11th Hour Racing is pumping $4.4 million into ocean health initiatives, with a big chunk of that money going to projects in Rhode Island.
The organization just announced funding for 47 grantees, including 11 new ones. While many projects are based in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, some reach across the U.S. and beyond.
New Rhode Island grantees include:
- Aquidneck Land Trust: Leading the Almy Pond Watershed Protectors to implement better stormwater management and boost community involvement.
- Bike Newport: Pushing for carbon-free transportation by expanding bike routes and parking at Newport events.
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County: Offering swim lessons, after-school programs, and summer camps to give local kids and teens better access to educational opportunities.
- Earth Care Farm: Growing its composting operations to produce more healthy living soil for local farmers and landowners.
- Eastern Rhode Island Conservation District: Backing the development of a regional compost processing site in the East Bay.
- International Tennis Hall of Fame: Spearheading TeamFAME, which provides free youth programs on Aquidneck Island that mix social-emotional learning, sustainability projects, and student-led advocacy.
- Youth in Action: Connecting students from environmental justice communities with opportunities for education, leadership, and advocacy in coastal areas.
These grants aim to tackle ocean challenges and build solutions. Projects range from hands-on education to community-led ecosystem restoration and research.
11th Hour Racing now supports 58 projects that are creating sustainability models. The organization’s 2025 grant application is open until March 31, and they’re inviting nonprofit organizations working to improve ocean health and stewardship to apply.