Financial Overview
In its first year, Skateistan relied on public funding notably via donations from the embassies of Norway, Germany and Denmark to run its activities. The embassies of Denmark and Norway have graciously provided funding for 2011 running costs in Kabul as well. However, since 2007 Skateistan has also depended on private donations and fundraisers to support its activities and expansion. With a goal of achieving self-sustainability within the next few years, building a donor support base of individuals living around the world is key.
Skateistan's running costs include school supplies, student meals and transport, wages, administration costs and accommodation for the international volunteer instructors and staff. In 2009 Skateistan’s total running costs amounted to 149,384 USD, and approximately 268,500 USD in 2010. In order to pursue extra projects, both in Afghanistan and abroad, we require donations from individuals and fundraising events. Some of the current special projects include a secondary facility in northern Afghanistan, an outdoor skatepark/recreation space around the Kabul facility, establishing activities in Pakistan, the establishment of Skateistan Cambodia, and developing products for a Skateistan social brand.
As a small, grassroots organization each dollar that is received by Skateistan is carefully spent and directly contributes to the goal of giving hundreds of children an alternative to poverty, drugs or fighting.
Each week Skateistan holds 15 skateboard and educational classes for both boys and girls, including a class for disabled youth. In addition to that Skateistan holds outdoor skateboard sessions, advanced art classes for girls, and runs a Back-to-School program four mornings a week, which aims to enroll or re-enroll children in school. Skateistan currently has more than 350 regular students, 30 Back-to-School students, and has registered over 500 Afghan boys and girls since opening its facility in October 29, 2009.
Because Skateistan operates outside of project countries through a network of international volunteers, all funds raised thus far have been directed towards skateboarding and educational activities in Afghanistan or Cambodia. Skateistan currently has no overseas office or overheads, which means that any donations you make will go directly towards our activities in Afghanistan and Cambodia.
To get an idea of how much of a difference each donation can make, take a look at approximate monthly costs for Skateistan:
Skateistan Monthly Budget
- Educational supplies/aids = $300
- Skatepark operating costs = $420
- Food students and staff (660 meals) = $1200
- Drinking water (2300 litres) = $180
- Transport students and staff = $3,382
- Salaries (20 Afghan and International full-time staff) = $9,400
- Government compliance = $633
- Volunteer support* (16 Afghan and International volunteers) = $3570
Total = 19,085 USD or 13,900 Euro monthly*
* Skateistan's volunteer program helps provide training and capacity building of local staff, facilitates cross-cultural understanding, and promotes volunteering among young Afghans.
** Approximate amounts from early 2011
Donations can be made through PayPal or bank transfers. All this information is on the Donations page. If you have further questions please contact info@skateistan.org.
Skateistan has tax-exempt status in Germany and the USA. View our 501(c)3 Tax Exempt Status Letter here.
