Project Uplift USA
Project Uplift USA, Inc. is a North Carolina 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation responsible for producing the Freedom Balloon Fest. We are led by an all volunteer board with no paid employees, which means we can direct all of our sponsor funding and contributions directly to our key program services. Project Uplift USA, Inc. has three primary service program focus 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.
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First, we provide hot air balloon experiences to military families and children living with mobility challenges with support through our mobility basket sponsors, 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.
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Second, our FAA certificated pilots offer unique educational experiences in K-12 classrooms and at youth programs using hot air balloons and/or modeling programs to demonstrate practical applications of creative STEAM-based subject matter in a fun and engaging manner. Our pilot/facilitators also integrate imagination and arts elements into their programs as well to inspire a broader view to subject matter and problem solving.
Finally, 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 mission of the event is to remember the sacrifice of 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 freedom.
Learn more about Project Uplift USA at www.ProjectUpliftUSA.org. Or download our Underwriter Update below for our report answering the question, "what happens to the funds?" you and our underwriters provide to help pay for the expense to turning a blank park with no infrastructure into a thriving event handling nearly 100,000 guests over 3 and half days.
Finally, 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 mission of the event is to remember the sacrifice of 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 freedom.
Learn more about Project Uplift USA at www.ProjectUpliftUSA.org. Or download our Underwriter Update below for our report answering the question, "what happens to the funds?" you and our underwriters provide to help pay for the expense to turning a blank park with no infrastructure into a thriving event handling nearly 100,000 guests over 3 and half days.

Underwriter Update 2017-2018.pdf |