Pedals for Progress- a NJ nonprofit
Pedals for Progress is a New Jersey-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that collects used bicycles and sewing machines in the United States and ships them to vetted NGO partners in developing countries, having delivered over 173,500 bikes and 7,335 sewing machines to 46+ countries since 1991.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1991
- HeadquartersHigh Bridge, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What Pedals for Progress- a NJ nonprofit does
Pedals for Progress is a New Jersey-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that collects used bicycles and sewing machines in the United States and ships them to vetted NGO partners in developing countries for redistribution to individuals and communities. Founded in 1991 by Dave Schweidenback, the organization has cumulatively shipped 173,500 bicycles and 7,335 sewing machines to 46+ countries and operates a sister program called Sewing Peace launched in 1999. Its go-to-market is a community-led collection model: P4P partners with Rotary clubs, churches, civic organizations, and year-round drop-off locations across the U.S. Northeast (with a long-running Vermont collection operation supported by FedEx in-kind shipping) to source donated goods, then loads containers for international freight to recipient partners such as FIDESMA in Guatemala, the Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association, Mityana Open Troop Foundation in Uganda, and PASS/Ecovolis in Albania.
The underlying activity is repair and refurbishment — bicycles and sewing machines are checked and made functional by a small paid staff (6 people) and volunteers before being containerized for shipment; the technology stack is essentially manual logistics and a WordPress-based web presence, with no proprietary software or AI components. Its product surface consists of the core Bicycle Donation and Distribution Program, the Sewing Peace sewing-machine program, recurring U.S. collection events, and a partner-run EcoBici bike shop sub-program in Guatemala that sells donated bicycles at low cost to sustain community outreach.
Pedals for Progress does not generate commercial revenue. The organization is funded entirely through charitable donations (cash contributions and in-kind donations of bicycles and sewing machines), collection sponsorships, and in-kind logistics support from partners such as FedEx. Pricing is not applicable — there are no product sales to end users. The customer base is effectively two-sided: U.S.-based individual donors and collection sponsors on one side, and international NGO partner organizations distributing to end beneficiaries on the other. The organization has been recognized with Charity Navigator accreditation and a 2000 Rolex Laureate awarded to its founder.
Pedals for Progress- a NJ nonprofit firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Pedals for Progress- a NJ nonprofit
- Legal name
- Pedals for Progress
- Website
- https://p4p.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1991
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Pedals for Progress is a New Jersey-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that collects used bicycles and sewing machines in the United States and ships them to vetted NGO partners in developing countries, having delivered over 173,500 bikes and 7,335 sewing machines to 46+ countries since 1991.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Pedals for Progress- a NJ nonprofit industry classification
Industry- Product category
- International Humanitarian Aid and Equipment Donation Services
- akta.pro primary industry
- Bicycle Programs & Bike Share (Parking, Repair, Rentals) (EDALAKAE)
Keywords
Where Pedals for Progress- a NJ nonprofit is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- High Bridge
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Pedals for Progress- a NJ nonprofit business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Charitable Donations: Pedals for Progress is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that relies entirely on charitable donations of bicycles and sewing machines from the public, as well as financial contributions to support shipping costs. The organization does not generate revenue from product sales but operates through volunteer-driven collections.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels7 records
Pedals for Progress- a NJ nonprofit product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Pedals for Progress collects used bicycles and sewing machines donated by individuals and organizations in the United States, refurbishes repairable units at its New Jersey warehouse, and ships them by container to vetted NGO partners in developing countries. The Sewing Peace sister program handles sewing machine collections, and partner organizations on the ground distribute the equipment to individuals for affordable transportation, vocational training, and income generation. Operations are funded entirely by in-kind donations and financial contributions that cover shipping costs.
Product overview
Pedals for Progress is a nonprofit organization operating as a single, unified donation-and-distribution program that collects used bicycles and sewing machines from donors in the United States and ships them to partner organizations in developing countries. The core offerings consist of the Bicycle Donation and Distribution Program, the Sewing Peace sewing machine program, the EcoBici bike shop sub-program in Guatemala, and collection event services. The organization also publishes the InGear newsletter to communicate impact and activities. All programs are coordinated through their New Jersey headquarters and shipped via container freight to international partners who distribute or sell items to support community development.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Bicycle Donation and Distribution Program Collects used bicycles from donors in the U.S., refurbishes repairable units, and ships them via container to vetted NGO partners in developing countries for distribution to individuals needing affordable transportation.
- Sewing Peace Sister program that collects and ships used sewing machines to developing countries, providing equipment for vocational training, tailoring businesses, and income generation.
- Collection Events Organized drop-off events held across the U.S. where donors can deliver used bicycles and sewing machines, hosted by sponsoring organizations and held on a recurring Spring/Fall schedule.
- EcoBici Bike Shop (Guatemala) A sub-program operated by partner FIDESMA in Guatemala that sells donated bicycles at low cost to generate revenue for community outreach while providing affordable transportation.
- InGear Newsletter Newsletter providing updates on international shipments, partner activities, and impact stories from recipient communities.
Quantifiable outcome
- 173,500 bicycles and 7,335 sewing machines shipped to 46 countries since inception
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Pedals for Progress- a NJ nonprofit
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments2 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Pedals for Progress- a NJ nonprofit technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Pedals for Progress- a NJ nonprofit partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
19 partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core and flagship.
- Neighbors Abroad (Mexico)minorShipped 72 sewing machines to Oaxaca, Mexico March 13, 2026 with support from North Hunterdon Rotary Club.
- Koimene Impact Foundation (Liberia)minorNew partner in Liberia receiving 72 sewing machines shipped December 10, 2025.
- Community Plus Organization/COPO (Tanzania)minorNew partner in Tanzania (Mornogoro) receiving 72 sewing machines shipped December 10, 2025. Organization addresses poverty through educational, microfinance, and environmental programs including Community Plus Green College.
- Absolute Bikes Tirana (Albania)coreLoaded 420 bikes and 20 sewing machines April 18, 2026 for shipment to Tirana, Albania.
- GoBike (Kosovo)coreSocial enterprise promoting cycling in Kosovo. After pandemic pause, resumed operations with new shipment in 2025. Works with sewing machines for women's empowerment programs in marginalized communities.
- Hiran Youth Council (Somalia)minorNew partner in Somalia receiving 72 sewing machines in September 2022 to open a sewing school for youth training.
- Rwanda Wildlife Conservation AssociationcorePartnership began 2021 with Olivier Nsengimana (Rolex Laureate 2014). Bikes support rangers and conservationists protecting endangered gray crowned cranes. Sewing machines support women's cooperatives providing alternative income to reduce marsh ecosystem disturbance. Three shipments sent: 503 bikes/43 machines (2021), 452 bikes/60 machines (2022), 429 bikes/101 machines (2025).
- The Norbert and Friends Foundation (Tanzania)coreBased in Arusha, Tanzania. Has received 1,352+ bikes and 537+ sewing machines since 2019. Partners include The Norbert and Friends Missions.
- Association Defi et Revolution de la Vie Rurale/DRVR-TOGOcoreBased in Vogan, Togo. Economic development organization that has received 1,439+ bikes and 334+ sewing machines since 2020. Coordinates distribution to women traders, apprentices, community health workers, and local government officials.
- Rising Hope for Change (Cameroon)minorBased in Limbe, Cameroon. Community development partner that has received 462 bikes and 259 sewing machines since 2013.
- PASS/Ecovolis (Albania)coreBased in Tirana, Albania. Community development organization that has received 8,300+ bikes since 2010. Operates bike sharing initiatives and eco-tourism camp programs.
- Mityana Open Troop Foundation (Uganda)coreVocational training center in Mityana, Uganda training vulnerable youth. Has received 556+ sewing machines since 2005. Over 1,200 graduates trained in sewing, hairdressing, carpentry, and mechanics since 2007. Every graduate receives a sewing machine to start their own workshop.
- Village Care Initiatives (Sierra Leone)minorBased in Kenema, Sierra Leone. Has received 959 bikes and 102 sewing machines.
- FIDESMA (Fundacion Integral de Desarrollo Sostenible y Medio Ambiente)flagshipLongest-running partnership since 1999, based in Chimaltenango, Guatemala. FIDESMA serves San Andres Itzapa through EcoBici bike shop and women's weaving cooperatives. Has received over 12,034 bikes and 406+ sewing machines. The EcoBici shop has sustained operations for 25 years through bicycle sales, serving as a textbook example of sustainability.
- North Hunterdon Rotary ClubcoreCollection sponsor and supporter based in New Jersey. Assists with collection events and financial support for shipping costs.
- Clinton Presbyterian ChurchcoreLongtime collection sponsor in Clinton, NJ. Participates in collection events and provides volunteer support.
- Party Size CyclingminorNew bike shop located at 2004 NJ-31, Clinton, NJ 08809, just south of P4P headquarters. Grand opening June 14, 2026.
- Green Mountain Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (Vermont)coreHighly productive domestic partner collecting bikes and sewing machines from Vermont for 22 years. FedEx ships collections at no charge. Delivered the 4,000th bike from Vermont in 2020.
- God Cares Outreach (Belize)minorPartner in Belize that received shipment #7 on June 19, 2026: 432 bikes, 45 sewing machines, and 60 soccer balls.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Pedals for Progress- a NJ nonprofit competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- ReCycle: UK-registered charity that collects unwanted bicycles in the UK and ships them to partners in Africa. Direct international peer operating the same redistribution model from a different country source base.
- Bikes Not Bombs: Boston-based nonprofit that recovers used bikes and ships them to economic development partners in the Global South. Direct peer using the same grassroots collection, refurbishment, and international distribution playbook as P4P.
- Bicycles for Humanity: Canadian-based network of volunteer chapters that collects bikes for shipment to developing nations. Direct peer using the same grassroots, volunteer-chapter collection model that P4P employs with Rotary clubs and churches.
- Tools for Self Reliance: UK charity that refurbishes and ships tools including sewing machines to African partners for vocational training. Most direct peer to P4P's Sewing Peace program on the equipment-donation side of the model.
- Working Bikes: Chicago-based 501(c)(3) that collects, refurbishes, and ships used bicycles to partners in developing countries. The closest U.S. peer to P4P in mission, operational model (collection events, containerized shipments), and target beneficiaries.
- World Bicycle Relief: International nonprofit that distributes bicycles to people in developing regions for transportation and economic empowerment. Larger peer with a more programmatic approach, but the same core mission of bikes-as-development-tool that defines P4P.
- Village Bicycle Project: U.S.-based nonprofit that collects and ships bicycles to rural communities in West Africa. Direct peer sharing P4P's collect-refurbish-ship-distribute model and focus on Sub-Saharan beneficiaries.
Regional players
- Qhubeka: South African nonprofit that distributes bicycles to schoolchildren and communities. Regional peer with overlapping mission but operating primarily as a downstream recipient/distributor rather than a U.S. collection hub.
Broad incumbents
- Heifer International: Global nonprofit that provides livestock, tools, and training to developing-world communities. Broad incumbent that competes with P4P for charitable donations within the international-development giving category but operates at far larger scale and scope.
Emerging players
- Free Bikes 4 Kidz: U.S.-based nonprofit that collects and refurbishes bikes for donation to underserved youth. Emerging player that shares the bike reuse and refurbishment model but directs output to domestic rather than international beneficiaries.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Pedals for Progress- a NJ nonprofit social profiles
Digital presencePedals for Progress- a NJ nonprofit financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Pedals for Progress- a NJ nonprofit leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles16 records
Pedals for Progress- a NJ nonprofit subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Pedals for Progress- a NJ nonprofit funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Pedals for Progress- a NJ nonprofit 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 Pedals for Progress- a NJ nonprofit
What does Pedals for Progress- a NJ nonprofit do?
Pedals for Progress collects used bicycles and sewing machines donated by individuals and organizations in the United States, refurbishes repairable units at its New Jersey warehouse, and ships them by container to vetted NGO partners in developing countries. The Sewing Peace sister program handles sewing machine collections, and partner organizations on the ground distribute the equipment to individuals for affordable transportation, vocational training, and income generation. Operations are funded entirely by in-kind donations and financial contributions that cover shipping costs.
Is Pedals for Progress- a NJ nonprofit a public or private company?
Pedals for Progress- a NJ nonprofit is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Pedals for Progress- a NJ nonprofit founded?
Pedals for Progress- a NJ nonprofit was founded in 1991. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Pedals for Progress- a NJ nonprofit based?
Pedals for Progress- a NJ nonprofit is headquartered in High Bridge, United States, in the North America region.
How does Pedals for Progress- a NJ nonprofit make money?
One revenue line is on record: charitable Donations.
Who are Pedals for Progress- a NJ nonprofit's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are ReCycle, Bikes Not Bombs, Bicycles for Humanity, Tools for Self Reliance, Working Bikes, World Bicycle Relief and Village Bicycle Project. Qhubeka is listed as a regional player. Heifer International is listed as a broad incumbent. Free Bikes 4 Kidz is listed as an emerging player.
Does Pedals for Progress- a NJ nonprofit have an API?
No public API is recorded for Pedals for Progress- a NJ nonprofit.
What industry is Pedals for Progress- a NJ nonprofit in?
Pedals for Progress- a NJ nonprofit's product category is International Humanitarian Aid and Equipment Donation Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDALAKAE, Bicycle Programs & Bike Share (Parking, Repair, Rentals).