Charity Spotlight: Project Uplift USA


About Project Uplift USA

Project Uplift USA, Inc. is a North Carolina non-profit corporation seeking 501(c)(3) status. We are led by an all volunteer board with no paid employees, which means we can direct all of our sponsor funding and underwriting directly to our key program services. Project Uplift USA has three primary service program areas: outreach to military families and children with mobility challenges, educational programs, and remembering and honoring those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to their nation.

First, we provide hot air balloon experiences to military families and children living with mobility challenges. We do this through the use of our custom built hot air balloon basket commissioned through a program supported by the Raleigh Jaycees. Where possible, we engage other veterans and family members participate as ground crew or passengers as part of our shared experience, team oriented approach to healing and growth.

Second, our FAA certificated pilots offer creative educational experiences in K-12 classrooms, after school programs and at youth camps using hot air balloons and/or modeling programs to demonstrate practical applications of STEM-based subject matter in a fun and engaging manner. Our pilot-facilitators integrate imagination and arts elements into their programs, as well as, leadership skills to inspire a broader view of understanding and problem solving to the subject matter.

Third, Project Uplift USA is dedicated to honoring the concept of "service above self" embodied by our nation's military and their family members. We do this through our annual Freedom Balloon Fest held on Memorial Day weekend. Freedom Balloon Fest is an admission free, all volunteer community event supported by our sponsors and donors. The festival mission is to remember the sacrifice of those who died in service to our nation, to honor the service of all our military and their family members, and to do these things with a spirit of community, celebrating our freedom.

Our History

Project Uplift began with a vision to provide unique experiences for returning military re-entering life at home. We wanted to offer a unique, shared experience with family members that made the transition home a little easier.

The Raleigh Jaycees understood where we were heading from the first meeting. The Raleigh Jaycees seek out projects and opportunities to make an impact on their community. Each year, their members champion a variety of projects to improve their leadership skills and the condition of the communities in which they live. When we came to them with the idea to build a basket designed to uplift the bodies and spirits of military families and children living with mobility challenges, the Raleigh Jaycees helped to take a dream and put it into action. We are honored to have the Raleigh Jaycees as the Official Mobility Partner of the Project Uplift USA Mobility Basket and a charter supporter of the Project Uplift USA mission of outreach.

Thank you.

Sponsor Project Uplift USA

Project Uplift USA is looking for sponsors to support our outreach to military families, our outreach to education and for Freedom Balloon Fest. Individuals, groups and companies are welcome. How would you like to help? Visit our web site at www.ProjectUpliftUSA.org or email us at donate(at)projectupliftusa.org. We would like to hear from you.

If you want to support this year's Project Uplift USA produced Freedom Balloon Fest, you may contribute through our partnership with One Donation. Click Here To Contribute.

As a prospective sponsor, please remember, Project Uplift USA, Inc. is a North Carolina non-profit corporation seeking 501(c)(3) status. Currently, your sponsorship is not tax deductible as a charitable contribution and we are not yet authorized to solicit as a charitable organization. We do welcome sponsorships for our year round and festival oriented programs. Please let us know if you have questions.