TravelPledge

Since our launch in 2011, TravelPledge has been on a mission to help nonprofits amplify their fundraising and deepen donor engagement through memorable experiences. Today, more than 12,000 charities have tapped into nearly $100 million worth of curated adventures—ranging from sun-dappled vineyard tours to cozy mountain retreats—generously contributed by small businesses eager to give back. We take pride in every direct connection we forge between a cause and its supporters.

HOW IT ALL STARTED

On a crisp autumn evening in 2010, founder Mike Last found himself under the warm glow of chandeliers at a gala auction, heart pounding as he won a “priceless” vacation to Ireland. A post-event conversation with the organizer revealed the unsettling truth: almost his entire payment had vanished into consignment fees, leaving the nonprofit with only a sliver of support. Shocked by this opaque system, Mike envisioned a better way—one in which charities connect directly with generous business owners, ensuring that each dollar raised goes further. With that spark, TravelPledge was born.

TRAVELPLEDGE OVER THE YEARS

From day one, we set out to upend the traditional consignment model. Listening to feedback from passionate nonprofit leaders, we refined our platform year after year—streamlining workflows, adding robust reporting, and enhancing donor experiences. Over the past decade, we’ve cultivated relationships with more than 12,000 nonprofits, empowering them to transform donated experiences from boutique inns, golf courses, and artisanal workshops into thriving auction highlights.

Generous business partners enjoy a complimentary showcase: they control donation quantities, craft vivid descriptions, and upload stunning photos or videos. This autonomy ensures competitive bidding, generous contributions, and delighted winners who cherish every moment of their adventure.

TRAVELPLEDGE TODAY

Local, Local, Local

Auction organizers tell us that the most sought-after items are those close to home. In response, we’ve infused our collection with millions of dollars’ worth of nearby delights—quaint bed- and-breakfast escapes, rolling fairways at local golf clubs, serene spa retreats, intimate wine tastings, lively dance lessons, and more—all within easy driving distance. Our intelligent matching system automatically pairs nonprofits with experiences perfectly suited to their communities and donor budgets.

Mobile Bidding Integrations

To eliminate the tedium of manual uploads and clunky .csv files, we invested in seamless API integrations. Now, TravelPledge experiences sync automatically with leading mobile bidding and online auction platforms—saving nonprofits valuable time and sparing them technical headaches.

Free Online Auction Software

We’ve also developed an intuitive, no-cost auction platform that lets nonprofits launch simple online fundraisers in minutes. Whether used as a standalone virtual event, to complement a golf tournament, or to extend an in-person gala, our software enables organizers to add donated items—or TravelPledge experiences—with a single click, driving fresh donations and keeping supporters engaged year-round.

“We’ve loved helping thousands of nonprofits generate ever-larger donations each year,” says Mike Last, TravelPledge founder. “Thanks to the generosity of our experience partners, we’re on the cusp of reaching $100 million in curated adventures—both local treasures and distant getaways—that nonprofits can effortlessly convert into impactful contributions. Unlike old-school consignment, our platform will always remain transparent, direct, and efficient.”