Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing

What Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing does

Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization incorporated in Maryland and headquartered in La Plata, Maryland, founded in 2005 at Walter Reed Army Medical Center to serve wounded service members returning from combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. The organization delivers therapeutic recreation programs centered on fly fishing for U.S. Veterans across all service eras, operating through a network of 200+ volunteer-led chapters in 45 states and embedded programs within VA Medical Centers, Warrior Transition Units, and Department of Defense hospitals. Core programming includes fly casting, fly tying, rod building, and one-day to multi-day guided fishing outings, all provided free of charge to participants; specialized offerings include the Sisters on the Rise program for women Veterans and Oak Heart Lodge retreats in Michigan. The organization serves 7,600+ Veterans annually and employs 11-50 staff supplemented by hundreds of volunteer mentors.

The business model is donation- and sponsorship-funded rather than transactional. Revenue streams include individual donations, grant funding, tiered corporate sponsorships (ranging from $2,500 First Cast to $100,000 Grand Slam/Presenting tiers with national sponsors such as Golden Corral, Microsoft, BAE Systems, CSL Behring, and Dynamic Aviation Group), and event-based fundraising through flagship events including the Mossy Creek Invitational in Virginia and the Healing on the Fly Gala in New York City. The go-to-market approach is community-led and event-driven: volunteers coordinate local chapters, recreational therapists within VA and DoD facilities refer Veterans into the program, and fundraising events serve as donor acquisition and engagement channels. There is no proprietary technology platform; operations are supported by standard third-party nonprofit tools (Classy for donations, Network for Good for event ticketing, Constant Contact for email, GoFundMe for auctions). Notable strategic developments include the 2024 appointment of Jim Knowlton, COL, U.S. Army (Ret.), as CEO, ongoing geographic expansion of flagship fundraising events (Rocky Mountain Invitational), and 2024 Candid GuideStar Platinum Transparency certification.

Name

Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing

Legal name

Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Incorporated

Website

https://projecthealingwaters.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2005

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2005 that provides free therapeutic fly fishing programs, mentorship, and community to U.S. Veterans across 200+ chapters in 45 states, embedded within VA and DoD facilities.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Veteran Therapeutic Services

NAICS

Fishing, Hunting and Trapping (114), Hunting and Trapping (1142)

SIC

Fishing, Hunting And Trapping (900)

akta.pro primary industry

Fishing & Angling Charters / Guides (THAAALAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Hunting & Fishing Lodges (Sporting Lodges) (THAGAIAJ), Fishing Charters & Angling Experiences (Deep Sea, Sportfishing, Fly Fishing) (THAJAJAC)

Keywords

• Veteran rehabilitation programs
• Therapeutic fly fishing
• Military veteran services
• Nonprofit mentoring programs
• Community healing initiatives

Headquarters

HQ city

La Plata

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: Tax-deductible donations from individuals supporting Veteran rehabilitation through fly fishing. Donations facilitate all program activities including equipment, outings, and facility access at no cost to participants.
2. Corporate Sponsorships: Corporate sponsors provide funding at various tiers (Grand Slam/Presenting $100,000, Rainbow Trout $50,000, Brown Trout $25,000, Cutthroat Trout $10,000, Brook Trout $5,000, First Cast $2,500). National sponsors include Golden Corral, Microsoft, Dynamic Aviation Group, BAE Systems, and CSL Behring.
3. Event Fundraising: Annual flagship events including the Healing on the Fly Gala (NYC) and Mossy Creek Invitational (Virginia) generate significant fundraising revenue while engaging donors, sponsors, and Veterans.
4. Grant Funding: As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, PHW receives grant funding and charitable contributions. EIN documentation confirms tax-exempt status.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides therapeutic fly fishing programs to U.S. military veterans, including instruction in fly casting, fly tying, and rod building, along with one-day and multi-day guided fishing outings. All equipment, instruction, and trips are provided free of charge to veterans, delivered through a nationwide network of 200+ volunteer-led chapters embedded in VA Medical Centers, Warrior Transition Units, and DoD hospitals across 45 states.

Product overview

Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing is a nonprofit organization providing a comprehensive therapeutic program centered on fly fishing for Veterans. The core offering is the Fly Fishing program, which includes basic fly fishing instruction, fly casting, fly tying, and rod building classes, along with fishing outings ranging from one-day trips to multi-day excursions. The organization operates through a network of local chapters across 45 states, delivering ongoing education and community-based activities rather than one-time events. Additional program components include the Sisters on the Rise initiative for women Veterans, Oak Heart Lodge (a dedicated fishing retreat in Michigan), and various fundraising events including the Mossy Creek Invitational and Healing on the Fly Gala. All equipment and activities are provided free of charge to participants.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Fly Fishing Program Core therapeutic program providing fly fishing instruction including basic fly fishing, fly casting, fly tying, and rod building classes, along with one-day and multi-day fishing outings for U.S. military veterans, free of charge.
• Sisters on the Rise Dedicated program honoring the voices, experiences, and needs of women who have served, providing specialized fly fishing and healing activities for female Veterans.
• Oak Heart Lodge Retreats Specialized fly fishing retreat and lodge located in Newaygo, Michigan, offering multi-day guided fishing experiences for Veterans with professional guides.

Quantifiable outcome

• 7,600+ Veterans participate annually in PHW programs
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.

• Oak Heart LodgecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOak Heart Lodge in Newaygo, Michigan is a premier fly fishing retreat partner that hosts PHW Veterans for multi-day fishing experiences. The lodge provides professional guides, accommodation, and therapeutic outdoor experiences. Veterans like Al Budaszewski have reported significant healing benefits including reduced migraine frequency during stays.
• Mitchell River HousecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Mitchell River House near Greensboro, North Carolina hosts PHW Fayetteville's annual 'The Bert' overnight fishing trip. Located directly on the Mitchell River, the venue provides accommodation, meals, and fishing access for Veteran participants.
• Neshannock Creek Fly ShopminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocated streamside in Volant, Pennsylvania, the fly shop provides guided fishing experiences for PHW Pittsburgh Veterans. Owner Mark Collier donated services to support the program, with guides Dan Heitzenrater and Chris Horn providing instruction.
• Morning Hatch FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerA mental health-focused foundation that receives proceeds from the Colorado Springs Fly Fishing Film Tour and distributes funds to organizations including Project Healing Waters addressing mental health in the community.
• Golden CorralflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerNational sponsor of PHW events including the Mossy Creek Invitational. Golden Corral has provided ongoing support for Veteran healing programs and was honored at the 10th Healing on the Fly Gala with President & CEO Lance Trenary as Guest of Honor.
• Dynamic Aviation GroupflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsors PHW events including the Mossy Creek Invitational, hosting Veterans and sponsors at their historic red barn for special tours of aircraft and dinners supporting the mission.
• Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with VA Medical Centers nationwide where PHW programs are embedded. VA facilities provide space and institutional support for PHW chapters, with recreational therapists actively referring Veterans to the program.
• Department of Defense (DoD)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPHW programs operate within DoD hospitals including Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and Warrior Transition Units, supporting wounded service members in recovery.
• Tennessee Valley VAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Chattanooga PHW chapter operates in partnership with Tennessee Valley VA Healthcare System, with recreational therapist Sarah Howard actively supporting the program and referring Veterans.
• Trout UnlimitedminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership with Trout Unlimited chapters including Penn Woods West, supporting PHW Pittsburgh programs. The organization helps promote fishing conservation and Veteran programming.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Wounded Warrior Project: Large, well-established veteran services nonprofit offering a broad portfolio of programs (mental health, physical wellness, career counseling). Comparable to PHW because both serve wounded and disabled U.S. veterans through structured rehabilitation programs, though Wounded Warrior Project operates at much larger scale and broader scope.
• Hope For The Warriors: National veteran service nonprofit providing comprehensive support (mental health, career transition, financial literacy). Comparable to PHW in serving post-9/11 wounded veterans through structured programs, though with broader service portfolio rather than single-activity specialization.
• Disabled Sports USA: National nonprofit providing adaptive sports and recreation opportunities for individuals with disabilities, including veterans. Comparable to PHW because both use outdoor recreation as therapeutic/rehabilitative vehicle, with similar volunteer-based chapter network serving disabled populations.

Direct peers

• Team Red White & Blue (Team RWB): Veteran nonprofit focused on community building and physical/mental wellness through fitness and outdoor activities. Comparable to PHW because both target veteran wellness and reintegration through community-driven enrichment programs, with similar volunteer-led chapter networks across the U.S.
• Trout Unlimited: National coldwater conservation organization with a Veterans Service Partnership program partnering with PHW. Directly comparable because it shares the fly fishing mission focus, conservation/community ethos, and chapter-based volunteer network that underpins PHW's programming.
• Casting for Recovery: Nonprofit providing free fly fishing retreats for women with breast cancer. Closely comparable therapeutic recreation model to PHW—both use fly fishing instruction and group retreat experiences as therapeutic intervention, with similar event-driven, volunteer-supported program delivery.
• Freedom Waters Foundation: Nonprofit offering boating, fishing, and other water-based experiences to veterans, disabled individuals, and at-risk youth. Comparable to PHW because both use outdoor water-based recreation as therapeutic vehicles for veteran rehabilitation with similar donation-dependent funding models.
• Warrior Sailing: Nonprofit providing adaptive sailing programs to wounded warriors and veterans. Directly comparable to PHW because both offer free adaptive outdoor recreation programs to veterans as therapeutic intervention, using a similar volunteer-led chapter model.
• Take a Vet Fishing: Nonprofit providing free fishing trips to veterans, active-duty military, and first responders. Directly comparable to PHW because both use fishing (including fly fishing) as therapeutic recreation for veterans with similar volunteer-mentor and donation-based operational models.

Others

• Sierra Club Military Outdoors: Environmental organization's program providing free outdoor excursions to veterans. Comparable to PHW in mission to connect veterans with outdoor/nature-based therapeutic experiences, though Sierra Club's program is broader in scope and not specialized in fly fishing.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/PHWFFTheater
• Facebookfacebook.com/ProjectHealingWaters
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/projecthealingwaters
• Instagraminstagram.com/phwff
• Xx.com/PHWFF

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing