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September 21, 2025 2025 Giving Guide

Gulf of Maine Research Institute

Sampling inshore waters as part of our long-term research project to monitor changes in Casco Bay

 

2026 Goals

We envision a future in which the ecosystem, economy, and communities of the Gulf of Maine region thrive amid rapid change. To achieve this, our five-year goals are structured around four strategic initiatives:

• Adapting Fisheries & Seafood: Our goals include better forecasts for state and federal fisheries, increased market share for Gulf of Maine seafood, and sharing seafood and fisheries knowledge with coastal communities.

• Building Climate-Ready Communities: We aim to provide localized climate data for Maine’s tidally-influenced communities, mobilizing financing for municipal climate actions, and expanding access to knowledge for students, educators, businesses, and community leaders.

• Developing the Blue Economy & Supporting Working Waterfronts: Our approach centers on delivering in-depth workforce development, providing advisory services to entrepreneurs and small businesses, and protecting working waterfronts with dedicated access.

• Supporting Energy Solutions: Our focus is on facilitating community input on marine renewables, increasing electrical grid resilience for communities, and providing resources for engaging in climate-related project financing.

Fundraising Events/Opportunities

Sea State Series – Starting in 2006, we began inviting scientists, seafood experts, fishermen, and other community members and partners into our building every year to lead timely and important conversations centered on the Gulf of Maine and the communities that rely on it. This year’s series centers on the transformative efforts we are taking with our partners in our five-year strategic plan to secure a sustainable, resilient future for this region and beyond. Learn more at gmri.org/seastate.

Giving Opportunities

We thrive on the support of our individual, foundation, and corporate donors. Now more than ever, your support puts our science and education to work on behalf of our Gulf of Maine communities and beyond.

Individuals

By making an annual gift, you provide steady revenue for our work. Consider joining our Wind Rose Society, consisting of donors who are GMRI community leaders. By making a Wind Rose Society-qualified gift, members receive access to organizational leadership, unique events, and insider information and expertise. Learn more about how to become a Wind Rose Society member at gmri.org/donate/wind-rose-society.

Corporations & Foundations

Support LabVenture – Since 2005, 170,000+ Maine middle school students have participated in our LabVenture program, where they use the scientific process to investigate ecosystem change in the Gulf of Maine. Your support of LabVenture inspires the next generation of climate leaders. Reach out to mmcnell@gmri.org to explore this opportunity.

Volunteer Opportunities

Contribute Data to our Community Science Projects

We need your help collecting local data that will inform future decisions that prioritize community resilience.

• Coastal Flooding – Help pinpoint high-risk flooding areas in your community. Community members can identify the weather and water level conditions during flooding events, and describe how the flood impacts their community. Learn more at gmri.org/coastalflooding.

• Mussel Bed Mapping – Help us track mussel beds as they retreat further into the ocean. Send us your photos of mussel beds during low tides, and we will develop an acoustic mapping plan. Learn more at gmri.org/musselbeds.

If you’re interested in corporate volunteer opportunities, contact mmcnell@gmri.org to learn more.

At A Glance

Established: 1968 / Employees: 99 / Annual revenue: $22,100,249

Top funding sources

50% State and federal

25% Individuals

15% Other

10% Corporations and foundations

Contact

350 Commercial St.,

Portland, ME 01401

(207) 772-2321

gmri.org

Awards/Accolades

Our Aquaculture Apprenticeship Program received a Seafood Industry Climate Award (SICA) from Acme Smoked Fish, TD Bank, and the Builders Initiative in 2024 for our efforts to address sustainability challenges.

 

Our Chief Education Officer was appointed to the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine’s Committee on Education for Thriving in a Changing Climate.

 

We maintain a four-star rating with Charity Navigator, a platinum rating with Candid, and are a proud member of 1% For the Planet.

Mission Statement

The Gulf of Maine Research Institute develops and delivers collaborative solutions to global ocean challenges.

Service locations

We serve communities across all of Maine’s 16 counties and throughout New England, while providing internationally recognized leadership in the climate and oceans space.

Leadership

Glenn Prickett
President & CEO

Board officers

Denise DesChenes, Board Chair, Retired Partner/Managing Director, Sard Verbinnen & Co. (now FGS Global)

Abigail Wark, Ph.D., Vice Chair, Rockledge Labs

Lisa C. Hook, Treasurer, Senior Vice President, Senior Commercial Lending Manager, Androscoggin Bank

Pat Panaia, Secretary, Chief Executive Officer, Kinotek

Board Members

Tawny Alvarez

Dr. Susan K. Avery

George Bell

Michael W. Bonney

Peter R. Bryant

Richard E. Curran, Jr.

Jill Duson

Jay Espy

Eric Haley

Luke Holden

Margaret Honey, Ph.D.

Lisa C. Hook

Eric Kolben, CFP®

Richard L. Merrick, Ph.D.

Steven Murawski, Ph.D.

Matthew C. O’Reilly

John Park

David E. Smith, CPA