Healing Out Loud
10 Years. $100,000. The Next Decade Starts Now.
Since 2016, Groundswell Community Project has delivered free, trauma-informed surf therapy to thousands of people across San Diego and trained practitioners who are now doing this work in 20+ countries. We are turning 10 this year and launching our most ambitious campaign yet: raising $100,000 to fund the next decade of Groundswell.
[Progress: $X raised of $100,000. Updated by hand weekly, or remove.]
Here is what $100,000 does.
Every dollar goes directly into the communities and individuals we support.
$40,000 · Free Programs
A full year of free surf therapy programming in San Diego. Our programs are always free to participants.
$25,000 · Equitable Ocean Access
The policy work, permits, transportation, and advocacy that open San Diego's coastline to communities historically excluded from it.
$35,000 · Training the Next Generation
Our intern and associate program, bringing emerging clinicians into surf therapy as they work toward licensure.
What we are building. Together.
When we train a surf therapy practitioner, they go home and serve their community. When their community heals, more people know the ocean is for them. When more people know the ocean is for them, the evidence base grows, and surf therapy gets closer to being recognized as the medicine it is. This is what your gift accelerates.
01 · Surf Therapy as Medicine
We are CAMFT-accredited, we have peer-reviewed research, and we are building the evidence base that takes surf therapy mainstream. By 2036: a recognized clinical modality, covered by insurance and taught in graduate programs.
02 · Training the Next Generation
Every practitioner we train is a multiplier. We have trained 500+ practitioners in 20+ countries. By 2036: a global pipeline of credentialed surf therapy practitioners in every city with an ocean.
03 · Equitable Ocean Access
All Groundswell programs are free. Always. We are fighting for beach access policies that open San Diego's coastline to nonprofits serving underserved communities, and we take seriously our role as ocean stewards.
By 2036: a San Diego where every community has equitable access to the ocean, and where the organizations fighting for that access have the policy support they need to stay.
Ten years of impact
6,000+ people served across San Diego since 2016
500+ practitioners trained in 20+ countries
68% reduction in PTSD symptoms and 73% improvement in mental wellbeing among participants
“I’ve been in trauma therapy for 6 years. And in 8 weeks of surf therapy, I healed in ways I never imagined possible.”
Every wave starts somewhere.
$10,000 · Champion. Funds a full 8-week surf therapy program for a San Diego community, up to 24 hours of free, clinician-led ocean healing.
$1,000 · Deep Dive. Funds a full day of surf therapy for 10 participants, gear, facilitators, and all.
$500 · Drop In. Funds one participant through a complete 4-week introductory program.
$250 · Shore Break. Funds a free Sand & Sea community event, open ocean healing for anyone who shows up.
$100 · First Wave. Funds a participant's intake and first surf therapy session.
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Every gift makes a ripple.
Match your gift
Many employers match charitable donations, so your gift could be worth twice as much. Send us your company name and we will look it up for you.
Become a partner
Sponsor a surf therapy offsite for your team, or bring surf therapy to the community you serve. And please share this page with one person who believes the ocean heals.