About Us:
[Balikbayod] Returning Wave is a diverse group of US and international donors committed to supporting youth in emerging surf communities of the Philippines. We envision a flourishing surfing community made up of safe, thriving, and diverse sectors, strengthened by dynamic leadership that empowers the Philippines surf community to fully participate in all levels of society from a place of love for surfing, the ocean and our planet.
About Our Grants:
Each year, Returning Wave raises funds to ship donated surfboards and sponsor competition travel by awarding students in alignment with our mission and values. From 2008 to date, 200+ surfboards have been been gifted to deserving surf organizations across 15 locations in the Philippines. Surfboard grants are awarded through a review process overseen by the founder and co-director, with final selection determined by Returning Wave team. Each surfboard grant is typically 5-10 surfboards and the total number of surfboards is based on each organization's registration list and needs. Surf competition funds are crowdsourced through early requests (90 days minimum before competition) and a case by case basis.
What We Fund:
This year, Returing Wave will distribute surfboards based on feedback from each community. Our process may include site visits, direct messages (texts), and emails as a follow-up to the application process. If your community receives a grant, your group will be expected to provide a final report on the impact by December 1, every year.
Eligibility:
Any organization that has not received Returning Wave surfboard donations in the past year is eligible to apply. Organizations must be based in the Philippines and lead by local surfers. We encourage community-based, grassroots, and emerging organizations to apply. Organizations that have wahine (women) & LGBTQ surfer leads will be given priority consideration during the grantmaking review.
The following are not eligible to apply: Individuals; religious organizations for religious purposes; political parties, organizations for specific candidates, political action committees and/or any organizations that exist to support them; governments and municipal organizations.
Returning Wave are glad to answer any questions about eligibility and the grants process. Please email us at info@returningwave.org