The Giving Challenge & Eco Festival
Online Giving | 24 Hours
April 15 at Noon – April 16 at Noon
The Giving Challenge is a 24-hour online fundraising event supporting local nonprofits. During this time, all online donations made to Bocilla Islands Conservancy directly support our mission to protect island land, preserve critical habitats, and advance community-based conservation.
Eco Festival
Be the One to Preserve Paradise
Date: Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Time: TBD (held during Giving Challenge hours)
Location: TBD
The Eco Festival is a limited-time, in-person pop-up event held within the Giving Challenge window. It brings together conservation partners, community members, and Bocilla Islands Conservancy programs while providing support for online Giving Challenge donations.
Participating Exhibitors & Programs
The Eco Festival will feature local conservation organizations and hands-on stewardship programs, including:
Community & Conservation Partners
- Keep Charlotte Beautiful – environmental stewardship and island-wide cleanup efforts
- SUP of Englewood – water-based recreation and environmental awareness
- Coastal Wildlife Club – sea turtle education and conservation
- Charlotte County Natural Resources – local environmental resources and programs
Bocilla Islands Conservancy Programs
- Land conservation and demonstration properties
- Island Living Lecture Series
- Hands-On Conservation Programs
- Vertical Oyster Gardens (VOGs)
- Mini-Reefs / Dock Habitat Education & Implementation
- Mangrove Restoration
- Native Plant Education
- Story Stroll
- Dark Sky initiative
- Wildlife-friendly yards
Additional partners and displays may be added as details are finalized.
Why It Matters
Funds raised during the Giving Challenge support Bocilla Islands Conservancy’s most critical work:
- Land acquisition to protect island parcels from development and preserve them for conservation
- Environmental education and community learning
- Hands-on stewardship programs that support clean water and healthy habitats
While the Giving Challenge is entirely online, the Eco Festival helps make participation accessible, welcoming, and community-centered, offering in-person support while keeping all donations within the official Giving Challenge framework.
