What Big Blue & You does

Big Blue & You is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Miami Beach, Florida, founded in 2008 by science communicator Danni Washington and her mother Michelle Swaby-Smith. The organization delivers STEAM-powered ocean conservation programming for youth ages 13-24 through a portfolio of programs including the flagship Art by the Sea festival (Miami Beach Bandshell), Sea Youth Rise Up (SYRUP) policy advocacy during Capitol Hill Ocean Week, Plastic Free Cities business canvassing, the global Big Blue Crew tiered youth community, Brand Audit + Coastal Cleanup field research, the Youth Environmental Career Summit, and the S.E.A. Squad marine education curriculum developed with PangeaSeed Foundation.

The organization's technology footprint is lightweight and built entirely on commodity SaaS: a Squarespace-hosted website with embedded Zeffy donation forms, Printful-powered e-commerce merchandise sales, Mailchimp email newsletters, and a Discord community for Big Blue Crew members. There is no proprietary software product, API, or AI/ML capability; the underlying "platform" is operational and partnership-based rather than technical, relying on integrations with Ocean Conservancy, Debris Free Oceans, The Ocean Project, EarthEcho International, NOAA, and Miami-Dade County's Plastic Free 305 program.

Big Blue & You's business model is a diversified nonprofit revenue stack: small-dollar donations via Zeffy, foundation and government grants (notably NOAA for Plastic Free Cities and the 2021 Visa She's Next $10K award), corporate sponsorships for Art by the Sea (Schmidt Family Foundation, Publix, Iberostar, LUSH, Clear Channel Outdoor, GMCVB, and others), in-kind partnerships with sustainable brands surfaced through the Ocean Lovers Shopping Guide, and modest e-commerce merchandise revenue through Printful. All programs and the flagship festival are free to participants, and the organization is not venture-backed or private-equity-owned.

Name

Big Blue & You

Legal name

Big Blue & You, Inc.

Website

https://bigblueandyou.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2008

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Big Blue & You is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, founded in 2008 in Miami Beach, that delivers STEAM-powered ocean conservation programming, youth advocacy, and community events to youth ages 13-24 through festivals, school-based canvassing, and global youth leadership programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth Ocean Conservation Education

NAICS

Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312)

akta.pro primary industry

Marine Conservation & Citizen-Science Experiences (reef monitoring, turtle walks) (THAAAIAH)

Keywords

• Ocean conservation education
• Youth environmental programs
• STEAM marine education
• Coastal cleanup initiatives
• Nonprofit advocacy services

Headquarters

HQ city

Miami

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Donations: 501(c)(3) nonprofit solicits donations through a Zeffy-hosted donation form on its website; 'Donate to Power the Next Wave' and 'Donate Now' CTAs are prominent on every page. Also listed in One Percent for the Planet and NGO Give directories.
2. Grants and award funding: Receives grant funding from foundations and government agencies. Examples include 2021 Visa She's Next Black Women-Owned Business Grant ($10K from Visa plus IFundWomen coaching membership) and NOAA funding for the Plastic Free Cities program.
3. Corporate partnerships and sponsorships: Art by the Sea festival secures corporate sponsors/partners (Schmidt Family Foundation, Surfing's Evolution & Preservation Foundation, GMCVB, Miami Beach Rising Above, Miami-Dade Public Library System, Clear Channel Outdoor, Open Water, LUSH Cosmetics, Pirani, Publix, Iberostar, Miami Beach Bandshell, Harris Public Relations, Eccessories by Ellen, etc.) to fund event production.
4. E-commerce merchandise sales: Online store ('/cart') operated via Printful as the e-commerce platform, with credit card data encrypted using industry-standard secure transaction technology.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Big Blue & You is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers STEAM-powered ocean conservation education to youth through art, science, and media. Its portfolio includes the flagship Art by the Sea festival, the global tiered Big Blue Crew youth community (ages 13-24), the Plastic Free Cities business canvassing program, Sea Youth Rise Up (SYRUP) policy advocacy, Brand Audit + Coastal Cleanup field research, and the Youth Environmental Career Summit. All programs are free to participants and funded by donations, grants, and corporate sponsorships.

Product overview

Big Blue & You is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that delivers a portfolio of STEAM-powered ocean education and youth advocacy programs rather than a single software product. The core offering is a platform of programs and community experiences anchored by its flagship Art by the Sea festival and reinforced by year-round youth initiatives including Sea Youth Rise Up (SYRUP) policy advocacy, Plastic Free Cities business canvassing, the global Big Blue Crew youth community, and Brand Audit + Coastal Cleanup field research. Supporting modules include the Youth Environmental Career Summit, the Ocean Knowledge Wheel outreach activity, the Ocean Lovers Shopping Guide (curated sustainable brand partnerships), and the S.E.A. Squad STEAM marine education curriculum. Digital infrastructure components include the BigBlueAndYou.org website, a Printful-powered online store, Zeffy-powered donations, Mailchimp newsletters, and a Discord community for Big Blue Crew members ages 13-24, all serving the mission of empowering youth to become ocean stewards through art, science, and media.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Art by the Sea: A free, family-friendly festival that blends creativity, culture, and ocean conservation, held to celebrate World Water Day at the Miami Beach Bandshell.
• Big Blue Crew
• Sea Youth Rise Up (SYRUP)
• Plastic Free Cities
• Brand Audit + Coastal Cleanup
• Youth Environmental Career Summit

Products and services

• Art by the Sea Festival Free, family-friendly annual festival held at the Miami Beach Bandshell (7275 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL) that blends creativity, culture, and ocean conservation through hands-on art, science, music, and wildlife engagement experiences including free paddleboarding, swim lessons, and marine science stations. Engages 3,000+ families directly. Registration is required via Partiful.
• Big Blue Crew Youth Community Free global tiered community membership program for youth ages 13-24 with three tiers (Tier 1: digital voice/storytelling; Tier 2: real-world events/outreach; Tier 3: mentorship and major project leadership). Includes Discord community integration. Members worldwide in Jamaica, Japan, California, Kenya, Netherlands, Bahamas, Costa Rica, Barbados, American Samoa, and Guam.
• Plastic Free Cities

Quantifiable outcome

• Trained 500+ youth ages 11-18 in plastic pollution communications strategies (Ocean Heroes Bootcamp)
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

AI capability1 record

Feature4 records

Partnerships

43 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Ocean ConservancyflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-develops the Plastic Free Cities program alongside Big Blue & You and Debris Free Oceans. Co-funder of the Shores Forward initiative that empowered Big Blue Crew to engage Miami Beach businesses. Listed as a supporting organization for the Youth Environmental Career Summit.
• Debris Free OceansflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-develops the Plastic Free Cities program with Big Blue & You and Ocean Conservancy, with Maddie Kaufman serving as Program Director. Also a partner in the Youth Environmental Career Summit and Shores Forward initiative.
• The Ocean ProjectflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-founder of Sea Youth Rise Up (SYRUP), the annual youth advocacy program that brings delegates to Washington D.C. for Capitol Hill Ocean Week. Laura Johnson served as Lead Coordinator for SYRUP 2025 while at The Ocean Project.
• EarthEcho InternationalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-founder of Sea Youth Rise Up (SYRUP) alongside Big Blue & You and The Ocean Project, supporting the annual youth advocacy week in Washington D.C.
• Youth Ocean Conservation SummitcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-founder of Sea Youth Rise Up (SYRUP) since 2016, collaborating with Big Blue & You and The Ocean Project to foster youth advocacy relationships.
• Miami-Dade County (Plastic Free 305 program)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment partnership that integrates Plastic Free Cities student-led advocacy with the county's Plastic Free 305 program, enabling enrolled businesses to receive county recognition.
• City of Miami Beach (Plastic Free MB program)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCity-level partnership through which Big Blue & You's Shores Forward and Plastic Free MVPs programs enrolled local businesses in the Plastic Free MB program. Mayor Dan Gelber supported the program.
• PangeaSeed FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-developer of the S.E.A. Squad program, an innovative S.T.E.A.M. marine education program designed to inspire the next generation of ocean stewards.
• Lonely WhalecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-founder of the Ocean Heroes Bootcamp (alongside Captain Planet Foundation) in 2018. Big Blue & You trained 500+ youth ages 11-18 on communications strategies to fight plastic pollution through this program.
• Captain Planet FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-founder of the Ocean Heroes Bootcamp (alongside Lonely Whale) in 2018. The bootcamp was held at the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas in New Orleans.
• Miami WaterkeepercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-host of the Youth Environmental Career Summit (May 2025) and a featured exhibitor at Art by the Sea 2026 (water quality testing station). Mariana Aziz Pico serves as Legal Environmental Policy Specialist at the organization.
• Clean Miami BeachminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLed by Sophie Ringel; collaborated with Big Blue & You to bring delegates (Salome Velez, Maxine Vega in 2025; 4 delegates in 2024) to Sea Youth Rise Up.
• Cape ClaspminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFeatured in Big Blue & You's Ocean Lovers Shopping Guide. For each design, Cape Clasp donates 15% of profits to a marine life partner, with total non-profit donations over $160,000 to date. Their Tikos are 100% recyclable ocean plastic bracelets.
• One Ocean BeautyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFeatured in the Ocean Lovers Shopping Guide; Big Blue & You's Executive Director Danni Washington is a brand ambassador. Promotional code BLUE20 offers 20% off. Co-marketing partnership centered on sustainable, algae-based skincare.
• LUSH (Lush Cosmetics)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerFeatured in the Ocean Lovers Shopping Guide. LUSH is also a sponsor of Art by the Sea 2026. Highlighted for 100% vegetarian, cruelty-free, and packaging-reduced 'naked' products.
• Trove Jewelry (by Victoria Cassar)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerFeatured in the Ocean Lovers Shopping Guide. Victoria Cassar creates sustainable jewelry from microplastics and reclaimed materials and has collaborated with Big Blue & You at events for years.
• FinalStraw (Final)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerFeatured in the Ocean Lovers Shopping Guide. FinalStraw provides reusable stainless steel and silicone alternatives to single-use plastic straws, and has prevented approximately 300 million single-use straws from entering the environment since 2018.
• Lars Gesing Fine ArtminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFeatured in the Ocean Lovers Shopping Guide. Lars Gesing's Coastal Comfort collection of award-winning fine art nature photography highlights ocean beauty and conservation messaging.
• Lean OrbminorGTM or Marketing PartnerProvided sample tool kits of sustainable products to Big Blue Crew members to persuade businesses to switch from single-use plastics during Shores Forward canvassing.
• Lemond Brown (Mr. IMAG) / Swaliga FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBig Blue Crew member and CEO of the Swaliga Foundation. Co-created the 'Big Blue Ocean' track and music video featuring Danni Washington, plus STEAM educational study materials.
• Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of Art by the Sea 2026 festival.
• Miami Beach Rising AboveminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of Art by the Sea 2026 festival; partner of the City of Miami Beach's Plastic Free MB initiative.
• Miami-Dade Public Library SystemminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of Art by the Sea 2026 festival; provides a Cozy Reading Corner with live readings at the event.
• Clear Channel OutdoorminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of Art by the Sea 2026 festival, providing outdoor advertising support.
• Open WaterminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of Art by the Sea 2026 festival.
• PiraniminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of Art by the Sea 2026 festival.
• PublixminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of Art by the Sea 2026 festival.
• IberostarminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of Art by the Sea 2026 festival.
• Miami Beach BandshellcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVenue partner hosting Art by the Sea 2026 festival at 7275 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL.
• Harris Public RelationsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPR partner/sponsor of Art by the Sea 2026 festival.
• Eccessories by EllenminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of Art by the Sea 2026 festival.
• Miami Transportation Department / Miami-Dade Department of Transportation & Public WorksminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsors of Art by the Sea 2026 festival.
• University of Florida IFAS Extension & Florida Sea GrantminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFeatured exhibitor at Art by the Sea 2026 (Mighty Mangroves Wave Tank station).
• Ocean Rescue Alliance InternationalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFeatured exhibitor at Art by the Sea 2026 (Coral Reef Creation station).
• Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFeatured exhibitor at Art by the Sea 2026 (Shark Science Lab station).
• Broward County Sea Turtle Conservation Program (Nova Southeastern University)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFeatured exhibitor at Art by the Sea 2026 (sea turtle conservation station).
• Blue Scholars InitiativeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFeatured exhibitor at Art by the Sea 2026 (Coastal Ecosystem Riddles station).
• MarineLab Environmental Education CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFeatured exhibitor at Art by the Sea 2026, hosting recycled bottle-cap art, Guess Who reef game, and microplastics under microscope.
• ZeffycoreTechnology or IntegrationHosts Big Blue & You's online donation form embedded in the website, processing charitable contributions for the 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
• MailchimpcoreTechnology or IntegrationEmail marketing platform used by Big Blue & You for newsletters, promotions, and news about services.
• PrintfulcoreTechnology or IntegrationE-commerce platform powering Big Blue & You's online store at /cart.
• One Percent for the PlanetminorOthersListed as a member nonprofit in the One Percent for the Planet directory.
• NFG Give (NGO Give)minorOthersDonation platform/directory listing for Big Blue & You (EIN 80-0249204).

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Heirs to Our Oceans: Youth-led ocean conservation organization referenced in Big Blue & You's team background (Alejandro Ganaza is a Youth Action Council member). Directly comparable as a peer youth-led ocean advocacy nonprofit.
• Lonely Whale: Co-founded the Ocean Heroes Bootcamp with Big Blue & You and Captain Planet Foundation in 2018, training 500+ youth on plastic pollution communications. Directly comparable as a youth-facing ocean advocacy organization running high-profile plastic-pollution campaigns.
• EarthEcho International: Co-founder of SYRUP alongside Big Blue & You and The Ocean Project, focusing on youth-led ocean conservation. Directly comparable as a youth-focused ocean education nonprofit with similar STEAM advocacy programming.
• Ocean Conservancy: Co-develops the Plastic Free Cities program with Big Blue & You and Debris Free Oceans, and co-funded the Shores Forward initiative in Miami Beach. Directly comparable as a marine conservation nonprofit working on plastic pollution policy and youth engagement.
• Captain Planet Foundation: Co-founded the Ocean Heroes Bootcamp with Lonely Whale and Big Blue & You. Directly comparable as an environmental education nonprofit funding youth-led environmental action programs.
• Debris Free Oceans: Co-develops Plastic Free Cities with Big Blue & You and Ocean Conservancy, with a Program Director (Maddie Kaufman) leading the joint initiative. Directly comparable as a Miami-based nonprofit focused on plastic pollution reduction through youth and community engagement.
• The Ocean Project: Co-founded the Sea Youth Rise Up (SYRUP) initiative with Big Blue & You and EarthEcho International in 2016, and hosted Laura Johnson as Lead Coordinator. Directly comparable as a youth ocean advocacy and coalition-building nonprofit.

Broad incumbents

• Surfrider Foundation: Much larger established coastal and ocean conservation nonprofit with a beach cleanup program and plastic reduction advocacy that overlaps with Big Blue & You's Brand Audit + Coastal Cleanup and Plastic Free Cities work, though operating at a national scale rather than a youth-leadership niche.
• Plastic Pollution Coalition: Global advocacy coalition working on plastic pollution reduction. Comparable as an aligned plastic-pollution advocacy organization, though broader in scope and policy-focused rather than youth-led.

Emerging players

• 4ocean: Revenue-generating ocean cleanup organization selling bracelets and apparel to fund coastal cleanups. Comparable as a plastic-pollution-focused organization, but with a for-profit commercial model that contrasts with Big Blue & You's nonprofit structure.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/bigblueandyou
• Facebookfacebook.com/bigblueandyou

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 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 Big Blue & You