How We’re Funded

Boots to Waders operates solely through sponsorships, individual donations, grants, and in-kind support. Every trip exists because funding makes it possible — we never place a trip on the calendar unless we can fully cover the cost. This ensures our participants never pay a dime and that each outing is delivered safely, responsibly, and with the resources it deserves.

How Trips are Filled

Our trips are intentionally small — never more than six people (participants + guests combined). Keeping groups this small creates a calm, unhurried experience that participants consistently appreciate.

We schedule trips as funding becomes available throughout the season. For each trip, we use an equal-distribution drawing to assign seats across our partner agencies. Each agency receives a fair share of seats based on availability, and those seats are awarded through a simple random draw.

From there, the agencies choose who will take those seats. They know their people best — who’s been carrying a heavy load, who could use a reset, or who might really benefit from time on the water. Once participants are selected, the agency connects us directly so we can welcome them, answer questions, and share trip details.

Veteran-focused trips follow a different process. These trips are usually posted publicly on our social media pages, where veterans can sign up directly. After the sign-up window closes, we hold a random drawing from the list of names, notify the selected participants, and begin coordinating with them one-on-one.

For all trips, every participant is invited to bring one guest as part of our buddy-system approach — ensuring they spend the day with someone they enjoy, feel comfortable around, or want to reconnect with.

What Happens on Trip Day

On trip day, participants meet a Boots to Waders representative at the scheduled launch point. We start with a warm welcome, brief introductions, license verification, and the handoff of wellness journals, snack bags, and drinks. If the group wishes, we also offer a short, optional blessing before heading out.

From there, we walk everyone to the boat to meet their guide(s). A quick safety briefing and a few final reminders ensure everyone knows what to expect and feels comfortable before we launch.

Once we're on the water, we simply spend the day fishing and enjoying the experience. There are no expectations — just relax, have fun, and fish. On trips where the location allows, we also provide lunch and extra time to unwind, talk, and enjoy the surroundings after the fishing is done and everyone is back on dry land. 

After the Trip

After each trip, we follow up with all participants to gather feedback and hear how the experience landed for them. With permission, we also share trip recaps and photos on our social media pages so our community and supporters can see the impact of each outing.

There’s never any expectation for participants to stay involved — the day on the water is theirs, with no strings attached. But something special often happens out there: people meet others who understand what they’re going through, and new friendships form that carry on long after the trip ends.

Many participants are navigating difficult seasons in life, and we genuinely care about their well-being. When it’s welcomed, we continue checking in and staying connected as they move forward in their own journeys.