We're relying on the generosity of our friends, neighbors and businesses to help us get Oliver Hazard Perry underway, so please consider making a gift or donation today. For an explanation of our mission and why your contributions matter, please read our Case for Support.

Tall Ships Rhode Island is a Rhode Island 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Corporation . All donations are tax-deductible.

The Oliver Hazard Perry is designed to be self-supporting. While Tall Ships Rhode Island (TSRI) is dependent on donations and grants to build her and get her operational, we don't anticipate having to return to donors to support annual operations. So your donation for construction will have more impact and more value.

When you make an outright gift to TSRI it will be put to work immediately to purchase equipment, complete construction and prepare the ship for her career; sail training and education for the people of Rhode Island and representing our state in American and foreign ports. Pledges for periods of up to three years are welcome.

We can also accept securities as donations. Such gifts can be extremely valuable for tax-planning purposes. If you've held the securities for more than one year, you may find that your gift will provide a two-fold tax benefit; create a tax deduction while avoiding capital gains tax due on the sale.

To build the largest active sail training tall ship in the US operated by a nonprofit organization, TSRI seeks a limited number of OHP Shipbuilding Syndicate Members at four levels of participation between 2009 and 2011.

Full subscription in the Oliver Hazard Perry Shipbuilding Syndicate will secure $2.1 million in philanthropic and in-kind support needed (combined with a $1.5 million credit facility and a $500,000 OHP Plank Owner Program) to complete construction and commission the most advanced sail training ship in the US for the benefit of our next generation of young people, mariners and marine tradesmen and women.

Click here for more information and to find out how to become a member. To join, please fill out our pledge form.

Naval tradition defines a Plank Owner is an individual who is a member of the crew when a ship is being built and commissioned. In 2009 and 2010, TSRI seeks 180 Plank Owners at four distinct levels of participation to help build the largest active sail training tall ship in the US operated by a nonprofit organization.

Full subscription in the Oliver Hazard Perry Plank Owner Program will secure $500,000 in philanthropic and inkind support needed (combined with a $1.5 million credit facility and a $2.1 million Shipbuilding Syndicate) to complete construction and commission the most advanced sail training ship in the US for the benefit of our next generation of young people, mariners and marine tradesmen and women.

Click here for more information and to find out how to become a member. To join, please fill out our pledge form.

Make a secure online donation via Paypal. Click the 'Donate' button to the right of your screen to make a donation online.

Download our mail-in donation form by clicking HERE.

We're happy to accept in-kind donations. Many items we're using to build and equip the ship are manufactured locally or available in local outlets. If you're in a position to donate items, please contact us to see how we can put your gift to work.

Dave Bonney of Bay Marine, Inc. is our ship designer. He will be posting a wish list of items required to build and equip Oliver Hazard Perry.

For more information or help regarding your donation, please contact us at info@tallshipsrhodeisland.org or call 401.841.0080.

Tall Ships Rhode Island is what it is because of volunteers. Your volunteer contribution makes a difference. Whether you're able to help with major events or you have the time to assist on a regular basis, a rewarding and invaluable experience awaits you.

Many of our paid positions will come from our volunteer core. Future shipboard positions will certainly be considered

Land duties might include: fundraising, events, committee work, office help, festivals or tours.

Construction volunteer duties could provide an opportunity for individuals having the necessary skills to participate in the actual construction below deck (plumbing, electrical) and above deck (rigging, woodwork, painting).

Volunteer onboard duties such as crew will also be offered.

All volunteers must be a member in good standing of Tall Ships Rhode Island and have an application on record. Upon acceptance you will be notified from time to time regarding various volunteer opportunities. A criminal background check may be requested for volunteer applicants and references will be considered.

All volunteer hours are logged for matching grant programs.

To become a volunteer, please download an application here and mail to:

Tall Ships Rhode Island
49B Bowen's Wharf
Newport, RI 02840

or fax application to the TSRI office at 401.841.0149.