How One Small Business Transformed Nonprofit Fundraising with Travel Incentives

From ski resort sales to a mission-driven venture, Mike Hess built a business that turns vacations into vital funds for charities. His secret? Putting impact before profit.

, and ASMedia

2025 December 14 . 7:20 PM

1 min read

In this picture, we see the man in the black blazer is standing. He is holding something in his... — In this picture, we see the man in the black blazer is standing. He is holding something in his hand and he is trying to talk something. In the background, we see a white banner and a white color board on which we can see the logos of the organizations.

How One Small Business Transformed Nonprofit Fundraising with Travel Incentives

Philantopia, a company helping nonprofits raise funds through travel packages and prizes, was founded in 2008 by Mike Hess. Before starting his business, Hess led sales, marketing, and a donation committee at Telluride Ski Resort. His experience there shaped his vision for supporting charitable causes in a unique way.

Hess launched Philantopia after years of working with nonprofits in his previous role. His goal was to create a small business that directly aided fundraising efforts rather than just donating profits. The company’s approach centers on offering vacation trips as incentives for donors, ensuring nonprofits maximize their revenue.

Philantopia continues to focus on helping nonprofits reach their fundraising targets. Their leaner structure and strategic partnerships, like the one with BlackRock, now support this mission more effectively. Financial success remains secondary to the tangible difference they make for charitable organizations.