Surfrider Spirit Sessions has become an essential part of our mission to turn kids away from a life of drugs and crime and transform them into responsible citizens. . . . It is a precious resource that we, as a community, cannot afford to lose.”
~ Judge R. Mark Browning, Senior Court Judge, Hawaii State Family CourtOrganizational Goal of Fiscal Solidity
In addition to pursing numerous grants and donations, we are actively seeking to strengthen and diversify our existing funding base and develop alternative means of income generation. Some of the activities we are undertaking include:
Fee-for-service programs
We modify our core program format for special groups, hire our youth as assistants and mentors, and charge a fee for service. The fee covers all costs and yields a small profit, thereby offsetting some of our traditional fundraising needs. Successful pilots with visiting youth from Waldorf School Olympia, business teams from the Hawaii Convention Center and Iolani School have the triple benefit of generating income to support our at-risk youth programs; expanding our network of potential supporters and job contacts; and simultaneously providing valuable job experience and self-esteem boosts for our youth. Learn more about our Custom Programs.
Reducing costs and expanding service – equipment
We are assessing the cost benefits of owning surf equipment (as opposed to renting them as we currently do) and determining how to balance additional costs incurred (maintenance, insurance, storage and transportation) against increasing profit margins of fee-for-service projects and the benefits of expanding capacity for special events and serving areas beyond Waikiki.
Reducing costs and expanding service – overhead
We find unique ways to get our work done while being cost efficient. Renovating Hawaii Self Storage lockers into office space is just one of the ways we get what we need at a price we can afford. Plus, Hawaii Self Storage offers rental credit in exchange for referrals to new customers who book space at one of their facilities. Our referred customers also get rental discounts. There’s more information on our Donate page if you’re looking for a discount on storage that will also help support our programs.
Other efforts
(see our calendar for current fundraising activities)
- Mentor-Driven Fundraising Competitions
- Youth-Driven Fundraising Activities
- Corporate Sponsorships
- Signature Products line
- Program Franchising / Consulting
