How This Works and What Does Not Change

First, the important part up front:

ABSAR remains a locally based Antigua and Barbuda search and rescue organization.

Nothing about how local supporters donate, volunteer, or engage has changed.

All existing Antigua-based bank accounts, payment methods, memberships, and local donation options remain exactly the same. Local supporters can continue to give and support ABSAR the same way they always have.

So What Did We Add?

To strengthen our ability to fundraise internationally, we established a U.S.-based nonprofit called Friends of ABSAR Rescue.

Its sole purpose is simple and tightly defined:

Raise funds in the United States and transfer those funds directly to ABSAR to support life-saving operations in Antigua and Barbuda.

That’s it. No operational control. No mission change. No redirection of services.

Why Create a U.S. 501(c)(3)?

This structure gives American supporters something they have consistently asked for.

Tax-deductible donations in the United States.

By donating through Friends of ABSAR Rescue, U.S. donors receive the tax benefits of giving to a registered 501(c)(3). This makes it easier for individuals, foundations, and corporate partners in the U.S. to support ABSAR at meaningful levels.

At the same time, this setup allows us to:

  • Accept online donations more easily and securely

  • Reduce friction for international donors

  • Offer modern payment options that work smoothly whether you are donating from Antigua, the U.S., or elsewhere

One Mission. Two Paths to Support.

There are now two fundraising channels, both supporting the same mission:

  • Local and regional support continues to flow directly to ABSAR through existing Antigua-based accounts and payment methods.

  • U.S. and international supporters can donate through Friends of ABSAR Rescue to receive U.S. tax benefits and simplified online giving.

In both cases, the outcome is the same.

Funds support boats, fuel, medical gear, training, and responders on the ground in Antigua and Barbuda.

Why This Matters

This structure does not replace ABSAR.

It reinforces it.

It allows us to:

  • Meet donors where they are

  • Remove barriers to giving

  • Build long-term financial stability

  • Keep our focus where it belongs: responding fast when lives are at risk

ABSAR is still ABSAR.

Still local. Still volunteer-driven. Still on call.

We’ve simply added a stronger bridge for those who want to help from abroad.