About Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute Foundation

The Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute Foundation, Inc. (HBOIF) is the named recipient of the revenue generated from the four Harbor Branch specialty license plates owned by more than 140,000 Florida residents. The HBOI plates – Protect Wild Dolphins, Protect Florida Whales, Save Our Seas, and Aquaculture – are among Florida’s most popular, providing more than $3 million for HBOI research in 2010.

HBOIF is a 501(c)3 organization whose mission supports Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, a research institute of Florida Atlantic University.

HBOIF is a Direct-Support Organization (DSO) of Florida Atlantic University benefitting Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute. The DSO designation allows HBOIF to affiliate with the Florida Atlantic University Foundation, Inc. through which all private support dollars are administered. This arrangement allows HBOIF to benefit from the business operations of a larger foundation. 

HBOIF is governed by an elected board of directors with two appointees representing Florida Atlantic University.  While the uses of the contributions vary, the general purposes fall within two categories: unrestricted for purposes determined by the HBOIF Board of Directors, and restricted for purposes requested by the donor. Unrestricted gifts allow HBOIF to award innovation grants, fellowships, and research grants. These are the venture funds of research that enable new discoveries, and as such are crucial to expanding global marine science leadership. Restricted funds consist of endowments, special initiatives, and deferred gifts.

The Friends of Harbor Branch encompasses all private support efforts and includes annual gifts, major gifts, endowments, and planned giving. The annual giving campaign is a broad-based effort and membership program with benefits that include Harbor Branch lectures, tours, planned trips, newsletters, and other special events.

Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute is located between Vero Beach and Ft. Pierce, Florida, on the western shore of the Indian River Lagoon east of US Highway 1. 

It has six marine science, engineering, and technology focus areas:

Focus Areas Program
Aquaculture & Stock Enhancement
  • Bivalve Aquaculture & Aquatic Animal Health
  • Fish Aquaculture
  • Gastropod Aquaculture
Marine Biomedical & Biotechnology
  • Marine Natural Products
  • Chemistry & Drug Discovery
  • Cell Biology
  • Sponge Cell Biology
Marine Ecosystem Health
  • Coral Reef Health & Conservation
  • Harmful Algal Blooms
  • Indian River Lagoon Research
  • Marine Mammal Research & Conservation
  • Population Biology & Behavioral Ecology
Ocean Engineering & Technology
  • Marine & Technical Operations
  • Ocean Visibility & Optics
  • Robotics & Instrumentation
  • Manatee Protection Systems
Ocean Exploration & Undersea Research Education
  • NOAA Cooperative Institute for Ocean Exploration, Research, & Technology
  • Aquaculture Education
Marine Science Education
  • Ocean Discovery (Visitor) Center
  • Postdoctoral Investigator Program
  • Summer Internship Program