The Foundation builds partnerships to promote conservation and develop an ocean literate public who is able to make informed and responsible decisions regarding the ocean and its resources.

The Ernest F. Hollings Ocean Awareness Trust Fund

This fund was established in 2005 as a legacy to the longstanding commitment of former U.S. Senator Ernest F. Hollings to promoting public involvement and understanding of the benefits of the oceans to current and future generations. The Ocean Awareness Trust Fund seeks to continue this important work by ensuring that all Americans understand and value these precious resources, and by promoting opportunities for the people of all ages to become actively interested and involved in ocean stewardship.

2008
Due to a reallocation of funding priorities, the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation will not be soliciting proposals for funding activities through the Ernest F. Hollings Ocean Awareness Trust Fund in this fiscal year, July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009. The NMSF does anticipate issuing an RFP for this grants program after July 1, 2009, so please continue to check our web site for updates. If you would like to be added to an email list to receive the RFP when it is issued, please email that request to grants@NMSFocean.org. In the meantime, we encourage you to explore our web site to find out more about the Foundation and the past grants issued through the Hollings Ocean Awareness Trust Fund.

2007
2007 Announcement
2007 Request for Proposals