More than $8 million has already been committed toward the campaign goal to support long-term marine research, education, conservation, and response programs.
The Center for Coastal Studies (CCS) today announced the public launch of its $10 Million Endowment Campaign. The announcement coincides with CCS’s 50th anniversary, which is being celebrated this summer.
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 response efforts, CCS works to better understand changing ocean and coastal ecosystems and help communities respond to environmental change.
To date, the campaign has secured over $8 million during its quiet phase through the generosity of donors, foundations, and longtime supporters of the Center’s mission. CCS is now inviting broader public participation to help reach the $10 million campaign goal.
“By establishing a well-funded endowment, we’re building a stable foundation to support our critical research, monitoring, education, and conservation efforts. This is an investment that allows us to meet the environmental challenges of the future with the same spirit of innovation, collaboration, and scientific integrity that has defined us for fifty years. I’m proud to announce that we have 100% participation and support from the Directors for this critical initiative,” said Steve Carlson, Chair of the Center’s Board of Directors.
Income generated from the endowment will grow over time and help support sustained 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.
“The endowment campaign was established to strengthen our ongoing financial sustainability and protect our ability to respond to emerging environmental challenges, in spite of the shifting funding landscape that many non-profit organizations are currently experiencing. With more of our financial needs funded by the endowment, we’ll be able to invest in critical long-term projects and innovative new technology to sustain us into our next 50 years,” said CCS Executive Director Anne-Marie Runfola.
“We also want to do more to invest in the local community where we do our work, as well as in training the critical next generations of researchers. The endowment will help us achieve these objectives,” she said.
To learn more about or to participate in the CCS Endowment Campaign, visit coastalstudies.org/endowment