What We Fund

Wilderness Pathfinder Connections funds professional development for women veterans pursuing wilderness guide pathways. Our support prioritizes skill-based training that strengthens safety, leadership, and facilitation capacity.

Eligible funding areas may include:

• Wilderness medical training (WFA, WFR, advanced medical refreshers)
• Advanced wilderness guiding intensives
• Trauma-informed facilitation training
• Cultural competency and lineage education
• Specialized skill development relevant to wilderness leadership

We do not fund personal travel unrelated to training, general retreats without skill development components, or unrelated professional expenses.

Typical Funding Range

Funding awards typically range between $500 and $3,000, depending on the training program, the applicant’s development stage, and available resources within each funding cycle.

Wilderness Pathfinder Connections may be fully funded training opportunities, while others may receive partial support toward tuition, certification costs, or related training expenses. Applicants are expected to demonstrate personal investment in their development and may receive partial funding toward tuition, certification costs, or related training expenses.

Our goal is to expand access to professional training while encouraging shared commitment to the learning process.

How Funds Are Distributed

WPC prioritizes responsible stewardship of every donations. Funds are distributed through the following methods:

Primary Method
Direct payment to approved training providers on behalf of selected participants.

Secondary Method
Reimbursement issued upon proof of enrollment, completion, and receipt documentation.

Exceptional Cases
Partial stipends may be approved at board discretion when direct payment or reimbursement is not feasible.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Identify as a woman veteran
• Demonstrate commitment to wilderness guide development
• Provide documentation of the training program
• Articulate how the training supports long-term service or leadership
• Agree to WPC’s Community Contribution Agreement

Community Contribution Agreement

WPC operates within a culture of reciprocity. Funded participants agree to contribute back to the community in meaningful ways.

This includes:

• A short written or recorded reflection following completion
• Optional images for publication with explicit consent
• A brief outline of how the training will inform future service
• One agreed-upon act of reciprocity, such as mentorship support, assisting at a WPC gathering, or contributing a field note

This agreement reinforces shared investment rather than transactional exchange.

Accountability & Reporting

WPC maintains clear financial oversight and internal review processes. All funded allocations are tracked and documented. Participants who do not meet agreed-upon requirements may become ineligible for future support.

We are committed to transparency, ethical stewardship, and responsible growth.

Timeline

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis or during designated funding cycles.

Applicants can expect:

• Confirmation of application receipt
• Review within 30–45 days
• Written notification of decision
• Clear next steps for payment processing

Participants may apply for funding no more than once within a 6-month period unless otherwise approved by the board. This ensures adequate integration and responsible pacing of professional development.