The Center for Coastal Studies (CCS) is moving closer to its goal of $10 million for the 50th Anniversary Endowment Campaign, thanks to a half-million dollar challenge grant pledged by an anonymous donor.
A generous donor has committed to the final $500,000 needed to complete the campaign, after CCS secures $9.5 million in other gifts and pledges. With current commitments already surpassing 80% of the campaign goal, just over $1M is now needed to unlock this inspiring challenge grant. The Center will continue to invite additional friends and supporters to join this transformational campaign and to help CCS unlock this remarkable half-million dollar promise – multiplying the impact of each remaining gift needed to complete the effort.
Achievement of the Center’s ambitious Endowment Campaign will translate into a vital funding resource that supports the CCS’s long-term marine research, education, conservation and response programs and public policy initiatives, in perpetuity. Founded in Provincetown in 1976, CCS has grown from a small group of independent scientists into an internationally recognized marine research organization conducting long-term studies across the Gulf of Maine, the western North Atlantic, and marine ecosystems around the world. Through field-based science, conservation programs, education, and marine animal entanglement response efforts, CCS works to better understand changing ocean and coastal ecosystems and help communities respond to emerging environmental challenges.
The recent public launch of the CCS Endowment Campaign coincides with Center’s 50th anniversary, which is being celebrated this summer. “The success of this campaign to date is a testament to the remarkable history of CCS and to the people who have built and sustained the Center through half a century. It is also a reflection of the outstanding work carried out every day by our staff and volunteers, and guided by our Board and our Advisory Council. The confidence that donors have shown in CCS through their generous commitments speaks volumes about the value and impact of our mission,” said Anne-Marie Runfola, Executive Director of the Center for Coastal Studies.
“We’re in the final stretch of building a permanent endowment to support our mission for generations. Every donation now is especially important because it brings us closer to securing this very generous final commitment and completing the campaign,” said Steve Carlson, Chair of the Center’s Board of Directors.
Income generated from the endowment will grow over time and help sustain the Center’s coastal and marine monitoring and field research, emerging technologies and scientific innovation, conservation and marine animal rescue programs, education initiatives, and training and mentorship for future scientists, educators, and technicians.
To learn more about or to participate in the CCS Endowment Campaign, visit coastalstudies.org/endowment