The Aquarium annually receives requests from hundreds of civic, private and non-profit organizations for fundraising events and charitable causes. Thanks to the generosity of friends, corporate partners and foundations, we are able to help our community by granting a limited number of requests each year.
Donation Criteria
- The Aquarium donates tickets (2 to 4) to other 501c3 organizations that serve Maryland communities.
- We do not grant requests involving animal interactions, memberships, or behind-the-scenes tours.
- Preference is given to Maryland-based organizations with conservation-focused missions or activities; organizations that promote successful outcomes for youth or families and that help build strong communities.
- Donations to schools are generally declined as we serve more than 100,000 school children annually through our free visits for all Maryland School groups and offer a variety of other free or discounted school programs.
Guidelines for Submitting Requests
- All donation requests must be received a minimum of two months prior to the date of the event. If your organization misses this window of opportunity, feel free to submit your request for the following year.
- In a one page letter, organizations must include their tax-exempt ID number, a brief background of the organization and overview of the event: including the date, time, name of function, beneficiaries of the fundraising efforts, contact information for the event organizer, and a mention of how the Aquarium will be recognized.
- Where appropriate, the Aquarium may request a reciprocal donation from the asking organization.
Notification of Donation
- All organizations will receive a written reply within 4 weeks of their event. No phone calls please.
- All donations are sent certified mail.
Making a Request
Submit requests on letterhead via U.S. mail to the address below:
National Aquarium In Baltimore
Pier 3/501 East Pratt Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21202
Attention: Office of Community Affairs
For more than two decades, the Aquarium has been an active participant in the local and global community - inspiring millions of schoolchildren, improving the world’s waterways and creating waves of economic impact for the region. Dive in, explore this web site, and discover other exciting ways to help us protect and preserve earth’s aquatic treasures.
