Giving
TOGETHER,
WE CAN MAKE WAVES
The ocean is the our planet’s life support system. It is inextricably linked to our climate, weather, and the lives and livelihoods of people around the globe. The ocean holds the answers to many of the world’s most pressing problems, if only we can unlock its secrets.
Support ocean science, exploration, and education for the global good.
TOGETHER,
WE CAN MAKE AN IMPACT
Support the effort to understand and sustain our most precious shared resource.
MEMBERSHIP
Join a community of supporters passionate about oceanographic research, discovery, and education. Membership benefits help bring you closer to the impact you make.
LEADERSHIP AND GIVING CIRCLES
Support ocean science and engineering as we work to solve some of our planet’s greatest environmental challenges. Open up opportunities to become involved at WHOI on a deeper level.
PLANNED GIVING
Make a lasting impact in our oceans by making 71% of the planet a part of your legacy. Speak to one of our specialists to learn how you can support future oceanographic research and education.
Solutions for our ocean
At any one point, WHOI scientists and engineers are working on over 800 projects. Here are just a few examples of how our efforts are making a difference.
Why we care about the ocean
71% of EARTH'S SURFACE is covered by ocean
40% of EARTH's POPULATION lives within 100km (60 miles) off a coast
80% of INTERNATIONAL TRADE travels by ship
50% of U.S. territory is under ocean
90% of HEAT from global warming has been absorbed by the ocean
What people are waving about
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Robin Powell Mandjes,
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Robin Powell Mandjes and her husband Lucas spend time in the summer on Martha’s Vineyard just off of Woods Hole, Mass. But, for years, they barely noticed that they were passing by Woods Hole Oceanographic on their way to catch the ferry. Once Robin learned about WHOI and its reputation as a world-class ocean research organization, she decided to get involved. These days, Robin is a devoted Trustee who is also an ambassador, fundraiser, and annual fund supporter.
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Elizabeth Leatherman,
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OCEAN LOVER ELIZABETH LEATHERMAN IS A STAR WHOI SUPPORTER AND AMBASSADOR
Longtime WHOI supporter and devoted ambassador, Elizabeth Leatherman, has always loved and been engaged with the ocean. “I grew up on the water on boats and am a scuba diver and a lover of all sea creatures,” she says. For several years, Elizabeth even worked part time at the New England Aquarium as a seal handler, assisted in the stranded pup program, and helped rehabilitate pilot whales to be released. “I first learned about WHOI many years ago from an intern at WHOI,” says Elizabeth. “I went over to see the facility and was fascinated by the organization’s research and development.”
Years later, Elizabeth’s brother, WHOI supporter and corporation member, Charles Willis, brought her to see WHOI again. “That’s when I knew I wanted to be involved, to help spread the word to others about the important science being discovered,” she says. “The research that WHOI does impacts all of us and our future on the planet. It is vital to share the information that WHOI gathers to educate us.” Elizabeth says that over the years, she has been surprised at how many people are unaware of the fragility of the ocean’s ecosystem and the importance of the relationship of the ocean to our planet.
“After organizing a variety of talks by WHOI scientists in different states, I am pleasantly surprised to hear people reconsidering their relationship with the ocean on a personal level,” says Elizabeth. “I hope to keep sharing the importance of WHOI’s work, in the most beneficial ways possible.”
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Anya Salama, WHOI Corporation Member and Fye Society Member
“My family and I are proud to support WHOI’s important work with a gift in our wills.” |
AN EARLY JOURNEY TO SEA, A LASTING LEGACY FOR WHOI SCIENTISTS
“As a college student, I participated in several expeditions on R/V Knorr and R/V Oceanus. I learned that the work WHOI does is critical to our understanding of our planet. Years later, my family and I are proud to support WHOI’s important work with a gift in our wills.”
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Mary Jo and John Heyl,
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Helping Then, Now, and for the Future
Mary Jo and John Heyl welcomed the R/V Knorr on its arrival in Woods Hole back in 1977. At the time John served as WHO’s Director of Development.
“Even then, people were talking about global warming,” says Mary Jo. “This is the issue we think will have the greatest impact on our children and grandchildren, so we are acting now, by supporting WHOI on an annual basis. We have also created a bequest that we hope will have an even greater impact down the road.” You can help, too.
Please Make your annual gift to WHOI before December 31 to ensure that WHOI scientists continue to tackle some of the most challenging and important problems of our time, from climate change to plastic waste to sustainable food and energy production. Or leave a powerful legacy in support of solutions-based ocean research for years to come.
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Carol Armstrong,
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One Small Step
Carol Armstrong first learned about Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution when she was asked to serve as the sponsor of the new WHOI research vessel that would bear her husband’s name.
What began with the smash of a champagne bottle and the gift of her husband’s Congressional Medal of Freedom at the R/V Armstrong’s dedication has grown into a much deeper connection to the ocean. As a member of WHOI’s Corporation and longtime annual supporter, Carol took her own “one small step” for ocean science when she made a bequest to ensure future generations of scientists would have the resources necessary to explore this planet’s vast oceans.
Be part of a mission
you can believe in
Every gift helps to further understand the rich diversity of marine life and ecosystems that support them.