Letter from the founders
Friends of Exuma was started in late 2020 to fill a need and make a difference in the Exuma community that we are fortunate to be a part of. As investors in on the island, we wanted to contribute more for the long-term benefit of Exuma, and help others do the same.
The catalyst for us to get started was an appreciation and concern for Exuma’s natural environment. We believe that conserving and protecting the beauty and ecosystems of Exuma is not only good for nature, but good for the people and economy. As growth and development accelerate on the island, it’s time to be proactive in supporting initiatives that will help manage the inevitable impacts on the environment. Over the next year, we expect to assist in many projects around Elizabeth Harbour and the Moriah Harbour Cay National Park, as well as other initiatives that promote sustainability in our daily lives.
While we see our major efforts to be centered around supporting conservation and environmental sustainability, we realize that fundraising assistance is needed by many organizations in the Exuma community that are doing good works. So, we developed a shortlist of categories for our support that include conservation and sustainable living, but also youth development, cultural preservation, and community relief. We will seek to identify and provide momentum for locally-led projects and programs that fall into these categories by offering a way for US donors to make tax-deductible donations.
Becoming a trusted organization happens over time by operating with transparency and credibility. We will have quarterly board meetings and provide regular updates. We are a volunteer organization with no paid staff and are proud to keep our overhead low, so donations are used for the benefit of the initiatives we support. Please review our midyear update, you’ll see that we are already providing a positive impact within the community.
Thank you to Bill Sanford, our treasurer, and co-founder of the organization who spent many years developing and supporting a computer program in the Exuma schools. Also, thanks to Chris Joest and Bev Brigner who had enough faith to join the board when it was an idea, and to those who have jumped in with some initial donations and input. And thank you to Catherine Booker of the Bahamas National Trust for volunteering her time to guide us in supporting initiatives that will make a difference.
Please consider being an annual donor to our organization at a $1000 level to our general fund. You can also designate to the organizations we have already vetted. From time to time, we will also seek additional donations for specific initiatives, but one step at a time. And your ideas are always welcome as we evolve.
Thank you,
