I Walked 2,642 Miles and Raised $8,500: My Biggest Fundraising Regrets

In this episode of The NeverPeak Project, Coach Ranger reflects on the fundraising lessons he learned while walking 2,642 miles across America in 2024. Ranger raised $8,500 for three nonprofit organizations — Future Farmers of America, Bigger Than The Trail, and the Hospice Promise Foundation — and while the impact was real, he’s opening up about what he wishes he’d done differently.

This raw, reflective episode is packed with insights on fundraising strategy, brand sponsorships, messaging clarity, and content creation—perfect for anyone in the world of endurance activism, charity fundraising, or looking to bring more impact to their next big project.

🔥 Key Takeaways:

• 🎯 Clarity is currency – Why fundraising for three causes diluted his message and confused supporters.
• 🗣️ Nail your pitch early – The power of a clear elevator pitch and branded gear on the road.
• 💻 Avoid the Facebook Fundraiser trap – How platform limitations derailed donation momentum.
• 💸 Big goals can backfire – Why his $100K target actually turned donors away.
• 📱 Perfection kills progress – How waiting to post “perfect” content stifled engagement.

💡 Bonus Fire Lessons (Mini-Takeaways):

• Post across all platforms—not just Facebook/Instagram
• Don’t underestimate the power of short-form content tied to your cause
• Keep pitching brands—even if your follower count is small
• Give yourself grace—messy action > no action

🔗 Resources & Links:

• 📘 Download the FREE eBook – Walking Toward Success: 9 Life Lessons from My Walk Across America → [HERE]
• 🧭 Learn More About Wander Project → wanderproject.org

💬 Connect with Ranger:

• IG | TikTok | YouTube: [@WithinRangeCoaching]
• Website: [www.withinrangecoaching.com]
• Join the NeverPeak Community: [Link to Skool or Community Page]