January 2026: Great Harbor Yacht Club Foundation Awards $630,000 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.