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 corporate partnerships, foundation grants, endowment giving, and gifts through your estate.

Mark Waters at [email protected]
Associate Director of Philanthropy
(916) 285-1902
Mark will be happy to talk to you about how you can channel your passion and enthusiasm for the Pacific Crest Trail Association into financial support. If your preferred method of giving to PCTA is by making a significant annual gift or you would like to utilize our Trail Guardian membership program, Mark is available to assist you.

Shari Hansen at [email protected] 
Annual Fund Manager
(916) 285-1851
Shari can assist you with all aspects of membership including giving gifts of securities, matching gifts, workplace giving, and our business membership program.

Donna Cline at [email protected] 
Membership Assistant
(916) 285-1855
Donna is here to help you with general membership questions, changes of address, fulfilling your Backpacker and PCT Communicator Magazine subscriptions, Trail Dirt Live, and your Crest Circle membership

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 Membership.  Business members receive:

• All benefits as outlined under Supporter Benefits below as well as
• Your company name listed on the PCTA website 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 or more qualifies you to receive the following benefits of membership.

• the knowledge that your membership helps to protect and preserve the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail for future generations
• The PCT Communicator, PCTA’s full-color, members-only magazine (International members will be charged an additional $25 for shipping and handling);
• a one-year subscription to Backpacker Magazine (U.S. Residents only);
• a Pacific Crest Trail decal;
• Discounts on PCTA store items and PCTA activities;
• 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 her 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+

Supporter benefits

Your gift of $35 or more qualifies you to receive the following benefits of membership.

• the knowledge that your membership helps to protect and preserve the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail for future generations
• The PCT Communicator, PCTA’s full-color, members-only magazine (International members will be charged an additional $25 for shipping and handling);
• a one-year subscription to Backpacker Magazine (U.S. Residents only);
• a Pacific Crest Trail decal;
• Discounts on PCTA store items and PCTA activities;
• invitations to participate in trail classes and volunteer trail projects

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 Donna Cline at (916) 285-1855 or [email protected]

Supporter benefits

Your gift of $35 or more qualifies you to receive the following benefits of membership.

• the knowledge that your membership helps to protect and preserve the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail for future generations
• The PCT Communicator, PCTA’s full-color, members-only magazine (International members will be charged an additional $25 for shipping and handling);
• a one-year subscription to Backpacker Magazine (U.S. Residents only);
• a Pacific Crest Trail decal;
• Discounts on PCTA store items and PCTA activities;
• invitations to participate in trail classes and volunteer trail projects

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.

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

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.

Supporter benefits

Your gift of $35 or more qualifies you to receive the following benefits of membership.

• the knowledge that your membership helps to protect and preserve the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail for future generations
• The PCT Communicator, PCTA’s full-color, members-only magazine (International members will be charged an additional $25 for shipping and handling);
• a one-year subscription to Backpacker Magazine (U.S. Residents only);
• a Pacific Crest Trail decal;
• Discounts on PCTA store items and PCTA activities;
• invitations to participate in trail classes and volunteer trail projects

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

You can 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 Independent Charities of America, 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.

California State Employees’ Charitable Campaign – PCTA will also participate in the fund drive held annually for California state employees. Look for PCTA in your campaign brochure.

United Way – If your workplace participates in a United Way campaign, you may also be able to give to the trail. Through other United Way campaigns, 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 here for a list of the companies that participate through the Independent Charities of America.

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, Annual Fund Manager, 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
   1331 Garden Highway
   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, Annual Fund Manager, at (916) 285-1851 or [email protected].

To find out the number of volunteer hours you have logged in a year, please contact Ellen Coyle, Volunteer Program Assistant, at (916) 285-1838 or [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.

Bequests

No matter the size or value of your assets, you can include the Pacific Crest Trail Association in your will or living trust.  You can include a bequest in a new will, or add to an existing will by a codicil (a document that amends a previously executed will).  Tax laws and careful planning can make certain types of gifts a true financial advantage to not only the PCTA but to donors as well.

There are lots of options:

• You can give a specific amount.
• You can give a percentage of your estate (the value will be adjusted along with the total value of your property).
• You can give all or part of the “residue” of what is left, assuring that others first receive what you would like.

To include the PCTA in your will, the following language may be helpful:

I give, devise, and bequeath to the Pacific Crest Trail Association (federal identification #33-0051202) located at 1331 Garden Highway, Sacramento California, 95833, the sum of $_____ or _____ percent of my estate for the benefit of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail and its general purposes.

Before implementing any plans, talk with your professional tax or financial advisors.  Be sure to notify us if you have included the PCTA in your estate plans by contacting Angie Williamson at (916) 285-1849 or [email protected] – and enjoy the trail – today, tomorrow and always.

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 two endowment funds and we welcome your support for these funds.

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.

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.

Supporter benefits

Your gift of $35 or more qualifies you to receive the following benefits of membership.

• the knowledge that your membership helps to protect and preserve the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail for future generations
• The PCT Communicator, PCTA’s full-color, members-only magazine (International members will be charged an additional $25 for shipping and handling);
• a one-year subscription to Backpacker Magazine (U.S. Residents only);
• a Pacific Crest Trail decal;
• Discounts on PCTA store items and PCTA activities;
• invitations to participate in trail classes and volunteer trail projects

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 Development Director, Angie Williamson 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 store items and 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 or more per year 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 store items and 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, 1331 Garden Highway, 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, 1331 Garden Highway, 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."

The Linda Morris Fund of the PCT Endowment

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 of the PCT Endowment 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