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South Carolina Aquarium

Learn about this cause: What are the reviews? Is it Legit? Do I like the mission? What is the CEO's salary?

EIN: 570961897 ✦ Charleston, SC ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

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Overview

What is South Carolina Aquarium?

The South Carolina Aquarium, located at 100 Aquarium Wharf in Charleston, South Carolina (SC, 29401), is a renowned nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring conservation of the natural world. They achieve this mission through various means: showcasing and caring for an extensive range of aquatic animals, excelling in education and research, and providing an unforgettable visitor experience. Their 93,000 square foot facility is home to a state-of-the-art Environmental Learning Center, which mirrors the diverse ecosystems of the South Carolina watershed: mountains, piedmont, coastal plain, and the ocean. A significant energy performance project was completed in 2016, leading to substantial energy and cost savings. With 240 employees, the South Carolina Aquarium continues to captivate visitors and contribute to conservation efforts.


Official website here: www.scaquarium.org

What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?

Charity Navigator Rating 100% - Four-Star out of Four Star Rating

The South Carolina Aquarium has achieved a perfect score of 100%, reflecting its strong performance in accountability and finance. This four-star rating signifies that the organization adheres to high standards of transparency and governance, with a fully independent board of directors and robust financial oversight mechanisms in place.

The organization boasts a commendable program expense ratio of 74.70%, indicating that a significant majority of its expenditures are directed towards fulfilling its mission, rather than administrative costs. Additionally, there are no reported material diversions of assets, which underscores the aquarium's commitment to responsible financial management and ethical practices.

While the data highlights many strengths, the focus on financial and governance metrics means that additional information about the aquarium's specific programs and their impact on conservation and education would provide a more comprehensive view of its overall effectiveness. Nonetheless, the South Carolina Aquarium demonstrates a strong foundation for potential donors and supporters.


This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator.

Is South Carolina Aquarium legitimate?

South Carolina Aquarium is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. South Carolina Aquarium submitted a form 990, which is a tax form used by tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., indicating its operational transparency and adherence to regulatory requirements. Donations to this organization are tax deductible.


Heare are some key statistics you may want to consider:

Executive Compensation: $1,025,939
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $6,369,584

For more financial information, click here


Official website here: www.scaquarium.org

What is the mission statement of South Carolina Aquarium?

The South Carolina Aquarium is dedicated to inspiring conservation of the natural world. They accomplish this by showcasing and caring for a diverse range of animals, delivering high-quality education and research programs, and providing an exceptional visitor experience. The aquarium's facilities cover various ecosystems found in the Southeast Appalachian watershed. In 2016, the aquarium completed an energy performance project, replacing outdated natural gas and electric power infrastructure, leading to considerable energy and cost savings.


Official website here: www.scaquarium.org

Who is the CEO of South Carolina Aquarium?

Kevin Mills is the Chairman of South Carolina Aquarium.


Official website here: www.scaquarium.org

What is the revenue of South Carolina Aquarium?

South Carolina Aquarium's revenue in 2022 was $28,179,213.


Official website here: www.scaquarium.org

Who are the executives of South Carolina Aquarium and what are their salaries?

The average compensation at South Carolina Aquarium during 2022 was $30,815. There are 240 employees and 250 volunteers at South Carolina Aquarium.


Here are 49 key members and their salaries:


Jonathan M Zucker (Chairman)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Jessica Brewer (Vice Chairma)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
John A Hill (Vice Chairma)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
J Donald Higgins (Treasurer)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Mason Holland (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Tom Wright (Vice Treasur)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Dee Fortson (Secretary)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Dan Battista (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Rongrong Chen Phd (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Larry Colshan (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Robert C Crawford Iii (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
John Danahy (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Suzanne Dickerson (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Anthony S Dixon Ed D (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Steve Dudash (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Steve Durkee (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
W Andrew Gowder Jr (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Dwayne Green (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Elizabeth Colbert-Busch (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Lee Hurzeler (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Steve Gray (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Danny Kassis (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Palmer E Krantz Iii (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Heather Hodges (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
David Johnston (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Judge Daniel E Martin Jr (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Nina Sossamon-Pogue (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Guy Maurice Meares Iii (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Dominique Milton (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Tom S Mullikin Esq (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
John Neely (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
William M Patterson Phd (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Cara J Richard (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Jan Roosenburg (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Scott Snider (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Emily Swanson (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
George P Watt Jr (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Pam Wilson (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Jeddie Suddeth Iii (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
David Wood (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Kevin Mills (President &)
  • Compensation: $316,317
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $22,786
John Lhiggins (Exec. Vp & C)
  • Compensation: $194,960
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $10,305
Jason Oddo (Cfo)
  • Compensation: $170,790
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $2,764
Kevin Kampwerth (Dir. Aq. Exp)
  • Compensation: $144,100
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $20,068
Courtenay Lewandowski (Cao)
  • Compensation: $186,414
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $19,628
Paul Nunez (Dir. Team De)
  • Compensation: $118,877
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $14,405
Amie Yam-Babinchak (Cmo)
  • Compensation: $107,265
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $21,532
Sara Mcdonald (Dir. Of Cons)
  • Compensation: $122,123
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $6,274
Brian Brasher (Dir. Of Faci)
  • Compensation: $117,207
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $20,945


Official website here: www.scaquarium.org

Where can I find the form 990 for South Carolina Aquarium?

South Carolina Aquarium's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.


Official website here: www.scaquarium.org

Learn more at the official website: www.scaquarium.org

Mission Statement of South Carolina Aquarium

The South Carolina Aquarium is dedicated to inspiring conservation of the natural world. Through its mission, the organization showcases and cares for a diverse range of animals, excels in education and research, and offers an exceptional visitor experience. By doing so, it strives to make a positive impact on the environment and inspire others to do the same.

The South Carolina Aquarium's impressive 93,000 square foot facility houses exhibits that reflect the diverse ecosystems found within the Southeast Appalachian watershed of South Carolina, from the mountainous regions to the coastal plain, the coast, and the ocean. In 2016, the aquarium underwent a significant energy performance project, replacing its natural gas and electric power infrastructure, resulting in substantial energy and cost savings.

The South Carolina Aquarium is more than just an exhibition of aquatic life. It serves as a valuable educational resource, providing opportunities for visitors to learn about the natural world and the importance of conservation efforts. The organization's commitment to research ensures that it remains at the forefront of scientific discoveries and contributes to the greater understanding of marine ecosystems. Additionally, the aquarium offers an unparalleled visitor experience, allowing individuals to engage with various marine species and learn about their habitats in a fascinating and interactive way.

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Impact




October, 2024

The South Carolina Aquarium plays a vital role in inspiring conservation and fostering a deep appreciation for the natural world. Through its dynamic exhibits and dedicated animal care, the aquarium showcases a diverse array of species while highlighting the unique ecosystems of the Southeast Appalachian watershed. This immersive experience not only captivates visitors but also educates them about the importance of wildlife conservation and environmental stewardship.

With a state-of-the-art environmental learning center encompassing mountain, piedmont, coastal plain, coast, and ocean ecosystems, the aquarium provides exceptional educational programs and research opportunities that empower individuals to take action in preserving their natural surroundings. Its commitment to sustainable practices is evidenced by a major energy performance project, which has significantly reduced energy consumption and operational costs.

Through these initiatives, the South Carolina Aquarium significantly contributes to community engagement, environmental education, and conservation efforts, ultimately fostering a culture of responsibility toward the planet and its inhabitants.




This information is meant to be a general summary of South Carolina Aquarium. Please take the time to review official sources before making any decisions based upon the content provided here.


Financials

This financial information is from Propublica.

Revenue
$28,179,213 (2022)
Expenses
$14,100,205 (2022)
Efficiency

Other financial information:

This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2022.

  • Investment Income: $47,755
  • Program Service Revenue: $11,562,880
  • Gross Receipts: $28,467,614

Assets and Liabilities:

  • Total Assets: $43,713,929
  • Total Liabilities: $3,727,198
  • Net Assets: $39,986,731

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Programs

Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.

ADMISSIONS

Revenue

$9,070,989

MEMBERSHIPS

Revenue

$1,485,260

SPECIAL EVENTS

Revenue

$704,406

GUEST PROGRAMS

Revenue

$202,316

PROGRAM REVENUES

Revenue

$99,909

Organization Details

Founding Year

1992

Principal Officer

Kevin Mills

Main Address

100 AQUARIUM WHARF, CHARLESTON, SC, 29401

NTEE Category

Code: D500 - Animals

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