New York Marine Rescue Center will be able to expand its marine conservation and educational programs through a multi-year grant from Bank of America, after being named as a 2021 Bank of America Neighborhood Builders awardee for its impactful work on Long Island. This comes as the center prepares to treat sea turtles impacted by cold stunning, a phenomenon similar to hypothermia, which occurs annually on Long Island in the fall and winter months when sea turtles are exposed to cold water for extended periods.
As a Neighborhood Builder, NYMRC receives $200,000 in unrestricted funding over two years as well as leadership training on topics ranging from increasing financial sustainability, human capital management, and strategic storytelling. The program continues to be the nation’s largest investment into nonprofit leadership development.
NYMRC has seen an increased need for marine rehabilitation services as changing ocean temperatures disrupt marine environments, while experiencing a decrease in volunteers due to Covid-19. Being one of the largest rehabilitation facilities in the region, during the 2020/2021 cold stun season, the NYMRC took in an additional 29 sea turtles from network partners due to limited space within the network. Additionally, the center is expanding its educational programs to reach schools not only on Long Island but in Florida and Puerto Rico, expanding knowledge of marine ecosystems and inspiring young people to participate in conservation efforts.
“The New York Marine Rescue Center is protecting Long Island’s marine life, while also educating and empowering children and adults to take steps to conserve our oceans,” said Marc Perez, President, Bank of America Long Island. “These efforts are crucial to Bank of America’s commitment to drive progress on important challenges facing society, including our work to address climate change and preserve Earth’s natural resources.”
“The flexible funding provided through the Neighborhood Builders program will allow us to expand our capacity to rehabilitate marine animals, build a more diverse staff and board, and assist with emergency situations that may arise, particularly as the cold stun season approaches for sea turtles. In addition to helping save more animals, we will be able to expand our educational programs and enable Long Islanders to take steps to preserve ocean life,” said Danielle Perillo, Director of Development and Administration at the New York Marine Rescue Center.
Since 2004, Bank of America has invested over $280 million in 50 communities through Neighborhood Builders, partnering with more than 1,400 nonprofits and helping more than 2,800 nonprofit leaders strengthen their leadership skills. Here on Long Island, 35 nonprofits have been selected as a Neighborhood Builder, with the bank investing $7 million into these local organizations through the program since 2005.
For more info on NYMRC, visit nymarinerescue.org.