Someone program were spent during our last complete fiscal year:
$1 Summit For Someone Donation:
$0.77 - BCM's Recreational Mentoring Program
$0.23 - Summit For Someone Fundraising Program Costs
I would like additional information on your finances and programs.
Our best resource is our Year In Review. You can view or download a copy from 2005, 2006 , 2007, 2008, or 2009 on the Big City Mountaineers website.
If you have a specific question, please:
Email info@summitforsomeone.org
Call BCM/SFS - 303-271-9200
Our website has a wealth of information on all of our programs. Please visit it at www.bigcitymountaineers.org
How much is the minimum pledge amount?
Pledge requirements range from $2,900 to $7,500 depending on the climb.
Can I raise more than the minimum pledge amount?
Yes, BCM will accept more than your minimum pledge amount. The more you raise, the more at-risk teens get to participate in the BCM program. There is also an incentive program with prizes for raising more than your minimum pledge.
When is my fundraising deadline?
The fundraising deadline varies depending on which climb you choose. All fundraising deadlines are 60 days prior to each climb. If you have not raised your minimum by that point, we will charge you the remaining balance. You will be able to continue raising money up to 30 days post-climb. At that point, we will revisit your account and refund any money that you raised in that period (up to your deposit amount).
What happens if I do not raise the minimum pledge amount?
You will be charged the balance, due 60 days prior to your climb, and your deposit will not be refunded until the money is raised.
How do I get donations?
Upon acceptance to the event, you will be sent a comprehensive fundraising packet. The packet will include a detailed step-by-step plan on how to raise up to $4,000 or more. The packet will also include instructions on how to personalize a fundraising/donation page on the Summit for Someone web site and how to utilize the provided online templates to start your own fundraising campaign. All solicited donations can be submitted online or by check/money order. Cash donations are not accepted.
Do you accept company match donations?
Yes and No (it depends on who donates the money)
No: Climber deposits or donations are not eligible for matches since climbers receive goods/services in return. Exception: any donation made by a climber which exceeds a climbers' minimum pledge obligation is eligible for a match).
Yes: It is the responsibility of each donor to submit completed company-match forms to BCM along with a self-addressed stamped envelope. BCM will mail signed qualified forms to your perspective company. Company match donations are not guaranteed. Check with the company the match is being requested from on their policies. Do NOT rely on company matches to meet your fundraising goal. Matches usually take approximately 30 days to process.
Can I raise money after my climb?
Yes. You have 30 days post-climb to continue raising money for your climb.
How do I track my donation/pledge totals?
Upon acceptance to the program, you will receive a personal username and password to access your own web-based donation page. From there, you can log onto an internal donation-tracking website to view your totals. We will notify you of your totals once you have reached the minimum pledge amount. The donation engine is intended to be self-service, giving you little need to contact us; however, we are always available if you have any questions.
Is my climb tax deductible?
The money donated to you for your climb is tax deductible (donors may deduct their donations). Money that you donate to yourself is tax deductible, but your deposit is not tax deductible. The reason the deposit is not considered tax deductible is because you receive a gear gift card in exchange.
I received donations that I used for raffle prizes. Would it be possible to get receipts for the companies that donated the prizes?
Since the product wasn't donated to Big City Mountaineers, we can’t issue a receipt. The products were donated to an individual who sold them. If you are planning a raffle or silent auction, make sure to have items donated to BCM on behalf of you. The companies should contact us directly for a tax receipt - they should provice us with a letter stating what was donated and its cost.
Can I transfer shares of stock to an SFS participant?
Yes, please contact us for specific information on how to do this type of transaction.
Can I accept donations by check?
Yes. Please make sure checks are made out to "Big City Mountaineers," and "SFS - [Climber's Name]" is written in the memo line. Checks may be mailed to:
Big City Mountaineers
1667 Vine St.
Denver, CO 80206
 | The summit for someone program is amazing all around. Climbing Mount Hood was one of those experiences you can't really explain and know you'll never forget! --2009 climber |  |
