GIVING BACK
Mother Ocean has given us so much, and we decided it's high time to return the favor.
Giving back is at the very root of what Ocean Fest is all about. Proceeds from our annual festival are always shared in the form of Board-approved monetary grants. The, Ocean Fest Grants Program funds like-minded nonprofit organizations working to protect our precious marine environments.
Since 2019, we’ve granted more than $115,000 to local, regional and national nonprofits including:
NC Coastal Federation, Plastic Ocean Project/UNCW, Surfrider Foundation, NC Aquariums, Coastal Carolina Riverwatch, Sustainable Surf/Sea Trees, Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue, Audubon NC, Ocean City Beach Citizens Council, Coastal Conservation Association of NC, ECO Topsail, Oceana, and more.
Here's a snapshot of our 2023 grant recipients and how they are using the grants!
North Carolina Coastal Federation: Funds used for programming: oyster reef restoration and marine debris program.
Coastal Conservation Association of North Carolina: Funds used for programming: Save our Fisheries Campaign (PR).
Audubon NC: Funds used for coastal conservation and education work, volunteer programs and paid staff.
Coastal Carolina Riverwatch: Funds used for programming and for an internship called, “The Ocean Fest Internship.”
ECO Topsail: Funds used to build and maintain website.
Ocean City Beach Citizens Council (OCBCC): Funds used for sand fencing and community rain gardens.
Sustainable Surf / Sea Trees: Funds used to produce a short documentary.
NC Aquarium Society: Funds used for ocean careers camp to fund 16 disadvantaged youth campers.
Plastic Ocean Project: Funds used to help support the Ocean Friendly Establishments initiative.
Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hospital: Funds used to purchase medicine and food to rehabilitate sick and injured sea turtles.