Athena Award - Contact Information

Ocean Community Chamber Foundation, Inc.

History: The Ocean Community Chamber Foundation, Inc. is the charitable arm of the Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce. Articles of incorporation were filed with the RI Secretary of State on August 12, 1997. On March 20, 1998 the IRS granted status as a 501c3 organization. Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce staff and volunteers execute the work of the Ocean Community Chamber Foundation.

Mission Statement: The Ocean Community Chamber Foundation, Inc. exists for charitable and educational purposes, and specifically for the purpose of assisting in the economic development and tourism promotion of the community and the revitalization of historic downtown Westerly-Pawcatuck.

Execution of Our Mission: Ocean Community Chamber Foundation, Inc. is active with historic, civic, cultural, public safety and economic development projects, educational programs and any other endeavors as may be approved from time to time by the Board of Directors. The Foundation is designed to develop and sponsor community improvement projects, emergency recovery programs for the business community, educational programs regarding history or current issues pertaining to the region, and particularly the historic downtown. We manage educational scholarships and make annual awards. In addition to subsidizing the Athena program, the OCCF produces River Glow, the Pawcatuck River Duck Race and manages the Town of Westerly 350th Anniversary Community Committee and fund. For many years the Foundation has managed numerous initiatives in the two-state downtown, including the lamp post banners, banner over High Street, flower pots, wayfinding signs, a facade improvement program and a proposed Gateway project. It also makes contributions to a variety of programs that align with our mission. We collaborate with other organizations, public and private, to produce and promote projects and special events that enhance tourism and contribute to the economic vitality of the community. Recent examples include Bricks & Murals, the United Theatre restoration project, the creation of benches for the Veterans Memorial in Westerly, and a new laboratory at the Westerly Education Center.

Fund Administration: The Foundation considers itself as a servant of the community. In that capacity, it may act as a charitable fund administrator for a newly formed community initiative or another charitable organization whose mission is consistent with that of the Ocean Community Chamber Foundation, Inc. Leadership- the Board of Directors of the Ocean Community Chamber Foundation, Inc. consists of not less than 4, nor more than 10 directors. Presently, the Executive Board of the Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce (6 people) and the President of the Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce (1) serve as the Board Members.

OCCF Federal Tax ID #05-0494495