The Caring For Our Coast initiative focuses on long-term sustainability by supporting nonprofits that manage habitat restoration, water quality monitoring, and environmental education. Since its inception in 2014, the program has distributed over $9.8 million, facilitating the restoration of nearly 20,000 acres of land and logging nearly 300,000 volunteer hours. Kresha Sivinski, CITGO Vice President of Human Resources and Support Services, noted that the grants are designed to build local capacity rather than fund one-off events, ensuring programs remain viable over time.
Recipients range from large-scale regional organizations to community-focused groups. In Illinois, funds will support the protection of the Hine’s emerald dragonfly at the Romeoville Prairie Nature Preserve, while Gulf Coast projects include the Sink Your Shucks program, which repurposes restaurant oyster shells to rebuild marine reefs. Other beneficiaries include the Buffalo Bayou Partnership, which removes debris from Houston waterways, and the National Recreation and Park Association, which provides storm resilience training for regional park professionals.
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