How Switchfoot Bro-Am Restructured to Keep Growing
Mission Edge’s fiscal sponsorship program provided resources that amplified this rock band’s impact
An iconic name in rock for over 20 years, the Grammy Award winning band Switchfoot has always maintained a strong connection with their hometown of San Diego.
That’s why, almost two decades ago, the group formed the Switchfoot Bro-Am Foundation to give back to the community that raised them. With a special focus on surfing, music and the arts, Switchfoot Bro-Am is on a mission to heighten the profile of San Diego nonprofits that provide services to unhoused, at-risk and disadvantaged youth.
They host two major events each year — the Bro-Am Benefit Party and the Bro-Am Beach Fest.
When Switchfoot Bro-Am started working with Mission Edge, they were entering a new season in their nonprofit journey, and looking for a partner to provide financial support so that they could continue to further their mission.
The Problem
When they came to work with us, Switchfoot Bro-Am was already an independent 501(c)(3) organization. After nearly fifteen years of growth, they knew it was time to simplify their structure so that they could move into the next era of growth.
To help them restructure, they were looking to partner with a pro in the nonprofit space. They were also looking for a fiscal sponsor in San Diego due to their deep roots in the community.
Where mission edge came in
Mission Edge fit both of those descriptors, and we jumped on board to leverage our resources and further Switchfoot Bro-Am’s mission.
Through our fiscal sponsorship program, we provided the Bro-Am with full-service accounting and human resources services, as well as a proven nonprofit structure to operate within.
For four years, our own fiscal sponsorship program manager, Josh Burgner, was hired as the foundation director. Through this close partnership, we were able to gain a deep understanding of the organization’s needs, work and community impact. Once Josh stepped away from the Bro-Am in 2023, he was able to partner with new leadership to share how things had worked in the past, as well as freedoms for change in the future.
By partnering with Mission Edge, Switchfoot Bro-Am was freed up to focus on planning their signature events and fundraising, leaving nonprofit management and logistics to the experts (us).
The partnership also allowed the band to focus on their art and community impact instead of running a nonprofit organization.
The results
Our work with the Bro-Am Foundation has been successful in several ways.
For one thing, because of our deep and personal understanding of their organization, we are better-equipped to meet their unique needs.
We have been able to see two successful leadership transitions over the years — from a previous leader, to Josh, to the current foundation director, Chris.
All event-based organizations were hit hard throughout COVID. However, thanks to the structure provided by our fiscal sponsorship program, the Bro-Am was able to secure PPP funding and keep costs low, which helped them pivot to virtual events and eventually return to in-person events in 2022 without having to start from scratch.
You can see results, too
Switchfoot Bro-Am’s top goal is to invest back into the community that grew them — and through our partnership, they were able to raise awareness for their top beneficiaries, and grant out nearly $1 million since joining us in 2016 (bringing their total grants to over $2 million since their inception).
They’ve also been able to invest in their own growth, setting up an amazing groundwork and structure for the years to come.
We thrive on providing the structural help your organization needs to make an impact in your community.
If you’re interested in
Making an authentic difference in your community
Restructuring your nonprofit to a simplify operations
Accessing mentorship from the nonprofit pros
. . . Our fiscal sponsorship program might be a great fit for you.
