Seacoast Science Center, Inc.
Inspiring Conservation of our Blue Planet
Learn how to support this organization
Seacoast Science Center, Inc.
EIN: 02-0526488
as of September 2024
as of September 09, 2024
Mission
Our Mission: To spark curiosity, enhance understanding, and inspire conservation of our Blue Planet. Located within Odiorne Point State Park, Seacoast Science Center provides educational experiences on behalf of New Hampshire State Parks and have been connecting people to the wonders of our coast since 1992. Our live animal exhibits feature the amazing creatures that live in the rapidly changing Gulf of Maine ecosystem. Our engaging programs make learning about the ocean fun for everyone, from pre-K to senior rediscovery. Our hands-on science exhibits motivate families to become caretakers of our Blue Planet. We also operate the Seacoast Science Center Marine Mammal Rescue program, responding to marine mammals along the coast of NH and northern MA.
Ruling year
2002
Chief Executive Officer
Jim Chase
Main address
570 Ocean Blvd. PO Box 570
Rye, NH 03870 USA
EIN
02-0526488
Marine science
Natural history museums
Population served
Children and youth
Students
Families
Adults
NTEE code
Natural History, Natural Science Museums (A56)
Single Organization Support (D11)
Marine Science and Oceanography (U21)
IRS subsection
501(c)(3) Public Charity
IRS filing requirement
This organization is required to file an IRS Form 990 or 990-EZ.
Tax forms
Communication
Programs and results
Reports and documents
Download annual reports Download other documentsWhat we aim to solve
The Seacoast Science Center works to inspire conservation of our Blue Planet. Sadly, our natural resources and the world ocean, which sustain the wondrous and varied life on our only planet, are threatened by pollution, over-exploitation, a changing climate, and often, a lack of awareness and general disregard. We believe that the Seacoast Science Center’s style of environmental education can increase understanding of the natural world and with increased awareness afforded by personal experiences, people will be motivated to take actions in their daily lives that enhance conservation and environmental sustainability.
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
Marine Science Center
Located on the rocky coast in historic Odiorne Point State Park in Rye, NH, Seacoast Science Center is a marine education, recreation, and science resource dedicated to inspiring active conservation. SSC features aquariums, indoor touch tanks, interactive exhibits, and naturalist-led programs and events that teach people about the importance of the marine environment so that they are empowered to build a healthier ocean and a better planet. At SSC, visitors have a rare opportunity to experience first-hand New Hampshire's coastal environments including sandy beaches, rocky shores, tidal estuaries, diverse freshwater habitats, and woodlands. Programs are offered for all ages, from toddlers to seniors, throughout the year. Seacoast Science Center Marine Mammal Rescue advances wildlife conservation through stranded marine mammal response, care, and community outreach in New Hampshire and Northern Massachusetts.
Marine Mammal Rescue
The Seacoast Science Center was granted authorization by the National Marine Fisheries Service to lead New Hampshire's marine mammal rescue effort, effective January 1, 2014. The Center's Marine Mammal Rescue Team responds to stranded, injured and diseased seals, whales, porpoises, and dolphins in NH's coastal region. In 2018, this territory was expanded to include northern Massachusetts from Essex to Salisbury.
All marine mammals are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act, enacted by the federal government on October 21, 1972. Fulfilling this requirement, the Center's Marine Mammal Rescue Team staffs a 24/7 hotline (603-997-9448) and deploys first responders. Collaborating with New England Aquarium and rehabilitation facilities in the region, the Center leads the rescues; the Aquarium conducts the necropsy and pathology, and rehabilitation facilities care for and release animals.
Environmental Day Camp
With seven different habitats in Odiorne Point State Park to explore, and live animal and hands-on exhibits in the Center to reinforce learning, campers gain a great understanding and appreciation of the natural world around them. Camp, for ages 4 to grade 5, runs during spring and winter regional school vacations and all summer long. Summer programs are also offered for grades 6-8 and grades 9-12.
School and Group Programs
Marine Science and Coastal Programs for Schools and Groups
The Seacoast Science Center is the ideal setting for environmental education field trips. Located in Odiorne Point State Park in Rye, New Hampshire, there are seven different natural habitats and 135 acres to explore. Live animal and interpretive exhibits inside the Center reinforce learning.
Program options include:
- On-site Outdoor Programs
- On-site Indoor Programs
- Outreach Programs
- Virtual Field Trip Programs
Each year we reach over 32,000 students from across New England, and "virtually" from around the nation.
Exhibits
Our exhibits provide self-guided and docent-led educational opportunities for all visitors. Visitors can get up close and personal with the fascinating creatures that live just outside our doors. Learn about whales and other marine mammals of the Gulf of Maine and about the work we do to protect them. Find out how scientists explore the deep and learn why ocean health matters. Young children can jump aboard a mini lobster boat in the Discovery Dock and bring their catch home to market. Restoring Reefs teaches about the importance of healthy reef ecosystems and NH Beaches helps people understand the need to protect our coastal habitats for wildlife and humans alike.
Where we work
Affiliations & memberships
New England Museum Association Excellence Award 2022
Photos
Videos
Our results
How does this organization measure their results? It's a hard question but an important one.
Evaluation documents
Download evaluation reportsTotal number of paid admissions
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Adults, Children and youth
Type of Metric
Input - describing resources we use
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
Total number of visitors who paid admission to Seacoast Science Center during each calendar year. The decline is visitation in 2020 was due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Number of students educated through field trips
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Children and youth
Related Program
School and Group Programs
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
Total number of students (preschool and K-12) who were served via on-site and off-site educational programs. The decline in students in 2020 was due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Number of marine mammals responded to
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Adults
Related Program
Marine Mammal Rescue
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
2020's decline in cases is due, in part, to limited beach access due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and fewer reporting beachgoers. 2018's elevated case numbers is due to an unusual mortality event.
Number of volunteers
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Adults
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
Number of unpaid volunteers donating their time to Seacoast Science Center programs and events. The decline in volunteers in 2020 is due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
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?
Seacoast Science Center’s mission is to spark curiosity, enhance understanding and inspire conservation of our Blue Planet with an audience that includes families, individuals, schools, community groups, civic leaders and philanthropic organizations. In our recently completed strategic plan, we have identified four main goals for making an impact in our region:
- Broaden our Impact: engage more community members, including those of diverse backgrounds, with Seacoast Science Center (SSC).
- Amplify our Message: help the community to see SSC as a safe space, integral to the cultural fabric of the Seacoast, which advocates for science, critical thinking, and conservation of our natural resources, with focus on the world ocean.
- Foster a Culture of Philanthropy: take actions that show SSC to be a place that shares and reflects their values and is worthy of investment.
- Elevate the Visitor Experience: work to ensure that visitors’ experiences are rich, meaningful, and inspiring.
What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?
SSC has identified 6 key strategies for accomplishing its goals:
1. Educate through Fostering Personal Connections
2. Elevate Visitor Experience through Public Programs & Exhibits
3. Honor Our Partnership with NH Division of Parks & Recreation
4. Make a Commitment to Institutional Growth
5. Create a Culture of Philanthropy & Financial Stability
6. Enhance Community Engagement & Brand Development
Each of these six strategies has an associated set of concrete action steps (too numerous to include here!) that are being addressed by staff and board members in order to make meaningful change over the next 1-3 years. Regular meetings are held to monitor progress and add additional action steps as needed.
What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?
SSC is working toward its goals with a wide range of assets. The Center has a dedicated staff of well-educated employees, many of whom have been with the Center for more than 15 years and have expertise in education, science, marketing, financial management, fundraising and more. SSC staff members were all involved in the creation of the strategic plan and are committed to taking identified action steps. The Center also has a dedicated Board of Directors who offer a broad array of business skills and civic engagement. The Center’s robust partnership with NH Division of Parks ensures ongoing implementation of joint programming and support of mission. Dozens of businesses invest in the Center as event and program sponsors each year, and the Center works with more than 85 partner organizations. Our volunteer program engages over 1,700 year-round and special project volunteers from the community. The Center is also actively exploring a longer-term capital improvements.
What have they accomplished so far and what's next?
Seacoast Science Center has taken many actions to bring its identified goals to fruition:
- Completed a comprehensive strategic plan.
- Developed and implemented higher-level science programs for middle and high school students.
- Launched several Community (Citizen) Science programs, where community members engage in ongoing environmental/species data collection and assessment.
- Installed new major exhibitions; including Our Dynamic Gulf of Maine, Restoring Reefs, NH Beaches, and The Science of Seabirds; to help people better understand their relationship to marine and coastal environments, and our need to protect them.
- Strengthened our partnership with the NH Division of Parks.
- Taken a more active public stance on conservation-related issues.
- Bolstered our financial assistance programs for those in financial need and added a free monthly program.
- Increased accessibility efforts, gaining KultureCity certification.
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 strengthen relationships with the people we serve
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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?
We don't have any major challenges to collecting feedback
Financials
Financial documents
Download audited financialsRevenue vs. expenses: breakdown
Liquidity in 2023 info
3.84
Months of cash in 2023 info
4.9
Fringe rate in 2023 info
15%
Funding sources info
Assets & liabilities info
Financial data
Seacoast Science Center, Inc.
Balance sheetFiscal Year: Jan 01 - Dec 31
The balance sheet gives a snapshot of the financial health of an organization at a particular point in time. An organization's total assets should generally exceed its total liabilities, or it cannot survive long, but the types of assets and liabilities must also be considered. For instance, an organization's current assets (cash, receivables, securities, etc.) should be sufficient to cover its current liabilities (payables, deferred revenue, current year loan, and note payments). Otherwise, the organization may face solvency problems. On the other hand, an organization whose cash and equivalents greatly exceed its current liabilities might not be putting its money to best use.
Fiscal Year: Jan 01 - Dec 31
This snapshot of Seacoast Science Center, Inc.’s financial trends applies Nonprofit Finance Fund® analysis to data hosted by GuideStar. While it highlights the data that matter most, remember that context is key – numbers only tell part of any story.
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Business model indicators
| Profitability info | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted surplus (deficit) before depreciation | $10,144 | $189,555 | $967,039 | -$656,156 | -$926 |
| As % of expenses | 0.7% | 14.3% | 65.1% | -31.0% | 0.0% |
| Unrestricted surplus (deficit) after depreciation | -$31,108 | $143,129 | $945,873 | -$692,441 | -$39,942 |
| As % of expenses | -2.0% | 10.4% | 62.8% | -32.2% | -1.8% |
| Revenue composition info | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total revenue (unrestricted & restricted) | $1,503,536 | $1,413,260 | $2,391,425 | $4,321,753 | $1,952,847 |
| Total revenue, % change over prior year | 16.8% | -6.0% | 69.2% | 80.7% | -54.8% |
| Program services revenue | 48.9% | 25.0% | 25.7% | 18.5% | 47.4% |
| Membership dues | 7.1% | 3.4% | 3.1% | 2.8% | 7.0% |
| Investment income | 0.5% | 0.3% | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.2% |
| Government grants | 2.4% | 18.5% | 1.9% | 0.3% | 4.3% |
| All other grants and contributions | 34.5% | 55.0% | 66.8% | 70.0% | 32.2% |
| Other revenue | 6.6% | -2.3% | 2.4% | 8.2% | 8.8% |
| Expense composition info | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total expenses before depreciation | $1,502,112 | $1,325,282 | $1,484,879 | $2,117,439 | $2,220,114 |
| Total expenses, % change over prior year | 14.3% | -11.8% | 12.0% | 42.6% | 4.8% |
| Personnel | 67.7% | 76.7% | 65.8% | 62.7% | 64.5% |
| Professional fees | 1.8% | 2.1% | 9.5% | 12.0% | 8.1% |
| Occupancy | 1.2% | 1.8% | 0.9% | 0.8% | 0.5% |
| Interest | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.2% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| Pass-through | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| All other expenses | 29.3% | 19.3% | 23.6% | 24.6% | 27.0% |
| Full cost components (estimated) info | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total expenses (after depreciation) | $1,543,364 | $1,371,708 | $1,506,045 | $2,153,724 | $2,259,130 |
| One month of savings | $125,176 | $110,440 | $123,740 | $176,453 | $185,010 |
| Debt principal payment | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Fixed asset additions | $73,778 | $0 | $0 | $241,986 | $162,781 |
| Total full costs (estimated) | $1,742,318 | $1,482,148 | $1,629,785 | $2,572,163 | $2,606,921 |
Capital structure indicators
| Liquidity info | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Months of cash | 4.3 | 7.9 | 13.5 | 7.2 | 4.9 |
| Months of cash and investments | 4.3 | 7.9 | 13.5 | 7.2 | 4.9 |
| Months of estimated liquid unrestricted net assets | 4.4 | 6.9 | 14.1 | 4.8 | 3.7 |
| Balance sheet composition info | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cash | $536,503 | $867,544 | $1,664,470 | $1,269,747 | $903,727 |
| Investments | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Receivables | $64,934 | $69,627 | $78,475 | $2,470,046 | $2,476,425 |
| Gross land, buildings, equipment (LBE) | $2,897,205 | $2,903,184 | $2,929,975 | $3,202,911 | $3,375,786 |
| Accumulated depreciation (as a % of LBE) | 54.4% | 56.9% | 58.7% | 55.8% | 54.4% |
| Liabilities (as a % of assets) | 4.7% | 12.5% | 5.3% | 3.9% | 4.6% |
| Unrestricted net assets | $1,867,786 | $2,010,915 | $2,956,788 | $2,264,347 | $2,224,405 |
| Temporarily restricted net assets | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Permanently restricted net assets | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Total restricted net assets | $252,422 | $186,169 | $185,637 | $3,036,607 | $2,817,580 |
| Total net assets | $2,120,208 | $2,197,084 | $3,142,425 | $5,300,954 | $5,041,985 |
Key data checks
| Key data checks info | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material data errors | No | No | No | No | No |
Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
Documents
Chief Executive Officer
Jim Chase
Number of employees
Source: IRS Form 990
Seacoast Science Center, Inc.
Officers, directors, trustees, and key employeesSOURCE: IRS Form 990
Compensation data
There are no highest paid employees recorded for this organization.
Seacoast Science Center, Inc.
Board of directorsas of 06/10/2024
Board of directors data
Richard Dumore
Mark Wiley
Linda Sanborn
Baker, Newman and Noyes
Katharine Brown
Brian Fitzgerald
Kathryn Drew
Merrill Lynch
James Glynn
Physical Sciences, Inc.
Allison McLean
Evresource
John Diamond
Whitney Gagnon
Reid Smith
David Wendell Associates
Brian Wilson
New Hampshire State Parks
Diane Foster
University of New Hampshire
David White
Charles Potter
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 ? No -
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
Transgender Identity
Sexual orientation
No data
Disability
No data
Equity strategies
Last updated: 01/19/2021GuideStar 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 have a promotion process that anticipates and mitigates implicit and explicit biases about people of color serving in leadership positions.
- 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.
Contractors
Fiscal year endingProfessional fundraisers
Fiscal year endingSOURCE: IRS Form 990 Schedule G
Solicitation activities
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- Letter of Determination
- Officer and/or Employee data for 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019
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