Does National Aquarium donate to fundraisers?

The Aquarium considers admission donation requests from 501(c)(3) organizations serving Maryland communities, for charitable or fundraising purposes.

Preference is given to organizations with conservation-focused missions or activities, that promote successful outcomes for youth or families, or that help build strong communities.

All requests must be made through the online form at least two months before the event. If you miss the deadline, you can submit for the following year.

You may submit requests for different events, but the Aquarium fulfills only one request per organization per year.

It cannot grant requests involving animal interactions, memberships or behind-the-scenes tours.

It does not donate directly to individuals or individual families; it partners with wish-granting organizations instead.

Because Maryland school groups can visit free through a separate program, donation requests from schools are generally declined.

Tips from the program page: Apply well ahead: the two-month minimum is firm. · Maryland nonprofits can also apply to a separate Community Connections program for complimentary admission for their constituents; it requires tax-exempt documentation and takes four to six weeks to review.

What National Aquarium donates

National Aquarium has typically donated: Ticket.

Who can apply

National Aquarium donates to organizations with 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. National Aquarium does not donate to individuals. National Aquarium does not support events run for profit.

National Aquarium limits donation requests by area: Regional.

How to apply

National Aquarium asks every request to include the following.

• 501(c)(3) status and service to Maryland communities.
• An online application submitted at least two months before the event.

When to ask

National Aquarium states a lead time of 2 months. Count back that far from your event date and send the request no later than then.

Across more than 25,000 fundraising events in our own records over fifteen years, March, April and May are the busiest months for fundraisers, October is the next busiest, and July and December are the quietest.

Work backwards from your event rather than forwards from today, and if your event falls in the spring peak, ask earlier than the stated lead time rather than later.

Common questions

Do I need to be a 501(c)(3) to request a donation from National Aquarium?

Yes. National Aquarium's donation program is limited to organizations with 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, so you will need your determination letter and Tax ID before you apply.

How far ahead should we ask National Aquarium for a donation?

National Aquarium's stated lead time is 2 months. Work backwards from your event date: count back that far from the day of the event and send your request before that point.