Project AWARE
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Project AWARE Foundation is a nonprofit, worldwide, organization dedicated to "Conserving underwater environments through education, advocacy and action."
Scuba divers have a unique perspective of the underwater world, and see firsthand the crisis facing our underwater environments. In 1989, the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) developed the AWARE philosophy - Aquatic World Awareness, Responsibility and Education - to stress divers' roles in conserving these environments and create a group of effective environmental advocates. "We want to feel that our children, their children and generations to come will be able to enjoy the underwater world that has given us so much. There are so many significant problems facing mankind, but as divers, this is truly our cause. If divers do not take an active role in preserving the aquatic realm, who will?" - John J. Cronin, Co-Founder of PADI
Shortly after creation, Project AWARE began to develop environmental specialty courses for divers and nondivers, provide educational information to divers and dive professionals, collaborate with other environmental organizations and organize a worldwide underwater cleanup. What began as an environmental ethic quickly formed into the Project AWARE Foundation, a tax-exempt, 501 c (3) nonprofit organization in the United States. Since nonprofit designation in 1992, Project AWARE has created an international presence, forming organizations in the United Kingdom, Australia, Switzerland and Japan. The combined efforts answer the urgent call for underwater conservation in 175 countries of the world.
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[edit] Education, Advocacy, and Action
Project AWARE Foundation works in partnership with divers and water enthusiasts to combat challenges facing underwater environments. We involve these volunteers in hands-on environmental activities like International Cleanup Day, Dive for Earth Day and The International Whale Shark Project. Project AWARE also inspires conservation by incorporating its messages in dive training materials as well as creating awareness and education campaigns like Protect the Sharks, Protect the Living Reef and AWARE Kids.
[edit] Grants
The foundation gives grants on a limited basis to individuals and groups with projects supporting AWARE's goals.
[edit] Micro Grant Program
The micro grants program awards up to $1,000 provided for small localized projects such as "beach and underwater cleanups, mooring buoy programs, research projects, local education and public awareness."
[edit] Macro Grant Program
The macro grant program awards up to US $10,000 for "large-scale regional, national or international efforts, including but not limited to, broad-based education and public awareness programs and high profile conservation projects."
