Funds2Orgs
 | |
| Formation | 2013 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Wayne Elsey |
| Type | Social enterprise |
| Purpose | Fundraising, footwear reuse, economic development, sustainability |
| Headquarters | Orlando, Florida, United States |
Region served | United States, Canada, and international partner countries |
| Services | Shoe-drive fundraising programs, fundraising coaching, footwear collection and redistribution |
Key people | Wayne Elsey (Founder and CEO) |
| Website | funds2orgs |
Funds2Orgs is an American social enterprise and fundraising company that organizes shoe drive fundraising programs for schools, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and community groups. Founded in 2013 by entrepreneur Wayne Elsey and headquartered in Orlando, Florida, the company enables organizations to raise funds by collecting gently worn, used and new shoes, which are subsequently redistributed through micro-enterprise economic networks in developing countries. The organization also promotes the reuse of shoes and waste reduction as part of its sustainability efforts.[1]
History
Funds2Orgs was founded in 2013 by Wayne Elsey, a footwear industry executive and global philanthropist. The concept emerged from Elsey's humanitarian work following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, during which he coordinated large-scale shoe donations for disaster relief efforts. Drawing on his experience in footwear distribution and charitable initiatives, Elsey established Funds2Orgs as a for-profit social enterprise that combined fundraising opportunities for organizations in North America with economic development initiatives abroad.[2]
Since its founding, the company has expanded its fundraising network across the United States and Canada. According to the organization, more than 24,000 schools, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and community groups have participated in shoe drive fundraising campaigns through its platform. The company reports that these efforts have diverted tens of millions of pairs of shoes from landfills while generating funding for partner organizations.[3]
Operations
Funds2Orgs operates a fundraising model in which participating organizations collect gently worn, used and new shoes from their communities. The company then purchases the collected footwear based on volume and condition. Participating groups receive funds without selling products or soliciting direct monetary donations from their supporters.
The company offers fundraising coaching, promotional materials, collection resources, and logistical support to partner organizations.
Collected footwear is distributed through an economic network of micro-entrepreneurs in developing nations. These entrepreneurs resell the shoes within local markets, creating income-generating opportunities and supporting small-business development and ensuring their local markets aren’t flooded with free merchandise that is detrimental to their livelihoods. Funds2Orgs works with micro-enterprise partners in more than 24 countries worldwide.
Sustainability Initiatives
A key component of the Funds2Orgs business model is footwear reuse and landfill diversion. The organization promotes and participates in the "reuse economy," encouraging the collection and redistribution of shoes that might otherwise be discarded into trash. According to company data, shoe drive fundraisers conducted through Funds2Orgs have diverted more than 37 million pairs of shoes from landfills.
The company identifies environmental sustainability, fundraising support, and economic empowerment as its three primary objectives.
Subsidiaries and Brands
Funds2Orgs operates several affiliated brands focused on footwear collection and fundraising initiatives, including:
- Sneakers4Good
- Sneakers4Funds
- Green Sneakers
These brands target different audiences around social good and sneaker reuse, while operating in concert with Funds2Orgs global micro-enterprise network.
Partnerships
Funds2Orgs has established partnerships with educational institutions, nonprofits, faith organizations, and community groups. In 2025, the organization became an official fundraising partner of the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), providing shoe drive fundraising opportunities for chapters across the United States.
The company has also worked with schools, sports teams, and civic organizations as they conduct local shoe collection campaigns that support both fundraising goals and environmental initiatives.
Leadership
Funds2Orgs was founded by Wayne Elsey, who serves as the organization's chief executive and principal spokesperson. Elsey is known for his work in social entrepreneurship, humanitarian aid, and footwear reuse initiatives. Prior to founding Funds2Orgs, he was involved in large-scale charitable shoe programs and disaster-relief efforts.
References
- ↑ "Funds2Orgs". Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA). Retrieved 8 July 2026.
- ↑ "Funds2Orgs Reviews". Trustpilot. Retrieved 8 July 2026.
- ↑ "Northwood Tech Steps Up: Shoe Drive Fundraiser Supports Local While Empowering Global Communities". DrydenWire. 29 March 2024. Retrieved 8 July 2026.