RASF
Turn Client Contributions Into Industry Strength
Recreation Access & Stewardship Fund
The Recreation Access & Stewardship Fund (RASF) is a voluntary, client-supported program that lets outfitters turn small, fully optional client contributions into durable support for America Outdoors. You add a clearly disclosed line item at booking, collect it from clients who choose to participate, and pass it through to AO, where it funds national advocacy, regulatory engagement, and access protection for the industry.
Why This Program Matters
America Outdoors’ advocacy workload has grown sharply—EXPLORE Act implementation, permitting reform, liability protection, wage-and-hour issues, state-level engagement, and public lands policy. That work takes sustained staff capacity, legal counsel, research, and coordination, and membership dues alone no longer keep pace.
RASF closes that gap without raising your costs. Clients who already care about the rivers, trails, the lands and experiences you connect them with, fund the work directly, and a stronger America Outdoors benefits every outfitter—whether or not they participate—through better industry outcomes, protected access, and a louder national voice.
The model is proven. It is built on programs run for decades by similar trade associations, with long-demonstrated client acceptance and very low opt-out rates.
How the Program Works
Step 1: Add a Voluntary Line Item
Add a single, clearly labeled line item to your invoices or booking system, for example: “America Outdoors RASF: $1 per guest per day (voluntary).” Place it after all taxes and fees.
Step 2: Collect the Contribution
Clients pay it alongside their trip cost. Participation is voluntary, and anyone who prefers not to take part can opt out with no questions asked.
Step 3: Remit to America Outdoors
Send collected funds to AO on the schedule that fits.
Step 4: Apply an Optional 25% Dues Credit
Request up to 25% of your annual contributions as a credit toward next year’s membership dues, or treat the full amount as a donation. Your choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Recreation Access & Stewardship Fund?
A voluntary, client-supported contribution program administered by America Outdoors. Participating outfitters collect a small, optional, clearly disclosed contribution from clients and pass it through to AO, which reinvests it in advocacy, regulatory engagement, and access protection that benefit outfitters nationwide.
Is participation required?
No. The program is optional for outfitters and voluntary for clients. There is no minimum contribution, and you can pause or stop at any time with no penalty.
How much should I collect?
Whatever fits your operation. Many outfitters start around $1 per guest per day, but ranches, hunting outfitters, and lodges often use per-stay or per-hunt amounts. You can use different amounts for different activities and adjust them over time.
Does this cost my business anything?
No. Clients fund the contribution. It is a pass-through donation, not company revenue, so it does not add to your operating costs.
What is the 25% dues credit?
Contributions are tracked on a calendar-year basis. You may request that up to 25% of your annual contributions be applied as a credit toward the following year’s membership dues. The credit is optional, must be elected, and does not roll over.
How is the contribution handled for taxes?
RASF contributions are pass-through donations (not taxable business income, and not subject to sales tax). Clients do not receive a tax deduction. Check with your accountant for bookkeeping specifics.
What if a client doesn't want to contribute?
Remove it immediately, with no justification or discussion needed. A simple explanation works: “It’s a voluntary contribution that supports America Outdoors’ work protecting access and reasonable regulation for outfitters. We’re happy to remove it if you prefer.” Historical opt-out rates are very low.
Which reservation systems work with RASF?
Most, if not all, major platforms support a custom fee or line item. Manual invoicing and spreadsheet tracking work too, and AO can provide one-on-one setup help, if necessary.
How do I remit, and what do I include?
Remit on an agreed-upon schedule with a simple process within our membership system that we will walk you through during setup. It is straightforward.
How do I get started or get help?
Complete the RASF enrollment form, add the line item to your system, and pick a remittance schedule. For setup help, contact us at i[email protected] or 865-558-3595.
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