Funding, directed by the field

Every dollar goes where South Africa's reporting says it's needed.

Overview

We raise funds in the U.S. and direct them based on what Project Sunwave tells us. This includes program updates, honest on-the-ground reporting, and guidance on where support is needed most. We don't set program directions from a distance, rather we fund what's already working, and what's needed next.

Key features

Reporting-led, not assumption-led: Funding decisions follow South Africa's own updates, not guesswork from the U.S. side.
Low overhead by design: A small, women-run team means more of what's raised reaches the program.
Specific, verifiable asks: From coach salaries to a surf van deposit, every campaign ties to something concrete.
U.S. tax-deductible giving: Registered 501(c)(3), EIN 41-2884358.

Meet our team

Lisa Fournier

Executive Director & President

Lisa Fournier

Executive Director & President

Laura Lee Petritz

Director of Philanthropy

Laura Lee Petritz

Director of Philanthropy

Why choose this

Direct line to impact

Your gift funds real, named things such as coach pay, gear, and transport, not a general pool.

Direct line to impact

Your gift funds real, named things such as coach pay, gear, and transport, not a general pool.

Small team, low overhead

Less spent running Friends of Sunwave, more reaching Lambert's Bay.

Small team, low overhead

Less spent running Friends of Sunwave, more reaching Lambert's Bay.

Honest reporting back

You'll hear what worked and what didn't, not just wins.

Honest reporting back

You'll hear what worked and what didn't, not just wins.

One partner, one focus

We don't spread funding across causes we don't know firsthand.

One partner, one focus

We don't spread funding across causes we don't know firsthand.

One program. Real, ongoing need.

Whether it's funding, time, supplies, or a partnership,

there's a specific, honest way to help right now.

Whether it's funding, time, supplies, or a partnership, there's a specific, honest way to help right now.

Donate Now

Frequently asked questions

Does Friends of Project Sunwave run the program in Lambert's Bay?

No. Project Sunwave South Africa runs the program, on the ground. We're the U.S. affiliate which means that we work together to fund it, raise awareness for it, and coordinate logistical support, but program direction stays with the team in Lambert's Bay.

Does Friends of Project Sunwave run the program in Lambert's Bay?

Is my donation tax-deductible?

Yes. Friends of Project Sunwave, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization (EIN: 41-2884358). Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Is my donation tax-deductible?

Yes. Friends of Project Sunwave, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization (EIN: 41-2884358). Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

How is Friends of Project Sunwave different from Project Sunwave South Africa?

Project Sunwave South Africa is the implementing organization. They run the ocean programming, employ the coaches, and work directly with kids and families in Lambert's Bay. Friends of Project Sunwave is their U.S. affiliate, built to help that work reach further through funding, awareness, and support from this side of the ocean.

How is Friends of Project Sunwave different from Project Sunwave South Africa?

How much of my donation goes directly to the program?

We're a small, low-overhead team by design, so the large majority of what's raised goes to the program. We report honestly on funding allocation, the same way South Africa reports honestly to us.

How much of my donation goes directly to the program?

We're a small, low-overhead team by design, so the large majority of what's raised goes to the program. We report honestly on funding allocation, the same way South Africa reports honestly to us.