Contact us

If you have questions about making contributions to PCTA, we’re here to help! Please contact:

Angie Williamson at [email protected] 
Director of Philanthropy
(916) 285-1849
Angie is happy to talk with you about channeling your passion and enthusiasm for the Pacific Crest Trail Association into financial support by making a significant annual gift, joining our Trail Guardian Club, making a gift to an endowment, and giving through your will.

Shari Hansen at [email protected] 
Associate Director of Philanthropy, Membership
(916) 285-1851
Shari can assist you with all aspects of membership including giving gifts of securities, matching gifts, and workplace giving.

Ryan 'RJ' Jones at [email protected]
Relationship Manager
(916) 970-7331
RJ is happy to work with you about corporate partnerships, foundation grants and our business membership program.

Membership

Become an important part of the Pacific Crest Trail community. By joining or renewing your membership in PCTA, you are supporting the trail experience that you love. We’re a membership organization built of trail lovers like you. Together, we share a common vision: the long-term preservation of the Pacific Crest Trail.

PCTA memberships are good for one year from the date of your gift.

We offer PCTA memberships at the following levels:

• $35 – Trail Guide
• $50 – Trail Advocate
• $100 – Trail Partner
• $500 – Trail Builder
• $1,000 – Trail Guardian
• $25 – Trail Explorer (Senior/Student)
• $250-999 Business Membership

Business Memberships

For companies who contribute $250 - $999 annually, we offer a PCTA Business and Trailside Business Memberships.  Business members receive:

• All benefits as outlined under Supporter Benefits below as well as
• Your company name listed on the PCTA website, in our Trail Dirt e-newsletter and in our Annual Report

Giving a gift membership to PCTA is a thoughtful way to express your wishes during the holidays, in honor of a birthday or other important occasion. When you give a gift membership, we’ll send you a letter confirming your gift has been received. We’ll also send a letter and membership packet to that special person indicating you’ve given them a membership. Gift recipients will receive the same supporter benefits as other PCTA members.

For more information, please contact Shari Hansen at [email protected] or (916) 285-1851.

Supporter benefits

Your gift of $35 ($25 student/senior) or more qualifies you to receive the following benefits of membership.

• the knowledge that your membership helps to care for and conserve the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail for future generations
• The PCT Communicator, PCTA’s full-color, members-only magazine (Members outside the U.S. receive a digital subscription.);
• a Pacific Crest Trail decal;
• a Pacific Crest Trail map brochure (new members only);
• invitations to participate in trail classes and volunteer trail projects

Trail Guardian Club

The Trail Guardian Club is the PCTA’s giving society for donors who give $1,000 or more each year. They are true guardians whose philanthropy expands our capacity to fulfill our mission and ensure that this world-class trail is protected for present and future generations. For more information, please email Angie Williamson at [email protected] or call him at (916) 285-1849.

Recognition levels

• Trail Guardian $1,000 - $2,649
• Trail Defender $2,650 - $4,999
• Trail Champion $5,000 - $9,999
• Trail Blazer $10,000+

Crest Circle Monthly Giving

Crest Circle members are some of our most loyal supporters who make monthly donations to PCTA. They ensure that our work to protect, preserve and promote the trail remains ongoing by providing PCTA with a steady and predictable stream of support.

Reasons to join:

• Spread your annual donation throughout the year
• Keep your membership current by automatically renewing your membership each year
• Choose the greenest giving option that saves paper and postage by eliminating renewal notices in your mailbox

Here’s how it works:

• You choose how much you wish to give each month by credit card ($5 per month minimum)
• Your credit card will be charged around the same day each month
• Every January we will send you an annual statement that can be used for tax purposes.

For more information regarding the Crest Circle monthly giving program, please contact Shari Hansen at (916) 285-1851 or [email protected]

Donate

You can designate your tax-deductible contribution to support one of our following programs.

Highest Priority Need – you allow PCTA to fund our most urgent needs. We recommend this option.

Trail Maintenance – your support helps recruit, train, supply and mobilize volunteers and staff to help in our goal to maintain 100% of the trail.

Trail Protection – your support helps PCTA respond to any threats to the trail. You help us build our partnerships with land managers and you support our advocacy efforts on behalf of the trail.

Land Protection –your support enables PCTA to prioritize, plan for and acquire lands that are at risk.

PCT Endowment – Endowments exist in perpetuity.  The PCT Endowment Fund supports the strategic goals of the PCTA forever.

Linda Morris Fund – The Linda Morris Fund is a gift for generations to come, ensuring that the trail she loved will be preserved for others who follow.

Robin Wood M.D. in memory of Lily Slade and Donald M. Wood Fund – The Robin Wood M.D. in memory of Lily Slade and Donald M. Wood Fund was created to honor his parents who gave him life, legs to walk, and an appreciation for rural, small-town life, and to help others find the freedom, peace and deep self-satisfaction of long-distance hiking. Donations support PCTA's Trail Maintenance Fund.

Jane & Flicka Endowment - The Jane and Flicka Endowment Fund provides a way to support the trail in perpetuity while also recognizing the spirit of these two hikers.

For more information, please contact Shari Hansen at [email protected] or (916) 285-1851.

Honorary / Memorial

Honorary gifts offer a unique way to honor special events, such as weddings, anniversaries or birthdays for the trail lovers in your life. The Pacific Crest Trail Association will send a gift note to the individual being honored, informing him or her of the gift and the identity of the donor. The amount of the gift is kept confidential.

Memorial gifts are given in memory of a family member or friend. This is a thoughtful and caring way to express your sympathy.

If you provide the name and contact information of the honoree or family member, we will send a nice card notifying them of your gift. We will also print a list of all honorary and memorial gifts given each year in our member magazine, the PCT Communicator.

Honorary and Memorial gifts are not memberships. To give a gift membership to someone special, please click here.

For more information please contact Shari Hansen at (916) 285-1851 or [email protected]

Workplace Giving

Remember the Trail at Work

You can now do more than just daydream about the PCT while you are working – you can help support it!

If your workplace has an employee giving program, consider supporting the trail year-round through payroll deductions. PCTA is a member of the Conservation and Preservation Charities of America and the America’s Best Charities, both of which are nonprofit federations that participate in workplace giving campaigns throughout the United States.

Here’s how you can give:

Combined Federal Campaign – In the fall, look for PCTA in the campaign brochure for the federal employees’ annual fund-raising drive. PCTA will be listed in the Conservation and Preservation Charities of America section. You can also find us online through the Best of the CFC website.

California and Washington State Employees’ Campaigns – PCTA participates in the fund drives held annually for state employees in California and Washington. Look for PCTA in your campaign brochure or visit the California Our Promise Campaign and the Washington State Combined Fund Drive websites.

King County Employee Giving Program – Employees working for King County in Washington state can give through their employee giving program. PCTA’s code for giving is 9868 or visit the King County website for more information.

United Way – If your workplace participates in a United Way campaign, you may also be able to give to the PCT. If PCTA is not listed as part of your campaign, you may find a “donor option” line to designate your gift to PCTA.

Corporate Campaigns – Some companies hold their own workplace giving campaigns. Please speak with your human resources director to see if your company has its own campaign or check for a list of the companies that participate through the America’s Best Charities.

If you donate through any of these workplace campaigns, it may take us a few months to receive notice of your pledge. We do appreciate all your support, and we will acknowledge your gift as soon as we hear of it. PCTA will offer membership benefits to all donors who provide a workplace campaign receipt in the amount of $35 or more.

For more information on how you can support the PCTA through your workplace, please contact Shari Hansen, Associate Director of Philanthropy, Membership, at [email protected] or (916) 285-1851.

Matching gifts

Many employers offer matching gift programs to encourage employees to contribute to charitable organizations. Most of these programs match contributions dollar for dollar thus doubling the impact of your gift.  Many employers also match contributions of volunteer time.

Use our search tool to see if your company has a matching gifts program:

Don’t find your company listed? They may still have a program. Be sure to check with your company’s Corporate Relations or Personnel department to find out if they have a matching gifts program and their guidelines.

If they do:

1. Obtain a matching gift form
2. Fill out the form online or send the completed form to:
   Pacific Crest Trail Association
   2150 River Plaza Drive, Suite 155
   Sacramento, CA 95833
3. We will verify receipt of your gift with your employer. Your employer will then forward a matching gift to Pacific Crest Trail Association.

If you have questions regarding matching gifts, please contact Shari Hansen, Associate Director of Philanthropy, Membership, at (916) 285-1851 or [email protected].

To find out the number of volunteer hours you have logged in a year, please email [email protected]

Pacific Crest Trail Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity. Our tax id# is 33-0051202.

Gifts of Securities

Making a gift of stock to PCTA allows you to take advantage of significant tax savings while making a substantial contribution to the protection and preservation of the Pacific Crest Trail.

Donating gifts of stock is simple. Contact your broker and request a transfer via DTC to:

If your broker needs further information to make the transfer, please contact Vanguard Brokerage Services at 1-800-992-8327. Their mailing address is 455 Devon Park Drive, Wayne, PA 19087.

We want to make sure your contribution is transferred and acknowledged quickly. Please notify us of the date of your donation and name of the stock by emailing Shari Hansen at [email protected] or calling her at (916) 285-1851.

Endowment Funds

Endowments exist in perpetuity: your gift allows you to have a significant impact on the Pacific Crest Trail’s future by helping to provide ongoing income. Endowment fund donations are invested and the income provides support for PCTA programs each year. Gifts of all amounts are welcome.

PCTA has four endowment funds and we welcome your support for these funds.

Donate Now

PCT Endowment Fund

The PCT Endowment Fund supports the strategic goals of the Pacific Crest Trail Association. All gifts support our mission to protect, preserve and promote the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail as a world-class experience for hikers and equestrians, and for all the values provided by wild and scenic lands.

Linda Morris Fund

The Linda Morris Fund was created to honor Linda’s spirit of adventure and passion for the Pacific Crest Trail. Her legacy is a gift for generations to come, ensuring that the trail she loved will be preserved for others who follow.

Robin Wood M.D. in memory of Lily Slade and Donald M. Wood Fund

The Robin Wood M.D. in memory of Lily Slade and Donald M. Wood Fund was created to honor his parents who gave him life, legs to walk, and an appreciation for rural, small-town life, and to help others find the freedom, peace and deep self-satisfaction of long-distance hiking. Donations support PCTA's Trail Maintenance Fund.

Jane and Flicka Endowment Fund

The Jane and Flicka Endowment Fund was created to help protect, preserve and promote the trail by providing a foundation for the PCTA. The spirit of Jane and Flicka continues to inspire all of us in ways great and small.

For questions regarding endowment funds, please email Angie Williamson at [email protected] or call her at 916-285-1849.

Corporate Giving

No matter what size your company is, you can be a part of the Pacific Crest Trail Association.

PCTA is proud to receive financial support through the 1% for the Planet campaign. This global movement of companies donates 1% of their profits to charities like ours.

Corporate Partnerships

The Pacific Crest Trail is one of the world’s greatest trails. From Mexico to Canada the PCT traverses and protects the stunning landscapes of the West. Internationally recognized, yet close to home, the PCT inspires untold connections and adventures.

The Pacific Crest Trail Association is devoted to preserving, protecting and promoting the trail. To achieve this monumental task, we rally thousands of volunteers and supporters and partner with numerous agency, non-profit and business partners. Industry support has been instrumental in making the PCT the experience that it is. We believe that:

• Partnerships should be easy, natural relationships
• Partners should be recognized and celebrated
• Partners should receive value for their gifts

PCTA is a well run, professional and effective organization that’s connecting and inspiring generations of outdoor enthusiasts. Please support us and the experience by joining us on the trail. We offer special recognition of our partners who contribute $1,000 or more annually. Thank you for considering the opportunities outlined in our Corporate Partnership Packet.

Questions? Please contact our Relationship Manager, Ryan 'RJ' Jones at [email protected].

See all of our Corporate Partners.

Business Membership

For companies who contribute $250 - $999 annually, we now offer a PCTA Business Membership. Business members receive:

• Your company listed on the PCTA website and in our Annual Report
• The PCT Communicator, PCTA’s full-color, members-only magazine (International members will be charged an additional $25 for shipping and handling);
• a Pacific Crest Trail decal;
• Discounts on PCTA activities;
• invitations to participate in trail classes and volunteer trail projects
• the knowledge that your membership helps to protect and preserve the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail for future generations

Join now!

Trailside Business Memberships

Businesses located in towns near the PCT can support our work by making donations of $250 - $999 annually to the PCTA to qualify as a Trailside Business member. Trailside Business members will receive:

• Business name and location listed on the PCTA website and Annual Report
• Trailside Business decal to display in your window
• A one-year subscription to the PCT Communicator
• Discounts on PCTA activities
• Invitations to participate in trail classes and volunteer projects

Join now!

Event sponsorships

Corporate sponsorships offer year-round opportunities to support our mission to protect, preserve and promote the PCT. For companies seeking great event marketing opportunities, we also offer event sponsorships.

Do you prefer to donate by mail?

Here is a print-friendly version of our membership application and donation form.

• PCTA’s printable donation form

Or, if you’d simply like to donate. Mail a check to us at:

Want to phone in a donation?

Please call us at (916) 285-1846. We’re open Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST.  If you catch us when we’re closed, just leave a message and we’ll call you back.

Donor Bill of Rights

PCTA welcomes and adheres to the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ Donor Bill of Rights:

“Philanthropy is based on voluntary action for the common good. It is a tradition of giving and sharing that is primary to the quality of life. To ensure that philanthropy merits the respect and trust of the general public, and that donors and prospective donors can have full confidence in the nonprofit organizations and causes they are asked to support, we declare that all donors have these rights:

I. To be informed of the organization's mission, of the way the organization intends to use donated resources, and of its capacity to use donations effectively for their intended purposes.

II. To be informed of the identity of those serving on the organization's governing board, and to expect the board to exercise prudent judgment in its stewardship responsibilities.

III. To have access to the organization's most recent financial statements.

IV. To be assured their gifts will be used for the purposes for which they were given.

V. To receive appropriate acknowledgement and recognition.

VI. To be assured that information about their donation is handled with respect and with confidentiality to the extent provided by law.

VII. To expect that all relationships with individuals representing organizations of interest to the donor will be professional in nature.

VIII. To be informed whether those seeking donations are volunteers, employees of the organization or hired solicitors.

IX. To have the opportunity for their names to be deleted from mailing lists that an organization may intend to share.

X. To feel free to ask questions when making a donation and to receive prompt, truthful and forthright answers.”

Charitable Solicitation Disclosure Statement

Pursuant to state regulations regarding charitable solicitations, we are required to include certain disclosure language on all printed solicitations (whether electronic or otherwise). A copy of Pacific Crest Trail Association’s latest Financial Report is available by writing to Pacific Crest Trail Association, 2150 River Plaza Drive, Suite 155, Sacramento, CA 95833; telephone (916) 285-1846.

In addition, residents of any of the following states may obtain the latest information on our registration in that state by contacting:

FLORIDA: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE, 1 (800) HELP-FLA. FLORIDA REGISTRATION # CH35478

KANSAS: license number: 460-399-9

MARYLAND: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Charitable Solicitations Act are also available for the cost of postage and copies, from the Maryland Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, Maryland 21401.

MICHIGAN: license  number: MICS 46388

MISSISSIPPI: The official registration and financial information of Pacific Crest Trail Association may be obtained from the Mississippi Secretary of State’s office by calling 1(888) 236-6167. Registration by the Secretary of State does not imply endorsement.

NEW JERSEY: INFORMATION FILED BY PACIFIC CREST TRAIL ASSOCIATION WITH THE NEW JERSEY ATTORNEY GENERAL CONCERNING THIS CHARITABLE SOLICITATION AND THE PERCENTAGE OF CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED BY THE CHARITY DURING THE LAST REPORTING PERIOD THAT WERE DEDICATED TO THE CHARITABLE PURPOSE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY BY CALLING (973) 504-6215 AND IS AVAILABLE ON THE INTERNET AT www.state.nj.us/lps/ca/ocp.htm#charity.

NEW YORK: A COPY OF THE LATEST ANNUAL REPORT MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE PACIFIC CREST TRAIL ASSOCIATION OR FROM THE CHARITIES BUREAU, DEPARTMENT OF LAW, 120 BROADWAY, NEW YORK, NY 10271.

NORTH CAROLINA: FINANCIAL INFORMATION ABOUT PACIFIC CREST TRAIL ASSOCIATION AND A COPY OF ITS LICENSE ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE NORTH CAROLINA SECRETARY OF STATE, SOLICITATION LICENSING SECTION AT 1-888-830-4989. THE LICENSE IS NOT AN ENDORSEMENT BY THE STATE

PENNSYLVANIA: The official registration and financial information of Pacific Crest Trail Association may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania, 1(800) 732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.

VIRGINIA: A financial statement of the organization is available from the Virginia State Division of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23218, Phone #1 (800) 552-9963, upon request.

WASHINGTON: Pacific Crest Trail Association is registered with the Washington Secretary of State. Financial disclosure information is available from the Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504-0422. The toll-free phone number for Washington residents is 1 (800) 332-4483.

WEST VIRGINIA: West Virginia residents may obtain a summary of the registration and financial documents of Pacific Crest Trail Association from the Secretary of State, State Capitol, Charleston, WV 25305. Registration does not imply endorsement.

ALL OTHER STATES: A copy of Pacific Crest Trail Association’s latest Financial Report is available by writing to PCTA, 2150 River Plaza Drive, Suite 155, Sacramento, CA 95833.

REGISTRATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE OR IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, SANCTION OR RECOMMENDATION BY ANY STATE/COUNTY.

Jane and Flicka Endowment Fund

Jane and Flicka were two hikers who lost their lives in 1995 on a thru-hike of the PCT when a car struck them on the highway near the end of their journey. They were returning to the trail after a stop in a nearby town for supplies.

Family and friends established this endowment fund in their memory to benefit the PCTA and to keep their spirit alive along the trail. This fund is used to support the Pacific Crest Trail and promote its use by individuals from around the world.

A message from Barbara Perry, Flicka’s mother:

"I have walked the highway where Jane and Flicka died. We considered putting a memorial up for them, to join the others, yet we did not want to remember or memorialize that place. We wanted to think of them out on the trail, in God’s country, and so we chose their memorial to be the Jane and Flicka Endowment Fund for the PCTA – something that will live forever and help to preserve the trail for others to be inspired.

Flicka and Jane always knew, way beyond their years, exactly how precious life is, which is one reason they touched so many in their lives and their death. In Flicka’s last journal were words from Thoreau, ‘I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived. Living is so dear . . .’

The Jane and Flicka Endowment Fund was created to help protect, preserve and promote the trail by providing a foundation for the PCTA. The spirit of Jane and Flicka continues to inspire all of us in ways great and small."

Support this fund

Linda Morris Fund

Linda Morris always had a backpack in her closet, packed and ready for her next hike.

After Linda’s tragic passing in an auto accident, her family and friends established a named endowment fund to honor the memory of her passion for the Pacific Crest Trail. Donations to the Linda Morris Fund support the PCTA’s mission to protect, preserve and promote the Pacific Crest Trail.

“We were honored when Brian contacted us about setting up this fund,” said Liz Bergeron, Executive Director and CEO. “Linda’s spirit of adventure remains a gift for generations to come, ensuring that the trail she loved will be preserved for others who follow.”

Linda aspired to hike the entire Pacific Crest Trail. She was section hiking and hoped someday to thru-hike. Over several summers, she had completed more than 600 miles. Her husband, Brian, and their two sons, Randy and Drew, joined her for different sections of the trail.

Brian always will remember her glowing when she was planning a hike, talking about hiking or being out on the trail.

“She would have backpacked until her last breath if she could have,” he said.

Support this fund

Robin Wood M.D. in memory of Lily Slade and Donald M. Wood Fund

I began seriously hiking in the fall of 1973, although I didn't recognize it at the time. My girlfriend, now my wife, and I did an overnight hike on the Appalachian Trail near Stratton Mountain in Vermont, and I was hooked. Carrying my house, food and clothes on my back — what a feeling of freedom. In June 2010, I finally finished the AT after section-hiking it for over 37 years. As a gag, my son Charlie carried me up the last hundred yards to the top of Springer Mountain.

On the AT, I met many individuals who had hiked the Pacific Crest Trail. They inspired me to complete what seemed to me to be the jewel in the crown among trails: the John Muir Trail (which, of course, shares 170 miles with the PCT). But looking at the vast grandeur of the Sierras one day, I knew I had to do the whole PCT. I was now retired, so I was able to do longer sections on the PCT than I had on the AT so it only took me 11 years to complete, from 2010 to 2021. It would have taken less time if not for the disruptions from the growing Pacific Northwest fire season.

My father was a businessman and turkey farmer, and my mother and I were hands on with the animals. It was a family affair. As I looked back on completing two of America's great trails, I realized I had to give back and that I wanted to honor my parents who gave me life, legs to walk, and an appreciation for rural, small-town life.

As part of this and of my desire to help others to find the freedom, peace and deep self-satisfaction of long-distance hiking, I have established endowments with both the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and the Pacific Crest Trail Association.

Support this fund