NORTH CAROLINA AQUARIUM SOCIETY
Inspire - Appreciate - Conserve
Mission
The North Carolina Aquarium Society is a private, nonprofit 501(c)3 organization whose purpose is to provide philanthropic support for the three state-operated North Carolina Aquariums at Fort Fisher, Pine Knoll Shores and Roanoke Island, as well as Jennette's Pier in Nags Head. This support is provided through donations, exhibit and program sponsorships, membership programs, gift shop operations, and advocacy. These efforts support the Aquariums' operational and capital needs, as well as their mission to "Inspire appreciation and conservation of North Carolina's aquatic environments."
Notes from the nonprofit
The NC Aquarium Society is proud of its 30+ year history of support for the three North Carolina Aquariums. Donors and supporters have been generous in helping the Aquariums, through a range of giving options: Annual Fund, Conservation Fund, Exhibit and Program Sponsorships, Business Memberships, Offshore Club ($1000 club), Adopt-An-Animal, Own-A-Fish, Angler's Club, Aquarium Scholars and Planned Giving. For more details, please visit www.ncaquariumsociety.com.
Ruling year
1986
President and CEO
Liz Baird
Main address
3125 Poplarwood Ct Suite 160
Raleigh, NC 27604 USA
EIN
56-1512990
NTEE code
Zoo, Zoological Society (D50)
Single Organization Support (B11)
IRS filing requirement
This organization is required to file an IRS Form 990 or 990-EZ.
Sign in or create an account to view Form(s) 990 for 2022, 2021 and 2020.
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Communication
Programs and results
What we aim to solve
The NC Aquarium Society leverages private support and advocacy for the state-operated NC Aquariums, augmenting the appropriated funding these facilities receive from the NC General Assembly (tax dollars). This private support is increasingly important, as the Aquariums' appropriation has declined in recent years. With private support from the Aquarium Society, the Aquariums have the ability to expand their conservation mission and better sustain their facilities through new exhibits and programs.
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
Membership
The Aquarium Society currently has more than 60,000 members across North Carolina and the nation. Members receive free admission at the Aquariums and a number of other benefits. The Aquarium Society participates in the AZA's reciprocal agreement, allowing members free or discounted admission at over 150 other zoos and aquariums around the country.
Retail Operations
Gift Shops and Concessions at the 3 NC Aquariums and Jennette's Pier
Development/Fundraising
Development activities including sponsorships, annual fund, planned giving, and general contributions
Where we work
Awards
Top Rated Nonprofit in Zoos and Aquariums 2010
Charity Navigator
Top Rated Nonprofit in Zoos and Aquariums 2012
Charity Navigator
Top Rated Nonprofit in Zoos and Aquariums 2021
Charity Navigator
Top Rated Nonprofit in Zoos and Aquariums 2022
Charity Navigator
External reviews
Photos
Our results
How does this organization measure their results? It's a hard question but an important one.
Evaluation documents
Download evaluation reportsTotal dollars received in contributions
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Adults, Children and youth
Related Program
Development/Fundraising
Type of Metric
Input - describing resources we use
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
Total Contributions, Grants, & Sponsorship Revenue for Fiscal Year, not including Membership Revenue, and not including in-kind contributions.
Number of donations made by board members
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Adults
Related Program
Development/Fundraising
Type of Metric
Input - describing resources we use
Direction of Success
Holding steady
Context Notes
Total contributions from the Board (cash basis) which does not include pledge amounts, and does not include in-kind gifts.
Number of overall donors
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Adults
Related Program
Development/Fundraising
Type of Metric
Input - describing resources we use
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
Total number of donors who contributed gifts during the fiscal year, not including collection boxes, devices and fountains, member-added gifts or in-kind gifts.
Total number of organization members
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Adults, Children and youth
Related Program
Membership
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Holding steady
Context Notes
Total Membership Households
Our Sustainable Development Goals
Learn more about Sustainable Development Goals.
Goals & Strategy
Reports and documents
Download strategic planLearn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.
Charting impact
Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.
What is the organization aiming to accomplish?
Our goals are to:
Expand our comprehensive membership program that includes multiple benefits and reciprocity for 20,000+ households
Provide a unique and relevant retail experience for Aquarium and Pier visitors
Support the Aquariums, their programs and projects through private fundraising
Provide unrestricted funding for use by the Aquariums to fulfill their mission
Work with government and legislative leaders to garner support for the ongoing operations, repairs, maintenance and renewal of the aquariums and pier
What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?
Use the strength of a 45-member statewide Board of Directors to help foster support and raise funds
Use available resources online, onsite and by phone to provide excellence in customer service
Actively seek donors to support aquarium projects and priorities
Operate efficient, modern and diverse gift shops
Effectively tell the aquarium story; employ multiple marketing channels to maximize revenue generation
What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?
The Aquarium Society has demonstrated over the last 30+ years that it is an effective and supportive partner for the state-operated Aquariums. Over the past two decades in particular, the Society has helped the facilities with four major construction projects and multiple funding initiatives totaling nearly $100 million.
The Society today continues that effort, having recently invested nearly $6 million in renovating the NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island and supporting the development of numerous new exhibits and animal habitats.
The Society continues its record of success thanks to strong and experienced leadership, an active and passionate board, and a staff committed to purpose.
What have they accomplished so far and what's next?
Our progress, as state above, can be tracked with the tremendous growth and success of the four Aquarium facilities along the North Carolina coast. Nearly $100 million has been invested in the Aquariums over the past twenty years, much of it due to the direct efforts of the Society Board and staff.
Yet to be accomplished: A continuation of the second round of major facility improvements, each of which will be multi-million dollar efforts. A renovation and expansion of the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher is being planned now.
How we listen
Seeking feedback from people served makes programs more responsive and effective. Here’s how this organization is listening.
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How is your organization using feedback from the people you serve?
To identify and remedy poor client service experiences, To identify bright spots and enhance positive service experiences, To make fundamental changes to our programs and/or operations, To inform the development of new programs/projects, To identify where we are less inclusive or equitable across demographic groups, To strengthen relationships with the people we serve, To understand people's needs and how we can help them achieve their goals
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Which of the following feedback practices does your organization routinely carry out?
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What challenges does the organization face when collecting feedback?
Financials
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Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
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- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
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Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.
NORTH CAROLINA AQUARIUM SOCIETY
Board of directorsas of 02/23/2023
Hope Williams
NC Independent Colleges and Universities
Term: 2021 - 2023
Art Keeney
No Affiliation
Bill Belk
No Affiliation
Carolyn Green
No Affiliation
Olivia Holding
No Affiliation
Mary Lawrence
No Affiliation
Bob Mattocks
No Affiliation
Jane Patterson
No Affiliation
Suzanne Pecheles
No Affiliation
Chuck Revelle
No Affiliation
Wes Seegars
No Affiliation
Rick Willetts
No Affiliation
Hope Williams
No Affiliation
Edythe Poyner
Adam Shay
Deborah Albert
Bill Berry
Myra Best
Sissy Chesnutt
Brick Brown
Steve Coggins
Drew Covert
Jacquie Gilliam
Thomas Hackney
Allan Harvin
Tess Judge
Joyce Kohn
Susan Moffat-Thomas
Adrienne Moore
Greg Nichols
Dana O'Donovan
Wes Perry
Charles Pierce
Greg Proctor
Bruce Roberts
Jon Segal
Ronnie Sloan
Mary Watzin
Jordy Whichard
Katharine Whitley
Harry Archer
Harry MacDonald
Jay Briley
Board leadership practices
GuideStar worked with BoardSource, the national leader in nonprofit board leadership and governance, to create this section.
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Board orientation and education
Does the board conduct a formal orientation for new board members and require all board members to sign a written agreement regarding their roles, responsibilities, and expectations? Yes -
CEO oversight
Has the board conducted a formal, written assessment of the chief executive within the past year ? Yes -
Ethics and transparency
Have the board and senior staff reviewed the conflict-of-interest policy and completed and signed disclosure statements in the past year? Yes -
Board composition
Does the board ensure an inclusive board member recruitment process that results in diversity of thought and leadership? Yes -
Board performance
Has the board conducted a formal, written self-assessment of its performance within the past three years? Yes
Organizational demographics
Who works and leads organizations that serve our diverse communities? Candid partnered with CHANGE Philanthropy on this demographic section.
Leadership
The organization's leader identifies as:
Race & ethnicity
Gender identity
Sexual orientation
No data
Disability
No data
Equity strategies
Last updated: 02/23/2023GuideStar partnered with Equity in the Center - an organization that works to shift mindsets, practices, and systems to increase racial equity - to create this section. Learn more
- We seek individuals from various race backgrounds for board and executive director/CEO positions within our organization.
- We have community representation at the board level, either on the board itself or through a community advisory board.
- We help senior leadership understand how to be inclusive leaders with learning approaches that emphasize reflection, iteration, and adaptability.
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