Gulf of Maine Research Institute completes $15 million science literacy endowment
Investment by the Lunder Foundation secures future of LabVenture.
Portland, Maine (June 22, 2026) – The Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) has reached its $15 million fundraising goal to establish the Lunder 21st Century Fund, completing a multi-year Science Literacy Challenge that will support the organization’s student education programs for generations to come.
The endowment ensures the long-term sustainability of GMRI’s flagship program, LabVenture, which provides hands-on, experiential science education to students across Maine. Since its launch, more than 175,000 students from all 16 counties have participated in the program, many encountering ocean science and the scientific process for the first time.
“For many Maine students, LabVenture is their first opportunity to engage directly with marine systems and to think like scientists,” said Glenn Prickett, President and CEO of GMRI. “Reaching this milestone at a time when education is facing strong headwinds ensures that students across the state will continue to have access to these experiences for decades to come.”
The Lunder 21st Century Fund was established in 2015 with a lead investment from Maine philanthropists Paula and Peter Lunder of the Lunder Foundation, who challenged GMRI to build a permanent endowment to sustain its education programs. A significant bequest from Evelyn Marcus earlier this spring created the momentum needed for additional donors to meet the moment and unlock the Lunder match, completing the Science Literacy Challenge. The successful completion of the challenge reflects broad support from donors, partners, and the community.
As GMRI steps into their new strategic plan and their revitalized vision for the Gulf of Maine, their goals cannot be accomplished without strong collaboration. Sustained investment in science education, collaborative research alongside fishermen, stewardship of working waterfronts, and more require the work of educators, partners, and communities. To recognize the vital contributions of those partners, GMRI launched the inaugural Gulf of Maine Wayfinder Award, an annual honor celebrating individuals and organizations whose leadership and partnership help translate GMRI’s work into meaningful, measurable impact.
This year’s award was presented to Jennifer LaBonte, Instructional Specialist for Math and Science at Lewiston Public Schools. A longtime collaborator with GMRI, LaBonte has played a key role in expanding access to hands-on science education and advancing STEM learning across her district, including through dedicated engagement with the LabVenture program, where she has helped ensure that every 6th grader in Lewiston now attends the program. Her selection reflects both the spirit of the Wayfinder Award and the enduring impact of investments like the Lunder 21st Century Fund.
“Jennifer’s work exemplifies the kind of partnership the Wayfinder Award is intended to recognize,” said Dr. Dave Reidmiller, GMRI’s Chief Impact Officer. “Through her leadership, students of all backgrounds have access to high-quality science learning and opportunities to engage in authentic scientific experiences.”
LaBonte was recognized at GMRI’s annual Leadership Reception on June 17, where the organization also marked the successful completion of the Lunder 21st Century Fund and reflected on the people and partnerships that help advance its mission.
About the Gulf of Maine Research Institute:
The Gulf of Maine Research Institute develops and delivers collaborative solutions to global ocean challenges. Located in Portland, Maine, the institute is dedicated to the resilience of the Gulf of Maine ecosystem and the communities that depend on it. For more information, visit www.gmri.org.
