Additionally, The Don Hawley Foundation was established to further research in marine biology – in the beginning years, specifically for tarpon. In 1974, Dick Pope, Jr. organized the first Don Hawley Tarpon Fishing Tournament. Proceeds were directed to the Don Hawley Foundation. Proceeds from the Islamorada Gold Cup Tarpon Tournament also helped spawn the Foundation.

In 1989, the Commodore of the Florida Keys Fishing Guides Association (FKFGA) was given a permanent position on The Hawley’s Board of Directors. Captain’s Mike Collins, Mike Ehlers and Tad Burke have filled that position. Two years later, the FKFGA’s Swamp Guides Ball Fishing Tournament and Auction was established by the FKFGA. All proceeds are donated to The Don Hawley Foundation.The Don Hawley Foundation has assisted scores of Keys fishing guides during times of need. Gifts typically range from $2,000 to $10,000, which helps the guide pay for necessitates such as mortgage payments, prescriptions and putting groceries on the table while they are recovering from an injury or illness.

Furthermore, The Don Hawley Foundation has been a leading conservation organization. Through funding tarpon and bonefish research, The Foundation has been instrumental in protection and preservation.

The Don Hawley Tarpon Tournament became the first catch and release tarpon tournament in 1987. It was not until 1995 that all tarpon required a special tag to be legally killed thus allowing fishing for world records to continue. Past Board members include Dick Pope, Billy Pate, Charlie Causey, Ed Corlett and of course the past Commodores of the FKFGA and the Founders of The Don Hawley Foundation.