The SSCA Foundation

Supporting the cruising life you love

Established in 2008, the SSCA Foundation, a 501(c)3 corporation, supports the charitable, scientific and educational goals of the Seven Seas Cruising Association, Inc. (SSCA), a not-for-profit entity.  Funds may be used to assist cruising sailors in emergency situations, to educate members through seminars and classes as well as to develop information for the benefit of cruising sailors by awarding grants and sponsoring efforts for the exploration or study of marine weather, ocean currents, sailing routes, vessel seaworthiness, etc.  Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

A separate Board of Trustees governs the SSCA Foundation--Kingsley Ross (chair), Kathy Barth (vice chair), Don Gillings (treasurer), Jack Dunnigan (programs officer), Scott Berg (trustee) and Vicki Lane (trustee). They welcome your comments at foundation@ssca.org.

2025–26 Grants: Cruisers Making a Difference

During the 2025–26 grant cycle, the SSCA Foundation awarded $7,250 to four projects in the Caribbean and Central America. All four are places where SSCA cruisers sail, volunteer and carry supplies.

• Hands Across the Sea, Antigua ($2,500). Restocking the library at Golden Grove Primary School, the largest public primary school on Antigua with 525 students in grades K–6, and adding Remedial Reading sets for struggling readers. This is the Foundation's second grant to Hands Across the Sea, after its 2022–23 support for Parham Primary School.
• Hope Fleet, Operation Rio Dulce, Guatemala ($2,000). Volunteer cruising boats carry food, medicine and school supplies from Florida to partner organizations in the Rio Dulce, Casa Guatemala and Feeding Faith. The project serves about 200 children and 1,000 families.
• ULTRA Community Projects, Clean Wake Honduras and the Bay Islands ($2,000). Local women and cruisers sew reusable feminine hygiene kits and washable baby and adult diapers. The kits are handed out free in coastal villages, clinics and schools, along with hygiene workshops. Each kit costs about $6 and cuts down on plastic waste.
• Black Point Gathering, Great Guana Cay, The Bahamas ($750). Support for the event's educational program, including the captains who demonstrate traditional Bahamian sloop sailing to young people.

Every dollar comes from SSCA members, through the "Give me five" checkoff, cash donations and gifts like these. Thank you.

The SSCA Foundation offers three ways for members to fund the Foundation. Contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law:

"Give me five"
Look for this box when registering for a gam or renewing your membership. Check it off to contribute a tax deductible $5. It is merely the equivalent of a Starbucks or a cold beer, but taken altogether, these small contributions support worthy causes.

Cash donations
Although the checkoff box is only for $5, the Foundation certainly will accept larger donations. Donations of all sizes are appreciated and help support the cruising life you love. You can make a donation directly online or you can send a check made out to "SSCA Foundation" to:  SSCA, 500 Oakbrook Lane, Summerville, SC  29485.

"V" for Vessel and Vehicle Donations
Going to sea? Donate the car or other vehicle you won't be needing in the next several years. Swallowing the anchor? Donate the boat that has served you well on your adventure of a lifetime. SSCA Foundation accepts these donations through Action Donation Services. For more information about car, boat, RV and other property donations or to receive a “no obligation” evaluation of your potential yacht or other property donation, click here or please call toll free: (866) 2-GIVING or (866) 244-8464. "We pick up anywhere in the U.S.A."

HELP SUPPORT THE CRUISING LIFE YOU LOVE!  Make A Donation

Foundation Articles of Incorporation

Foundation Bylaws

Foundation Minutes

Foundation Grant Application

A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-HELP-FLA OR ONLINE AT www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com, REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. REGISTRATION #: CH21989