A Game-Changer for EcoWB: $150k Grant Strengthens Our Future
November 25, 2024

We are thrilled to announce that the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation has awarded Ecologists Without Borders (EcoWB) a $150,000 capacity-building grant to be distributed over the next two years. This incredible support follows a $50,000 grant from the Foundation last year, which helped us make significant strides in strengthening our organization.


This renewed and increased commitment is more than just financial backing—it’s a profound vote of confidence in the work we do. It shows that the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation believes in the impact EcoWB has made so far and sees the potential for us to grow and evolve. While volunteers will always be at the heart of everything we do, this grant helps us build the dedicated team of staff we need to meet the growing demands for our work and make an even greater impact.


What Does This Grant Mean for EcoWB?

This funding will help us build a strong foundation for EcoWB’s future, allowing us to plan thoughtfully and grow in a sustainable, meaningful way. Here’s how:


•     Laying a Solid Foundation
The grant will enable us to build strength behind the scenes, refining the systems and securing the expertise needed to keep EcoWB running smoothly. By bolstering our internal capacity, we can deliver more for the communities that rely on us.


•     Answering the Call
With the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation’s support, we can respond faster and more effectively to urgent environmental challenges. From fundraising and coordinating volunteers to managing complex projects, this funding will ensure we’re ready to act when we’re needed most.


•     Growing Sustainably
This investment isn’t just about today—it’s about tomorrow. By focusing on long-term growth, we’re ensuring EcoWB remains a trusted, reliable partner for communities working to protect their environment for generations to come.


Reflecting on Last Year’s Success

The $50,000 grant we received last year laid the groundwork for the exciting progress we’re making today. With the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation’s support, we were able to bring on a Development Director, who helped shape a clear strategy for fundraising, introduced systems to better manage our relationships with donors and volunteers, and launched our first-ever year-end fundraising campaign. We also worked to refine EcoWB’s public profile, updating our messaging and website to better reflect the impact of our work and connect with our growing community.


This progress would not have been possible without the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation’s belief in our potential, and their continued support builds on the success of their initial grant, allowing us to achieve even greater impact.


A Bright Future Ahead

The Paul M. Angell Family Foundation grant signals an exciting new phase for EcoWB. It demonstrates not only the Foundation’s belief in our work but also the value of collaborative, community-driven approaches to environmental challenges.

As we look to the future, we see a stronger, more connected EcoWB—one that can rise to meet the growing ecological needs of communities around the world.


We extend our deepest gratitude to the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation for their generosity and trust. Together, we’re proving that when communities and ecologists come together, we can create solutions that truly make a difference.

Stay tuned for updates on how this transformative funding shapes EcoWB’s next chapter!

 

EcoWB’s Ian Hendy Helps Capture the Hidden Beauty of Kelp Forests

February 13, 2025
EcoWB’s Technical Advisor, Dr. Ian Hendy, has helped bring the mysteries of the UK’s underwater forests to life in a stunning new documentary, Forests Beneath the Waves. Commissioned by Natural England and produced by a team of filmmakers led by Dr. Hendy from the University of Portsmouth’s Institute of Marine Sciences (IMS), the film offers a rare and breathtaking look at the kelp forests surrounding the Isle of Wight, Devon, and Cornwall.  Kelp forests are some of the most productive habitats on the planet, supporting a vast array of marine life and playing a crucial role in mitigating climate change. The documentary, now available on YouTube, highlights the importance of these ecosystems and the threats they face. “When Natural England approached me to make this exciting film, I was thrilled. I immediately realized the significance and impact this could have for policy, protection, and outreach,” said Dr. Hendy. “We encountered everything from beautiful sharks, stunning juvenile rays, mesmerizing cuttlefish, and even tuna fish! The vibrant life in our UK kelp forests rivals that of tropical coral reefs.” The film captures a hidden world beneath the waves, showing undulate rays and gobies sheltering from predators, a nursehound shark securing her egg, and a seal hunting for food. These forests provide essential nursery grounds and shelter for marine species, while also buffering coastlines from storms, increasing oxygen levels, and absorbing carbon dioxide. Despite their resilience, kelp forests are under serious threat from warming oceans, pollution, coastal development, and overfishing. Their decline is already being observed in the UK, making conservation efforts—and awareness—more urgent than ever. “Climate change is a big factor,” said Marina Rees, Marine Higher Officer at Natural England. “I have witnessed the increase of bleached kelp during heat waves, and escalating storms destroying entire parts of kelp forests. In the film, we even captured the crystal jellyfish—normally found in the Pacific—now appearing in UK waters due to rising temperatures.” With its stunning visuals and powerful message, Forests Beneath the Waves showcases why protecting these ecosystems matters—not just for marine life, but for the planet as a whole. Watch the full documentary here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0iOQSjtVsLs

EcoWB ChatGPT model

October 4, 2024
Developments in AI are already changing all aspects of digital work and EcoWB is no exception. As a remote organization led by volunteers, we are often struggling to find the time to help new and active members understand our organization and how to get involved. Aryan Sahai, a high school junior from Seattle with a passion for using technology to make a difference understood this experience and was able to create an innovative solution for volunteer training with AI. Aryan has harnessed the power of artificial intelligence (AI) by developing a Chat GPT-based app that active volunteers can talk to learn more about all things EcoWB. The app was trained on EcoWB core documents and hosted on a user friendly cloud based platform that will allow us to continue it’s development. Aryan worked with EcoWB Vice President, Trevor Eakes, over multiple iterations that improved user friendliness and security. His innovation will get volunteers up to speed more quickly and efficiently, a constant need for our fast growing teams. As a student at Skyline High School, Aryan is modeling how talented young people can be transformative in the wider environmental movement. His contributions to Ecologists Without Borders reflect his broader passion for science and technology. Alongside his work with us, Aryan has participated in a range of research projects, including developing AI models for pneumonia detection, promoting cybersecurity awareness, and even taking part in NASA’s Artemis ROADS challenge. We are very grateful for Aryan's contributions and happy to count him as an EcoWB volunteer. Thank you, Aryan, for your dedication and innovation! We look forward to seeing all that you continue to accomplish. Stay tuned to learn more about our volunteers and how they are helping to support environmental conservation efforts around the world.
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