Walkabout Foundation
Walkabout Foundation is a UK- and US-registered charity that distributes custom-fitted wheelchairs, provides rehabilitation services, and funds spinal cord injury research for people with mobility disabilities in developing countries.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2009
- HeadquartersLondon, United Kingdom
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Walkabout Foundation does
Walkabout Foundation is a UK-registered charity (UK Charity 1140850) and US 501(c)(3) (37-1582823) founded in 2009 by siblings Carolina and Luis Gonzalez-Bunster after Luis sustained a spinal cord injury. The organisation operates a three-pronged programme: (1) distribution of custom-fitted, rough-terrain, locally repairable wheelchairs to people with mobility disabilities in developing countries; (2) rehabilitation services, including physical and occupational therapy for up to 100 children at the Kenya Centre in Nanyuki, plus parent and caregiver training programmes; and (3) funding of spinal cord injury (SCI) research, with $2 million committed since 2010 to partners including UCLA, the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, and the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. As of the latest reporting, Walkabout has distributed 31,069 wheelchairs across 26 countries and reports 81,700 lives impacted. Its core technology is wheelchair provisioning per WHO guidelines, with proprietary features including custom fitting, bike-tyre rough-terrain designs, and paediatric postural support.
The business model is donation-driven. Public donations are guaranteed to go 100% to projects because operating costs are covered by a small group of "special donors." Funding streams include one-time and recurring online donations, event participation (Berlin, London, and Paris Marathons; closet sales; Walkabout events), community fundraising pages, and virtual holiday auctions (which alone have raised nearly $300,000). The go-to-market is hybrid: direct-to-consumer digital fundraising, event-driven community activation, and corporate partnerships (L'Oréal East Africa, Free Wheelchair Mission, Hope Health Action, Momentum Wheels for Humanity). Distribution of wheelchairs is direct through own-operated Assembly & Repair Centres in Kenya (since 2018) and Haiti (since 2021), supplemented by an international partner network and government-supported outreach (e.g., Migori County, Bungoma County). Pricing is structured as donation tiers (e.g., £25/month funds a custom-fitted wheelchair; £10/month funds weekly therapy for 100 children; £1,000 funds a full year of rehabilitation for one child at the Kenya Centre).
Walkabout Foundation firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Walkabout Foundation
- Legal name
- Walkabout Foundation
- Website
- https://walkaboutfoundation.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2009
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Walkabout Foundation is a UK- and US-registered charity that distributes custom-fitted wheelchairs, provides rehabilitation services, and funds spinal cord injury research for people with mobility disabilities in developing countries.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Walkabout Foundation industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Mobility Disability Charity Services
- NAICS
- Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120)
- SIC
- Services-Social Services (8300)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGACAG)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Mobility Aids (Wheelchairs, Scooters, Walkers, Canes) (HLAHAMAA)
Keywords
Where Walkabout Foundation is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- London
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices3 records
Markets served
Walkabout Foundation business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Donations: One-time and recurring donations from individual donors. 100% of donations go directly to projects as operating costs are covered by special donors.
- Event Fundraising: Revenue from event participation fees, pledges, and fundraising pages created by supporters participating in marathons and challenges.
- Virtual Auction and Closet Sales: Sale of pre-loved and designer items with 100% of proceeds going to projects. Virtual holiday auctions raising nearly $300,000.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Monthly | Weekly physical therapy and rehabilitation for children |
| Other | Monthly | Mother Training Programme |
| Other | Monthly | Custom-fitted wheelchair |
| Other | One time | Pressure relief cushion |
| Other | One time | Full year rehabilitation |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
Walkabout Foundation product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Walkabout Foundation is a registered charity that distributes custom-fitted, locally repairable wheelchairs to people with mobility disabilities in developing countries, delivers rehabilitation and therapy services for children and caregivers at its Kenya Centre, and funds scientific research into cures and treatments for spinal cord injury. Its beneficiaries receive wheelchairs and services free of charge, funded by individual donations, event fundraising, corporate sponsorships and grants.
Product overview
Walkabout Foundation is a charitable organisation offering three core services: wheelchair distribution, rehabilitation, and spinal cord injury research funding. Their wheelchair programme distributes locally repairable, custom-fitted wheelchairs to people in developing countries. Their rehabilitation programme at the Kenya Centre provides physical and occupational therapy for children with mobility disabilities, along with parent and caregiver training. The research programme funds laboratories worldwide in ground-breaking research to find a cure for paralysis.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Wheelchair Distribution Programme Distribution of custom-fitted, rough-terrain, locally repairable wheelchairs to people with mobility disabilities in developing countries. Each recipient is personally assessed, fitted, trained and followed up. The programme has delivered more than 31,069 wheelchairs across 26 countries.
- Rehabilitation Services Rehabilitation and therapy services delivered at the Kenya Centre providing physical and occupational therapy, caregiver training (including the Mother Training Programme), and educational and support services for up to 100 children with mobility disabilities.
- Spinal Cord Injury Research Funding Grant funding of scientific and clinical research aimed at reducing and reversing the effects of spinal cord injuries, including studies at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab (Northwestern University), UCLA, and the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation.
Quantifiable outcome
- 31,069 wheelchairs distributed globally across 26 countries
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Walkabout Foundation
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments2 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Walkabout Foundation technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Walkabout Foundation partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
13 partnerships are on record, tiered supporting, major, core and past core.
- ALAMA Project (AMPATH) / Moi University / Moi Teaching & Referral HospitalsupportingTraining on autism evaluation using ADOS-2 for Walkabout Kenya rehabilitation team, delivered by the ALAMA Project Team together with Moi University and Moi Teaching & Referral Hospital in Kenya.
- L'Oréal East AfricamajorPartnership for Baby Ubuntu caregiver training at Kenya Centre, supported by L'Oréal East Africa's Citizen Day programme. L'Oréal sponsored empowerment workshops, soap-making training, and donations to caregiver groups.
- Potter's House CBO / MAITSsupportingAppropriate Paper-based Technology (APT) training partnership for sustainable assistive technology devices. APT turns recycled paper and cardboard into therapy equipment and custom-made toys for children with disabilities.
- Momentum Wheels for HumanitymajorEmergency partnership to send 100 wheelchairs to Ukraine in May 2022 during the humanitarian crisis following Russia's invasion. Container shipped to Lviv.
- Hope Health ActioncorePartnership to build the HHA Walkabout Wheelchair Distribution Centre in Haiti in 2021. The centre provides Haiti with a regular and sustainable supply of wheelchairs, transforming hundreds of lives every year.
- Free Wheelchair MissioncorePartnership for wheelchair distribution in Kenya, restoring mobility through free wheelchair provision.
- Christopher and Dana Reeve FoundationcoreCollaboration on The Big Idea clinical trial studying epidural stimulation impact on 36 individuals with chronic Spinal Cord Injuries, evaluating cardiovascular function, standing, and voluntary movement.
- Dr. Reggie Edgerton / UCLAcoreWalkabout fulfilled its $1 million commitment to Dr. Edgerton's lab at UCLA, which developed epidural stimulation treatment that redefined the SCI research field, enabling nearly 20 participants to regain voluntary limb movement.
- Jeevan Jyoti Institute for the Disabled (JJ Walkabout Centre)past coreOpened the JJ Walkabout Centre in India in 2016 providing education, care and therapy to children with mobility disabilities. Ran for eight years making a lasting impact.
- Shirley Ryan AbilityLab (Northwestern University)coreFunding Northwestern University's 'Functional Restoration after Spinal Cord Injury by Hebbian and Transcutaneous Spinal Stimulation' study led by Dr. Monica A. Perez, testing 15 SCI patients using electrical stimulations and exercise training.
- Metropolitan SanctuarysupportingPartnership for reusable diaper training where Community Outreach Officer Charity Nana taught women from the organization how to make reusable diapers.
- Migori County GovernmentsupportingLocal government partnership for December 2024 outreach distribution at Migori County Referral Hospital, with 116 wheelchairs distributed.
- Compassionate Hands for the Disabled Foundation Children's HomesupportingPartner organization where L'Oréal East Africa Citizen Day activities took place, serving children with disabilities alongside caregivers from Ruiru Baby Ubuntu group.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Walkabout Foundation competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Free Wheelchair Mission: Largest direct competitor to Walkabout's wheelchair distribution programme; also a faith-based nonprofit distributing free, locally assembled wheelchairs in developing countries, with overlapping geographic focus and partner network (note: Free Wheelchair Mission is also an existing Walkabout partner in Kenya).
- Momentum Wheels for Humanity: US-based nonprofit distributing wheelchairs and assistive devices in low-resource settings globally; partnered with Walkabout on the 2022 Ukraine emergency wheelchair shipment and shares the same global mission.
- Motivation: UK-based disability charity that designs and distributes affordable wheelchairs (including the famous Motivation Rough Terrain wheelchair) globally, addressing an identical beneficiary population and use case as Walkabout.
- Whirlwind Wheelchair International: Designs and disseminates low-cost, locally manufacturable wheelchairs for developing countries; shares Walkabout's rough-terrain, locally repairable product philosophy and global distribution model.
- Reeve Foundation: Primary US funder of paralysis and spinal cord injury research; partnered with Walkabout on the Big Idea epidural stimulation trial and represents the most influential peer in Walkabout's SCI research pillar.
- Hope Health Action: Walkabout's partner in Haiti for the HHA Walkabout Wheelchair Distribution Centre; operates disability and health programmes in Haiti and shares Walkabout's wheelchair distribution and rehabilitation mission.
Broad incumbents
- Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation: Leading US-based spinal cord injury nonprofit co-funding The Big Idea clinical trial with Walkabout; broader mission encompasses SCI research, quality-of-life grants, and advocacy - the dominant funder/peer in Walkabout's research pillar.
- United Cerebral Palsy (UCP): US-affiliated network providing wheelchairs, assistive technology, and disability services; broader scope and historical scale, but addresses an overlapping disability beneficiary population with Walkabout's rehabilitation arm.
- CBM (Christian Blind Mission): Large international disability inclusion NGO operating in many of the same developing-country geographies as Walkabout, funding wheelchairs, rehabilitation, and inclusive development programmes at greater scale.
- Joni and Friends: Large US disability nonprofit providing wheelchairs, rehabilitation, and disability ministry worldwide; serves a similar beneficiary base with broader Christian-affiliated programming.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Walkabout Foundation social profiles
Digital presenceWalkabout Foundation compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Walkabout Foundation financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Walkabout Foundation leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles14 records
Walkabout Foundation funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Walkabout Foundation M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Walkabout Foundation
What does Walkabout Foundation do?
Walkabout Foundation is a registered charity that distributes custom-fitted, locally repairable wheelchairs to people with mobility disabilities in developing countries, delivers rehabilitation and therapy services for children and caregivers at its Kenya Centre, and funds scientific research into cures and treatments for spinal cord injury. Its beneficiaries receive wheelchairs and services free of charge, funded by individual donations, event fundraising, corporate sponsorships and grants.
Is Walkabout Foundation a public or private company?
Walkabout Foundation is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Walkabout Foundation founded?
Walkabout Foundation was founded in 2009. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Walkabout Foundation based?
Walkabout Foundation is headquartered in London, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Walkabout Foundation make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Donations are the primary driver. The others are event Fundraising and virtual Auction and Closet Sales.
Who are Walkabout Foundation's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Free Wheelchair Mission, Momentum Wheels for Humanity, Motivation, Whirlwind Wheelchair International, Reeve Foundation and Hope Health Action. Broad incumbents are Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, United Cerebral Palsy (UCP), CBM (Christian Blind Mission) and Joni and Friends.
Does Walkabout Foundation have an API?
No public API is recorded for Walkabout Foundation.
What industry is Walkabout Foundation in?
Walkabout Foundation's product category is Mobility Disability Charity Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGACAG, Disability Services & Independent Living Support, with a secondary code of HLAHAMAA, Mobility Aids (Wheelchairs, Scooters, Walkers, Canes). Its NAICS code is 624120 and its SIC code is 8300.