Did you know you can invest in conservation with Project AWARE for years to come? Through gift and estate planning, you can meet your financial goals and fulfill your passion for philanthropy.

For over 28 years, together with our global community, we've responded to the threats our ocean faces and we’ve had some incredible success. Threats like the battle against marine debris. Success like removing and reporting over 1.8 million* items on debris. While we celebrate milestones like this, our work isn’t over.

We are committed to working towards solutions for a debris-free ocean for us today and coming generations. We continue to collect and use data to inform an ocean transformation today and into the future and your legacy gift is a meaningful way to ensure the well-being of future generations and serve as an inspiration to others to do the same.

When you become a member of the Legacy Society, you’re safeguarding the issues you care about and the values you cherish will be long remembered.

We set out investigating charities based on the passions and interests of each particular family member that we were trying to honor.
When we got to my brother (who is still very much alive!) we decided to pick one of his favorite hobbies - scuba diving. We really didn't expect to find a charity that was somehow associated with diving, but to our surprise and delight, we came across Project AWARE!  It was a perfect fit - a way to honor my brother and to help save the planet at the same time!"
     - Michael & Patricia Iandoli

Frequent Asked Questions

Q: What is Legacy Giving?

A: Legacy giving allows you to support Project AWARE and can benefit you now or in the future by transferring assets either during your lifetime or as part of an estate plan. This thoughtful approach to philanthropy is usually transferred through a will or trust.

Q: I’m not wealthy. Is legacy giving is for me?

A: Many legacy donors aren’t considered wealthy. Most legacy gifts cost you nothing now and allow you to make a profound gift without an immediate change in your assets. Many simply allocate a percentage of their will to charity or name their beneficiary of choice on life insurance or pension funds. Some gifts can even pay you income, depending on your wishes. A small percentage of your estate can have a great impact for our ocean.

Q: I’m worried about nominating a charity. What if my circumstances change?

A: Usually, you can change your beneficiaries at any time—you are not obligated by a decision you make today. You can always change your mind or allocations. You could establish a legacy gift and keep it confidential if you prefer but connecting with us so we can express our gratitude and build a relationship can be a satisfying experience also. It’s all down to personal preference.

Q: What about my family?

A: You can take care of your family and other loved ones and provide for the future of the ocean. Take the time to speak to your loved ones and include them on your estate planning so they understand and honor your wishes.

Q: Estate planning seems complicated. How do I get started?

A: Creating a legacy plan can be as straightforward as making a simple will. Many online services offer free tools. From there you could use this sample text.

Q: Beyond supporting a cause I’m passionate about, why would I want to make a legacy gift?

A: Your act of altruism today demonstrates your principles and costs you nothing during your lifetime while maintaining your assets under your control. Your legacy gift lets us know that you believe in our cause and work, well into the future.

Thank you for considering increasing the health of our ocean for generations to come.

To start designing your legacy for our ocean, contact your legal or financial advisor directly or connect with Lauren Wiskerson at [email protected] to share your plans and become a member of the Legacy Society or ask questions.

* As of March 2021