Pledges & Premiums

Pledges are an essential part of the Mississippi River Challenge and each paddler over the age of 18 is required to turn in $250 before getting on the water on July 24th. Paddlers aged 16 - 18 are required to raise $50 in pledges, and paddlers aged 15 and under and welcome to raise pledges, but are not required to do so. The pledges raised by this event benefit Friends of the Mississippi River, a citizen-based non-profit organization that is working to protect, restore, and enhance this natural wonder through the Twin Cities corridor. Visit the Friends of the Mississippi River page to find out more about the organization.

You are not alone in your pledge-raising efforts. Mississippi River Challenge staff are here to help and you should not hesitate to contact us for fundraising tips. We will be holding fundraising workshops in May and June to aid paddlers in their efforts, answer any questions, and quell any anxieties that paddlers may have. Check back for more specific information on these events.

Visit our Fundraising Tips page to find out more about pledge raising for the Mississippi River Challenge.

As an added incentive to paddlers to exceed the pledge minimum for the Mississippi River Challenge, we offer a variety of exciting premiums for paddlers who hit certain pledge levels. These premiums are donated by a various businesses, restaurants, theaters, and outfitters to offer rewards to paddlers who go the extra mile to show their support for the river. Check out the Premiums page for more information!