The Florida Aquarium is a non-profit environmental organization whose mission is to entertain, educate and inspire stewardship about our natural environment.
 The exhibits, education programs and conservation initiatives of The Florida Aquarium are made possible, in large part, through the generous financial and in-kind support of the community. Gifts from individuals, corporations, foundations and agencies are essential in helping the Aquarium fulfill its mission.
These contributions allow us to maintain existing and add innovative exhibits and educational programs and add new ones to continue providing exciting and entertaining experiences for people of all ages, both on-site and through outreach programs. Contributions are also a vital part of our commitment to conservation and research initiatives for the betterment of our natural environment.
Gifts of any amount are important to us in helping to fulfill our mission. |
Our donors are recognized in a variety of ways, based on giving levels. We accept gifts of cash and securities. Appreciated property and in-kind product are evaluated by staff prior to acceptance. Planned and deferred gifts via insurance policies, wills and trusts are encouraged to be created with the Aquarium's involvement.
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Development Programs: |
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If you would like to contribute to the Aquarium, please contact the Development Department at (813) 367-4018. Our development staff will gladly meet with you to personally discuss our giving program.
Foundation Giving
If you are affiliated with a grant-making foundation -- perhaps a family foundation -- we would like to hear from you. The Florida Aquarium, a 501(c)3 organization, has a wide variety of projects and programs in need of funding -- from major capital projects to small equipment, as well as wildlife conservation, pre-school education through post-graduate internships, and programs benefiting the disadvantaged. To learn more, please call Melanie Lachs, Grants Manager, at (813) 367-4032.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Here are answers to some common questions about how we handle gifts to The Florida Aquarium.
Who handles my gift?
The Development department hands gifts to accounting for immediate deposit. Development staff sends you a receipt/gift acknowledgement which should be saved for tax records.
What if I receive goods or services in connection with my gift?
The IRS requires that we inform you, via your gift receipt/acknowledgement, of the value of any goods or services you may have received along with the resulting value of your contribution.
Can I give something besides cash?
The Aquarium is equipped to handle many types of non-cash gifts. These include:
Publicly traded securities
There are significant tax advantages from contributing highly appreciated (long term) securities transferred to the Aquarium as a charitable gift. The value of your gift depends upon the market price of these assets when they are given. Please contact the Aquarium for more information on gifts of securities. You may be entitled to a significant charitable deduction on your income tax return for a gift of appreciated securities.
Real and Personal property
The Aquarium may gifts of personal property, such as Real Estate, artwork, automobiles, boats, etc. only after review by Aquarium staff.
Memorial or honorary contributions
You may wish to make a gift in honor of a special individual. We will notify him or her or the family of your generosity.
Wills and trusts
We have staff members who can help you and your advisers plan a bequest, establish a charitable trust or fund an annuity that benefits you, your heirs and The Florida Aquarium.
Corporate Matching Gifts
Many employers will match gifts from their employees to The Florida Aquarium. You can double or even triple your gift using a corporate match. See your Human Resources Manager for more information.
What if I'm a member of The Florida Aquarium staff?
Staff may make charitable contributions to any fund at the Aquarium through payroll deduction. Please contact the personnel director for assistance.
A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL FREE WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. 1-800-HELP-FLA |
