Skateboarding’s rise in popularity isn’t just about the sport itself; it’s a culture that fosters creativity, courage, and community. Beyond the tricks and the thrill, a network of nonprofit skateboard organizations are making a significant impact worldwide. These groups, fueled by the passion of skaters and their allies, are dedicated to improving lives and communities through the power of skateboarding. From building skateparks to providing mentorship and essential resources, these organizations are a testament to the positive influence skateboarding can have.
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Nonprofit Skateboard Organizations Led by Skateboarding Professionals
Many of these impactful organizations are spearheaded by professional skateboarders, who bring their unique insights and experiences to the table. Their involvement adds credibility and a deep understanding of the community’s needs.
The Skatepark Project (Formerly The Tony Hawk Foundation)
Founded by the legendary Tony Hawk, The Skatepark Project has been instrumental in the creation of nearly 600 skateparks, providing safe and legal places for skaters to hone their skills. This initiative was born from Hawk’s own experiences and the widespread need for accessible skate spaces. What started as a personal mission has grown into a global movement, facilitating over 6 million visits to skateparks annually. The organization’s focus is on underserved communities, ensuring that all kids have the opportunity to experience the joy of skateboarding. The Skatepark Project not only builds facilities but also supports international programs like Skateistan, promoting youth development through skateboarding.
Let It Flow
Let It Flow, founded by professional skateboarder Nyjah Huston and his mother Kelle Huston, tackles the critical issue of clean water access in Africa. Inspired by their own experiences with water scarcity, their slogan “Life Grows Where Water Flows” highlights their mission. The organization drills wells in impoverished communities, improving health, education, and overall quality of life. Their first project in Debra Brehan, Ethiopia, provides clean water to approximately 900 people, demonstrating the profound impact of addressing basic needs.
The Ryan Sheckler Foundation
Established by Ryan Sheckler, The Ryan Sheckler Foundation aims to “Be The Change” by supporting injured athletes and empowering children through skateboarding. The organization raises awareness and funds for skateboarding-related causes through events like the Ryan Sheckler Celebrity Golf Tournament. In addition, they offer Skate After School, providing after-school programs to underserved youth, illustrating the positive impact of mentorship and structured activities. The foundation’s varied initiatives such as Project Lifelong, and partnerships like the Harold Hunter Foundation’s Legacy Program, highlight its dedication to holistic community development.
The Rob Dyrdek-DC Shoes Skate Plaza Foundation
Rob Dyrdek’s Rob Dyrdek-DC Shoes Plaza Foundation is dedicated to creating sustainable communities by developing safe, legal skate plazas. Recognizing that a significant percentage of skateboarders are young, the foundation collaborates with municipalities and private donors to construct spaces where youth can exercise, practice their sport, and even pursue skateboarding as a career. This approach not only provides a recreational outlet but also supports the growth of skateboarding as a legitimate and positive activity.
Organizations Providing Mentorship and Resources
Beyond building facilities, several organizations concentrate on mentorship and providing essential products, which are vital for fostering a supportive skateboarding community.
Skate for Homies Foundation
The Skate for Homies Foundation, founded by Todd Ingersoll, focuses on mentorship and providing skateboarding gear to kids from challenged backgrounds. Inspired by his own childhood experience with a mini ramp, Ingersoll is committed to “paying it forward” by offering skateboard classes, after-school programs, and refurbished equipment. The foundation seeks to make skateboarding accessible to young people who may not have opportunities to pursue their dreams.
Board Rescue Nonprofit Organization
Board Rescue works to provide skateboards and safety equipment to various youth organizations. Founded by Garry Holl, this all-volunteer organization works with donations from manufacturers like Powell Peralta and Independent Trucks. Board Rescue focuses on underprivileged and at-risk youth, providing access to the sport and fostering a sense of self-esteem and confidence. With a majority of each donated dollar directly purchasing skateboards, Board Rescue maximizes its impact on the lives of young skaters.
Stoked Mentoring
Stoked Mentoring, founded by Steve Larosiliere, provides mentorship and experiential learning opportunities through action sports. The organization uses snowboarding, surfing and skateboarding to empower kids, emphasizing the importance of thinking critically and finding new opportunities. Stoked offers after-school programs, college preparation, and mentorship from professional skateboarders, fostering courage and leadership among youth. The organization’s expansion into multiple cities and partnerships with schools underscores its dedication to serving a broad community.
Next Up Foundation
Based in Orange County, California, the Next Up Foundation seeks to increase school engagement and career opportunities for underserved middle and high school students through skateboarding. Vice President Andre Genovisi, a professional skateboarder, believes in the ability of skateboarding to teach valuable life skills. The foundation provides mentorship, skateboarding instruction, and necessary equipment, fostering problem-solving skills, leadership, and social mobility. The program offers a safe, supportive community for skaters, reinforcing its mission to develop resilient and creative young individuals.
Cause-Specific Nonprofit Skateboard Organizations
Many organizations have unique missions, using skateboarding to address particular social issues and promote specific causes.
Boards For Bros
Boards For Bros focuses on providing skateboards to kids who cannot afford them. Starting as a collection and refurbishment program, it became a nonprofit in 2014. They are committed to providing equipment, skate spots, and youth mentoring. Boards for Bros is a national initiative that believes in the transformative power of skateboarding for physical and mental health. The organization empowers skateboarders to participate in community service as volunteers, donors, or project managers, broadening its reach and impact.
Skate Aid
Skate Aid is an international organization that empowers kids across borders through skateboarding and community building. Their primary focus is providing safe skate parks and socialization rooms with free access, alongside structured leisure activities. Skate Aid runs free skateboard lessons, workshops, and sporting events to promote self-determination, resilience, integration, and inclusion. The organization also carries out continuing education workshops for sensitive topics and supports youth exchange programs to reduce cultural barriers. With over 20 projects in 18 countries, Skate Aid leverages skateboarding to make a global difference.
Johnny Kicks Cancer
The Johnny Kicks Cancer organization was founded by Julie and Mike Romano in memory of their son Johnny, who passed away from leukemia. The organization works within the skateboarding industry to raise awareness and financial support for cutting-edge leukemia research, seeking to find a cure for the illness that took their son’s life.
A.Skate
A.Skate Foundation works with children on the autism spectrum, offering specialized skateboarding lessons as a form of occupational therapy. Focusing on vestibular, proprioceptive, and motor skills, A.Skate provides a safe and accepting environment where kids can learn and grow. The organization gives one-on-one lessons, skateboards, gear, and safety equipment, ensuring that every child has the chance to experience skateboarding in a way that meets their sensory needs. A.Skate’s free clinics nationwide demonstrate its commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.
Exposure Skate
Co-founded by professional skateboarder Amelia Brodka, Exposure Skate addresses gender inequality within the skateboarding industry. Through the organization, Amelia brought to light a lack of access and inclusion for female skateboarders. Exposure Skate empowers girls and young women through action sports, promoting confidence, leadership, and healthy lifestyles. Their annual women’s benefit event draws over 170 female skateboarders, providing an opportunity for global recognition.
Make Life Skate Life
Make Life Skate Life implements skate programs for disadvantaged people, women, and refugee youth, using skateboarding to foster self-expression, cross-cultural communication, and resilience. Founder Arne Hillerns was inspired by a group of Indian skaters he encountered while traveling. The organization builds skateparks and long-term projects in various countries, enabling communities to lead their own projects, fostering empowerment and community ownership.
Ben Raemers Foundation
The Ben Raemers Foundation addresses mental health awareness and suicide prevention within the skateboarding community. Founded in memory of professional skateboarder Ben Raemers, the organization aims to end the stigma and burden associated with mental health issues.
Dylan Rieder Foundation and Cancer Research
The Dylan Rieder Foundation was created in memory of skateboarder Dylan Rieder, who passed away from leukemia. The foundation continues to raise funds to help those battling leukemia.
Concrete Jungle Foundation
The Concrete Jungle Foundation builds skateparks and runs youth programs worldwide, helping disadvantaged communities through the positive influence of skateboarding. The organization provides world-class concrete parks and delivers targeted youth programs focused on life skills and professional development, empowering communities through skateboarding.
Girls Riders Organization
The Girls Riders Organization inspires, supports, and educates girls to be leaders for positive change in action sports and all areas of life. This organization encompasses a range of action sports, not just skateboarding. GRO’s goal is to help girls see themselves as capable and important. Through their work, GRO provides resources to help girls be empowered and grow in their communities.
Skateistan
Skateistan empowers children through skateboarding and education. The award-winning organization works with displaced Afghan children and other marginalized communities through programs in its Skate School. With various programs like Outreach, Dropping In, Skate and Create, Youth Leadership, and Back to School, Skateistan empowers young women and other children globally.
Flipping Youth
Flipping Youth empowers young individuals from challenging environments through action sports, creative arts, and entrepreneurship. The organization uses skateboarding as a tool to connect young people and promote social mixing without discrimination. By emphasizing sustainable development and youth entrepreneurship, they encourage young people to learn employability skills and test their business ideas, promoting self-sufficiency.
Chill
The Chill Foundation inspires youth to overcome challenges through boardsports and provides experiential learning, discussion, and reflection, combined with board sport lessons. The organization operates in 24 cities across 10 countries, using board sports as a symbol of empowerment. Chill focuses on helping participants maximize their potential and create new life paths.
Look Back Library
The Look Back Library preserves the history of skateboarding through magazines and printed materials. Founded in September 1986, the non-profit organization partners with collectors around the world to ensure that the rich history of skateboarding is not forgotten.
Skate4life
Skate4Life is dedicated to suicide prevention, mental health education, and celebrating life. The organization primarily focuses on teens and young adults, hosting an annual skateboard event to raise awareness about depression and suicide prevention. This event honors the memories of James “Dylan” McNeill and Cody Nelson Arrington, who tragically took their own lives.
Grind for Life
Grind for Life provides financial assistance to cancer patients who must travel long distances for medical treatment. Founded by Mike Roger, a two-time cancer survivor, the organization helps with travel, food, lodging, and other personal needs, alleviating the financial strain of battling cancer.
Pushing Ahead
Pushing Ahead is dedicated to empowering youth through skateboarding. Founded by Derek Robison in 2016, the organization partners with after-school programs serving underprivileged youth, providing a safe and nurturing environment. Pushing Ahead provides skateboards to youth participants through a program that allows them to keep their own skateboard built from donations, making skateboarding accessible to all.
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Conclusion
The world of skateboarding encompasses more than just the thrill of the ride; it’s a community that cares about others and seeks to create positive change. These nonprofit skateboard organizations demonstrate the profound impact that skateboarding can have, transforming lives, and building stronger communities. Whether you’re a skateboarder or not, you can contribute to these organizations and help make a difference in the world.
