Is Tampa Bay Wave a nonprofit organization?

Yes. Tampa Bay Wave is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 27-4779851). It is dedicated to growing the technology startup and entrepreneurship ecosystem in Tampa Bay and throughout Florida.

Are donations to Tampa Bay Wave tax-deductible?

Yes. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, donations to Tampa Bay Wave are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Donors should consult a tax advisor for guidance specific to their situation.

How can I financially support Tampa Bay Wave?

You can support Tampa Bay Wave through individual donations, recurring monthly giving (Splash Club), event sponsorships, or corporate partnership packages. Visit tampabaywave.org/support-wave to explore all giving options.

What is the Splash Club?

The Splash Club is Tampa Bay Wave's recurring monthly giving program for individual supporters. Splash Club members make a monthly commitment that helps sustain Wave's accelerator programs, community events, and operational infrastructure throughout the year.

How do I become a corporate sponsor of Tampa Bay Wave?

Corporate sponsors partner with Tampa Bay Wave through customized packages that may include event sponsorship, logo placement, program naming rights, and direct access to the startup community. Visit tampabaywave.org/corporate-giving or contact the development team to learn about available sponsorship opportunities.

Support Wave

Invest in Founders

Tampa Bay Wave is the #3 startup accelerator in the U.S. and #1 in Florida (TIME and Statista, 2026). Your gift helps founders build companies that stay, hire and grow right here in Tampa Bay.

#3

Startup accelerator in the U.S. & #1 in Florida
(TIME & Statista, 2026)

$2B+

Startup capital raised

7,600+

New jobs supported

$450M+

Wave’s annual economic impact

Tampa Bay's innovation economy runs on community support.

Wave helps founders get the coaching, mentoring and strategic introductions they need to build companies that create jobs, fuel the economy and bring life-enhancing technology to market.

Supporters make that possible. Friends of Wave and Wave Makers gifts are unrestricted, so they fuel Wave’s ability to move: the staff who run our programs, founder needs that can’t otherwise be met and opportunities no one planned for.

When founders succeed, our community succeeds: more high-wage jobs, more investment and a stronger economy for everyone.

Where Your Gift Goes

What your support makes possible

$50/month

A total of $600 per year. This tier funds a founder’s seat in one Wave workshop or mentor session

$85/month

A total of $1,000 per year. This tier funds a full day of mentor office hours for one cohort company

$1,500/year

Now part of Friends of Wave, this tier funds one founder’s full mentor-matching and coaching journey through an accelerator cohort

Wave Makers and Friends of Wave gifts are unrestricted. These funds go where founders need them most, which is what lets Wave move quickly. To fund a specific program, explore our sponsorships.

Three Ways to Support Wave

Find your way to make waves

Individuals

Invest in Tampa Bay's next generation of founders as a supporter. Become a Wave Maker with monthly giving, or join Friends of Wave with an annual $1,500 investment.

Invest as an Individual

Companies & Foundations

Partner with Wave through sponsorship or a grant to connect your brand and your goals with the founders shaping the region.

Explore Partnership

Give Your Time

Mentor a founder or volunteer your expertise. Already a mentor? Take your support further by investing in the founders you coach.

Become a Wave Maker

Friends of Wave

Friends of Wave is for those who believe in Tampa Bay’s founders and want to invest in them. Your $1,500 annual gift gives Wave the flexibility to move while connecting you with fellow supporters who see the difference it makes.

Wave Makers

Make a monthly contribution and receive an invitation to the annual Friends of Wave Dinner.

Friends of Wave

Support Wave with a contribution of $1,500 and enjoy discounted tickets to the Friends of Wave Dinner, plus a Wave lapel pin.

As a Friend of Wave, you receive:

Invitations to Friends of Wave gatherings throughout the year
Discounted tickets to the Friends of Wave Dinner
Strategic introductions to Wave’s founders, mentors and Advisory Council
A Friends of Wave lapel pin and recognition as a Friend of Wave
Preferred rates on meeting space and the podcast studio

Wave Makers: Monthly Giving

Wave Makers invest in Wave’s founders every month. Your unrestricted monthly gift keeps Wave moving all year, and you’re invited to the Friends of Wave Dinner. Small monthly gifts add up to real impact for founders.

Ready to do more? Take the next step in supporting Tampa Bay’s founders. Join Friends of Wave and become part of a community that believes in their potential, invests in their success, and helps strengthen the region’s startup ecosystem.

Find the way of giving that works best for you.

We welcome gifts in many forms. Whatever works best for you, our team is happy to help. To discuss any option below, contact Development Manager Nathan Hendriksen at nhendriksen@tampabaywave.org.

Give online (cash, card or recurring)

The quickest way to give. Make a one-time or monthly gift securely online.

Pay via check

Make checks payable to Tampa Bay Wave, Inc. and mail to 501 E. Kennedy Blvd, Suite 650, Tampa, FL 33602. Please include a note with your name and any program you’d like to support.

Donor-advised fund (DAF)

Giving through a donor-advised fund is simple, and it helps us thank you properly. Please use the details below and email donate@tampabaywave.org to let us know your gift is on the way.

Legal name: Tampa Bay Wave, Inc.
Address: 501 E. Kennedy Blvd, Suite 650, Tampa, FL 33602
EIN: 27-4779851

Appreciated securities (stocks, bonds, mutual funds)

Giving stock you’ve held for more than a year can allow you to support Wave while potentially avoiding capital gains tax on the appreciation. To receive our brokerage transfer instructions, email donate@tampabaywave.org. Please let us know the date and details of your transfer so we can acknowledge your gift.

Employer matching gifts

Many employers match charitable gifts, which can double or even triple your impact. Check with your employer or your spouse’s employer to see if a program is available, then submit your match request.

IRA charitable distribution (QCD)

If you’re 70½ or older, you can give directly from your IRA to Wave. Contact us and we’ll provide the details your IRA custodian will need.

Planned giving and legacy gifts

Leave a lasting legacy for Tampa Bay’s innovation community. Options include a gift in your will, naming Wave as a beneficiary of a retirement account or life insurance policy, or a trust. If you’ve included Wave in your plans, please let us know so we can thank you.

Multi-year pledges

If you’d like to make a larger commitment, you can spread your gift over multiple years. Contact us to set up a pledge that fits your plans.

In-kind gifts

Wave welcomes donated equipment, technology, professional services and event support that help our founders succeed. Contact us to discuss what’s needed.

Event sponsorship and tickets

Support Wave while celebrating the region’s tech community at events like the Hall of Fame Celebration. Sponsorship and ticket information is available here.

Corporate and foundation grants

Partner with Wave through your company, foundation or philanthropic fund. Contact us to discuss program sponsorships and strategic grants.

Wire transfer

For wire instructions, contact donate@tampabaywave.org. Please include your name and intended gift purpose.

Tax-smart giving

Wave is a 501(c)(3) public charity (EIN 27-4779851), and gifts are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Starting in 2026, itemizers can deduct charitable gifts only above 0.5% of adjusted gross income, and taxpayers who take the standard deduction can deduct up to $1,000 ($2,000 for joint filers) in cash gifts to public charities. That new deduction doesn’t apply to gifts made through donor-advised funds. Event tickets and other benefits may reduce the deductible amount. Please consult your tax advisor about your situation.