Frequently Asked Questions
About The Stoke Project
Is your organization a 501(c)(3)?
Yes, The Stoke Project is a registered 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2023.
What is your organization’s mission?
Our mission is to inspire children to be conscious, curious, and confident in life using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates nature, the arts, and athletics. We aim to stoke passion, foster empowerment, and encourage “paying it forward.” To inspire children to balance their lives while pushing their limits. To help children hone their practical and extracurricular skills to better equip them for success. To encourage self-care and mindful living in a way that benefits our participants and the planet.
Who runs the organization?
The Stoke Project is run by a group of experienced wilderness guides and childcare professionals, led by Azrael Renee and Tom McElroy. Each member of our staff and operations crew undergoes extensive background checks and comprehensive training in wilderness skills, medical care, and interpersonal literacy.
What is your staff really good at? What are gaps?
Our staff and operations crew is passionate about reconnecting people with the outdoors, living along nature, and encouraging future generations to be stewards of the land in a way that benefits the participants and the earth. During the creation of The Stoke Project, our staff lacked experience in the financial sector but has remedied this issue by gaining several financial advisors who help maintain a budgeting timeline.
What are the steps you are taking to achieve your strategic goals?
Each quarter, our board of directors meets to discuss the progress of our current goals, where there can be improvement, and to expand upon goals for the future. Likewise, we regularly meet with our outside advisors to strategize details. Our team operates around these objectives with realistic, flexible, and adaptable deadlines to hold ourselves accountable.
What are the main obstacles that stand between you and your mission, and how do you plan to overcome them?
As for most nonprofits, one of our main goals involves diversifying our funding sources. To reach our goals each quarter, we aim to focus on donor retention, applying for grants and corporate scholarships, and accepting in-kind donations.
How do you measure and report on the effectiveness of your programs? Do you have any plans to change or improve your evaluation process?
The Stoke Project measures success according to participant satisfaction and adherence to scheduled objectives. As of 2023, we plan to improve the accuracy of our organization evaluation by expanding upon our metrics and objectives, adding sources of data to provide a more comprehensive view and reduce bias, and establishing a more consistent process for gathering and analyzing data using technology tools to streamline and automate parts of the evaluation process.
How do you mobilize others around your mission?
Our team leverages social channels to transparently communicate our mission and tangible solutions with clear calls to action - whether it be for our volunteers, donors, or collaborative institutions. We prioritize organizing our efforts by monitoring our progress and evaluating our results.
How would you compare your programs and results to others working in the same field? How do you work with peers who address similar issues? How does The Stoke Project coordinate with other aid agencies to avoid duplication of services?
The Stoke Project is unique in our diversification of outreach and itineraries. Our mission seeks to not only aid youth but empower them to be ambassadors of the mission within their own lives.
As a knowledge-based organization, we aim to collaborate with anyone who seeks to provide location, structure, and tangible resources for our retreats. Or provide course services during events run by outside agencies.
About Involvement
How can I partner with the organization?
If you or your organization is interested in partnering with us, please reach out to thestokeprojectnpo@gmail.com. We are open to all forms of collaboration that are in alignment with our mission and look forward to hearing your ideas.
How can I get involved in the organization’s mission?
If you are not able to offer a donation or tangible partnership but would like to help in the progression of our mission, we appreciate outside parties spreading the word! Nominating an institution/child, telling friends, or simply sharing our social media content.
How can I interview someone from The Stoke Project?
If you are a member of the press or need to contact an associate for academic/personal purposes, please send your request and information about the project to TheStokeProjectNPO@gmail.com.
Can I write for The Stoke Project's blog?
The Stoke Project loves to feature the diverse voices of people. You can send your 500 to 800-word draft (no PDFs) to TheStokeProjectNPO@gmail.com. Wondering what works for our blog? Check out our latest features Here.
About Financials
Where does the money go when I donate to your organization?
Whether it be for hosting costs, itinerary materials, or participant scholarship, all donated and raised funds are directly carried into our operation budget.
How can I make a donation to your organization?
Supporting The Stoke Project is as easy as filling out the form on our Donation Page! Thank you!
Can I donate if I live outside of the United States?
Absolutely! We welcome all forms of support from our friends around the globe!
Do you regularly have the resources to cover your budget? Why or why not?
Yes, The Stoke Project maintains a budget that is realistic with our current level of donated and raised funds. That being said, we are always looking to expand our program and the number of participants we are able to include. This happens by increasing our donor and fundraising efforts.
What is your tax ID number?
#
Where can I find your financial documents?
We are happy to disclose financial documentation to the public upon request!
Can I use The Stoke Project name and/or logo for my benefit or fundraiser?
In order for you to use the official The Stoke Project name and logo, you must make your event an official benefit of collaborating with The Stoke Project. Please email thestokeprojectnpo@gmail.com to begin the application process. Include in your email event details such as the date, place, and what the event fundraiser will look like. Our staff member will provide guidelines during the application process about using our name and logo. Outside of The Stoke Project approved events and materials, The Stoke Project name, logos, and slogans cannot be used, as they are trademarked by the organization.
Can I make my own merchandise with The Stoke Project logo and use the proceeds to benefit the cause?
The Stoke Project's name, logos, and slogans cannot be used outside of official purposes by The Stoke Project, as trademarked by the organization. If you’d like to donate proceeds from the sale of your own personal designs and merchandise, you are welcome to do so.
Why is merchandise important for The Stoke Project as a nonprofit?
Every piece of merchandise also has a much bigger purpose. It’s a conversation starter. It’s something that ties supporters together as a community. It spreads The Stoke Project's message to someone who might not have found out about us otherwise. It shares hope. To see the shirts, bracelets, and other merchandise The Stoke Project currently has available, head over to our Online Store.