About the Program

The Beary Program is part of WRF’s Collaborating with Wildlife Strategy, which supports Yellowstone and surrounding park gateway communities by placing clear, visitor-facing stewardship messaging directly in local businesses. Many challenges Yellowstone bears face today stem from unprepared visitors and unsecured attractants. The Beary Program equips community businesses, tourism groups, and chambers of commerce with simple tools that help visitors prepare, secure, and coexist before entering wild spaces.

Beary Brews is the national fundraising extension of this program. Through Beary Brews, a local business (such as a coffee shop, brewery, café, bakery, restaurant, or event space) can host a themed fundraiser with your guidance. WRF provides signage, graphics, and clear instructions. You bring people together to support local stewardship and community-based coexistence efforts.

About the Role

This volunteer role is an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of nonprofit fundraising, gain event coordination experience, and support wildlife coexistence programs measures connected to Yellowstone. Whether you are a student, an emerging professional, or simply someone who wants to get involved in your community, this is a chance to raise money for bear conservation in a creative and hands-on way. Bears need you!

Responsibilities

• Identify and partner with a local business willing to host a Beary Brews fundraiser.
• Choose an event format that fits your community (such as a trivia night, art night, pop-up market, tasting event, seasonal gathering, live music, silent auction, or signature drink fundraiser event).
• Use WRF’s signage, graphics, and promotional materials to brand your event.
• Promote the event locally and help share the simple message of visitor preparedness and coexistence of all wildlife, with emphasis on bears.
• Serve as on-site lead for your event.
• Submit a short event recap and results to WRF.
• Receive a modest event stipend after each successfully completed event.

What You Will Gain

• Practical experience in nonprofit fundraising and event planning.
• Opportunities to build relationships with local businesses.
• Support and mentorship from WRF’s national Beary team.
• Recognition on WRF social media and communication channels.
• After three successful events, a place on WRF’s official Beary Fundraising Team, with continued involvement and expanded opportunities.

Qualifications

• Community oriented and comfortable connecting with local businesses.
• Reliable, creative, and enthusiastic about organizing events.
• Interested in community engagement, wildlife coexistence, or nonprofit work.
• No prior experience required, WRF provides support and guidance.

Compensation

This is a volunteer role. A small stipend is awarded after each successful Beary Brews event, based on its structure and outcome.

Why Join

This is a chance to learn the fundamentals of nonprofit fundraising from the ground up, strengthen community connections, and contribute to practical visitor preparedness and wildlife coexistence across Yellowstone’s gateway regions. With WRF’s support and your creativity, your Beary Brews event can make a meaningful difference for people and wildlife alike.