About Shorefast

Shorefast is a registered Canadian charity that is forging a new path at the intersection of place-based economic development, art, business, and philanthropy. Our suite of community businesses, including Fogo Island Inn, Fogo Island Workshops, and Fogo Island Fish are designed to be economic engines driving toward our mission: To build, learn and share economic development practices that activate the assets of local places.

In addition to funds we receive from donors and grants, all our business expenditures and surpluses are directed to supporting Shorefast’s holistic set of initiatives and programs, including Fogo Island Arts, and innovative projects focused on food systems, the environment, and the preservation of culture and heritage.

To support our vision of a growing network of prosperous local economies that serve people, nature, and culture, we established The Shorefast Network for Place-Based Economies. Though this initiative, we share our learnings and engage with other enterprising communities to develop resources, tools, and opportunities that bring together the key pillars of society — business, government, community, and philanthropy — to advance economic development for more people in more places.