“This isn’t just about donating. It’s about putting your name on something that actually matters.
When someone becomes a Legacy Benefactor, they’re not funding a project — they’re helping shape the future of an entire reef system. And they get to decide how their name lives on in that work.
Whether it’s a lab, a coral program, or something we haven’t built yet, we’ll create it together. Something real. Something lasting.”
— Francisco Andre Martinez
Director, Lr³
Legacy Benefactor Program
Starting Contribution: $15,000 and above
The Legacy Benefactor Program brings together a dedicated community of visionaries—individuals and organizations who believe in the power of science, stewardship, and collective action to protect one of the last wild reef systems on Earth. Legacy Benefactors are more than donors; they are long-term allies in a bold effort to preserve Lighthouse Reef Atoll as a sanctuary for biodiversity, research, and future generations. Their support forms the foundation for everything Lr³ does.
Participation in the program takes three primary forms:
1. Benefactors
Individual donors or families who provide direct financial support to sustain infrastructure, research, and program delivery at Lighthouse Reef.
2. Partners
Companies, foundations, or aligned institutions that contribute financial or in-kind support, such as funding for specific programs, materials, or collaborative initiatives.
3. Fundraising Partners
Individuals or organizations that take an active role in building financial support networks—by organizing events, engaging new donors, and expanding the visibility of Lr³’s mission.
Together, Legacy Benefactors form a vital alliance for the long-term resilience of Lighthouse Reef.
Collaborative Pathways and Focus Areas
All Legacy engagements are developed in direct collaboration with Lr³ to ensure aligned values, measurable impact, and mutual benefit.
Capital Improvements
– Construction of sustainable field laboratories and off-grid accommodations
– Expansion of renewable energy systems to support ongoing operations
– Development of long-term reef data archives and marine species repositories
Program Underwriting
– Full funding of coral reef restoration and monitoring programs
– Support for biodiversity assessments and species migration studies
– Outreach and education initiatives with regional and global reach
Co-Fundraising Efforts
– Co-hosted donor events, retreats, or challenge campaigns
– Matched giving initiatives to multiply individual impact
– Joint strategy development for expanding philanthropic networks
Recognition and Visibility
– Eligibility for naming rights on select labs, programs, or assets
– Permanent acknowledgment on-site and in Lr³ publications
– Opportunities for co-branded campaigns and public relations collaboration
Engagement and Experience
– Private invitations to witness fieldwork and outcomes firsthand
– Optional integration into research retreats, briefings, or citizen science events
– Direct connection with researchers, conservation leaders, and island stewards
Tax Deductibility
– Contributions are eligible for tax deduction under U.S. and Belizean law
(Please consult your advisor for country-specific guidance.)
For those who believe in legacy through action, this is more than philanthropy—it is an invitation to help shape the future of a place that cannot be replaced.