Save the Sound

What Save the Sound does

Save the Sound is a bi-state nonprofit environmental organization that protects and improves the land, air, and water of the Long Island Sound region. Founded around 1975 (with one source citing 1978) and operating as a program of the Connecticut Fund for the Environment, it runs four programmatic pillars: Climate & Resiliency, Healthy Waters, Protected Lands, and Ecological Restoration. Its core offerings include the Unified Water Study (10th season, 52 bays and harbors, 30+ partner organizations), the Long Island Sound Beach Report Card (200+ beaches), the Long Island Soundkeeper watchdog program, ecological restoration projects (notably dam removals at Pond Lily, Hyde Pond, and Dana Dam, with multiple river miles and historic fish passages restored), and a substantial environmental law practice that has secured settlements against Westchester County, 11 municipalities, the State of Connecticut, and federal agencies.

The organization has no technology platform or proprietary software product; its "technology" stack consists of scientific monitoring methodologies (water quality sampling, fish counts) and ecological restoration techniques (dam removal, fish passage, living shorelines). Programs are coordinated through the newly launched Alexander Center for Ecological Action and the Doherty Climate and Resilience Institute, and the Environmental Health Ambassador Program extends its reach into youth and environmental-justice audiences in Connecticut and New York. Day-to-day operations are supported by an 11–50 person team with offices in New Haven, CT and Larchmont, NY, plus a network of volunteers, seasonal staff, and partner organizations.

Save the Sound's revenue is generated through a hybrid nonprofit model: individual and corporate donations, annual memberships starting at $25, signature fundraising events such as the 10-day Paddle for the Sound paddling challenge, and grants from federal and state agencies and programs like the Long Island Sound Futures Fund (nearly $12 million in a recent grant cycle across recipients). Its go-to-market is community-led and event-driven, relying on digital channels (website, blog, email network, social media, YouTube), press and earned media, in-person volunteer events, and an activist email network to convert awareness into members, donors, and advocates. Customer relationships span individual residents of the Sound region, environmental advocates and volunteers, and government/legal counterparties (Westchester County, municipalities, State of Connecticut, federal defendants).

Name

Save the Sound

Legal name

Save the Sound

Website

https://savethesound.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1975

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Save the Sound is a bi-state nonprofit environmental organization that protects Long Island Sound's land, air, and water through water quality monitoring, ecological restoration, dam removal, environmental law, and community advocacy across Connecticut and New York.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Environmental Advocacy and Conservation Services

NAICS

Administration of Environmental Quality Programs (9241), Administration of Air and Water Resource and Solid Waste Management Programs (92411)

akta.pro primary industry

Marine & Freshwater Conservation (BPAGAGAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Water Resources & Watershed Protection (BPAGAGAK), Oceans, Coastal & Marine Resource Management (BPADALAI), Coastal & Marine Resources Administration (Oceans, Fisheries, Shorelines) (BPAIAMAI)

Keywords

• Environmental advocacy
• Water quality monitoring
• Ecological restoration
• Habitat conservation
• Environmental legal services

Headquarters

HQ city

New Haven

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Program: Save the Sound generates revenue through annual memberships starting at $25, providing supporters with advocacy engagement, updates on initiatives, and participation opportunities.
2. Donations: Individual and corporate donations support Save the Sound's environmental programs, restoration projects, and advocacy efforts.
3. Event Fundraising: The annual Paddle for the Sound event invites participants to kayak, paddleboard, or canoe while raising funds for clean water initiatives, with prize packages for top fundraisers.
4. Grants: Save the Sound receives grant funding from programs like the Long Island Sound Futures Fund, federal agencies, and foundations to support habitat restoration, water quality improvement, and environmental protection projects.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Save the Sound leads environmental action across the Long Island Sound region through four program pillars: Climate & Resiliency, Healthy Waters, Protected Lands, and Ecological Restoration. The organization delivers standardized water quality monitoring (Unified Water Study), beach water quality grading, legal advocacy under the Clean Water Act, dam removal and fish passage projects, youth environmental education, and signature fundraising events such as the annual Paddle for the Sound challenge. Its services are provided free of charge to the public, with operational support drawn from memberships, donations, and grants.

Product overview

Save the Sound is a nonprofit environmental organization operating as a bi-state program of Connecticut Fund for the Environment. The organization does not offer a technology product but provides environmental programs and services including the Environmental Health Ambassador youth education program, the Unified Water Study water quality monitoring initiative, Long Island Sound Beach Report Cards, Paddle for the Sound fundraising events, Long Island Soundkeeper watchdog program, environmental law and legal advocacy, dam removal and fish passage ecological restoration projects, and the biennial Long Island Sound Report Card with Bay Grades. These programs are coordinated through the Alexander Center for Ecological Action and the Doherty Climate and Resilience Institute.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Long Island Soundkeeper: A watchdog program that monitors water quality and tracks pollution in Long Island Sound, with Bill Lucey serving as the Soundkeeper.
• Environmental Health Ambassador Program
• Alexander Center for Ecological Action
• Henry L. and Grace Doherty Climate and Resilience Institute

Products and services

• Environmental Health Ambassador Program A youth education and empowerment program that equips high school students with skills in community organizing and environmental stewardship to become advocates for their neighborhoods. The program is run in partnership with Khalipha and Common Ground High School in Connecticut and New York.
• Unified Water Study (UWS) A standardized water quality monitoring program that collects data on dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll a, turbidity, macrophytes, and oxygen saturation across 52 bays and harbors around Long Island Sound, coordinated with 30+ partner organizations.
• Long Island Sound Beach Report Card Annual report that grades water quality at over 200 beaches along Long Island Sound shorelines in Connecticut and New York, helping beachgoers know if waters are safe for swimming.
• Paddle for the Sound An annual 10-day paddling challenge where participants kayak, paddleboard, or canoe to raise funds for clean water and Long Island Sound protection.
• Long Island Soundkeeper A watchdog program led by the Soundkeeper (Bill Lucey) who tracks and addresses sewage leaks and pollution in Long Island Sound waters and testifies before bodies like the New England Fishery Management Council.
• Environmental Law and Legal Advocacy Legal team fielding federal and state cases to protect waters, land, and air of Connecticut and the Long Island Sound region through citizen suit provisions and Clean Water Act enforcement.
• Dam Removal and Fish Passage Projects removing outdated dams to restore fish migration routes, reconnect river habitat, and reduce flood risk. Notable completed projects include Pond Lily Dam (2.6 miles of West River reopened), Hyde Pond Dam (Whitford Brook flow restored after 350+ years), and Dana Dam (10 miles of Norwalk River habitat reconnected).
• Long Island Sound Report Card (Bay Grades) Biennial report card providing grades for bays and harbors around Long Island Sound based on water quality data from the Unified Water Study.
• Alexander Center for Ecological Action Center combining the Ecological Restoration program and Doherty Climate and Resilience Institute to build a healthier future for the Long Island Sound region through innovation and leadership.
• Henry L. and Grace Doherty Climate and Resilience Institute Climate institute focused on helping neighborhoods and ecosystems adapt to climate change through bold policy and projects, covering renewable energy growth, greener buildings and energy efficiency, cleaner transportation, and climate resilient communities.

Quantifiable outcome

• River herring populations rebounded 39% in 2024 and 36% in 2025 due to improved fishery management and habitat restoration
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Preserve Plum Island CoalitioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSave the Sound is a member of the Preserve Plum Island Coalition, working with The Nature Conservancy and over 200 stakeholders to develop a plan for Plum Island's future focused on permanent conservation, habitat protection, and reuse of existing infrastructure to maintain skilled jobs compatible with conservation.
• The Nature ConservancycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the Preserve Plum Island Coalition working on conservation planning for Plum Island's future, collaborating with environmental consulting firm Marstel-Day and over 200 stakeholders.
• Marstel-DayminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerEnvironmental consulting firm engaged by Save the Sound and partners to develop a conservation plan for Plum Island's future.
• Long Island Sound Futures FundcoreOthersNearly $12 million in grants awarded by the Long Island Sound Futures Fund to fund stormwater management, habitat restoration, and nitrogen pollution reduction projects. Save the Sound receives funding through this grant program.
• Westchester CountycoreOthersAfter nearly a decade of legal proceedings, Save the Sound and Westchester County reached a landmark collaborative agreement strengthening the County's commitment to protecting water quality and upholding the Clean Water Act. The settlement requires the County to take reasonable measures to enforce the County Sewer Act and spend $475,000 on environmentally beneficial projects.
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife ServicecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal agency providing funding and support for dam removal projects and habitat restoration. Supported Pond Lily Dam removal with $661,000 in Hurricane Sandy recovery funding and Hyde Pond dam removal through the Disaster Relief Appropriations Act of 2013.
• Natural Resources Conservation ServicecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal agency partner in Pond Lily Dam removal project, contributing technical expertise and funding support for restoration efforts.
• Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState environmental agency partner in restoration projects including Pond Lily Dam removal, alewife restoration at Bride Brook, and regulatory advocacy.
• New Haven Land TrustcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOwns the Pond Lily Nature Preserve where Save the Sound led dam removal and restoration. Partners on trail design and community education about the restored landscape.
• 30+ Partner Organizations (Unified Water Study)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSave the Sound coordinates the Unified Water Study with 30 partner organizations including Ash Creek Conservation Association, Clean Up Sound and Harbors, Coalition To Save Hempstead Harbor, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Harbor Watch, The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, and others collecting water quality data across 52 bays and harbors.
• Common Ground High SchoolcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational partner in the Environmental Health Ambassador program, providing students with environmental education, community engagement training, and hands-on green infrastructure experience.
• KhaliphacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative partner for NY-based Environmental Health Ambassador program. Khalipha is a collaborative platform for environmental, educational, and social innovation based in Mount Vernon, NY, deeply involved in community-based green initiatives.
• Long Island Sound StudycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative partner providing funding through the Long Island Sound Futures Fund for habitat restoration and conservation projects across the Sound region.
• Long Island Sound PartnershipcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProgram funded by EPA's Long Island Sound Partnership supports data collection for the Unified Water Study coordinated by Save the Sound.
• Super Law GroupcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerLegal counsel representing Save the Sound in the Westchester County Clean Water Act lawsuit and settlement negotiations.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Riverkeeper: New York-based clean water advocacy nonprofit using legal action, science, and citizen monitoring to protect the Hudson River and NYC waterways. Directly comparable to Save the Sound in mission, Waterkeeper-affiliated model, and Clean Water Act enforcement approach, though focused on the Hudson rather than Long Island Sound.
• Chesapeake Bay Foundation: Regional environmental nonprofit dedicated to restoring the Chesapeake Bay through science-based advocacy, restoration, and education. Directly comparable in its estuary-focused mission, regulatory advocacy, and integrated restoration-plus-policy model, though at larger geographic scale.
• Waterkeeper Alliance: Umbrella organization connecting more than 300 Waterkeeper groups worldwide, including Save the Sound's Long Island Soundkeeper program. Directly comparable as the parent network for water-focused citizen enforcement and pollution watchdogging.
• Surfrider Foundation: Coastal environmental nonprofit using advocacy, science, and volunteer-driven beach monitoring to protect ocean and beach water quality. Comparable in grassroots mobilization, beach water quality grading (similar to Save the Sound's Beach Report Card), and coastal conservation mission.

Broad incumbents

• The Nature Conservancy: Global environmental nonprofit with active Long Island Sound work, including Plum Island Coalition partnership with Save the Sound. Comparable on land preservation and conservation planning, but operates at vastly larger scale and broader mission scope.
• Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC): Large national environmental advocacy organization that litigates and lobbies on federal environmental issues including Clean Water Act enforcement. Comparable in legal advocacy capacity but operates nationally rather than regionally.
• Earthjustice: National nonprofit environmental law organization that litigates cases on behalf of partner groups, including work relevant to Long Island Sound waters. Comparable in legal advocacy model, though broader in geographic and issue scope.
• Environmental Defense Fund (EDF): National environmental nonprofit using science, economics, and law to address environmental problems including water quality. Comparable in combining scientific and legal expertise, though broader in mission and far larger in scale.

Regional players

• Hudson Riverkeeper: Operates as part of Riverkeeper in the Hudson River estuary of New York. Directly comparable Waterkeeper model and Clean Water Act watchdog approach but covers a different estuary region.
• Sound Rivers: North Carolina-based nonprofit advocating for clean water in the Neuse and Tar-Pamlico river basins. Comparable regional water advocacy nonprofit model but operates in different geography.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCGIJ4-9xxhFSt4NxfDxM0AA
• Facebookfacebook.com/savethesoundct
• Instagraminstagram.com/cfe.savethesound
• Xx.com/SavetheSound
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/save-the-sound

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Save the Sound