Project Uplift

The purpose of Project Uplift USA is to utilize the beauty and inspiring nature of hot air balloons to uplift our community and in all things we do, work to inspire others to embrace our core value - service above self. We will do this through three primary outreach programs.

Our founding program is to provide hot air balloon experiences to military families and children living with mobility challenges. Where possible, we engage fellow veterans and/or family members to participate in these events as ground crew or passengers as part of our shared experience approach to healing and personal growth.

Second, our certified FAA pilots offer educational programs in K-12 classrooms and at youth camps using hot air balloons and/or modeling experiences to demonstrate practical applications for STEM-based subject matter in a unique, fun and engaging manner.

Our third program is focused on recognizing the sacrifice of our nation's military and their family members. We do this through our Freedom Balloon Fest held annually over Memorial Day weekend. The mission of the festival is to remember those who have died in service to our nation, to honor the service of all our military and their family members, and to do so in a spirit of community celebration of our American freedoms. Freedom Balloon Fest is an admission-free event produced through the support of the community, through sponsorships, in-kind donations of goods and services, individual contributions, and volunteer manpower. Surplus funds, if any, are utilized to support each of our three core programs.

Incorporated in 2016, Project Uplift USA, Inc. is a North Carolina non-profit corporation currently seeking 501(c)(3) tax exempt status.