Skate for Change
Empowering Skateboarding Communities Globally
Skateboarding is at the heart of everything we do. That’s why we’re proud to launch Skate For Change, a global initiative to give back to the culture that shaped us. Our mission is simple: provide essential gear, financial aid and visibility to nonprofit organisations using skateboarding to create positive change for youth around the world. Through this program, we partner with nonprofit and grassroots associations that are using skateboarding to build community, teach life skills and create safe spaces for young people to grow. From providing free shoes to funding coaching programs and bringing neighbourhoods together - our Skate For Change program helps these organisations reach more young people and deepen the positive impact they provide.
Why It Matters
In many parts of the world, skateboarding is more than just creative fun - it’s a lifeline for youth at-risk. But access to equipment, safe places to skate and supportive communities is often out of reach. We want to break down those barriers by providing quality footwear and support with the construction and repair of skateparks, funding events, coaching and youth programs. The results are tangible and very powerful: more kids skating in places where it once wasn’t possible, more communities coming together around a shared passion and more young people discovering confidence, creativity and belonging through skateboarding.
Our Impact
Since launching this initiative, etnies and our community have worked with partners across multiple continents - from Africa to South America to Asia - to grow skateboarding where it’s needed most. Together, we have supported programs that now reach hundreds of youths each month and these contributions don’t just help kids skate; they encourage them to thrive.
Stories From the Ground
The best way to understand the power of Skate For Change is through the stories of the people it touches. In 50+ locations across five continents, Skateistan combines skateboarding with creative-education to help at-risk youth learn, play and shape their futures. For nearly two decades, they’ve encouraged those who might not otherwise have access to school or safe spaces to empower themselves through skate programs designed to build resilience, creativitiy and community. In the U.S., Exposure Skate champions inclusion in skateboarding, advocating for women, trans, and nonbinary skaters while hosting free events that empower the next generation. The etnies Skatepark of Lake Forest regularly provides free shoes to those in need, including unhoused members of our community. Each story reminds us that skateboarding has the power to change lives - and that we can all be part of that change.
How You Can Help
You can get involved right now. Every time you donate directly to one of our nonprofit partners, you’ll receive a 20% discount on your next etnies purchase - and we’ll donate 10% of that sale back to the nonprofit to help fund their programs. Your contribution keeps these opportunities alive. If you’re an nonprofit or skate association using skateboarding as a force for good, we’d love to hear from you. Reach us at foundation@etnies.com to learn how to join the program.
Action speaks louder than words, purpose drives everything we do.
Skateboarding moves beyond our streets and it builds communities that drive change. From constructing free skateparks for underserved communities to introducing animal-friendly skate shoes ahead of the curve, every decision we make is with purpose. With over 2 million trees planted so far, our commitment to sustainability creates a lasting change where it matters most.
Our Partners
We’re proud to stand alongside organisations that are growing the global skate culture and creating opportunity around the world. Skateistan, Exposure Skate, and our own etnies Skatepark of Lake Forest are just the beginning - and with your help, this network will continue to expand year after year.