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.
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:
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Are you a veteran looking to connect with nature with fellow veterans? Learn the basics of fly fishing with our Colorado Springs PHWFF program and open the door to many opportunities to attend local fishing outings. We hold classes on fly tying, fly casting, rod building, and conduct fly fishing outings year-round.
PHWFF-Colorado Springs relies on the valuable hours and expertise of dedicated volunteers to accomplish our mission. We need anglers, fly tiers, rod builders, casting teachers, photographers, cooks, and administrative personnel to execute our mission and deliver support to our veterans.
Like any non-profit, we rely on generous donations, financial and services support from Colorado businesses, organizations, trusts, and individuals to pay for the equipment, supplies and services needed to serve our participants. We appreciate every donation, regardless of size or frequency.