About
Oceanic Global is a New York-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to reconnect humanity with the ocean. Founded in 2016 by Lea d'Auriol, the organization uses art, science, education, and business solutions to inspire care for the ocean, and has grown into a global network of advocates, volunteer hubs, and Blue Standard-verified businesses active in dozens of countries.
Mission
Oceanic Global's starting point is that "the ocean is our planet's beating heart." The organization works to remind people of humanity's role within Earth's ecosystem and to guide the restoration of equilibrium between humanity and the natural world, with the ocean at the center.
What they do
Oceanic Global structures its work around five pillars — speaking to hearts through art and science, inspiring action through education, bridging capacity gaps with experts, providing tangible solutions, and mobilizing widespread change. Its core programs include:
- The Blue Standard — a cross-industry verification system for sustainable business practices, with 400+ businesses Blue Verified across 58 countries
- Volunteer Hubs — regional chapters led by hub chairs that create localized impact
- Education and campaigns — workshops and experiences promoting ocean literacy
- Community grants — funding distributed to support grassroots ocean initiatives
- Global convenings — think tanks and community gatherings
History
Lea d'Auriol founded Oceanic Global in 2016, and she continues to lead the organization as Founder and Executive Director. The organization is headquartered at 447 Broadway, 2nd Floor #1207, New York, NY 10013.
Scale and impact
Impact figures published on Oceanic Global's website include:
- 240,000+ ocean advocates in its network
- 400+ businesses Blue Verified across 58 countries
- More than 1.5 million dollars in grant funding distributed
- 97 million+ single-use plastic items avoided
- 30 international policies and treaties impacted
- 175 UN Member States engaged in ocean literacy
- Activity across 78 countries globally
Financials
Per Oceanic Global Foundation's Form 990 data on ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer for the fiscal year ending December 2024, the organization reported total revenue of 1,702,087 dollars (including 1,485,826 dollars in contributions and 191,161 dollars in program service revenue), total functional expenses of 1,853,770 dollars, and net assets of 387,986 dollars at year end. The IRS ruling date for its 501(c)(3) status is May 2018 (EIN 81-4694803).
Governance
The board of directors comprises Lea d'Auriol (Founder and Executive Director), Daniel Romano (Treasurer), Natasha Berg, Robert Massar, Cassia Elizabeth Jayani, and James Sternlicht, supported by strategic advisors and a core team.