Motorcycle Missions

What Motorcycle Missions does

Motorcycle Missions is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2016 (EIN 81-2215532) and headquartered in Austin, Texas, that delivers therapeutic programming to military veterans and first responders experiencing PTSD, anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. The organization operates what it brands as 'Throttle Therapy' through a portfolio of free programs: a Build Mentorship Program that produces 2-4 custom motorcycles per year at partner shops, Track Days and Mini Moto coached riding at Texas circuits (MSRH, MSRC, ECR, G2MP, COTA), the Project MX motocross and trail riding program, MIG/TIG welding instruction, MSF-certified riding endorsement training via Total Rider Motorcycle School, Accident Scene Management classes, and curated event attendance at MotoGP, Sturgis, Daytona, and the Handbuilt Show. Programs are delivered in-person at a 5,000 sq ft Austin shop and across 9+ partner build shops in Texas, Arizona, Florida, Ohio, California, and Colorado, with all gear and bikes provided to participants.

The business model is donation-funded through five streams: individual one-time and recurring monthly donations, tiered corporate sponsorships ranging from $500 to $100,000+ (with Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycle at the Title tier and Lincoln Electric at Gold), merchandise sales via a Shopify storefront ($2-$199 SKUs), civilian program fees ($99-$800) that cross-subsidize free access for veterans and first responders, and proceeds from raffle or sale of completed build bikes after participants have ridden them for at least six months. The organization is governed by a board including founder/executive director Krystal Hess and a 15+ member advisory bench drawn heavily from veteran, law enforcement, and industry leadership. Distribution relies on direct-to-consumer outreach through the website, community referrals within veteran and first responder networks, and a recurring presence at flagship motorcycle industry events.

Name

Motorcycle Missions

Legal name

Motorcycle Missions

Website

https://motorcyclemissions.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2016

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Motorcycle Missions is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides free motorcycle-based therapeutic programming — build mentorship, track days, motocross, welding, and riding instruction — to military veterans and first responders with PTSD, funded by corporate sponsorships, donations, merchandise, and civilian program fees.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Veteran and First Responder Mental Health Services

NAICS

Civic and Social Organizations (813410)

SIC

Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)

akta.pro primary industry

Off-Road & Motorsports Adventures (ATV/UTV, Dirt Bike, Dune Buggy) (THAJABAI)

Keywords

• Veteran support programs
• First responder wellness
• Therapeutic motorcycle programs
• PTSD peer support
• Nonprofit veteran services

Headquarters

HQ city

Austin

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Donations (One-Time and Monthly): Individual donors contribute one-time or recurring monthly donations. 100% of financial contributions are directed to the Build Mentorship Program and Throttle Therapy Programs. Monthly donations are marketed as the best way to support the mission. Donation options include general contributions or designated giving for specific program areas.
2. Corporate Sponsorship and Giving: Corporate sponsors support the organization at multiple tier levels (Title Sponsors $100,000+, Diamond $50,000-$99,999, Platinum $20,000-$49,999, Gold $10,000-$19,999, Silver $5,000-$9,999, Bronze $1,000-$4,999). Sponsorship types include cash donations, in-kind parts donations (wheels, brakes, tires, motors, frames, paint, etc.), gear sponsorship, bike sponsorship, and program sponsorship. Corporate donors receive brand recognition and exposure at events and on built motorcycles.
3. Merchandise Sales: The organization sells branded merchandise through its Shopify-powered e-commerce storefront, including t-shirts ($18-$28), hoodies ($42-$50), tank tops, hats, beanies, stickers, challenge coins, lapel pins, koozies, patches, Vans-branded shoes ($95-$105), and a Whiteknuckler Brand knife collaboration ($199). Merchandise is sold to the general public, not exclusively to program participants.
4. Program Fees (Civilians): Non-eligible participants (civilians who are neither veterans nor first responders) pay for program participation: M Endorsement/MSF Training $295, Track Days $500-$800, Motocross $500, Welding $200, Accident Scene Management $99. These fees subsidize free access for veterans and first responders. Revenue is incidental to the mission but supports operational costs.
5. Bike Raffles and Sales: Completed custom motorcycles from the Build Mentorship Program are raffled off or sold after participants have had the opportunity to display and ride them for at least six months. Proceeds fund future bike build projects, creating a self-sustaining cycle.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Motorcycle Missions is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers free, in-person 'throttle therapy' programs to U.S. veterans and first responders suffering from PTSD, anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. Core offerings include a Build Mentorship Program (custom motorcycle builds at partner shops), Track Days, Project MX motocross, welding classes, MSF-certified riding training, Accident Scene Management, and attendance at major motorcycle events. Revenue is generated through donations, corporate sponsorships, branded merchandise, and civilian-paid program fees that cross-subsidize free access for eligible participants.

Product overview

Motorcycle Missions is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that operates as a multi-program therapeutic platform for veterans and first responders with PTSD. The organization offers a portfolio of programs centered around throttle therapy through motorcycle riding and building. Core programs include the Build Mentorship Program (custom motorcycle builds at partner shops), Welding & Fabrication Classes (MIG/TIG instruction), Track Days/Mini Moto (road racing), Motocross & Trail/ADV (Project MX off-road riding), M Endorsement/MSF Training, Accident Scene Management Classes, and event attendance including MotoGP, Overnight Camping Trips, and Sturgis Rally. The organization also operates an e-commerce store selling branded merchandise (t-shirts, hoodies, accessories) and accepts one-time, monthly, and corporate donations to fund programs. Programs are provided free to veterans and first responders while charging civilians standard fees.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Build Mentorship Program A multi-month motorcycle build mentorship program where veterans and first responders work in teams at partner build shops to construct custom motorcycles, meet weekly until completion, then display and ride the bikes for at least six months before they are raffled or sold to fund future builds. Aims to build 2-4 custom motorcycles per year.
• Welding & Fabrication Classes One-day MIG and TIG welding basics course taught at the Austin shop using Lincoln Electric-donated equipment; participants leave with new skills and completed practice pieces. Free for veterans and first responders; $200 for civilians.
• Track Days / Mini Moto Two-day organized track events with classroom and on-track instruction at racing circuits including MSRH, MSRC, ECR, G2MP, and COTA. Participants ride Kawasaki Ninja 400s or CRF 125/Kayo 150 bikes with professional coaching from Ride Smart and 3:16 Trackdays. $500-$800 for civilians; free for veterans and first responders.
• Motocross & Trail/ADV (Project MX) Off-road motorcycle program bringing veterans and first responders together for weekend riding, camping, and camaraderie on closed courses with skilled coaches. Includes Honda CRF 250F bikes and donated gear from Bell, TCX, Tucker Powersports, and 100%. $500 for civilians; free for veterans and first responders.
• M Endorsement / MSF Training Two-day Motorcycle Safety Foundation certified riding class delivered in partnership with Total Rider Motorcycle School of Texas in the Austin area. $295 for civilians; free for veterans, active duty, and first responders.
• Accident Scene Management Class One-day, 7-hour crash course for motorcyclists taught by Texas Trauma & Lifesaver Training certified instructors; covers helmet removal, rescue breathing, moving the injured, and controlling bleeding. $99 for civilians; open to veterans.
• Motorcycle Grand Prix (MotoGP) Program Annual MotoGP event attendance at Circuit of the Americas in March; veterans and first responders attend free, while civilians pay $50+/day and may select one day of attendance.
• Overnight Camping Trip & Trail Riding Overnight camping trip with trail riding for veterans and first responders, scheduled for May 2-3, 2026.
• Sturgis Rally Trip Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally attendance for veterans and first responders, scheduled for August 7-14, 2026, requiring at least 5 days of attendance.
• One-Time Donation Single monetary donation to support veterans and first responders with PTSD through Throttle Therapy and Build Mentorship programs. 100% of financial contributions are directed to the Build Mentorship and Throttle Therapy Programs.
• Monthly Donation Recurring monthly donation providing ongoing support for Throttle Therapy and Build Mentorship programs. Marketed as the best way to support the mission, with options for general or designated program-area giving.
• Corporate Giving / Sponsorship Corporate sponsorship program with tiered levels from $500 to $100,000+ (Title), supporting bike build, welding classes, or title sponsorship with custom exposure and brand recognition at events and on built motorcycles. Includes cash donations, in-kind parts donations, gear sponsorship, bike sponsorship, and program sponsorship.
• Motorcycle Missions Branded Merchandise Branded merchandise sold through the Shopify e-commerce storefront including t-shirts ($18-$28), hoodies ($42-$50), tank tops, hats, beanies, kids apparel, accessories (stickers $7, challenge coins $10, lapel pins, koozies $5, patches, bracelets, bandanas), Vans shoes ($95-$105), and a Whiteknuckler Brand knife collaboration ($199). Sold to the general public to support mission funding.
• Custom Motorcycle Raffles and Sales Completed custom motorcycles from the Build Mentorship Program are raffled off or sold after participants have had the opportunity to display and ride them for at least six months. Proceeds fund future bike build projects, creating a self-sustaining cycle.

Quantifiable outcome

• All therapeutic programs are provided free to eligible veterans and first responders
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship, major and minor.

• Lincoln ElectriccoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLincoln Electric is a Gold-level sponsor and the exclusive welding equipment provider for Motorcycle Missions. The company donates welding machines and consumables for the organization's welding classes, which are held regularly at the Austin shop as part of the therapeutic program. Lincoln Electric's sponsorship includes brand recognition at events and on custom-built motorcycles. Lincoln Electric is also featured in ARC Magazine coverage of Motorcycle Missions.
• Harley-DavidsonflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerHarley-Davidson is listed as a Title Sponsor ($100,000+) for Motorcycle Missions. The partnership involves the Indian Motorcycle Bike Build Off program where Harley-Davidson sponsored participant trips to Daytona Bike Week and provided exposure at major motorcycle shows.
• Voodoo Vintage (Austin, TX)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVoodoo Vintage in Austin, Texas is one of the primary build shops for the Motorcycle Build Mentorship Program. Veteran and first responder build teams work at this shop, gaining access to tools, lifts, welding equipment, and hands-on instruction from professional builders.
• Paul Yaffe's Bagger Nation (Phoenix, AZ)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPaul Yaffe's Bagger Nation is a partner build shop for the Motorcycle Build Mentorship Program, providing workspace, tools, and professional builder mentorship for veteran and first responder build teams.
• Skidmark Garage (Cleveland, OH)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSkidmark Garage in Cleveland, Ohio hosted Build Team #8 (2019), which built a 2004 Triumph Speedmaster into a custom bobber for reveal at Fuel Cleveland. The shop provides tools and hands-on instruction for the local veteran build team.
• Indian MotorcycleflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndian Motorcycle sponsored the Indian Chief Bike Build Off program, in which two teams of veterans and first responders each built a custom Indian Chief motorcycle. Indian also sponsored participants on a trip to Daytona Bike Week for the unveiling event. The program resulted in significant brand exposure at the Peace Love Happiness fundraiser and online poll.
• Total Rider Motorcycle School (Texas)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerTotal Rider Motorcycle School provides MSF-certified motorcycle training for Motorcycle Missions participants who need an M endorsement. The 2-day riding classes are held in Austin and the greater Austin area. Veterans and first responders receive this training free of charge through the partnership, while civilians pay $295.
• Ride Smart (Track Day School)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerRide Smart is one of the motorcycle track day schools partnered with Motorcycle Missions to provide top-notch instruction and training during track day events at Texas race tracks including MSRH, MSRC, ECR, G2MP, and COTA.
• 3:16 Trackdays (Track Day School)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner3:16 Trackdays is partnered with Motorcycle Missions to provide structured track day instruction for veteran and first responder participants. Students receive classroom and on-track coaching at racing circuits as part of the throttle therapy program.
• K&N FiltersmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerK&N Filters sponsored the K&N Filters Garage Builders Award at the International Motorcycle Show Long Beach, which was won by Motorcycle Missions Build Team #4 for their custom motorcycle build. This award provided competition recognition and brand exposure.
• Motocross Gear Donors (Bell, TCX, Tucker Powersports, EVS, 100%)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerMultiple gear manufacturers donate equipment for motocross participants: Bell Powersports donates MX-9 helmets, TCX donates MX boots, Tucker Powersports donates pants, gloves, knee/elbow pads, neck braces, and goggles. These in-kind donations enable the Project MX program to provide fully-equipped riding experiences at no cost to participants.
• Motorcycle SherpamajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMotorcycle Sherpa, founded by Bear Haughton (a Motorcycle Missions board member), provides guided motorcycle tours across more than five countries on multiple continents. The partnership offers select veterans and first responders free or subsidized access to world-class international motorcycle expeditions as a therapeutic extension of Motorcycle Missions' programs. A notable example is veteran Chris Denton's trip to Nepal, awarded at the Mama Tried show.
• Texas Trauma & Lifesaver TrainingminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerTexas Trauma & Lifesaver Training provides certified instructors for Motorcycle Missions' one-day Accident Scene Management ('Crash Course for Motorcyclists') class. The 7-hour course teaches crash scene first response skills and is held periodically for program participants.
• Circuit of the Americas (COTA)flagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerCircuit of the Americas provides complimentary MotoGP event access for Motorcycle Missions veterans and first responders. The organization attends MotoGP annually, with participants selecting one day of the race event. COTA also provides track access for track day programs.
• Revival Cycles / Handbuilt ShowmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerRevival Cycles hosts the annual Handbuilt Show in Austin, Texas, at which Motorcycle Missions reveals custom-built motorcycles and showcases the organization's work. The event draws large crowds of motorcycle enthusiasts, industry figures, and media, providing Motorcycle Missions with significant brand exposure and a platform to recruit participants and sponsors.
• Motodoffo (Temecula, CA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMotodoffo in Temecula, California serves as a partner build shop for the Motorcycle Build Mentorship Program. The organization hosted an all-female bike build team at Doffo Winery, marking the first all-female Motorcycle Missions build cohort.
• Kory Souza Originals (Sarasota, FL)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKory Souza Originals in Sarasota, Florida is a partner build shop for the Build Mentorship Program. The shop hosted a bike build team whose work was recognized at Daytona Bike Week. Kory Souza also designed the No Class Bike Show that the Motorcycle Missions builders attended during Daytona Bike Week.
• How2Wrench / Shane ConleymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerShane Conley of How2Wrench is a longtime friend and content collaborator with Motorcycle Missions. He produces DIY motorcycle maintenance tutorial content (spark plugs, beginner maintenance guides) published on the Motorcycle Missions blog and YouTube channel. His content has reached DIY enthusiasts in over 230 countries with 32 million visitors. How2Wrench was formed after Shane's mother died due to a healthcare error, and the partnership also supports scholarship awareness in technical studies.
• Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association (CVMA) Chapter 23-19majorGTM or Marketing PartnerCVMA Chapter 23-19 (the 'Highlanders') partnered with Motorcycle Missions to hold the Ride for the Fallen charity ride on Memorial Day weekend 2018, raising $2,400 to support Motorcycle Missions programs. The event was supported by Leander and Burnet TX VFWs, Leander Police Department, and Blue Star Mothers.
• J&P CyclesmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerJ&P Cycles donated parts for and participated in the build of the Ducati Scrambler by Build Team #5. This bike received Runner Up in the Custom Street Class at the International Motorcycle Show Dallas and went on to compete in the Nationals in Chicago.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Semper Fi Fund: A veteran-support nonprofit providing immediate financial assistance and long-term support to wounded, critically ill, and injured service members. Comparable in mission scope around veteran wellbeing, but operating at much larger scale with broader programmatic reach.
• Wounded Warrior Project: One of the largest veteran-support nonprofits in the US, serving wounded, ill, and injured veterans with mental health, career, and wellness programs. Comparable in addressing veteran PTSD and suicide, but operates at vastly larger scale and broader programmatic scope.
• Outward Bound Veterans: A long-established adventure-based experiential learning organization that runs dedicated veteran programs using outdoor activities for therapeutic outcomes. Comparable as a therapeutic-recreation nonprofit for veterans, though larger in scale and broader in activity mix.

Direct peers

• Save A Warrior: A nonprofit that provides intensive, short-form therapeutic programs for active-duty service members and veterans in crisis from PTSD and suicide risk. Comparable in addressing veteran suicide through immersive non-clinical intervention, though using a different format (weeklong cohort retreat) rather than ongoing activity-based engagement.
• Team Rubicon: A veteran-led humanitarian organization that deploys veterans in disaster response and community service. Comparable in mission and target population, though focused on disaster response rather than recreational therapy.
• Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing: A 501(c)(3) that uses therapeutic fly fishing to support disabled veterans recovering from physical and emotional injuries. Most directly comparable to Motorcycle Missions as a nonprofit delivering hands-on recreational therapy to veterans, with a similarly volunteer-driven national chapter model.
• Patriot Guard Riders: A volunteer motorcycle organization that honors fallen service members, veterans, and first responders at funerals and events. Most directly comparable as a motorcycle-focused veteran and first responder support community operating nationwide.
• The Mission Continues: A national veteran-serving nonprofit that engages veterans in community service and leadership development to address isolation and PTSD. Comparable as a 501(c)(3) targeting the same veteran/first responder mental health population through community-driven programming.
• Boulder Crest Retreat Foundation: A nonprofit that provides no-cost retreat-based programs for combat veterans and first responders dealing with PTSD. Comparable as a therapeutic nonprofit targeting the same population with a different modality (residential retreat vs. activity-based engagement).
• Team Red White & Blue (Team RWB): A veteran nonprofit that builds community through physical and social activities (fitness, adventure, events). Comparable in mission and target audience, though uses a broader portfolio of activities rather than focusing on a single immersive activity like motorcycling.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@motorcyclemissions1154
• Facebookfacebook.com/motorcyclemissions
• Instagraminstagram.com/motorcyclemissions
• Xx.com/moto_missions

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

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 Motorcycle Missions