Funded Projects

A huge part of our mission here at Start the Wave is to FUND ACTION. We do this by redistributing money to projects that have a clear vision of creating a better world through well thought out action. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we are able to financially support grassroots initiatives around the world that are focused on creating positive and impactful change. See the beautiful initiatives we have been able to fund on the page below.

  • By pillar

  • By year

  2025
L & K
C & H
E & A

The Firefly Refuge

Lima Region, Peru Ancestral territory of the Huarco indigenous people.

The core vision of Allinllam is to improve the quality of life for children with disabilities in Peru, particularly focusing on those who are marginalized due to poverty, disability, and structural inequality. The organization strives to empower vulnerable communities, providing them with essential healthcare, resources, and support systems.

Allinllam is committed to creating a more inclusive and equitable society by providing comprehensive care, education, and advocacy for children with disabilities. Through collaborative efforts with local communities and partners, we aim to ensure that children with disabilities are given the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential. We work directly with affected families, offering services such as health support, educational opportunities, and access to resources that can help break the cycle of poverty and discrimination. Our goal is to create a lasting impact by building sustainable programs that strengthen communities and support the most vulnerable children in Peru.

 

  2025
L & K
E & A
PRIDE

Queer Disability Aid

New York, United States Manahatta, Canarsee, Matinecock, and Ranaqua/Keskeskeck

Queer Disability Aid (QDA) aims to empower disabled members of the LGBTQ2IA+ community to gain more agency over their lives and build support networks. The goal is to improve the quality of life for disabled LGBTQ2IA+ people in NYC, create mutual aid networks, and enable them to have more time and energy within their lives.

We accomplish this by helping LGBTQ2IA+ disabled folks with in person tasks, virtual tasks, getting them mobility aids, distributing supplies, running support groups, workshops and more. Some of the services provided include providing care after gender-affirming surgeries, cleaning, redistributing mobility aids, nutritional assistance, haircuts, filing for government assistance, transportation to doctor’s appointments – and more. Some community members have said that our support has been life-changingly impactful. We’ve completed over 110 requests, since QDA first started in 2024!

  2025
L & K
C & H
U & O

Espace Arsenic

North-Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo .

The vision of this project is to create (fit out and equip) an ARSENIC (Art, Science, Education for a New Cultural Innovation) neighbourhood cultural space, which will enable the inhabitants of the Kyeshero district (a district far from the town centre and existing cultural centres) to have access to cultural activities and to use art and culture as a means of bringing people together in a society torn apart by war and armed and inter-ethnic conflict.

ARSENIC aims to play an important role in preserving and passing on the traditions and cultural identity of the communities of eastern DRC by promoting local arts and customs, encouraging their practice and passing them on to future generations.

encouraging their practice and transmission to future generations.

  2025
L & K
E & A
U & O

Nyota

North-Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo .

Nyota (which means star in Swahili) is a project that aims to improve the conditions of imprisoned women and the children who live with them in prison, by meeting their basic needs, particularly in terms of food and health.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the law allows imprisoned mothers to keep their children under the age of 5 with them. However, in such a hostile environment, these mothers do not have the necessary resources to provide for their children and offer them a minimum of care, security, or well-being.

Congolese prisons do not provide food for prisoners. As a result, prisoners have to rely on their families or on outside solidarity to survive. Added to this is the advanced state of disrepair of the majority of prisons, which have not been rehabilitated since colonial times. The conditions are inhuman: overcrowded cells, lack of drinking water, absence of sanitary infrastructures and medical care.

  2023
L & K
C & H
E & A

Creating Freedom Movements

United States Turtle Island

Creating Freedom Movements cultivates healing-centered, visionary grassroots leaders through an intensive, holistic cohort experience, while also providing mentorship and support for the Justice & Joy Projects that they cultivate during the course of our program. Our cohorts and facilitation teams are intentionally very diverse, as our mission includes building cross-issue solidarity and beloved community across multiple lines of difference – community that is sustained long-term through our alumni network. Our work centers mental wellness, self-care, and community care, and helps reduce and prevent burnout and compassion fatigue. We believe this is crucial in order to sustain those moving us toward a more equitable, liberatory future.

  2023
L & K
C & H
E & A
PRIDE

Science is a Drag (Previously funded 2022)

Ontario, Canada The traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 signed with the Mississaugas of the Credit, and the Williams Treaties signed with multiple Mississaugas and Chippewa bands.

Science is a Drag is working towards a just world where all barriers to participation and retention in Science, Technology, Engineering, Math and Medicine (STEMM) have been dismantled and everyone feels comfortable, confident and excited to engage with STEMM.

The world’s first award-winning, community-driven and science-themed drag show, Science is a Drag celebrates science through the powerful art of drag. Established in 2019, the show was created to challenge cis-heteronormative stereotypes and archaic notions of professionalism in STEMM, and to provide a safe and empowering platform for queer scientists to feel creative and unrestricted in their science communication efforts. It also provides a safe and accessible space for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and its allies to engage with science without fear of exclusion or judgment.
Our drag performers serve drama and science in equal measure, turning live DNA extractions into burlesque performances, highlighting the climate crisis with fiery costume reveals, challenging peoples’ perceptions of bees using Pictionary and showing us the correct techniques for flossing with feather boas. Whether through stand up comedy, lip syncs, dance demos, or something else entirely, our performers share research in unforgettable ways.

  2023
L & K
U & O
PRIDE

SPOT – Supportive Parents of TransKids

North Carolina, United States Togiyasdi of the Anikituwagi (known now as the Eastern Band of Cherokee Nation

Our mission is to empower and uplift parents so that they can provide the love, acceptance, and support that their children need to thrive. We believe that every child deserves to be valued for who they are, and we are dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive community where parents can find the resources, guidance, and understanding they need to support their children’s unique journey. Through education, advocacy, and community-building, we aim to promote acceptance, understanding, and respect for all transgender individuals and their families. We are committed to working towards a world where every child can grow up in a safe and welcoming environment, free from discrimination and stigma. Together, we can create a brighter future for all transgender children and their families.

  2022
L & K
E & A

Street Relief Program

California, United States Tongva & Acjachemen

Every Sunday we distribute 250 fresh meals and 250 street relief packs to our unhoused siblings. This includes water, food, snacks, narcan, safer use kits, clothing, cold weather gear, and shelter supplies.

  2022
L & K
C & H
E & A
PRIDE

Science is a Drag

Ontario, Canada Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples

An award-winning, community-driven and science-themed drag show, Science is a Drag celebrates science through the powerful art of drag. Established in 2019, the show was created to challenge cis-heteronormative stereotypes and archaic notions of professionalism in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), and to provide a safe and empowering platform for queer scientists to feel creative and unrestricted in their science communication efforts. It also provides a safe and accessible space for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and its allies to engage with science without fear of exclusion or judgment.

Our kings and queens serve drama and science in equal measure, turning live DNA extractions into burlesque performances, highlighting the climate crisis with lip syncs and fiery costume reveals, challenging peoples’ perceptions of bees using Pictionary and showing us the correct techniques for flossing using feather boas. Whether through stand up, lip syncs, dance demos, or something else entirely, our performers share research in ways we can’t forget!

  2022
L & K
C & H
E & A

La Primera Clinica Gratuita Para Niños Con Discapacidad

Lambayeque, Peru Abya Yala

We are going to build a free-of-charge medical center for children with disabilities in every region in Northern Perú. We will serve 4,000 children with disabilities each year, most of whom have never been seen by a doctor and do not have the financial means or a family to care for them. We will also implement projects to improve their quality of life and protect their rights.

  2022
L & K
C & H
E & A
E
U & O
CC

Miracles are Possible

Ontario, Canada Turtle Island

Our vision is to support individuals who have been in catastrophic level car accidents with a healing and regenerative process whereby through a series of mental strength pillars they will remember that “Miracles are Possible!”. This process is backed by the core of:

– Self Inquiry
– Belief
– Action

Along the way participants will be supported by gaining access to insights about healing foods, breath work and movement techniques.

  2022
L & K
C & H
E & A
U & O

Ancestors Dream

England, United Kingdom Turtle Island

To enable young people from the South Asian Diaspora within disadvantaged and poor areas of London, to take ownership of their narratives in terms of their history, culture and identity. To empower them through positive self identity to harness their gifts of creativity to explore and create a better future for themselves within their local communities and beyond.

This projects’ core vision is for young people of colour from the South Asian Diaspora to feel seen, to feel heard and to feel worthy of representation in their communities. Through creative expression of WORD-SOUND-POWER and POETRY, they will overcome feelings of oppression and marginalisation.

  2022
L & K
C & H
E & A
U & O

Arts Initiative for Refugees (A.I.R.)

Arizona, United States Akimel O'odham (Pima) and Pee Posh (Maricopa) Indian Communities

AIR, being short for the Arts Initiative for Refugees, complies to provide refugee youth with sessions, programs and opportunities to help them achieve artistic and personal success through teaching and mentorship. AIR offers individualized and group mentoring programs to its students designed for their unique interest in the arts field of their choice. AIR will also have approved guest speakers to meet with and talk to the students about certain topics. It also provides personal and emotional support and guidance, in order to cultivate its students’ growth. The immediate objective of this program is to expand into a multifaceted foundation with locations across the state that provides unique opportunities and chances for refugees that may not have the resources or means to achieve their artistic goals. The ultimate goal of AIR is to branch out to become a small-scale, national/international non-profit organization.

  2021
L & K
C & H
E & A
U & O
PRIDE

Balistikal

Bogotá, Colombia Abya Yala

To heal, grow, and transform the LGBTQ2IA+ community. Our vision: We nourish each other, we are antiracist, multiracial LGBTIQ+ people and allies, we are independent from the oppressive world, and interdependent amongst ourselves, we have power as a united group, we resolve conflicts through transformative justice and authentic dialogue.

  2021
L & K
C & H
E & A
U & O

Birth CoMadres Doula Collective

Texas, United States Coahuiltecan, Jumanos, Nʉmʉnʉʉ (Comanche), And Tonkawa Lands

Birth Comadres Doula Collective offer postpartum care that feels like home away from home for undocumented people of the area. This includes preparing postpartum care packages, body care sessions and holding space for birth processing with awareness and sensitivity to their culture and traditions.

  2021
L & K
C & H
E & A
U & O
PRIDE

Black Ancestral Reconnection Project

British Columbia, Canada Turtle Island

The mission of our project is to uplift Black community members living in supportive housing, while creating a circle of community care that extends to the far corners of the lower mainland Black community.

  2021
L & K
C & H
E & A
U & O

Exist 2 Resist – Returning to the Heart of the Earth

Texas, United States Yanaguana, Somi Se'k Territory, Tonkawa, & Chinati

Re-tribalize communities through ceremonial kinships that are tied to the land we currently occupy by helping us maintain and share our healing ceremonies through collectively learning how to build and conduct the sweatlodge ceremony, with help from Kalpulli Ayolopaktzin. Building sweatlodges is also part of our sustainability efforts.

  2021
L & K
C & H
E & A
PRIDE

Intentional, Intersectional, Intergenerational PLAY

New York, United States Munsee Lenape Land

Intentional, Intersectional, Intergenerational PLAY! will offer a space for a community of individuals historically excluded from traditional theatre and media spaces, to come together with the express purpose of creative healing through play.

  2021
L & K
C & H
E & A
PRIDE

Medicine Wheels

United States Turtle Island

Medicine Wheels is a new Seeding Sovereignty mutual aid and creative arts youth initiative that has grown from our Indigenous Impact Rapid Response Initiative that launched at the start of the pandemic and provided immediate some 200,000 pieces of PPE, food for Indigenous Elders and unsheltered relatives and supplies to communities across some 60 tribal nations.

  2021
L & K
C & H
E & A
PRIDE

Pink Flamingo

Worldwide - Virtual

Pink Flamingo Presents! The podcast where we talk about art + queerness + race + gender + justice, and what life is like when your existence is intersectional post the dumpster fire that was 2020.

  2021
L & K
C & H
E & A
U & O
PRIDE

South Asian Healing Network (SAH)

British Columbia, Canada Turtle Island

For too long family dysfunction, problematic alcoholism or substance use, and mental health have not been acknowledged across South Asian communities. The South Asian Healing Network aims to tackle these issues by creating a safe environment for self-expression, peer support, and cultural/community learning for South Asian youth ages 15-30.

  2020
L & K
C & H
E & A
PRIDE

Drag King Bilingual Story Time

Texas, United States Coahuiltecan, Jumanos, and Tonkawa land

Drag King Bilingual Story Time—where D.R.A.G. signifies Dancing, Reading, Arte (Art) y Ganas (Movement & Empowerment)!—serves to create family-friendly events that help enrich a child’s development while promoting inclusion. Drag King Bilingual Story Time is the family friendly project direct from the minds of Los MENtirosos Drag Kings, San Antonio’s only all Latinx Drag King troupe.

  2020
L & K
C & H

Hearthcharged Heroes

Worldwide - Virtual

HeartCharged will provide care packages and patient-to-patient support to young people newly-diagnosed with a heart condition or newly-bionic with a defibrillator. These packages will include a reusable water bottle, motivational/inspirational/educational posters, contact information, and other care items.

  2020
L & K

Homeless Care Packages

Ohio, United States Hopewell, Myaamia, And Shawandasse Tula (Shawanwaki/Shawnee) Land

This project will create and distribute care packages to individuals struggling with homelessness in Columbus, where the number of people without secure housing has risen rapidly during COVID. Care packages will include socks, water bottles, blankets, clothing, food, and related items.

  2020
L & K
CC

Piedmont Farms Animal Refuge

North Carolina, United States Iroquoian And Siouan Land

Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge provides lifelong care to rescued farm animals and promotes veganism by offering knowledge, support, and community. This grant will help the Refuge meet its goal of becoming a solar-powered sanctuary.

  2020
L & K
E
PRIDE

The Waves Chile

Chile Abya Yala

The Waves Chile will work through collective positive action, through activities such as group beach cleanups and self-awareness exercises, to provide educational and therapeutic support for the LGBTQ+ community in Chile, particularly youth.

  2020
L & K
PRIDE

Trousers For Trans

Arizona, United States Akimel O’odham (Upper Pima), Hohokam, And O’odham Land

Trousers for Trans aims to support transgender youth who are beginning transition by organizing local clothing drives in Phoenix, that provide free and safe access to gender-affirming clothes.

  2020
L & K

Winter Care Packages

Utah, United States Núu-Agha-Tʉvʉ-Pʉ̱ (Ute) Land

A project to provide winter care packages for inividuals struggling with homelessness in Provo. Care packages will include water, food, clothing, a blanket, personal care items and information on local resources, with information on what each provides and directions.

  2020
L & K
C & H
E & A

Allinllam Medical Center

Ica, Peru Abya Yala

Allinllam Kachkani is building the first free health care center for children with physical and mental disabilities in the North of Perú. Each month, the center aims to serve 300 children in the Lambayeque Region, providing them with free access to general and specialized medical care.

  2020
L & K
C & H
E

Cognitive Love

Florida, United States Abiaka Or Sam Jones, Chipco, Chitto-Tustenuggee And Chakaik

Cognitive spreads awareness about fundamental ethical and ecological values that connect all of humanity by creating inspiring shirt designs to help people think, feel recognized, and empowered, and through educational content and interviews.