How We Began
For the love of the Exumas.
Why Friends of Exuma Exists
For anyone who has ever visited the Exumas, the unending remote beauty is hard to describe. Even with an arsenal of colorful words, the tapestry cannot be adequately expressed. It is not only the stunning sea life and the endless shades of blue that capture the senses. It is the people. Islanders who exude love and pride for their island and their way of life. Community and culture. Smiles and a helping hand.
Friends of Exuma was founded on that. We love the people and the ecosystem of these islands, and that is why we are dedicated to supporting the programs and organizations that help Exuma to flourish.
How it Began
Friends of Exuma was started in late 2020 by a small group of people who love these islands and wanted to do more for their long-term benefit and help others do the same.
The catalyst was an appreciation and concern for Exuma’s people and natural environment. As growth and development accelerated across the islands, the founders believed it was time to be proactive: to protect the beauty and ecosystems of Exuma, and to support the people whose lives and livelihoods depend on them.
The founding shortlist of focus areas grew from there, conservation and sustainable living, youth development, cultural preservation, and community relief.
FOE incorporated as a U.S. 501(c)(3) in the fall of 2020, at the height of the pandemic. During the shutdowns of 2020 and 2021, Friends of Exuma partnered with St. Andrews Community Relief to help Exuma families with food vouchers, rent, and utility assistance. The pandemic clarified the need FOE had been built to meet: a credible, U.S.-based partner that could move fast, get funds to the right hands on the ground, and stay for the long haul.
How We Operate
Friends of Exuma is a U.S. 501(c)(3) charity, making donations tax-deductible for eligible U.S. donors. We are entirely volunteer-run, keep overhead low, meet quarterly as a Board, carefully vet our grantees, and ensure funds are used as intended.
