Every Drop in the Ocean Counts
Your generosity keeps us sailing forward, expanding our fleet and funding the direct-action campaigns that give endangered species a fighting chance against the threats they face every day.
Your Impact
Where Your Money Goes
Every donation directly funds our at-sea campaigns, vessel maintenance, and crew support. We operate with lean overhead so the maximum amount reaches the front lines of ocean defense.
The Captain Paul Watson Foundation is a U.S.-registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Only donors who file taxes in the United States are eligible to claim a tax deduction.
New Tax Law: A recent change now allows people who take the standard deduction to also deduct charitable contributions — up to $1,000 for individuals and $2,000 for couples. If you donate $100 and your tax rate is 30%, your gift may effectively cost you only $70.
our Campaigns
Download and print our Mail-in Donation Form. Complete it, include your check, and send it to our secure address at 201 Varick St Frnt 1, PO Box 80, New York, NY 10014.
Recurring Giving
Become a Pirate Patron
Your recurring support creates a ripple effect, spreading awareness and inspiring action during this pivotal time for our oceans. As a thank you for your steadfast support, after your second monthly donation, we will send you a 10% discount code for our shop – and we’ll cover the shipping. Watch your inbox for this token of gratitude.
Need to make a change to your support?
Click here to update your recurring donation, mailing address, or payment method.
More Ways to Give
There's More Than One Way to Help
Beyond a standard gift, there are smart, tax-efficient ways to make an even bigger impact. Find the option that works best for you.
Why Donate Stock?
Double Your Tax Saving
When you donate stock you avoid capital gains tax while deducting 100% of the current value. Say you bought $500 of stock years ago, now worth $2,500. Your tax saving is on $1,250, more than double your original investment.
- Avoid capital gains tax entirely
- Deduct 100% of the stock's current value
- We receive the full amount — no tax drag
How It Works
- Contact your broker and instruct them to transfer shares directly to CPWF.
- Request DTC transfer instructions and share them with your broker.
- Notify us so we can acknowledge your gift and send your tax receipt.
Important: Never sell shares first — you’ll trigger capital gains. Transfer directly for maximum benefit.
Donor Advised Funds
Give Through Your DAF
A DAF lets you contribute cash, securities, or other assets and receive an immediate tax deduction, then recommend grants to CPWF whenever you’re ready.
- Immediate tax deduction when you contribute
- Recommend grants at your convenience
- Manage all your charitable giving from one account
- Contributions can grow to increase conservation funding
How to Give
- Log in to your DAF account (Fidelity, Schwab, Vanguard Charitable, etc.).
- Select "Grant" and choose CPWF. Our EIN is 88-3361218.
- Provide our mailing address if requested by your DAF provider.
Mailing Address
Captain Paul Watson Foundation
201 Varick St Frnt 1, PO Box 80
New York, NY 10014
Planned Giving
Immortalize Your Legacy
Secure the future of our oceans by naming CPWF in your estate plan. Among the avenues of planned giving:
- Bequests — Name CPWF in your will or living trust
- Life Insurance — Name CPWF as your policy beneficiary
- Retirement Plans — Endow CPWF as your IRA or 401(k) beneficiary
- Charitable Gift Annuities — Receive lifelong income while supporting us
If you include CPWF in your plans, please let us know: [[email protected]]
Sample Bequest Language
For a specific amount
“I give, devise, and bequeath to the Captain Paul Watson Foundation, currently located at 201 Varick St Frnt 1 PO Box 80 NY, NY 10014 (EIN: 88-3361218), or its successor, __________ Dollars to be used for its unrestricted charitable use and purposes.”
For a percentage of estate
“I give, devise, and bequeath to the Captain Paul Watson Foundation (EIN: 88-3361218), _______ percent of my residuary estate to be used for its unrestricted charitable use and purposes.”
Qualified Charitable Distribution
Tax-Free IRA Giving
If you’re 70½ or older, you can make a tax-free donation directly from your IRA. QCDs count toward your Required Minimum Distribution and are not included in your taxable income.
- Avoid income taxes on your RMD
- Reduce taxable income whether or not you itemize
- Meaningful impact at no additional cost to you
Important: You must be 70½+. The check must go directly from your IRA to CPWF — not to you first, or it won’t qualify as a QCD.
How to Make a QCD
- Contact your IRA administrator and request a direct transfer. EIN: 88-3361218
- Have them send the check directly to our address below — not to you.
- Notify us so we can thank you and process it correctly.
Send Checks To
Captain Paul Watson Foundation
201 Varick St Frnt 1, PO Box 80
New York, NY 10014
Attn: Clementine Pallanca, Executive Director
Our Vision
A world where oceans are protected, marine life thrives, and fragile ecosystems are preserved and restored for future generations.
Fuel Our Efforts
Your donation helps build our navy, support our crew, and funds our operations and partnerships.
