Climb for Hope 2026
Four ways to climb. One mission. Global impact.
Climb for Hope 2026 is an endurance-based fundraising initiative led by the Teddy Bear Crawl Foundation and Dealers of Hope USA, in partnership with Dealers of Hope Foundation Tanzania, and Winrica Adventures.
What Is Climb for Hope — and Why It Matters
Climb for Hope is an endurance-based initiative rooted in a simple belief: When people are supported through challenge, hope becomes tangible.
Climb for Hope 2026 brings people together across continents to take on meaningful physical challenges—whether that’s climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, tackling the Manitou Incline, participating virtually from home, or fundraising without a physical climb at all. Each path is different, but the purpose is shared.
Why this matters:
Across the world, young people are facing rising rates of isolation, hopelessness, and mental health challenges. In the United States, teens and young adults aging out of the foster care system are at significantly higher risk for poor mental health outcomes and suicide. In Tanzania, access to safe learning environments and educational resources can determine whether a child has opportunity—or is left behind.
Climb for Hope exists to respond to these realities in a way that is human, inclusive, and action-oriented.
Through this initiative, funds raised support:
Programs in the U.S. through the Teddy Bear Crawl Foundation & Dealers of Hope USA Youth that help teens and young adults aging out of foster care experience belonging, mentorship, and confidence through endurance-based community events
The rebuilding of Mshiri Primary School in Tanzania, along with student sponsorships for children from families who work on Mount Kilimanjaro as porters, guides, and support staff
This is not about elite athletes or perfect preparation. It is about showing up—together—and proving that no one has to face hard climbs alone.
Climb for Hope turns effort into impact, challenge into connection, and movement into meaning.
How You Can Be Part of Climb for Hope 2026
You do not have to travel or climb a mountain to participate. Choose the path that fits you.
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Anyone can fundraise on behalf of Climb for Hope 2026—no physical challenge required.
Many supporters choose to fundraise:
in memory or honor of a loved one
because they care about foster youth and suicide prevention
because education and opportunity in Tanzania matter to them
because they believe in hope and want to help carry it forward
Step 1: Complete the Participant Form
Please complete this form so we can connect you with the right resources, updates, and fundraising tools.
Register to Fundraise Only
https://forms.gle/yMZn8uazdEpqvVb19Step 2: Start or Support a Fundraiser
Create your own peer-to-peer fundraising page or support someone who is already participating.
https://givebutter.com/climbforhope2026
Step 3: Fundraising Instructions
Step-by-step guide for setting up your fundraising page.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dAhrhPYLuXkB8VEXmi4wtkqv1Kzmmj6IWZREPEfc06c/edit?usp=sharing
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Join members of the Teddy Bear Crawl Foundation for a U.S. climb challenge.
The Manitou Incline is one of Colorado’s most famous endurance climbs with 2,768 steps and nearly 2,000 feet of elevation gain.
This climb raises awareness and funds for the Climb for Hope mission while bringing our community together in person.
Date: May 29, 2026
Location: Manitou Incline, ColoradoRegister here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScqyw3q-ovxnL29eBQdi97pMQA84bJ58cdEeHcEtUp_b4GWag/viewform -
Participate from anywhere in the world.
The virtual climb allows you to participate on your own terms—anywhere, any body, any pace.
How it Works
Choose your own challenge (walking, rolling, hiking, stairs, races, etc.)
No reporting or tracking required
Recommended distance: 45 miles (the distance of the Kilimanjaro climb)
Miles can be completed over time
Goal completion date: September 11, 2026 (Kilimanjaro summit day)
Register for the Virtual Climb:
Please complete the participant form so we can stay connected and support your fundraising journey.
https://forms.gle/yMZn8uazdEpqvVb19
Virtual Climb Instructions - Full step-by-step guide:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZWepbEhq3AwMClC7uw6wyn3PI0kcSlxT-kfCcOeeUsc/edit?usp=sharing
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Join us for the Climb for Hope summit expedition hosted by Winrica Adventures.
This climb brings participants to Tanzania to summit the highest mountain in Africa while raising funds for the Climb for Hope mission.
Climb Dates
Arrival in Tanzania: September 5, 2026
Climb begins: September 6, 2026
Summit day: September 11, 2026
Return from mountain: September 12, 2026
Departure day: September 13, 2026Participants may also add cultural tours, safari or Zanzibar extensions before or after the climb.
Registration Deadline
June 6, 2026
Book your climb here:
https://wetravel.com/i/68988449e545d8c80c97a708
Stay Connected
Join the Climb for Hope community for information, updates, resources, and support. This is a great space for those who have questions.
Climb for Hope Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1ArQ18dCx3/
Where the Funds Go
Funds raised through Climb for Hope 2026 directly support life-changing programs on two continents.
United States
The Teddy Bear Crawl Foundation & Dealers of Hope USA is building a program that will help teens and young adults aging out of the foster care system
Endurance-based experiences, like Spartan & Tough Mudder events, that build belonging, mentorship, confidence, and hope
Suicide prevention and adolescent mental health support
Tanzania
Rebuilding Mshiri Primary School - Many of the men and women who will help those who will be climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania for the climb for hope in September, come from Mshiri Village in Marangu, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. The village is in great need of repairs to the existing school, that teaches the children in the village to make it safe and up-to-date. Please see the video below for more info.
Student sponsorships for children of porters, guides, and mountain staff
Community education and infrastructure support
Help Us Spread the Word
Want to help share Climb for Hope 2026 with your community?
We’ve created a simple media kit with optional graphics and sample captions you can use to spread the word about this mission. Whether you’re climbing in Tanzania, joining a U.S. or virtual climb, fundraising in honor of someone you love, or simply supporting the cause, your voice helps carry hope further.
There’s no required wording and no obligation to post. Use what resonates with you, personalize it, and share in a way that feels authentic.
Inside the media kit you’ll find:
Shareable graphics for Climb for Hope 2026
Event graphics for Kilimanjaro, Manitou Incline, and the Virtual Climb
Sample captions for social media and fundraising pages
One Mission. Many Ways to Climb.
Whether you fundraise, climb locally, participate virtually, or summit Kilimanjaro—your involvement matters.
You don’t have to climb alone.
And you don’t have to climb at all to make a difference.