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.
-
Anyone can fundraise on behalf of Climb for Hope 2026—no physical challenge required.
Supporters often 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
Start or support a fundraiser here:
https://givebutter.com/climbforhope2026Fundraising-only step-by-step guide:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dAhrhPYLuXkB8VEXmi4wtkqv1Kzmmj6IWZREPEfc06c/edit?usp=sharing -
Join us in Colorado as part of the U.S. climb experience for Climb for Hope 2026.
Event Details
Location: Manitou Incline, Colorado
Date: May 29, 2026
Open to all fitness levels (self-paced)
Fundraising encouraged but not required
Register for the Manitou Incline climb:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScqyw3q-ovxnL29eBQdi97pMQA84bJ58cdEeHcEtUp_b4GWag/viewform -
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 (summit day in Tanzania)
Virtual climb instructions: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZWepbEhq3AwMClC7uw6wyn3PI0kcSlxT-kfCcOeeUsc/edit?usp=sharing
-
Summit Mount Kilimanjaro with purpose on a fully supported, community-centered climb hosted by Winrica Adventures, a Tanzanian-owned and ethical mountain operator.
This climb is part of Climb for Hope 2026 and includes a fundraising component that directly supports education initiatives in Tanzania and youth mental health programs in the United States.
Kilimanjaro Climb Timeline
Arrival in Tanzania: September 5, 2026
Climb Begins: Morning of September 6, 2026
Summit Day: September 11, 2026
Return to Lodging: September 12, 2026
Scheduled Departure: September 13, 2026
Participants who wish to extend their experience may add optional post-climb adventures such as a safari or Zanzibar beach extension.
What to Expect
Professional guides, porters, cooks, and medical support
Ethical, community-first trekking practices
A supportive team environment from start to summit
Fundraising tied directly to real-world impact
Learn more and book the Kilimanjaro climb: Booking LINK & ITINERARY
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
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.