Notes from the Field.

The Mary G. Jameson Foundation confirmed additional funding for the next phase of community-led mangrove restoration work in Cebu, Philippines. This marks the second year the Jameson Foundation will co-fund the work with HCF. The funding will help continue mangrove restoration, marine debris removal, and paid community work.

Exponent Philanthropy named HCF Founder & Executive Director Brett Howell one of its 30 Changemakers as part of the organization’s 30th anniversary. HCF’s relationship with Exponent dates to 2019 and has included articles, conference presentations, a podcast, a 2025 case study on catalytic seed grants, and HCF funding for Exponent’s Catalytic Leadership in Philanthropy (CLIP) work. The recognition reflects a long-term HCF goal of helping more funders back promising ideas early and bring their relationships and experience alongside their funding.

This August, Brett Howell traveled to Maine and New Hampshire to meet with conservation leaders and organizations, including OceansWide and the Loon Preservation Committee. These visits help HCF strengthen relationships, learn directly from the field, and explore opportunities to support impactful conservation work.

After three years of partnership, Beach Collective completed its initial mangrove restoration program in Cebu, Philippines. Together, the project planted 13,500 mangrove seedlings, restored approximately 4,000 m² of coastal habitat, removed 3.5 tons of waste, and created 359 paid community workdays.

HCF released its 2025 Impact Report, highlighting a year of early-stage conservation partnerships, institutional growth, and the continued development of REEF Bahamas. The report also reflects a broader evolution in HCF's approach: from funding projects to helping build durable conservation platforms.

The lead tackle buyback program has now removed 101,438 pieces of lead fishing tackle (867.6 lbs) from New Hampshire waters, with 100+ retailers and collection sites engaged statewide. HCF has supported year 9 of this work with a $10K grant.

Exponent Philanthropy published a national case study examining HCF's catalytic funding model and lessons from its Seed Grant Program. Co-authored by Brett Howell and Kirsten Midura, the publication explores how early-stage partnerships can help promising conservation ideas gain momentum.

The second HCF-backed cleanup expedition to Henderson Island collected 35% less debris than the 2019 trip, early evidence that the first expedition's work is holding.

After four years of HCF support, Blue Ocean Society has removed 162,000+ pieces of litter from Gulf of Maine shorelines and launched an interactive microplastics dashboard with NH Sea Grant.