What is Project Healing Waters?

Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc. (PHWFF) has been designated by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The first program was started at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. in 2005. PHWFF currently has over 200 operational programs serving disabled veterans and disabled military service personnel from all 50 states and Germany. PHWFF has 20 geographic regions throughout the United States and 1 region in Europe. PHWFF also has affiliate programs in Canada and Australia.

PHWFF is a volunteer-run organization governed by a Board of Trustees (BOT) and elected officers who create policy, provide operational and budget oversight, and are responsible for the strategic plan. The administrative and program functions are supported by six full time employees at headquarters. The volunteers at the regional and local levels work with the headquarters staff to coordinate plans and operations, administer programs, assist with fundraising and manage special projects.

Each PHWFF program is managed by a Program Lead (PL) who recruits and manages the local volunteers and coordinates the program’s activities. In 2015, more than 200,000 hours were donated by over 3500 PHWFF volunteers. This enabled more than 7400 disabled veterans and disabled military service personnel to participate in PHWFF program activities. In 2015, PHWFF overhead expenses for salaries, administration and fundraising were 16% of total revenue.

What does Project Healing Waters – Colorado Springs offer?

The Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing program provides basic fly fishing, fly casting, fly tying and rod building classes, along with clinics participants ranging from beginners who have never fished before, to those with prior fly fishing and tying experience who are adapting their skills to their new abilities. We conduct year-long instruction in fly fishing, fly tying, rod building, casting classes and 45 fly fishing outings annually. Our participants heal and reconnect with their community and our amazing outdoors.

Recent program highlights include:

• Year-long instruction: Fly fishing 101, Fly Tying 101, 201, 301, 401, Fly Rod Building (3 month class), – Fly Casting Classes
• 45 fly fishing outings annually – one day, multiple day, in state/out of state
• Participants are equipped to become life-long, independent fly fishing anglers – at a minimum a PHWFF or host provided rod, reel, line and accessories.
• PHWFF-COS has seen a 600% increase in participants since 2013.

How are we funded?

PHWFF relies on the generosity of individuals as well as private and corporate donors. PHWFF also solicits foundation grants and government funding. After a thorough vetting process, PHWFF is part of the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC #82526).

Is there a cost to participate?

All fly fishing and tying equipment is provided to the participants at no cost. Fishing trips, both one day and multi-day, are also provided free of charge to participants.

Are we a non-profit?

Yes. Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing (PHWFF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. PHWFF is dependent on tax-deductible, charitable donations and the help of numerous volunteers to meet the educational, equipment, transportation, and related needs of its participants.

Are we a part of the VA Health Care System?

We are an independent veteran service organization and nonprofit. Many of our highly successful PHWFF programs hold classes and opportunities at Department of Defense hospitals, Warrior Transition Units, and Veterans Affairs Medical Centers and clinics throughout the United States. Found here under the Regional Listings tab.

How much of every dollar donated to PHWFF goes directly to supporting disabled veterans?

PHWFF works hard to keep our administrative and fundraising costs associated with the operation of PHWFF as low as possible. Per our 2015 annual audited financial statements, 84% of total expenses went to programmatic support for PHWFF participants.

What makes PHWFF unique?

PHWFF is much more than a one-time fishing outing. We strive to serve those who have made great sacrifices in their service to our great nation through offering on-going, year-round support, classes and outings.