Orange Crush University is a federally registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports the educational, civic, veteran, and environmental initiatives behind the Orange Crush Festival and year-round community programs. Here’s what to know:

1. Mission & Core Pillars
   

• Education & Tech Innovation: We provide free or low-cost workshops (e.g., blockchain basics, crypto literacy, media skills) to partner HBCU students and local youth.

• Civic & Community Leadership: We empower students and residents through voter-registration drives, “Crush Civic Leaders” forums, and digital-media training (Crush Magazine).

• Veteran Support & Mental Health: As a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), OCU organizes peer-to-peer mentoring, virtual mental-health seminars, and job-placement assistance for veterans.

• Environmental & Beach Sustainability: We fund and coordinate volunteer beach cleanups, dune-restoration grants, and erosion-monitoring partnerships with Tybee Island Coastal Management.

2. Legal Status & Governance
   

• Nonprofit Status: OCU is organized under Georgia nonprofit law and is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3). This means donations to OCU are tax-deductible.

• Board of Directors: A volunteer board of trustees oversees budgets, compliance, and strategic planning. Each board member leads an area—finance, legal compliance, community outreach, or program evaluation—to ensure transparency and accountability.

• Fiscal Oversight: We operate on a lean budget by maximizing in-kind contributions (volunteer time, donated space, pro bono services). Annual financial statements and Form 990 filings are publicly available on our website.

3. Key Programs & Impact
   

• HBCU Scholarship & Workshop Grants: OCU awards scholarships and funds classroom technology (Metamask-enabled laptops) to HBCU partners. In 2024–25, over 100 students participated in blockchain academies and media labs, and 75% of those participants reported improved job prospects or internship placements.

• Veteran Mentorship Circles: We run monthly “Crush for Vets” virtual sessions covering financial literacy, resume building, and mental-health resilience. To date, over 50 veterans have been placed in security, shuttle, or administrative roles for the festival.

• Youth Center Partnerships: In collaboration with West Savannah Youth Center, OCU provides after-school STEM lessons (e.g., a “Blockchain Basics” module) and small equipment grants.

4. Funding & Support

• Donations & Grants: OCU relies on public and private grants (state youth grants, veteran affairs funds) as well as individual contributions. We do not maintain a paid staff; 100% of donations go toward program costs, scholarships, equipment, or local partnerships.

• In-Kind Partnerships: Local businesses and HBCU departments contribute by providing meeting space, Zoom access, or mentoring hours—minimizing overhead.

• Festival Licensing Fees: A portion of the mandatory licensing fees paid by festival vendors and partners goes directly into the nonprofit to fund these programs (e.g., beach-restoration micro-grants).

5. How to Get Involved

• Volunteer Opportunities: Anyone can sign up via our online “Volunteer Roles” form. You can help with virtual workshops, virtual voter drives, beach cleanups, or veteran-support calls—all through Google Docs/Sheets/Slides collaboration.

• Board & Committee Service: Professionals (in education, finance, law, coastal sciences) can apply to join one of OCU’s volunteer committees to guide strategy and ensure fiduciary oversight.

• Sponsorships & Donations: Local businesses can sponsor specific programs (e.g., “Crush Scholarship Fund” or “Beach Sustainability Grant”). All sponsorship levels are documented in a “Sponsorship Guidelines” PDF on our website.

• Student Ambassadors: HBCU student government or campus organizations can serve as “OCU Ambassadors,” helping recruit volunteers, promote voter-registration efforts, and co-create digital content for Crush Magazine or “Crush Coin” tutorials.

6. Accountability & Reporting

• Annual Impact Report: Each April, OCU publishes a concise “Community Impact Report” summarizing program metrics—scholarships awarded, volunteer hours, beach acres restored, veteran placements, and digital-media reach.

• Public Financials: Our most recent Form 990 and audited financial statement are posted on the “Transparency” tab of orangecrushuniversity.org.

• Feedback & Evaluation: After every workshop or virtual session, participants complete a brief online survey. Results inform next year’s curriculum and help us demonstrate outcomes to funders.

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In Summary:

Orange Crush University is the nonprofit backbone behind the festival—it channels licensing fee revenue, grant funding, and volunteer energy into educational modules, community service, veteran empowerment, and beach conservation. By leveraging existing digital platforms (Zoom, Google Workspace) and partnerships with HBCUs, Tybee Island, and local nonprofits, OCU maximizes impact with minimal overhead.

To learn more or get involved, visit orangecrushuniversity.org, email info@orangecrushuniversity.org, or fill out our “Volunteer Roles” form on the “Get Involved” page.