Grantee Profile

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a leading global conservation organization whose mission is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends.  TNC operates in all 50 states and in 35 countries around the world.  TNC’s hallmarks are strong ecological science, a non-confrontational approach, unique capabilities to operate at multiple scales (local, regional, and global), and a laser focus on results.  Woodcock’s grantee, specifically, is the Maine chapter of TNC, which is working in partnership with EKO Asset Management Partners (EKO), an asset management and advisory firm focused on innovative investing strategies for environmental and natural resources assets.

About Our Grants

In 2013, Woodcock made a $75,000 grant to TNC of Maine for its efforts, alongside EKO, to develop creative impact investment strategies that will yield positive environmental, economic, and social outcomes in the Gulf of Maine.  These outcomes will be achieved by improving the ecological health of the gulf’s groundfish fishery, thus stabilizing the associated fishing communities.  This work comes at a critical time, as regulatory changes in recent years have brought fishery stock to all-time lows.  The grant funds are being used to create and test two strategies that will allow TNC to reduce the risk to the livelihoods of Gulf of Maine fishermen and work hand-in-hand with them to develop and implement sustainable fishing practices.  Efforts are being made to bring both strategies from conceptual ideas to real investment vehicles, including conducting due diligence, developing communications materials and strategies, and building partnerships.