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Giving Tuesday Guide to Boating Nonprofits on the Great Loop Waterways
Post summary: Giving Tuesday Boating Organizations: Great Loop Waterways and Boating Nonprofits.
Throughout the two years we lived aboard our boat, PIVOT, we encountered many organizations committed to doing good in our communities. Whether you want to donate to an environmental organization from one of the many waterways on the Great Loop or support organizations making boating more accessible, or you’re interested in pledging your support to clean our oceans, there are countless ways to support worthy causes to share support on Giving Tuesday. We’ve compiled a list of several Giving Tuesday boating organizations we personally encountered throughout our 6,000-mile journey on the Great Loop and organizations we learned about while living on the water. Organizations’ work varies in community programs, educational groups, and preservation efforts.
Captains for Clean Waters
Location: Florida
Captains for Clean Waters is a grassroots 501(c)3 nonprofit organization started by fishing guides. They have advocated for protecting Florida’s waters since its inception in 2016. Captains for Clean Waters focuses on three key areas: Everglades restoration, nutrient pollution, and water policy through awareness, education, and advocacy programs.
We first learned about Captains for Clean Waters from our friend Rainer, who both took us to Everglades National Park and explained the current challenges the Florida Everglades face. They are a great option for Giving Tuesday boating organizations to donate to!
Rescue a Reef
Location: Miami, Florida
Rescue a Reef is part of the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School’s coral conservation program. They bring together researchers, students, and community members in both coral research and restoration. This is to grow threatened coral species in land and offshore nurseries. This program extends beyond both the classroom and student population by hosting opportunities for SCUBA divers to participate in hands-on field explorations.
Georgia Conservancy
Location: Georgia
The Georgia Conservancy is a non-profit organization dedicated to both protecting and conserving Georgia’s natural resources. Through advocacy, education, and grassroots initiatives, they work to preserve the state’s diverse ecosystems. They also promote sustainable development, and engage communities in environmental stewardship. Their efforts profoundly impact biodiversity, water quality, and outdoor recreation opportunities statewide.
If you live in or especially love Georgia, this is a great option for Giving Tuesday boating organizations to donate to!
Chesapeake Bay Foundation
Location: Chesapeake Bay – Headquarters are in Annapolis, Maryland, but their work covers 64,000 square miles throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and D.C.
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to both restoring and protecting the Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in the U.S. They engage in advocacy, education, and restoration initiatives to improve water quality. They work to both preserve habitats and promote sustainable practices. Their efforts significantly contribute to the Bay’s ecological health and biodiversity. By donating to CBF, individuals support initiatives that safeguard a vital ecosystem, ensure clean water, and promote sustainable fisheries. Ultimately contributing to the well-being of both the communities and wildlife that depend on the Chesapeake Bay.
Are you located in the Chesapeak Bay? Then this is a great option for Giving Tuesday boating organizations to donate to!
Billion Oyster Project
Location: New York Harbor, New York
The Billion Oyster Project is a non-profit environmental initiative to restore New York Harbor’s oyster population. By both deploying recycled shells and cultivating oyster reefs, they enhance water quality, provide habitat for marine life, and bolster shoreline resilience. This grassroots effort engages communities, fostering both awareness and active participation in marine ecosystem restoration. Donating supports sustainable urban development, marine life revival, and resilient coastal communities, fostering a healthier, more vibrant environment.
During a summer internship, I first learned about the Billion Oyster Project in 2018. I was deeply impressed by their work to restore New York Harbor. Their work continues to inspire me today.
Save the River – Upper St. Lawrence Riverkeeper
Location: St. Lawrence River between New York and Ontario
Save the River – Upper St. Lawrence Riverkeeper is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting both the pristine beauty and ecological health of the Upper St. Lawrence River. Through advocacy, research, and community engagement, they work tirelessly to safeguard the waterway from pollution, habitat degradation, and other threats. Donating to this organization directly contributes to preserving a vital natural resource. Ensuring a sustainable future for both the environment and the communities that rely on the river. Your support empowers ongoing efforts to defend this invaluable ecosystem.
Alliance for the Great Lakes
Location: The Great Lakes
The Alliance for the Great Lakes is a non-profit organization dedicated to conserving and protecting the Great Lakes, the largest freshwater system in the world. Through advocacy, education, and on-the-ground initiatives, the Alliance addresses issues such as water quality, invasive species, water quality monitoring, and habitat restoration. Donating to the Alliance supports their crucial work in safeguarding this vital ecosystem, ensuring clean water, biodiversity, and the well-being of communities that rely on the Great Lakes for drinking water, recreation, and economic livelihoods. Your contribution makes a direct impact on preserving this natural treasure for both current and future generations.
If you boat often in the Great Lakes, then this is a great option for Giving Tuesday boating organizations to donate to!
Tennessee Riverkeeper
Location: Tennessee and Cumberland River in Tennessee, Alabama, and Kentucky
The Tennessee Riverkeeper is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and protecting both the Tennessee River and its tributaries. They actively engage in monitoring, advocacy, and legal actions to combat pollution, promote sustainable water management, and safeguard aquatic ecosystems. Donating to the Tennessee Riverkeeper supports their crucial work in enforcing environmental regulations, conducting water quality testing, organizing a microplastics program, and advocating for policies that ensure a cleaner, healthier water system for both communities and wildlife. Your contribution directly contributes to the ongoing fight for the preservation of this vital natural resource.
If you’re looking to give to a non-profit in Tennessee, then this is a great option for Giving Tuesday boating organizations to donate to!
Mobile Baykeeper
Location: Mobile Bay, Alabama
Mobile Baykeeper was the first Waterkeeper Organization in Alabama. Mobile Baykeeper is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the Mobile Bay watershed in Alabama, USA. They actively monitor bacteria that make waterways unsafe to swim in, industrial pollution that release unsafe chemicals into the water making fish unsafe to eat, mud in the water from poor construction practices, dredging, and urbanization that both chokes our vital seagrasses and destroys marine life habitat, the loss of oyster reef habitats, and over fertilization. Through water quality testing, advocacy, and educational programs, Mobile Baykeeper both safeguards the ecosystem and enhances public awareness. Donating to Mobile Baykeeper ensures continued efforts to preserve this vital natural resource. Promoting a healthier environment, thriving wildlife, and sustained community well-being. Your contribution supports tangible actions that directly impact both the longevity and safety of the Mobile Bay ecosystem.
Tampa Bay Watch
Location: Tampa Bay, Florida
Tampa Bay Watch is focused on promoting a healthy Tampa Bay watershed through community-driven restoration projects, education programs, and outreach initiatives. Some of their restoration projects include both seagrass restoration and monitoring, an oyster shell recycling program for their Shells for Shorelines initiative, hosting The Great Bay Scallop Search, and organizing marine debris removal for coastal cleanups, fishing line recycling, marking storm water drains, and removing derelict crab traps.
We learned about Tampa Bay Watch from our boat buddies, Bill and Margie aboard Crustacean, while we stayed at their dock. Margie routinely volunteers with Tampa Bay Watch to help build Oyster Reef Balls to stabilize shorelines and prevent erosion while creating a habitat similar to natural oyster communities found along shoreline areas throughout Tampa Bay.
Marathon Turtle Hospital
Location: Marathon, Florida
The Marathon Turtle Hospital is a dedicated facility focused on the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of sea turtles in Marathon, Florida. They conduct vital research on turtle health, actively participate in conservation initiatives. And treat injuries caused by human activities including intestinal blockage from synthetic materials, entanglements in both fishing lines and buoys, impact from boat collisions which often lead to “bubble butt syndrome,” and Fibropapilloma which is an aggressive herpes-like virus that can cause tumor growth on soft tissue and affects their locomotion. Donating to the Marathon Turtle Hospital supports their critical efforts in both safeguarding endangered sea turtles and preserving marine ecosystems. By contributing, individuals help ensure the continuation of essential projects aimed at both the protection and well-being of these remarkable marine creatures.
We visited the Marathon Turtle Hospital during our Great Loop in March 2022 and were inspired by the work this hospital does to educate people and help their community. They are yet another this is a great option for Giving Tuesday boating organizations to donate to, especially if you love turtles!
Warrior Sailing
Location: United States
Warrior Sailing is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering wounded, ill, and injured veterans through sailing. They offer therapeutic sailing programs, teaching participants the art of sailing while fostering a supportive community. By donating to Warrior Sailing, individuals contribute to transformative experiences for veterans, aiding in their physical and mental recovery. The organization’s projects focus on skill-building, camaraderie, and reintegration, providing veterans with a unique avenue for both healing and personal growth. Contributions directly support these initiatives, enabling more veterans to embark on a journey of both resilience and renewal.
Coast Guard Foundation
Location: United States
The Coast Guard Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting both the men and women of the United States Coast Guard and their families. They fund projects that enhance the well-being and morale of Coast Guard members, including educational programs, scholarship opportunities, and support for critical needs during times of hardship. Donating to the Coast Guard Foundation ensures both the readiness and resilience of this essential branch of the military, fostering a strong maritime community that safeguards our nation’s coasts and waterways. Your contribution directly impacts those who safeguard our maritime security.
BoatUS Foundation
Location: United States
The BoatUS Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting safe and clean boating in the United States. Through educational programs, they provide boaters with resources on navigation, safety, and environmental stewardship. The foundation undertakes projects such as free online courses, life jacket loaner programs, and on-the-water training to enhance boating skills. Donating to the BoatUS Foundation supports the continuation of these initiatives, both fostering a community of responsible boaters and ensuring the preservation of waterways for future generations.
During our time in Staten Island, New York at the Great Kills Yacht Club, we saw first hand BoatUS Foundation’s life jacket loaner program which is a sustainable way to make sure everyone can be safe on the water.
5 Gyres Institute
Location: The World’s Oceans
The 5 Gyres Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to combating plastic pollution in the world’s oceans. Focused on researching, educating, and implementing solutions, the institute conducts expeditions to study the five major oceanic gyres, or swirling currents, where plastic accumulates. Their projects include advocating for policy changes, raising awareness, and developing sustainable alternatives. By donating to the 5 Gyres Institute, individuals contribute to crucial efforts addressing a global environmental crisis, supporting innovative solutions that both safeguard marine ecosystems and promote a sustainable future.
Coral Restoration Foundation
Location: Earth’s Oceans
The Coral Restoration Foundation (CRF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to restoring coral reefs globally. Through innovative coral farming techniques, CRF both cultivates resilient coral species and conducts large-scale reef restoration projects. By replanting endangered corals, CRF aims to combat the devastating effects of coral bleaching and promote marine biodiversity. Donating to CRF supports vital research, hands-on conservation efforts, and the preservation of fragile ecosystems, ensuring a sustainable future for our oceans and the countless species that depend on healthy coral reefs. Your contribution makes a tangible impact on the preservation of these underwater ecosystems.
Looking to help protect the Coral Reefs? This is a great option for Giving Tuesday boating organizations to donate to!
Oceana
Location: Earth’s Oceans
Oceana is a non-profit organization dedicated to both protecting and restoring the world’s oceans. They focus on implementing science-based policies to combat overfishing, prevent habitat destruction, and reduce pollution. Oceana’s impactful projects include advocating for sustainable fisheries management, promoting responsible seafood choices, and campaigning against offshore drilling. Donating to Oceana supports their crucial initiatives, ensuring the health of marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and the livelihoods of coastal communities. Your contribution helps safeguard our oceans for future generations, making a lasting impact on global environmental sustainability.
Sungai Watch
Location: Indonesia and Southeast Asia
Sungai Watch is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and restoring river ecosystems in Southeast Asia. They actively engage in projects such as water quality monitoring, community education, and over 3 million pounds of plastic waste removed in 260 villages. By donating to Sungai Watch, individuals support initiatives that combat pollution, protect biodiversity, and empower local communities. Contributions enable the implementation of impactful projects, fostering sustainable practices and ensuring the health of vital waterways for current and future generations. Your donation to Sungai Watch directly contributes to the conservation of aquatic environments and the well-being of surrounding communities.
Are you interested in donating internationally? Then this is a great option for Giving Tuesday boating organizations to donate to!
The Ocean Foundation
Location: Earth’s Oceans
The Ocean Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and restoring the world’s oceans. They engage in a variety of projects, ranging from marine conservation and habitat restoration to sustainable fisheries management. By supporting The Ocean Foundation, donors contribute to crucial initiatives that address plastic pollution, coral reef protection, and climate change impacts on marine ecosystems. Donations play a vital role in promoting the health of our oceans, ensuring a sustainable future for both diverse marine life and the communities that depend on them.
The Ocean Cleanup
Location: Earth
The Ocean Cleanup is a non-profit at the forefront of tackling ocean plastic pollution. Focused on cleaning up garbage patches, vast areas with high plastic concentrations, their innovative approach involves deploying passive drifting systems to concentrate and capture plastic debris. By strategically placing these systems, they target the heart of the issue, preventing further harm to marine life and ecosystems. Donating to The Ocean Cleanup supports cutting-edge solutions, actively addressing the global plastic crisis and contributing to a cleaner, healthier future for our oceans.
Are you specifically concerned in the ocean’s pollution? If so, then this is a great option for Giving Tuesday boating organizations to donate to!
“With every drop of water you drink,
every breath you take,
you’re connected to the sea.
No matter where on Earth you Live.”
― Sylvia Earle, marine biologist
and oceanographer
Let’s Give
As we sail through the currents of Giving Tuesday, let’s chart a course of compassion on the Great Loop Waterways and Global Oceans. By supporting boating, environmental, and social nonprofits, we both navigate scenic routes and contribute to a sea of positive change. Cast your philanthropic anchor and make a meaningful splash in the waters of generosity.
We knew organizations were doing good with each mile we cruised, even if we didn’t see it firsthand. We don’t want to take these non-profit organizations’ hard work for granted as we reap the rewards. We’ve donated to two organizations from this list as a small token of both appreciation and gratitude to the organizations that make the Great Loop truly special.
If you donate to any of the above charities, then let us know in the comments below; we’d love to hear about it. If you know of other non-profits that should be highlighted on our list of Giving Tuesday boating organizations, then email us at [email protected].
We share all the ups, downs, and everything in between. If you like what you see, then there are many ways to show your support and say thanks! The easiest way to support our work is by commenting on this post, both liking and sharing our content on Facebook, and pining our content on Pinterest. It’s a small way to say thank you that goes a long way!
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The ups, downs, and everything in between, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of ways to show your support and say thanks! The easiest way to support our work is by commenting on this post, liking and sharing our content on Facebook, and pinning our content on Pinterest. It’s a small way to say thank you that goes a long way!
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