The Taras Oceanographic Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization, founded in 1998, based in Jupiter, Florida, is dedicated to advancing marine science and the long-term survival of both people and the oceans, through research, conservation, education, and cultural programs.
Founded in 1998, the Foundation was domesticated, i.e. registered, in the State of Florida in 2005. The Foundation was granted permanent 501(c)(3) status by the IRS in May 2006. The organization is truly sustainable, built around a small group of scientists and volunteers, who work on a pro bono basis.
We were very successful in creating lasting partnerships that provide free, or low-cost, access to critical operational resources (boat time, meeting spaces, etc.), which have allowed us to successfully deliver the Foundation’s programs for more than a 15 years on a zero-carbon basis:
1. The Palm Beach Dolphin Project, a long-term conservation research, examining dolphin society and how the health of these top predators, and the natural resources they depend on, has direct and indirect impacts on our own health and wellbeing. This program was started in 2013 and continues to expand on opportunities for students of schools and colleges to take their first steps in marine mammal biology through internships and specific projects. After 20 years of advocating on the issue of ocean pollution we formalized those activities under a new program title ‘Stop Ocean Littering’.
2. The Meet the Scientist Lecture Series, providing people of all walks of life with an opportunity to meet world-class scientists and researchers, commenced it 13th season this week (October 20th). With an average audience of 300, it is one of the most successful programs of its kind in Florida.
3. The Ocean of Notes Concert Series, launched in 2009, and focus of this grant application.- I attach a few document with some additional information you may use.