Gulf of Mexico Foundation facts for kids

The Gulf of Mexico Foundation was an American nonprofit organization started in 1990. It was created by people who cared deeply about the health of the Gulf of Mexico and wanted to protect its natural beauty and resources. The foundation worked to keep the Gulf's environment safe and productive for everyone.

What the Foundation Did

Based in Corpus Christi, Texas, the Foundation had several important programs designed to protect the delicate environment of the Gulf of Mexico.

Protecting Habitats

• Habitat and Conservation Team: This team worked to protect and restore the natural homes (habitats) of animals and plants in the Gulf. This included efforts to keep the water clean and safe for marine life.

Education and Learning

• Teacher Workshops: The Foundation held special workshops for teachers. These workshops helped teachers learn more about wetlands, which are important areas where land and water meet, like marshes and swamps. Teachers could then share this knowledge with their students.
• Science and Spanish Clubs: For high school students, the Foundation supported science and Spanish clubs. These clubs helped young people learn about the Gulf's environment and also connect with people from Spanish-speaking countries who share the Gulf.

Working Together

• Gulf of Mexico Summit: The Foundation helped organize a special meeting called the Gulf of Mexico Summit. This event brought together people from the United States and Mexico to talk about how to work together to protect the Gulf, since it borders both countries.

How the Foundation Was Run

The Gulf of Mexico Foundation was guided by a group of leaders.

Leadership Team

• Director: A marine biologist named Quenton Dokken was the director. A marine biologist is a scientist who studies ocean life and environments.
• Board of Directors: The organization also had a "board of directors." These are people who help make important decisions and guide the foundation's work. Paul Kelly, a former executive from a company, was the president of this board.

Funding the Work

The Foundation needed money to run its programs. It had a budget of about $2 million each year.

• Company Support: About one-quarter (or 25%) of its money came from companies, including those involved in oil and gas.
• Government Grants: The remaining three-quarters (or 75%) of its funding came from grants provided by state and federal governments. Grants are like special funds given to organizations for specific projects.