Annual, Capital and Program Needs
Sail Newport has a range of options for you to consider when designating a gift to the organization. We are happy to work with you to ensure your philanthropic goals are understood and achievable.
Annual Fund
Sail Newport’s Annual Fund provides essential unrestricted operational support. The distribution of these funds may vary from year to year, though typically includes financial aid, program development and delivery, building and technology updates and boat procurement and maintenance.
Capital Needs
Sail Newport identifies and prioritizes capital needs on a periodic basis. Recent capital projects have been the J/22 Fleet Refurbishment Project in 2021, Admiral’s Pier and Youth Sailing Center Dock Replacement Project in 2022, the TOMS+ Project (the Operations and Maintenance Shed) in 2025/2026, among others.
Please contact [email protected] to learn about current capital needs.
Edward “Tad” Oliver Sanchez, III Big Boat Program Fund
The E.O.S. Big Boat Program was created in memory of Tad Sanchez who passed away in 2016. The goal of this program is to offer opportunities to youth sailors (17+) interested in racing on bigger boats. Tad Sanchez passed away in 2016 and his fellow sailors and friends were inspired to create a legacy program in his honor.
Financial Aid Fund
Every year, Sail Newport awards financial support to families seeking support so that their children can participate in our youth sailing and racing programs. Approximately $35,000 per year is distributed to qualifying families so that their children may experience all that sailing has to offer.
General Endowment
Sail Newport’s General Endowment Fund provides long-term financial stability and support for the organization and allows for an annual unrestricted draw of 4.00%. Having achieved significant growth since its establishment in 2012, Sail Newport’s endowment now exceeds $2M. In addition to the General Endowment, Sail Newport also has a number of restricted and named endowment funds.
Community Programs Fund
The Community Programs Fund within Sail Newport’s endowment was established in 2023 in conjunction with the 40th anniversary. It was created to support the hundreds of children every year who are provided the opportunity to sail with Sail Newport for free or reduced costs through community partnership programs. This fund ensures that Sail Newport has the financial capacity to support these programs, such as the Pell Program and many others, for years to come. Community programs.
Dr. Alan “Robin” Gordon Wallace Financial Aid Fund
The Dr. Alan Robin Gordon Wallace Financial Aid Fund was established thanks to the final wishes of “Dr. Wallace”. Thanks to Dr. Wallace and several other visionaries, Sail Newport became a reality and has made great strides over the years in achieving the important mission of providing access to sailing. The goal of this endowed fund is to provide, at minimum, one full financial aid award per year for a child participating in Sail Newport’s Youth Recreational Sailing Program, racing clinic or race training program.
Timothy J. Mills Financial Aid Fund
The Timothy J. Mills Financial Aid Fund was established in 2021 in memory of Newport’s former harbormaster, Tim Mills, who passed away in 2020. The goal of this endowed fund is to provide, at minimum, one full financial aid award per year for a child participating in Sail Newport’s Youth Recreational Sailing Program.
Michael W. Spicer and Stewart J. Abramson Memorial Fund
The Michael W. Spicer and Stuart J. Abramson Memorial Fund was established in July 2021 in memory of Mike and Stu, two great friends of Sail Newport. The goal of this endowed fund is to provide, at minimum, one full financial aid award per year for a child participating in Sail Newport’s Youth Recreational Sailing Program.
Fleet Replacement Fund
The Fleet Replacement Fund was established in September 2012 to ensure that when the J/22 fleet needed replacement as it did in 2025/2026, there were dedicated resources to draw from to replace the fleet. Sail Newport has restricted the use of this fund solely for fleet replacement and the J/7 fleet purchased in 2026 was primarily resourced through this fund.
Pell Elementary School 4th Grade Science and Sailing Program
The Pell Elementary School 4th Grade Science and Sailing Program is Sail Newport’s flagship community partnership program that benefits every 4th grade public school child in Newport. The Pell Program was established in 2017, and has engaged more than 1,000 students in a 16-week, hands-on science and sailing experiential learning program held during the school day at Sail Newport.
Have questions or would like to discuss which areas you would like to support?
Contact Eve Formisano, Director of Development
Phone: (401) 846-1983 Ext. 130
Email: [email protected]