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Partner With Open Waters Network
Join us in opening the Hudson River to everyone. Expand your reach, guarantee revenue, and demonstrate your commitment to outdoor equity.
Why Partner With Us?
Guaranteed Revenue
We pay standard pricing—no discounted rates required. Scholarship recipients are fully funded by us, guaranteeing payment for your services.
Expanded Community Reach
Connect with underserved communities you may not typically reach. Build relationships with scout troops, youth organizations, and diverse participants.
Authentic Impact Storytelling
We handle the documentation and storytelling. Your impact is amplified through our communications, with proper credit and visibility.
Marketing Collaboration
Co-branded marketing materials, social media promotion, and website recognition strengthen both our brands.
Diversity & Inclusion Alignment
Demonstrate your commitment to outdoor equity with measurable action. Participants bring diverse perspectives to your programs.
Long-Term Relationship
We're building multi-year partnerships with shared data, adaptive equipment grants (Year 2+), and ongoing collaboration.
Partner Types We Seek
Paddlesports Outfitters
Kayaking, canoeing, and SUP instruction providers offering intro classes, clinics, tours, and multi-session progression programs.
- •Guided paddling tours and experiences
- •Skills clinics and technique workshops
- •Multi-session progression courses
- •Equipment provision and safety gear
Wilderness Safety Training Providers
Organizations and instructors offering Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification courses.
- •WFA 2-day certification courses
- •WFR 7-10 day intensive programs
- •Recertification courses
- •Hudson Valley or regional locations
ACA Instructor Trainers
American Canoe Association certified Instructor Trainers who can certify new kayak, canoe, SUP, and adaptive paddling instructors.
- •ACA Level 1-3 instructor courses
- •Kayak, canoe, SUP disciplines
- •Adaptive paddling instructor training
- •Mentorship and ongoing support
Adaptive Program Providers
Outfitters and organizations with adaptive paddling equipment and expertise serving paddlers with disabilities.
- •Adaptive kayaks and stability equipment
- •Trained adaptive paddling instructors
- •Accessible launch sites and facilities
- •Equipment grant potential (Year 2+)
What Partners Receive
Full Payment at Standard Rates
We pay your published rates. No discounts, no sliding scales, no subsidized pricing. Scholarship recipients are fully funded.
Website & Marketing Recognition
Logo placement on our website, partner spotlight features, social media shoutouts, and inclusion in grant proposals and annual reports.
Impact Storytelling Support
We collect participant testimonials, measure outcomes, and create compelling narratives that demonstrate your impact. Use these stories in your own marketing.
Streamlined Logistics
We handle scholarship selection, participant coordination, equipment needs communication, and follow-up. You focus on delivering excellent programs.
Access to Motivated Participants
Scholarship recipients are vetted for commitment, readiness, and impact potential. They arrive prepared and engaged.
Potential Equipment Grants (Future)
Starting in Year 2-3, we plan to offer adaptive equipment grants to partners who demonstrate commitment to inclusive programming.
What We Expect from Partners
Deliver Quality Programming
Maintain your standard of excellence. Scholarship participants receive the same high-quality instruction, safety protocols, and experience as paying customers.
Share Scheduling & Capacity
Communicate upcoming program schedules and available slots so we can align scholarship recipients with appropriate opportunities.
Provide Feedback
Share brief feedback on participant performance, engagement, and completion. Help us refine our selection process and better prepare future cohorts.
Participate in Impact Evaluation
Support our data collection efforts: completion rates, participant satisfaction, and long-term outcomes. This strengthens our fundraising and your visibility.
Safety & Insurance
Maintain current liability insurance, safety certifications, and risk management protocols. All standard requirements remain in place.
Inclusive Culture
Foster a welcoming environment for participants from diverse backgrounds, varied experience levels, and different physical abilities.
How the Partnership Works
1
Initial Conversation
We discuss your programs, pricing, capacity, and values. Ensure mutual alignment and clarify expectations.
2
Partnership Agreement
Sign a simple partnership agreement outlining services, pricing, payment terms, scheduling, communication, and impact measurement.
3
Schedule Coordination
Share your program schedule for the season. We match scholarship recipients to appropriate dates and notify you of confirmed participants.
4
Participant Placement
We send participant details, any special needs or equipment requirements, and payment. You provide standard pre-program information.
5
Program Delivery
You deliver your excellent programming. Scholarship recipients participate alongside other students (if applicable).
6
Follow-Up & Impact Sharing
We collect feedback from both you and participants. Share impact stories via social media, website, and donor communications with proper credit to you.
Our Founding Partners
We are actively building our founding partner network for the 2026 season. Interested in being among the first?
Target Partner Network (Year 1)
2-3
Paddlesports Outfitters
2-3
WFA/WFR Providers
1-2
ACA Instructor Trainers
Partner FAQ
Do you require discounted rates?
No. We pay your standard published rates. Scholarship recipients are fully funded by Open Waters Network, guaranteeing you full payment.
How many participants can we expect?
Year 1 (2026): 2-5 scholarship recipients per partner, depending on program type and capacity. This scales in future years as we grow.
What if a participant doesn't complete the program?
You're paid regardless. We track non-completion for our own evaluation, but it doesn't affect your payment or partnership status.
Can we market this partnership?
Absolutely! Use our logo, share impact stories, and highlight your commitment to outdoor equity. We'll provide co-branded materials.
Is there an exclusivity requirement?
No. We may partner with multiple outfitters in the region to offer choice and capacity. However, we prioritize long-term relationships with committed partners.
What's the commitment length?
Agreements are typically annual (seasonal for paddling programs) with mutual renewal options. Either party can exit with 60 days notice.
Ready to Partner?
Let's build a more inclusive Hudson River paddling community together.
Email: partners@openwatersnetwork.org