Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association
Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association (SECOORA) is a public charity based in Charleston, South Carolina. It serves as the coastal ocean observing system for North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, bringing people, technology, and data together to support coastal ocean resilience, safety, and a thriving blue economy. SECOORA is one of 11 regional coastal observing systems in the NOAA-led U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System.
Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association at a glance
In short: Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association gave $5.2M across 42 grants in 2025 (avg $123K), top state Florida. 29% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $5,174,336
- +5.0% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 42
- +23.5% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $123,198
- -15.0% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $55,930
- Total assets
- $3,359,786
- +27.6% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 29% first-time grantees (12 of 42, 2025)
- Primary geography
- Florida (26% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association
- Contact
Mailing address: PO Box 13856, Charleston, SC 29422
Phone: (843) 906-8686
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association
Who Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was UNC Wilmington ($537K). Together the top 10 received $3.7M.
Grant Size Distribution
150 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 57 grants of 150 (38%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
SECOORA’s stated service region comprises North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. In 2025, the largest shares of grant dollars by recipient state went to Florida (26%), North Carolina (24%), Georgia (11%), South Carolina (11%), and Texas (11%). Listed 2025 recipients also included organizations in Alaska, Delaware, and other states.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 42 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association open to new grantees?
29%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 12 of 42 grantees (29%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $20K; repeat grants $165K. How we count
Medians: $17K first-time, $94K repeat.
- 67% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2022 to 2025 (+20%). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2021–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2021 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $3.5M (2021) to $5.2M (2025). In 2025 it made 42 grants totaling $5.2M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| UNC Wilmington Wilmington, NC | To further mission of providing ocean information to members and other parties | $536,647 |
| Texas A&M University College Station, TX | To further mission of providing ocean information to members and other parties | $524,118 |
| University of Georgia Research Foundation Athens, GA | To further mission of providing ocean information to members and other parties | $465,748 |
| University of South Florida Tampa, FL | To further mission of providing ocean information to members and other parties | $431,176 |
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NC | To further mission of providing ocean information to members and other parties | $420,141 |
| Axiom Data Sciences LLC Anchorage, AK | To further mission of providing ocean information to members and other parties | $365,854 |
| University of South Carolina Columbia, SC | To further mission of providing ocean information to members and other parties | $349,417 |
| University of Delaware Newark, DE | To further mission of providing ocean information to members and other parties | $289,787 |
| University of Miami Coral Gables, FL | To further mission of providing ocean information to members and other parties | $173,761 |
| Coastal Carolina University Conway, SC | To further mission of providing ocean information to members and other parties | $147,800 |
Ready to take the next step with Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $3,359,786 | $7,375,802 | $7,274,068 | $5,174,336 | 42 | — |
| 2024 | $2,632,491 | $6,572,973 | $6,630,415 | $4,927,939 | 34 | — |
| 2023 | $2,498,105 | $6,262,135 | $5,902,091 | $4,007,055 | 29 | $101 |
| 2022 | $1,939,455 | $5,560,971 | $5,542,572 | $4,326,624 | 24 | $92 |
| 2021 | $1,915,610 | $4,836,995 | $4,760,182 | $3,453,911 | 21 | $-62,907 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
SECOORA’s mission is to bring people, technology, and data together to facilitate collaboration, projects, and knowledge sharing in support of coastal ocean resilience, safety, and a thriving blue economy. Its stated focus areas are coastal hazards and climate variability; ecosystems, including water quality and living marine resources; and marine operations.
Its grants support ocean information, observing infrastructure, research, and related data and product work. In 2025, the listed grant purposes describe support for providing ocean information to members and other parties. Recipients include universities and research organizations: for example, the University of Georgia Research Foundation describes its work as supporting the University of Georgia’s teaching, research, and public service, while Mote Marine Laboratory describes its mission as advancing marine and environmental sciences through research, education, and public outreach. SECOORA’s membership includes academic institutions, state agencies, other nonprofits, businesses and industry, and individuals with coastal and ocean interests.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, SECOORA reported 42 grants totaling $5,174,336. Grant amounts ranged from $6,000 to $536,647, with a median of $55,930. Among the largest awards were $536,647 to UNC Wilmington, $524,118 to Texas A&M University, $465,748 to the University of Georgia Research Foundation, $431,176 to the University of South Florida, and $420,141 to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The listed purpose for each was to further SECOORA’s mission of providing ocean information to members and other parties.
Other large 2025 grants included $365,854 to Axiom Data Sciences LLC, $349,417 to the University of South Carolina, $289,787 to the University of Delaware, and $173,761 to the University of Miami.
SECOORA’s 2026–2031 IOOS proposal-development process invited Letters of Intent from stakeholders. The LOIs were to be evaluated in two parts, with the highest-ranking submissions used to assemble the five-year proposal. A separate water-level Request for Qualifications was also announced. The stated LOI and RFQ deadline was September 9, 2025, so that cycle has passed. SECOORA’s website also described an additional-observations opportunity focused on harmful algal blooms, sound in the marine environment, or coral health; it identified that solicitation as historical and said the status of a current funding cycle was unknown.
The Vembu Subramanian Ocean Scholars Award provides support to eligible students and early-career professionals affiliated with SECOORA member organizations. It supports research or travel, along with mentorship and networking at SECOORA’s Annual Meeting; it is not a grant program for outside organizations. The listed April 21, 2026 deadline has passed.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Erin Hague, Duane De Freese, Bryan Franks, Nathan Hall, Jim Murley, and Scott Harris as board members. It lists Gary Mitchum as at large, Evelien Vanderkloet as secretary, Jeff Copeland as treasurer, and William Savidge as vice chair.
Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association is led by Debra Hernandez, Executive Director on every filing since 2021; 1 of 12 officers listed in 2025 is compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Debra Hernandez
Executive Director
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$123K (2021) → $163K (2025)
Patrick Barrineau
Chair
Board Member → Chair, 2025
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Gary Mitchum
At Large
At Large → Chair, 2023
Chair → At Large, 2025
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jeff Copeland
Treasurer
Board Member → Vice Chair, 2024
Vice Chair → Treasurer, 2025
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jim Murley
Board Member
Treasurer → Vice Chair, 2023
Vice Chair → Board Member, 2025
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Evelien Vanderkloet
Secretary
Board Member → At Large, 2023
At Large → Secretary, 2025
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Bryan Franks
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Duane De Freese
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Nathan Hall
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Erin Hague
Board Member
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Scott Harris
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
William Savidge
Vice Chair
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (9)
- Former: Bill Savidge (2021–2024) — Secretary
- Former: Susan Lovelace (2022–2024) — Treasurer
- Former: Conrad Lautenbacher (2021–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Michael Crosby (2021–2022) — Chair
- Former: Mike Piehler (2021–2022) — Vice Chair
- Former: Quinton White (2021–2022) — Secretary
- Former: Kurt Korte (2021) — Board Member
- Former: Marcel Reichert (2021) — Board Member
- Former: Roger Pugliese (2021) — Board Member
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2021–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $163K, to Debra Hernandez (Executive Director).
Frequently asked questions about Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association
How much does Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association give each year?
Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association gave $5.2M across 42 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $4.9M across 34 grants.
What is Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association's typical grant size?
Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association's median grant in 2025 was $55,930, and its average grant was $123,198, across 42 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association that year got $20K on average.
Where does Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association give grants?
Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association's top state is Florida, with 26% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990. The next largest states were North Carolina (24%) and Georgia (11%). The most frequent recipient cities were Columbia, SC (2 grants) and Raleigh, NC (2 grants).
Does Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 42 grants with a stated purpose on Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support.
Who are Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association's largest grantees?
Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association's largest 2025 grantees include UNC Wilmington ($536,647), Texas A&M University ($524,118) and University of Georgia Research Foundation ($465,748), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 30% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association?
Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association reported $3.4M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $7.4M.
What does Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association fund?
SECOORA’s mission is to bring people, technology, and data together to facilitate collaboration, projects, and knowledge sharing in support of coastal ocean resilience, safety, and a thriving blue economy. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association?
Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association's EIN?
Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 26-1215705. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021–2025.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 12, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS February 14, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS January 30, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS February 11, 2025)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS April 27, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2021–2024
Live grants for the work Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association funds
Community Improvement & Capacity Building Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
- Leveling-Up Award $1,000 · Due October 25, 2026
- Arnold F. Keller, Jr. Grant for New Initiatives/Program Expansion $25,000 · Due October 27, 2026
- Wausau Marathon County Impact Grants (Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin) $1,000 to $100,000 depending on the scope of the project · Due October 27, 2026
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 23, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/southeast-coastal-ocean-observing-regional-association-morg_06b94f9c99784075a36c560f61248306
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_261215705_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/southeast-coastal-ocean-observing-regional-association-morg_06b94f9c99784075a36c560f61248306},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-23. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association down — hundreds of funders to go?