Impact of your support

A woman in a wheelchair rappels a cliff with Wilderness Inquiry in 198 Your support makes a big difference at Wilderness Inquiry. We are big enough to insure stability, but small enough to know where every dollar goes. We pride ourselves in our resourcefulness as well as our effectiveness.

Efficiency Measures

Wilderness Inquiry accomplishes a lot for its size. Last year we served more than 16,000 people on 334 events, at an average cost of $163 per person. Program and event costs vary depending on what is involved, but we are always working to get the best "return" for every dollar spent. WI is consistently within the standard set by the MN Charities Review Council for percentage of expenses related to fundraising, management, and programs.

2012 Funding Percentages

Our staff, board, and volunteers work hard to make sure your contribution goes where it is needed most—to the people we serve!

Effectiveness Measures

easuring the effectiveness of a nonprofit is somewhat more involved, as our mission is about improving lives, not increasing shareholder returns.

Throughout its history, WI has conducted research on its programs to document outcomes and improve quality of service.

More than 50 studies have been conducted documenting the effects of WI’s integrated adventure experiences.

Download the study to learn more

Click here for a complete bibliography of publications on inclusive outdoor recreation.

Here are a few samples of research you'll find listed:

Urban Wilderness Canoe Adventures Evaluation. This evaluation, conducted by the University of Minnesota’s Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement examines the effectiveness of the UWCA’s methods for engaging urban youth in learning environmental education and character values by participating on a range of outdoor experiences. Download
The Influence of an Inclusive Outdoor Recreation Experience On Families that have a Child with a Disability. This study identifies the programming characteristics that support family outdoor recreation experiences when a child with a disability is a family member. Download
Transferring the Benefits to Daily Life. A study co-authored by Dr. Leo McAvoy at the University of MN illustrates the outcomes, consequences, and values associated with participation in inclusive adventure experiences. The study sought to learn if participants transfer outcomes gained on an adventure program back into everyday life. Download
A complete listing of research and evaluation conducted about and by Wilderness Inquiry is available here.