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Corporate Giving

Shedd Aquarium connects people to the living world, inspiring them to make a difference. That’s our mission.

While the wording has changed some since 1924, when our founder, John G. Shedd, fostered a vision for Chicago’s culture growth, the goals have not: We engage and inspire, entertain and inform. We are a vital teaching and learning resource, conservation leader, neighborhood partner and global collaborator. We are passionate about our animals, their habitats and the planet we share. We consistently lead in the fields of aquatic science, animal health, education and conservation.

And the aquarium is the most-visited cultural institution in Chicago, with nearly 2 million annual visitors. Shedd Aquarium’s corporate giving program offers companies of all sizes the opportunity to align with The World’s Aquarium. Dive in and get involved!

Corporate Connections Membership Program

Connect with Chicago’s No. 1 cultural institution by joining the growing number of companies supporting Shedd through our corporate membership program. Corporate Connections allows your employees to experience Shedd’s world-class exhibits, beloved animal collection and nationally recognized education and conservation programs free or at a discounted admission.

Current Corporate Connections members:
View your benefits

To find out how your organization can join our growing list of corporate members, please contact Lauren Maziarz at 312-692-2708 or lmaziarz@sheddaquarium.org.

Corporate Sponsorships

Shedd Aquarium offers an array of sponsorship opportunities that include exposure to our 2 million annual guests, 36,000 member households and 400,000 visiting schoolchildren. Whether your goal is community outreach and involvement, conservation support, increased brand recognition, cause marketing, or client entertainment, we can create a customized benefits package to develop a mutually beneficial partnership. Sponsorship benefits can include

• Exposure in print, radio, television and on-line advertising
• Exposure on marketing collateral and on-site signage
• Product sampling and retail opportunities
• Promotional opportunities
• Employee benefits, tickets, memberships and more

For more information about Shedd’s corporate sponsorship program, please contact Libby Joyce at 312-692-3218 or ejoyce@sheddaquarium.org.

Grant Opportunities

Financial support from the corporate community enables Shedd to advance its aquatic education and conservation programs, research and general operations. Shedd has a suite of programs to align with your organization’s funding objectives.

For more information, please contact Lauren Maziarz at 312-692-2708 or lmaziarz@sheddaquarium.org.

Special Events

Shedd Aquarium’s annual fundraising events include our Board of Trustees gala, BLU hosted by our Auxiliary Board, and Art Sharks. A variety of opportunities are available to support the community’s most talked about events. Sponsorship benefits may include exposure on event marketing collateral, on-site recognition, event tickets and more. All event proceeds benefit Shedd Aquarium’s education and conservation initiatives.

For more information, please contact Lauren Maziarz at 312-692-2708 or lmaziarz@sheddaquarium.org.

Making Waves Campaign for the New Oceanarium

Help support Shedd’s historic $100 million dollar campaign for the new Oceanarium. Renovating our marine mammal pavilion was a nine-month, round-the-clock project. The Oceanarium reopened in mid 2009 and introduced significant changes to the renowned home of our marine mammals, including

• New and enhanced animal habitats
• Amphitheater upgrades and a new “must-see” multispecies aquatic show
• Polar Play Zone children’s exhibit
• Infrastructure/guest amenity upgrades
• Expanded dining options
• Group reception center and more

The campaign for Chicago’s Oceanarium continues. For more information about the Making Waves campaign, please contact Sandy Marek at 312-692-3263 or smarek@sheddaquarium.org.

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Shedd's Official Sponsors