RAGBRAI COMMUNITY FUND
RAGBRAI is possible because of the towns across Iowa that open their doors and businesses; organizations that send volunteers; and individuals that work year-round to make Iowa what it is. This fund was created to say thank you by supporting causes and organizations across Iowa.
INDIVIDUAL FUNDRAISING
Are you riding for a cause? Through our partnership with GoFundMe you can start an individual fundraising page for the non-profit of your choice and start raising money!
ECONOMIC IMPACT
RAGBRAI provides a shot in the arm to communities across the state the host or serve as a destination for the annual ride. In 2022, RAGBRAI generated a reported $25MM in economic impact for the communities that hosted.
Meet the 2025 RAGBRAI Gives Beneficiary: Honor Flight
RAGBRAI is pleased to announce that the Honor Flight Network will be our Community Fund beneficiary for RAGBRAI LII. Funds raised will be directed to active hubs serving Iowa veterans through the Honor Flight mission “To celebrate America’s veterans by inviting them to share in a day of honor at our nation’s memorials.” RAGBRAI acknowledges with gratitude the service and sacrifice of our veterans and values the opportunity to support those who have served our country.
“Honor Flight Network is a national nonprofit organization comprised of 130 independent hubs working together to achieve the Honor Flight mission – celebrating America’s veterans by inviting them to share in a day of honor at our nation’s memorials. In furtherance of this common goal, we have the enormous privilege of showing our nation’s veterans the appreciation and honor they deserve.
Participation in an Honor Flight trip gives veterans the opportunity to share this momentous occasion with other comrades, remember the fallen, and share their stories and experiences with other veterans. Honored veterans always travel free of charge, thanks to generous donations to our organization.
While initially focused on America’s veterans of the World War II era, Honor Flight Network has expanded its mission to include those who served during the Korean War and the Vietnam War eras. The Honor Flight TLC program also honors veterans of any service era who are critically ill. Through Honor Flight Network’s Lone Eagle program, we serve those veterans who live in areas with no local hub – furthering the reach of our impact.
There are 130 hubs across the country that form our Honor Flight Network. These hubs and their volunteers truly make our mission a success. They freely donate their time and talents to coordinate flights, bus trips, welcome home ceremonies, thousands of phone calls and so much more – all with the common goal to honor our nation’s heroes with the trip of a lifetime.
Since its inception in 2005, Honor Flight has brought over 300,000 veterans to see their memorials in our nation’s capital, all at no cost to them. We value every donated dollar and are proud that over 90% of raised funds are dedicated to bringing our veterans to Washington, D.C.”
Source: Honor Flight Network
Veterans on a recent trip with the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight in Washington, DC.
Make your impact when you register, create an individual fundraising goal, or team goal and support Honor Flight!
For those not participating in RAGBRAI, donations may also be made directly to Honor Flight here.
RAGBRAI cyclists are some of the most community-driven and passionate people. Now, with the power of GoFundMe paired with the kindness of this community, it is easy to use your ride as a way to raise money for a cause you care about.
Why Fundraise?
1. Raise more for a cause or charity you love than you could donate alone.
2. Giving back helps cycling across Iowa feel even more meaningful.
3. You can be a part of something bigger than yourself or even RAGBRAI!
How to create your individual fundraising page
1. Choose a cause or charity
Before you get started creating your fundraiser, decide what cause or charity you’d like to raise funds for. Pick something that is close to your heart or use the examples below as inspiration.
2. Create your fundraiser
Click the ‘Start a GoFundMe’ link above to get started. Follow the easy prompts to add your basic information, including your location, name, category, goal amount, and who you are fundraising for.
Tip: Not sure what to choose for a fundraising goal? Try $1,200!
3. Add your personal touch
Why did you select this cause or charity? What does this mean to you? Why did you decide to join RAGBRAI? Do you have a great photo of you and your bike? Don’t be afraid to get creative with your fundraiser photo or description.
4. Rally your community
Friends? Family? Neighbors? Coworkers? Now you have another reason to talk about the impressive mileage you’re riding – it’s for a great cause. Make sure to share your fundraiser far and wide via social media, texts, emails, or any other methods you can reach your networks.
Resources for Getting Started
Find inspiration from these RAGBRAI Riders
Meet Tim
An Iowa native who grew up with the RAGBRAI tradition, Tim has 4 sons at home and dreams of riding RAGBRAI as a family someday. Tim is also a proud former National Park Service employee, working in 3 national parks throughout his career and visiting over 30. For the second year in a row, he is fundraising to support the National Park Foundation.
Meet Rachaelle
In Rachaelle’s own words, “I feel like the Dream Team has definitely made me feel better about myself as a person, therefore allowing me to have a much more positive outlook on people and situations around me. I believe in myself a lot more than I used to and I’m learning that through confidence and trust in myself, as well as hard work, I can do whatever I put my mind to in that moment. It’s helped a lot when I’m having a difficult time in life.”
