When the band is on tour the official WaterWheel staff consists of two paid employees and four or five primary volunteers. The paid staff members have extensive experience in touring and non-profit fund raising, and were involved with WaterWheel as volunteers before being chosen for paid positions.
Many volunteers also help out at the WaterWheel tables. We welcome assistance at the tables but the core staff will not be expanded during a tour. We try to keep WaterWheel expenses minimal so that as much money as possible goes to the non-profit groups showcased each night. If you are interested in volunteering you can email us at waterwheel@phish.com or stop by the WaterWheel tables at a show and talk to one of the staff members.
WaterWheel is not a chapter or member-based organization. Its primary function is to channel money to deserving non-profit groups, either on tour or in Vermont. WaterWheel does not allow individuals or other groups to use the WaterWheel Foundation name or its logos without our permission. You are of course welcome and encouraged to use the idea to start your own independent foundation and host non-profit groups at school events.
The Waterwheel Foundation continues to offer fans a selection of Eco-friendly, Sustainable gear year-round. Merchandise can be purchased on the road and via Phish Dry Goods. Net proceeds from the sale of merchandise via Dry Goods are donated to a deserving non-profit group, currently the Green Mountain Club.
Only 501(c)3 Non-profits can receive funding from WaterWheel and be selected as the hosted organization for a show to receive the net proceeds from that night's fan donations. Hosted groups are chosen after a tour is announced, so if there is an upcoming show in your area and you know of a non-profit that would like to table, send us the information listed below and they will be considered.
Name, Address, Telephone and Fax numbers, email, URL, and Contact name, Proof of 501 (c)3 status. Describe the work that the group does (include its mission statement). Groups wishing to table at a show should explain what they would do with the money raised. Any additional materials such as brochures, photos, flyers, et cetera are welcome.
Information should be mailed to The WaterWheel Foundation, PO Box 4400, Burlington VT 05406 or emailed to ww@phish.com
One way to make a donation to WaterWheel is to go to a show and make a donation at the table. Another possibility is to make a donation directly to one of the nonprofits that WaterWheel supports. Lists and contact information (where available) for these groups are provided in the main WaterWheel section of the site. You may also send a dontation to The WaterWheel Foundation by mail to The WaterWheel Foundation, PO Box 4400, Burlington VT 05406.
Generally Phish does not play benefit concerts. Rather, the band prefers to make direct grants to good causes through WaterWheel.
