The Jekyll Island Foundation is devoted to raising funds for conservation, preservation, and educational initiatives on and for Jekyll Island. The Foundation is the official 501(c)(3) fundraising partner of the Jekyll Island Authority.
Jekyll Island is a 5,529 acre Georgia barrier island famous for its vibrant biodiversity as well as a fascinating historical significance. Once an exclusive playground of America’s business and industrial elites, the Island was purchased by the State of Georgia in 1947 and turned into one of the most unique state parks in the nation.
The Park is run by the Jekyll Island Authority (JIA), whose duties include overall management and stewardship of Jekyll Island State Park. The JIA receives no public operating funds. Revenue is generated from leases, fees, and amenity operations.
For this reason, the Jekyll Island Foundation (JIF) was created in 1999 to raise money for projects beyond the JIA’s financial capabilities. These projects focus on conservation, preservation and education surrounding the island’s natural, cultural, and historic resources. The Foundation is managed by an independent board of up to 25 individuals representing diverse interests and communities from across the state and beyond.
