January 2026 Grant Cycle - GHYC Foundation Awards $630,00 in Grants for Harbor Health Efforts

The Great Harbor Yacht Club Foundation this month committed to funding $630,000 in grants to a range of initiatives dedicated to the health of Nantucket Harbor and its marine ecosystems. This cycle’s recipients span a diverse array of causes, including coastal resilience, research, remediation and education and scholarships.

Nantucket Land & Water Council, which advocates for the integrity of Nantucket’s natural land and water resources, received a grant to fully fund an alternative mooring system which eliminates bottom scouring and allows eelgrass meadows to flourish (see illustration below).

Other recipients include the Trustees and Nantucket Conservation Foundation working in tandem to carry out a feasibility study and preliminary designs for the two areas most vulnerable to sea level rise and storms within the refuge: the Haulover & Coskata Pond. The Foundation continues to support the Maria Mitchell Association Harbor Monitoring Buoy, which seeks to better prepare our community to detect and respond to water quality changes. 

The Foundation also pledged a matching grant to the town's Natural Resources Department and Harbormaster for two much-needed new vessels.  In addition, Artists Association of Nantucket has received a grant for an Environmental Artists Residency, Egan Maritime received funding for marine research experiences for Nantucket Public School students

All grants are part of the Foundation's broader mission to protect Nantucket Harbor and serve the community.  Applicants are chosen through a rigorous review process that evaluates the feasibility and potential of their projects to create sustainable change.  In addition to this grant cycle, the Foundation funded a community viewing of David Attenborough’s Ocean film as part of the Dreamland’s Film for Thought series.  It played to a packed house and lively conversation followed.

“We prioritize projects that deliver both immediate and long-term benefits to Nantucket Harbor’s ecosystem and our community at large,” said Foundation President Ed Orenstein. “By partnering with the Town and local organizations, we are ensuring this beloved resource thrives for generations to come.”

Over the past five years, The Foundation has provided over $1 million through its semi-annual grants to 20 community-based organizations. "This grant program is just one way we’re investing in the future of our beautiful island, and we are proud to partner with groups that share our commitment to making a real difference." – Karen Ketterer, Foundation Vice-President.

Annual Harbor Health Symposium - October 2025

We were thrilled to bring our Harbor Health Symposium to the community to hear from scientists, environmental leaders, and local residents to deepen our understanding of the fragile marine ecosystems that define Nantucket and the broader Atlantic coast. Our audience included a special visit from State Representative Thomas Moakley who was on hand to add support where needed.

We heard from Agnes Mittermayr, Benthic Ecologist at the Centre for Coastal Studies and Director of Seagrass Net., Dr. Alyssa Novak, Coastal Ecologist and Research Assistant Professor at Boston University, Dr. Bradley Peterson of Stony Brook University and Jeff Carlson, Town of Nantucket Natural Resources Director as well as panelists: Tara Riley, Shellfish & Aquatic Resource Manager, Town of Nantucket, Yvonne Vaillancourt, Director, Nantucket Field Station, UMASS Boston, Emily Molden, Executive Director, Nantucket Land & Water Council, Charles Johnson, Stormwater Manager, Town of Nantucket and Juanita Urban-Rich, Associate Professor, School for the Environment, UMASS Boston

GHYCF President Ed Orenstein closed the formal program with remarks of gratitude to the speakers, panelists, and attendees and the opening of the 2025 Fall Grant Cycle.