To Our Fellow Adventurers and Protectors,
As the Overland Expo Foundation reflects on the incredible year we’ve had in 2024, I want to take a moment to express our heartfelt thanks to each of you—our dedicated community of adventurers, volunteers, and supporters. It’s because of your passion and involvement that the Overland Expo Foundation was able to achieve such remarkable success this year.
Thanks to your generosity and support, we raised over $68,000 through raffle donations and saw the Ultimate Builds fetch an impressive total of $110,000—all of which will go directly to the Foundation’s mission of fostering responsible and sustainable overlanding.
The success of these efforts would not have been possible without the tireless work of our volunteers, who were absolutely phenomenal at each of the four Overland Expos this year. Their dedication and enthusiasm were key to the funds we raised and the impact we made. Volunteer applications are now open for 2025 events and we invite you to apply!
The success of our fundraising efforts has allowed us to award $57,000 in grants to 8 deserving recipients who will continue to advance the values of overlanding through education, conservation, and community engagement. Together, we are making a meaningful and lasting impact.
Read about each of the projects here:
- Fox Bravo Overland – Operation Southwestern Spirit – NM & CO
- 26 veterans were supported on a 10 day overland journey of healing & community
- Motorcycle Relief Project – Veteran’s Relief Ride
- ADV moto trip for veterans and PTSD therapy
- Tread Lightly! – Argentine Pass, CO Kingston Pass, CO Edge of the World, AZ Kids Education
- Clean up projects on two Colorado passes. Informational kiosk in high traffic area.
- Rally for Rangers – Supporting Tribal Parks in the Badlands
- Tribal rangers received much needed equipment & support on trail system.
- Team Overland – Big Sur Expedition
- Veterans are given the opportunity for reintegration, connection, and healing.
- Two Wolf Foundation – Warrior Stewardship Team (WST.006) – Inyo National Forest
- 6 veterans completed 3 projects for the Inyo NF
- Vox United – Moto Mechanic
- Moto mechanic restored well in 4 Mozambique communities
- Project Heal the Land – Explore More So Cal
- Connecting students to the outdoors and fostering environmental stewardship.
At each of the Overland Expo events, we also had the privilege of partnering with Tread Lightly! to host a Kids RC Driving Course, where over 350 kids had the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of responsible overlanding. It’s inspiring to see the next generation embracing these values and getting hands-on experience in a safe and fun way.
We’re also proud of the way our community takes care of the places we visit. After every Overland Expo, we left the venue better than we found it, demonstrating to the local communities that overlanders don’t just explore—they respect and protect the environment we love. Volunteers were integral in making this happen. Stay tuned for more information about cleanup efforts in 2025.
None of this would have been possible without your commitment to the Foundation and to the overlanding community as a whole. As we look ahead to 2025, we are excited to continue working alongside each of you to build a future where responsible exploration thrives and is accessible to all.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your incredible support and for being part of such a special community. We can’t wait to see what we accomplish together in the year to come.
Cheers to adventure,
Rachael Elseman
Executive Director
Overland Expo Foundation
Rachael is an adventurer and overland travel enthusiast with a rich background in outdoor exploration. Follow her travels at okienomads.com.