Through the 25th Anniversary Campaign, CISF will be empowered to build upon past success, create greater capacity, and chart an even more impactful future—providing transformative educational and life skills to young people and a space for people of all ages to learn and thrive. We celebrate this anniversary with a passionate and committed staff, a dedicated Board of Directors, and an enthusiastic group of volunteers and donors prepared to build a foundation for the next 25 years.
The 25th Anniversary Campaign will:
- Establish a sustainably designed permanent home at Fort Getty Park comprised of an educational center and offices, experiential outdoor learning space and workshop with boat storage.
- Provide continuity of space, water and electricity, making CISF’s programs accessible and impactful year-round, and enabling the team to meet the goals of the strategic plan.
- Finance continued annual educational and operational activities for 3 years (during the campaign).
- Provide expanded programming to youth in Jamestown and from across Rhode Island.
- Deepen the connection to coastal resources and multi-generational learning for the Jamestown community.
- Provide financial resources for future programmatic and operational needs of the organization.
CISF aims to raise:
- $3,300,000 to build the new coastal campus
- $1,450,000 to support experiential programming and organizational expenses during the campaign (3 years)
And we are almost there! As of November 1, 2025, we have less than $250,000 to raise to meet our goal. Make a gift to help us round the last mark and cross the finish line. Give Now
Coastal Campus
The envisioned campus will provide safe, year-round facilities for youth, staff and the community.
Main Building: Wet lab, youth cubbies, offices, classrooms, bathrooms.
Experiential Education Space: Defined activity area, tent, community gathering space. This space provides room for growth, anticipating expected increase in demand for programming.
Workshop & Storage: Storage for boats and program supplies, and a space for projects and programs like powerboat engine maintenance.
Experience & Education
Campaign support will enable CISF to sustain current programming through the campaign and project, build out new programs and offer more services to the community.
Operational Support: in addition to earned revenue from programs, annual support for current programming, operations and the campaign throughout the project.
Expanded Jamestown School Programming: Onsite CISF educator providing support to all Jamestown public schools, going beyond traditional teaching methods with hands-on projects that support curriculum (K though 8th Grade).
Adult Programming & Community Space: Enhanced sailing opportunties and topical workshops on everything from CPR to splicing and engine maintenance; space for group activities.
Increased On-Water Access: Dedicated weekend sailing instruction and rental opportunities, sail boats, fishing and more for people of all ages.
Expanded Camp Programming: Increased summer camp capacity (up to 25% from current 600 served), scholarship opportunities, and types of sessions offered.
Increased Impact: Consistently improve the quality of youth programs and aligning youth activities with established standards to increase impact. This is done through program quality assessment, data collection, impact reporting, and tying educational standards such as Next Generation Science Standards, Ocean Literacy Principles, and the Collaborative for Academic Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL) to CISF programs.
The Future
To celebrate the 25th Anniversary, CISF will seek to ensure long-term fiscal sustainability and the continued ability of the organization to positively impact our community.
Find the full campaign brochure here!
Donors and sponsors to the campaign will be recognized in the year of their gift and there are opportunities for perpetual recognition on the new campus. For those who wish to name a space on campus, opportunities are still available!