Third Wave Volunteers
Third Wave Volunteers is a Florida-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that mobilizes 30,000+ trained medical and non-medical first responders to deliver disaster relief, medical aid, solar lighting, and clean water to communities affected by hurricanes, wars, and pandemics worldwide.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2001
- HeadquartersFlorida, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Third Wave Volunteers does
Third Wave Volunteers is a Florida-registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit disaster relief organization founded in 2001 by Dr. Alison Thompson, a former 9/11 first responder. The organization mobilizes a network of more than 30,000 trained medical and non-medical first responders worldwide to deliver aid and run field operations in the wake of natural disasters, man-made conflicts, and pandemics. Core service lines include deployment of volunteer medical and search-and-rescue teams, distribution of medical supplies (N95 masks, tourniquets, IFAK kits), solar lighting ($11/unit, 8-12 hour runtime), water filtration systems, telehealth via the Bridgeside Telehealth partnership, and training programs (CERT, SAR, combat medicine).
Operations are coordinated through a Miami warehouse distribution hub and on-ground command camps, with executed scale including 2 million+ N95 masks distributed across all 50 U.S. states during COVID-19, 42 containers of aid (800,200 lbs) shipped to the Bahamas post-Hurricane Dorian, 96 containers of door-to-door aid in Puerto Rico post-Hurricane Maria, and 200+ aircraft flights. The organization's Disaster Force platform (announced 2026) extends its role into decentralized financial distribution and coordination infrastructure for disaster ecosystems.
Revenue is generated exclusively through donations from individuals, foundations, and corporate sponsors, accepted across traditional portals, SpotFund and AngelFund campaigns, and cryptocurrency. The core operating team is unusually small at 7 employees, with the majority of execution carried by the volunteer network. Strategic partnerships include Tesla (solar command camps), SpaceX (Starlink connectivity), International Medical Corps, Footprint Project, Exitus (Ukraine orphan extraction), and the Bahamas Resilience Alliance. The organization holds Candid/GuideStar Platinum Transparency and Charity Navigator Four-Star ratings.
Third Wave Volunteers firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Third Wave Volunteers
- Legal name
- Third Wave Volunteers
- Website
- https://thirdwavevolunteers.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2001
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Third Wave Volunteers is a Florida-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that mobilizes 30,000+ trained medical and non-medical first responders to deliver disaster relief, medical aid, solar lighting, and clean water to communities affected by hurricanes, wars, and pandemics worldwide.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Third Wave Volunteers industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Humanitarian Disaster Relief Services
- NAICS
- Emergency and Other Relief Services (624230), Voluntary Health Organizations (813212)
- SIC
- Services-Social Services (8300)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Disaster Recovery, Reconstruction & Resilience Programs (BPAGAAAK)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Humanitarian Health & Emergency Medical Relief NGOs (HLAJAKAE), Disaster Relief & Humanitarian Aid Volunteering (EDAIAGAF)
Keywords
Where Third Wave Volunteers is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Florida
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices9 records
Markets served
Third Wave Volunteers business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Donations and Fundraising: Third Wave Volunteers is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that generates revenue entirely through donations from individuals, foundations, and corporate sponsors. Donations are tax-deductible (EIN: 82-3731839). The organization runs various fundraising campaigns including direct donation pages, cryptocurrency donations (Bitcoin), and platform-based campaigns via SpotFund and AngelFund.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | One time/ perpetual license | Donation-based support |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels8 records
Third Wave Volunteers product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Third Wave Volunteers is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that mobilizes over 30,000 medical and non-medical volunteer first responders globally to deliver disaster relief, field hospitals, refugee camps, and resilience hubs. The organization distributes medical supplies, solar lighting, water filtration systems, and telehealth services, and runs training programs including CERT and Search and Rescue. Revenue is generated entirely through tax-deductible donations, fundraising campaigns, and cryptocurrency contributions.
Product overview
Third Wave Volunteers operates as a disaster relief non-profit 501c3 organization offering a comprehensive suite of humanitarian services. Their core offerings include mobilization of medical and non-medical first responders, distribution of medical aid (N95 masks, PPE, tourniquets), solar lighting solutions, water filtration systems, and tele-health services. They provide specialized training through CERT Training and Search and Rescue Training programs. Their Disaster Force platform represents a decentralized financial distribution and coordination system for disaster response. Additional services include the Dirty Hands Caravan mobile aid distribution and the CTEC Community Tsunami Warning Center initiative. The organization has delivered millions of N95 masks and hundreds of thousands of solar lights during 22+ years of operations.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- CERT Training
Quantifiable outcome
- 2 million+ N95 masks delivered to all 50 US states during COVID-19
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use Third Wave Volunteers
Customer profileNamed customers9 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Third Wave Volunteers technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Third Wave Volunteers partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
25 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- ExituscorePartnership with Exitus for orphan extraction operations in Ukraine. Exitus has been extracting and aiding vulnerable orphans from Ukraine since 2014. Together they have evacuated thousands of people and work on high-security special needs orphan extractions.
- Disaster ForcecoreDisaster Force is a decentralized financial distribution and coordination platform created in partnership that connects communities with philanthropic and technical expertise to transform disaster ecosystems nationwide.
- Footprint ProjectmajorSolar command camp created by Footprint Project and Tesla for Hurricane Ida response in Louisiana. Long-term partner in sustainable solar solutions for disaster relief.
- TeslamajorProvided solar units and support for creating sustainable solar command camps during Hurricane Ida response. Partnership for clean energy disaster solutions.
- SpaceXmajorProvided connectivity solutions (Starlink routers) for disaster zones enabling telehealth and communication capabilities during Hurricane Ida response.
- International Medical CorpsmajorLarge humanitarian NGO partner providing medical tents, refrigerators, medical aid, lights, and supplies during Hurricane Ida response in Louisiana.
- Cajun CommissarymajorLocal Louisiana partner who served as 'mamma bear host' for command camp operations during Hurricane Ida. Led volunteer coordination and community integration.
- Bridgeside TelehealthcoreTelehealth platform partner providing virtual medical consultations and prescriptions for remote disaster areas. Operational during Hurricane Ida response.
- Ferreira FoundationminorFoundation partner supporting disaster relief operations in Louisiana and other locations.
- United Way (Southern Louisiana)minorDistribution partner for Hurricane Ida relief efforts in Southern Louisiana.
- The United Houma NationminorIndigenous nation partner receiving support during Hurricane Ida response in Louisiana.
- American Legion Post 31minorVeterans organization partner supporting disaster relief operations.
- New Use EnergymajorProvided solar trailers and energy solutions for sustainable disaster relief operations.
- Sam MedicalminorDonated Stop the Bleed kits and medical supplies for Ukraine front lines. High-need medical supplies provider.
- 911 Memorial NYCminorDonated support stars from school children that were sent to Ukraine soldiers via Third Wave Volunteers.
- Webb BanksminorWine and spirits company providing Caribbean contacts and donations for Bahamas disaster relief distribution network.
- Global Empowerment MissionmajorPartnered for Guatemala Volcano de Fuego disaster response. Led initial reconnaissance and aid delivery mission with Third Wave Volunteers.
- Badges of HonorminorPartnered with Global Empowerment Mission and Third Wave for Guatemala disaster response, providing humanitarian aid workers.
- Motorrad AngelsminorMotorcycle escort team for delivering aid to remote Guatemala regions inaccessible to other vehicles.
- Fight for Freedom (Romania)minorLocal Romanian NGO working alongside Third Wave at the Ukraine/Moldova border.
- Jenny's Jeepers K9minorK9 search and rescue team partner for disaster response operations.
- US Disaster CoordinationminorCoordination body for US-based disaster relief efforts.
- The Humane SocietyminorAnimal welfare partner for Bahamas operations, including pet food donations for homeless animals after Hurricane Dorian.
- Grace Church in Odessa (Ukraine)minor$10,000 donated to support congregation members serving on front lines and their families.
- Freeport Veterinary ClinicminorLocal veterinary partner for animal rescue and care during Bahamas Hurricane Dorian response.
Scale indicators14 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Third Wave Volunteers competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Direct Relief: Direct Relief is a humanitarian aid organization that provides medical assistance to people affected by poverty and natural disasters globally. Like Third Wave Volunteers, it focuses on disaster response and medical aid distribution, though it operates at significantly larger scale with a longer institutional history.
- Footprint Project: Footprint Project is a disaster relief organization that provides solar generators and sustainable energy solutions to communities affected by natural disasters. Third Wave Volunteers is a direct operational partner, sharing focus on sustainable solar solutions for disaster zones.
- Global Empowerment Mission: Global Empowerment Mission is a disaster relief organization that provides aid to communities affected by natural disasters and crises. Third Wave Volunteers has partnered with GEM on Guatemala volcano response, reflecting similar operational focus on rapid disaster relief deployment.
- Team Rubicon: Team Rubicon is a veteran-led disaster response organization that mobilizes volunteers for humanitarian operations in the US and internationally. Like Third Wave Volunteers, it relies heavily on volunteer mobilization for disaster response and operates search and rescue capabilities.
- International Medical Corps: International Medical Corps is a global humanitarian organization that delivers emergency medical and related services to those affected by disaster, disease, and conflict. Third Wave Volunteers is a direct operational partner, sharing focus on field hospitals, medical training, and disaster zone deployments.
Broad incumbents
- Mercy Corps: Mercy Corps is a major global humanitarian organization that responds to disasters and conflicts with emergency relief and long-term recovery programs. It shares Third Wave Volunteers' focus on sustainable recovery and community resilience, but operates at much greater institutional scale with thousands of employees.
- Americares: Americares is a health-focused relief and development organization that delivers medicines, medical supplies, and emergency aid to communities affected by disaster. Like Third Wave Volunteers, it emphasizes medical support during crises, but operates at significantly larger institutional scale.
- International Rescue Committee: The International Rescue Committee responds to humanitarian crises worldwide, including conflict-driven displacement and natural disasters. It shares Third Wave Volunteers' work with refugees and displaced populations, particularly relevant given Third Wave's Ukraine operations.
- Doctors Without Borders / Médecins Sans Frontières: MSF is a leading international medical humanitarian organization that provides emergency medical care in conflict zones, epidemics, and natural disasters. Like Third Wave Volunteers, it deploys medical professionals to disaster and war zones, but operates at vastly larger scale globally.
- Samaritan's Purse: Samaritan's Purse is a large international relief organization operating disaster response programs globally, including medical teams, emergency field hospitals, and supplies distribution. It operates at significantly larger scale than Third Wave Volunteers but shares the model of Christian-motivated humanitarian disaster response.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Third Wave Volunteers social profiles
Digital presenceThird Wave Volunteers compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance3 records
Third Wave Volunteers financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Third Wave Volunteers leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Third Wave Volunteers funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Third Wave Volunteers 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 Third Wave Volunteers
What does Third Wave Volunteers do?
Third Wave Volunteers is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that mobilizes over 30,000 medical and non-medical volunteer first responders globally to deliver disaster relief, field hospitals, refugee camps, and resilience hubs. The organization distributes medical supplies, solar lighting, water filtration systems, and telehealth services, and runs training programs including CERT and Search and Rescue. Revenue is generated entirely through tax-deductible donations, fundraising campaigns, and cryptocurrency contributions.
Is Third Wave Volunteers a public or private company?
Third Wave Volunteers is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Third Wave Volunteers founded?
Third Wave Volunteers was founded in 2001. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Third Wave Volunteers based?
Third Wave Volunteers is headquartered in Florida, United States, in the North America region.
How does Third Wave Volunteers make money?
One revenue line is on record: donations and Fundraising.
Who are Third Wave Volunteers's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Direct Relief, Footprint Project, Global Empowerment Mission, Team Rubicon and International Medical Corps. Broad incumbents are Mercy Corps, Americares, International Rescue Committee, Doctors Without Borders / Médecins Sans Frontières and Samaritan's Purse.
Does Third Wave Volunteers have an API?
No public API is recorded for Third Wave Volunteers.
What industry is Third Wave Volunteers in?
Third Wave Volunteers's product category is Humanitarian Disaster Relief Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAAAK, Disaster Recovery, Reconstruction & Resilience Programs, with a secondary code of HLAJAKAE, Humanitarian Health & Emergency Medical Relief NGOs. Its NAICS code is 624230 and its SIC code is 8300.