Donors Make a Difference

Since the first U.S. hostel was opened in 1934, our mission has been simple: to help all, especially the young, gain a greater understanding of the world and its people through hostelling. Our donors power our mission every day by making our most important initiatives possible.

Donate to HI USA

There are many ways you can support HI USA, from a one-time donation to an estate gift. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and your donation is tax deductible.

If you have any questions, we are happy to help — please contact us at [email protected] or (240) 650-2104. Our legal name is American Youth Hostels d/b/a Hostelling International USA and our EIN is 13-5639689. 

Ways to Give

  • Online
  • By phone: (240) 650-2104 
  • By mail: Print and mail this donation form to
    Hostelling International USA
    Attn: Resource Development
    8455 Colesville Road, Suite 1225
    Silver Spring, MD 20910 

Please make checks payable to Hostelling International USA. 

  • Donor-advised Fund (DAF):

    To give via your DAF, use the link below to find your DAF administrator.

Please instruct your DAF administrator to mail a check to us using the information above. Our EIN is 13-5639689. If you need ACH information for your DAF administrator, please email [email protected].  

  • Stock: Giving appreciated stock can be a tax-wise way to give. For instructions on how to send securities to HI USA, please email [email protected]. 
  • Estate Gifts: Many of our supporters choose to include HI USA in their estate plans to continue the hostelling movement in the U.S for future generations. We honor their tremendous commitment in our Hostelling Legacy Society. Society members receive a certificate, recognition in our annual report, a semiannual newsletter, and invitations to special events. If you would like to discuss an estate gift, please contact us at [email protected] or (240) 650-2104.
    You can include HI USA in your estate plans in a variety of ways, including:

    • Including HI USA in your will or trust. We can provide sample language. 
    • Naming HI USA as a beneficiary of your retirement account(s) 
    • Naming HI USA as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy 
    • Naming HI USA as a beneficiary of your donor-advised fund
    • Gifts that pay you income during your lifetime and support HI USA at the end of your life, like charitable gift annuities (CGAs) and Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRTs) 
    • Charitable Lead Trusts (CLTs) 
    • Leaving HI USA property in your will or trust
       
  • Employer Matching Gifts: Want to multiply the impact of your donation? An easy way to increase your gift to HI USA is to secure a matching donation by your employer. Ask your HR department if your employer offers a matching gift program. 
  • Real Estate: Do you have an appreciated piece of real estate? Donating appreciated real estate can be a great way to support HI USA while minimizing the tax impact to you or to your heirs. Contact us to discuss at [email protected] or (240) 650-2104 to discuss. 

“Traveling to Spain has broadened my capacity to communicate. Exploring a different culture of people with different social norms has inspired me to be more open and accepting of others who are different from me. I will definitely take advantage of the next opportunity I have to travel again!”

Trenisha Bennett, 2019 Explore the World Travel Scholarship Winner

View of HI New Orleans Hostel from Canal Street

Give a Meaningful Gift

A charitable donation makes a wonderful gift for family and friends on special occasions, or you may honor a loved one’s memory with a memorial donation.

Make a Gift