TrailWise is a not-for-profit service operated by volunteers. Together with the extensive use of open-source and free-to-user technologies, this means very little funding is actually needed.

Limited funds were generated from its predecessor service by subscriptions, these were collected by GLASS but accounted for in a separate 'pot'. Details of this are visible in GLASS Ltd audited accounts. These funds are used to cover TrailWise's small costs - hosting, registration, etc. and are never used outside of TrailWise. Shortfalls are made up from GLASS general funds.