SUPPORT THE WATERFRONT CENTER
Keep Us on the Water
Program fees only go so far.
Your support takes us further.
As a nonprofit organization, The WaterFront Center relies on both program revenue and donor support to connect people to the water through education and recreation.
MORE THAN A PROGRAM FEE
Your Program Fee Makes the Experience Possible.
Your Donation Takes It Further.
When you register for a sailing lesson, send a child to camp, rent a kayak or paddleboard, or step aboard one of our vessels, your program fee helps support the direct costs of providing that experience.
Program revenue helps maintain our facility and fleet, provide safety equipment and training, and support the skilled staff and instructors who deliver our programs.
But program fees alone don't fund everything we do.
Donor support allows The WaterFront Center to provide scholarships, expand access to the water, strengthen our educational reach, invest in boats and equipment, and develop new programs and opportunities for our community.
EDUCATION BEYOND OUR DOCKS
Bringing the Water to Students, Classrooms & Families
The impact of The WaterFront Center reaches far beyond our waterfront.
Our educators bring hands-on marine science and STEM learning into classrooms with live marine animals, mobile touch tanks, interactive activities, and customizable lessons designed around classroom curriculum and science standards.
Students can also come to Oyster Bay for place-based field trips, explore local habitats, work in our ecology wet lab, and learn aboard our historic vessels and floating classrooms.
Families, homeschool groups, Scouts, schools, and community organizations can experience programs designed to build curiosity, confidence, scientific understanding, and a lasting connection to our marine environment.
Donor support helps us extend these educational opportunities to more students and communities.
Explore Our Education Programs →YOUR GIFT TAKES US FURTHER
What Your Support Makes Possible
Your support reaches far beyond our docks. It helps bring education, recreation, access to the water, and meaningful learning experiences to students, classrooms, families, and communities.
01
Marine Education
Help provide interactive, hands-on STEM and marine science experiences that turn Oyster Bay and Long Island Sound into living classrooms.
02
Classrooms & Schools
Help our naturalists bring live marine animals, mobile touch tanks, STEM activities, and customizable science lessons directly into classrooms.
03
Children & Families
Help families explore marine life, learn together, sail, paddle, and build lifelong connections to the water.
04
Scholarships & Access
Help reduce financial barriers so more children and families can participate in sailing, marine education, camps, and other waterfront experiences.
05
Fleet & Equipment
Help us invest in boats, educational equipment, technology, safety resources, and the tools our staff need to provide high-quality programs.
06
Community Access
Help us work with schools, community organizations, homeschool groups, Scouts, and other partners while developing new opportunities for people of different ages and abilities.
YOU'RE PART OF THE STORY
You've Experienced the Water.
Help Someone Else Experience It, Too.
Maybe your child learned to sail here. Maybe your family explored Oyster Bay aboard CHRISTEEN or IDA MAY.
Maybe you've paddled the harbor, learned to sail as an adult, experienced our marine education programs, joined us for a community event, or simply believe that access to the water matters.
However you found us, you're part of The WaterFront Center community.
A donation is an opportunity to help make those experiences possible for someone else.
Make a Gift
MAKE AN IMPACT
Ways to Give
There are many ways to support The WaterFront Center. Make a one-time gift, become a WaterFront Steward, partner with us, or explore other giving opportunities.
Program fees help us operate.
Donor support helps us fulfill our mission.
One-Time Donation
Your gift helps us keep our programs accessible, now and in the future. You can choose any amount that works for you. Your gift is tax-deductible and may be matched by your employer.
Donate online or mail a check made payable to:
The WaterFront Center1 West End Ave
Oyster Bay, NY 11771
Become A WaterFront Steward
Join our community of WaterFront Stewards and make an ongoing impact through a monthly, quarterly, or annual gift.
- Support access to the water year-round
- Choose the giving level that is right for you
- Help sustain education, recreation, and community programs
Corporate Partnerships
Partner with The WaterFront Center and align your business with community access, marine education, recreation, and environmental stewardship.
- Year-round recognition opportunities
- Meaningful engagement experiences
- Support programs that connect people to the water
Donor-Advised Fund
Support The WaterFront Center through your Donor-Advised Fund for a tax-efficient way to give. Recommend a grant from your fund to make a meaningful impact on our programs.
Consult your financial advisor or Donor-Advised Fund provider for details on initiating a grant.
For more information contact:
George Ellis
Executive Director
George@thewaterfrontcenter.org
Stock or Wire Transfer
By donating stocks, bonds, or mutual funds, you can maximize your gift and minimize taxes.
Gifting appreciated securities directly to The WaterFront Center may allow you to:
- Avoid capital gains taxes on appreciated securities
- Deduct the full market value of your gift
Consult your tax advisor for specific guidance.
To receive transfer instructions, contact:
George Ellis
Executive Director
George@thewaterfrontcenter.org
IRA Charitable Gift
Satisfy your Required Minimum Distribution with an IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution directly from your IRA, potentially tax-free.
Consult with your financial advisor for details and restrictions.
For more information contact:
George Ellis
Executive Director
George@thewaterfrontcenter.org
Legacy or Estate Giving
Leave a lasting legacy by including The WaterFront Center in your estate plans. Planned gifts, such as bequests or charitable trusts, ensure our mission continues for future generations.
Your legacy gift can support:
- Long-term program sustainability
- Facility and equipment upgrades
- Community outreach initiatives
To discuss legacy giving options, contact:
George Ellis
Executive Director
George@thewaterfrontcenter.org
The Horizon Fund: Capital Improvements & Long-Term Sustainability
Make a greater impact by committing to a multi-year donation. The Horizon Fund supports capital improvements and helps ensure the continued strength and safety of The WaterFront Center for years to come.
Supports essential projects such as:
- Maintenance of our dock
- Vessels and fleet of boats
- Capital improvements
To discuss our Horizon Fund, contact:
George Ellis
Executive Director
George@thewaterfrontcenter.org
Not Sure Where To Start?
If you would like to talk through the best way to support The WaterFront Center, we would be happy to help.
Contact:
George Ellis
Executive Director
George@thewaterfrontcenter.org