The Seattle Aquarium Society logo

The Seattle Aquarium Society

Public charity · Grantmaker Seattle, WA EIN: 91-1189249 Website

Our mission is inspiring conservation of our marine environment.

Key facts about The Seattle Aquarium Society

In short: The Seattle Aquarium Society gave $21K across 3 grants in 2024 (avg $7K), mostly in Washington. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.

EIN
91-1189249
Latest 990 filing
Form 990, 2024
Annual giving (2024)
$21,149
Grants made (2024)
3
Average grant
$7,050
Median grant
$6,626
Total assets
$211,400,999
Primary geography
Washington (100% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)

Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated September 2026.

Financial Overview

From 2024 IRS Form 990 · View filing

Total Assets

$211.4M

+22.1% YoY

Annual Giving

$21K

-65.3% YoY

Grant Count

3

Avg Grant Size

$7K

How The Seattle Aquarium Society gives

  • Giving grew 66% from 2021 to 2024. Method

From the foundation's IRS Form 990 filings. Methodology.

About The Seattle Aquarium Society

Based on IRS filings

The Seattle Aquarium Society is a public charity focused on Environment & Animals, based in Seattle, WA. IRS filing data is available from 2020 through 2024. As of 2024, the organization holds $211.4M in total assets. In 2024, it awarded 3 grants totaling $21K. Net investment income was $542K.

Your AI grants department

Ready to take the next step with The Seattle Aquarium Society?

Fully replaces Grant database subscriptions Instrumentl · Foundation Directory · GrantStation & similar

Geographic Focus

Where this funder awards grants

Grant Distribution by State

1state

Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 3 itemized grants.

States

Cities

SeattleEastsoundEverettMarysvilleMount Vernon

Giving Over Time

Total grant dollars and number of grants per year

$0$50K$100K$150K2 grants2020 1 grant2021 Total only2022 Total only2023 3 grants2024

From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $13K (2021) to $150K (2022). In 2024 it made 3 grants totaling $21K.

Hatched bars: grants paid as reported on the IRS filing, which lists no individual grants for that year.

Grant Insights

How this funder distributes its grants

Top Recipients

Top 3 recipients in 2024

Marysville School District: $9KMarysville School District$9KMount Vernon School District: $7KMount Vernon School District$7KMukilteo School District No 6: $5KMukilteo School District No 6$5K

The largest 2024 recipient was Marysville School District ($9K). Together the top 3 received $21K.

Grant Size Distribution

6 grants across all recorded years

6<$50K$50–100K$100–250K$250–500K$500K–1M$1–5M$5M+

The most common grant size was under $50K: 6 grants of 6 (100%).

Giving History

Grant recipients and amounts by year

RecipientPurposeAmount
Marysville School District Marysville, WABus transportation reimbursement for school visit to the aquarium$9,050
Mount Vernon School District Mount Vernon, WABus transportation reimbursement for school visit to the aquarium$6,626
Mukilteo School District No 6 Everett, WABus transportation reimbursement for school visit to the aquarium$5,473

Financial History

Multi-year comparison from IRS filings

Revenue
Expenses
Net Investment Income
$0$20M$40M$60M2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Metric202420232022
Total Assets$211,400,999$173,148,773$96,602,410
Revenue$54,098,416$53,341,342$45,089,878
Expenses$34,291,394$30,313,177$24,318,050
Net Investment Income$542,307$702,361$171,332

Data update history

When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable

  1. Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 13, 2021)
  2. Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 14, 2022)
  3. Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 15, 2023)
  4. Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 13, 2024)
  5. Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 17, 2025)
  6. IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024

Leadership & Key People

Officers and directors from IRS filings

The Seattle Aquarium Society is led by Robert W. Davidson, President & CEO on every filing since 2020; 10 of 62 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.

Officers on the 2024 filing

  • Robert W. Davidson

    President & CEO

    On filings since 2020

    40 hrs/week

    $296K (2020) → $391K (2024)

  • Michael Guidon

    Chair

    Director → Vice Chair & Chair Elect, 2021

    Vice Chair & Chair Elect → Chair, 2023

    On filings since 2020

    3 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • Andre Nguyen

    Senior Director of Technology

    On filings since 2022

    40 hrs/week

    $112K (2022) → $158K (2024)

  • Susan Bullerdick

    Senior Director of Capital Projects

    Senior Director Fo Capital Projects → Senior Director of Capital Projects, 2023

    On filings since 2022

    40 hrs/week

    $114K (2022) → $163K (2024)

  • Derek Baker

    Senior Director of Strat. Initiatives

    On filings since 2023

    40 hrs/week

    $141K (2023) → $161K (2024)

  • Efrat Hurvitz

    Senior Director of People & Culture

    New on the 2024 filing

    40 hrs/week

    $176K (2024)

  • Andrew Bleiman

    Director

    On filings since 2020

    3 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • Bill Chapin

    Director

    On filings since 2020

    3 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • Bob C. Donegan

    Director

    Director → Immediate Past Chair, 2021

    Immediate Past Chair → Director, 2023

    On filings since 2020

    3 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • Carla C. Wigen

    Director

    On filings since 2020

    3 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • Cary Clark

    Director

    On filings since 2020

    3 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • Casey J. Schuchart

    Director

    On filings since 2020

    3 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • Charles Wright Jr.

    Director

    On filings since 2020

    3 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • Christian Sinderman

    Director

    On filings since 2020

    3 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • Christopher Williams

    Director

    Executive Officio → Director, 2024

    On filings since 2020

    3 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • Dan M. Guy III

    Director

    On filings since 2020

    3 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • Dave Magee

    Director

    On filings since 2020

    3 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • Eddie Chang

    Director

    On filings since 2020

    3 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • Gary Kunis

    Director

    On filings since 2020

    3 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • Gary T. Smith

    Director

    On filings since 2020

    3 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • George V. Willoughby Jr.

    Director

    On filings since 2020

    3 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • Ivan Seda

    Director

    On filings since 2020

    3 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • J. Terry McLaughlin

    Director

    On filings since 2020

    3 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • James C. Gurke

    Director

    On filings since 2020

    3 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • Janet Haberbush

    Director

    On filings since 2020

    3 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • John R. Braden

    Director

    Executive Officio → Director, 2023

    On filings since 2020

    3 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • Katherine A. Krogslund

    Director

    On filings since 2020

    3 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • Kevin L. Blair

    Director

    On filings since 2020

    3 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • Laura Macneil

    Director

    On filings since 2020

    3 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • Lisa C. Luther

    Director

    On filings since 2020

    3 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • Marcus Trufant

    Director

    On filings since 2020

    3 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • Mark E. Kramer

    Director

    On filings since 2020

    3 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • Michael Trzupek

    Director

    On filings since 2020

    3 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • Patti Dill

    Director

    Immediate Past Chair → Director, 2021

    On filings since 2020

    3 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • Philip M. Guess

    Director

    On filings since 2020

    3 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • Randy J. Tinseth

    Director

    On filings since 2020

    3 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • Robert W. Power

    Director

    On filings since 2020

    3 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • Stephanie Kornblum

    Director

    On filings since 2020

    3 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • Stuart T. Rolfe

    Director

    On filings since 2020

    3 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • Susan L. Gates

    Director

    On filings since 2020

    3 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • Susie Wyckoff

    Director

    On filings since 2020

    3 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • William T. Einstein

    Director

    On filings since 2020

    3 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • Baionne Coleman

    Director

    On filings since 2022

    3 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • Duncan Butcher

    Director

    On filings since 2022

    3 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • Julie Syrdal

    Director

    On filings since 2022

    3 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • Mike Anderson

    Director

    On filings since 2022

    3 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • Tom Raaf

    Director

    On filings since 2022

    3 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • Ap Diaz

    Director

    On filings since 2023

    3 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • Fa'izah Bradford

    Director

    New on the 2024 filing

    3 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • Joy Hollingsworth

    Director

    New on the 2024 filing

    3 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • Kelly Chapman

    Director

    New on the 2024 filing

    3 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • Rachel Smith

    Director

    New on the 2024 filing

    3 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • Susan Ruffo

    Director

    New on the 2024 filing

    3 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • Tenika Versey Walker

    Director

    New on the 2024 filing

    3 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • Rachael L. Weakland

    Vice President of Philanthropy

    On filings since 2020

    40 hrs/week

    $143K (2020) → $223K (2024)

  • Richard A. Johnson

    Vice President of Finance & Administration

    Director of Finance & Administration → Vice President of Finance & Administration, 2022

    On filings since 2020

    40 hrs/week

    $156K (2020) → $248K (2024)

  • Jesse Phillips-Kress

    Vice President of Facilities & Operations

    On filings since 2022

    40 hrs/week

    $116K (2022) → $167K (2024)

  • Kathryn Willson

    Vice President of Marketing & Communications

    On filings since 2022

    40 hrs/week

    $125K (2022) → $163K (2024)

  • Erin Meyer Beetham

    Chief Conservation Officer

    On filings since 2023

    40 hrs/week

    $155K (2023) → $205K (2024)

  • Erin J. Letey

    Secretary

    On filings since 2020

    3 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • Karissa A. Marker

    Treasurer

    On filings since 2020

    3 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • Melissa Mager

    Immediate Past Chair

    Chair → Immediate Past Chair, 2023

    On filings since 2020

    3 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

Former officers (20)
  • Former: Effie Gleason (2020–2023) — Director
  • Former: Grant Abel (2020–2023) — Vice President of Animal Care
  • Former: John Delaney (2020–2023) — Director
  • Former: Tim Kuniholm (2020–2023) — Senior Director of Pr & Partnerships
  • Former: Tomoko Moriguchi-Matsuno (2020–2023) — Director
  • Former: Bradley Rutherford (2021–2023) — Chief Operations Officer
  • Former: Andrew Lewis (2022–2023) — Director
  • Former: James Wharton (2023) — Vice President of Conservation Engmt & Learning
  • Former: Lisa Graumlich PhD (2020–2022) — Director
  • Former: Chang Eddie (2022) — Director
  • Former: Alex Washburn (2020–2021) — Director
  • Former: Jesus Aguirre (2020–2021) — Executive Officio
  • Former: Michael Purpura (2020–2021) — Director
  • Former: Natalya Leahy (2020–2021) — Director
  • Former: Nathan Rauschenberg (2020–2021) — Director
  • Former: Terren Drake (2020–2021) — Director
  • Former: Veronica Smolen (2020–2021) — Director of Human Resources
  • Former: Jim Wharton (2021) — Director of Conservation Engagement
  • Former: Barbara Pinette (2020) — Director of Marketing & Comms
  • Former: Brad Rutherford (2020) — Chief Operations Officer

Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.

Compensation Overview

From 2024 IRS filing

Robert W Davidson — President & CEO: $391KRobert W DavidsonPresident & CEO$391KRichard a Johnson — VP of Finance & Administration: $248KRichard a JohnsonVP of Finance & Administration$248KRachael Weakland — VP of Philanthropy: $223KRachael WeaklandVP of Philanthropy$223KErin Meyer Beetham — Chief Conservation Officer: $205KErin Meyer BeethamChief Conservation Officer$205KEfrat Hurvitz — Sr. Director of People and Culture: $176KEfrat HurvitzSr. Director of People and…$176KJesse Phillips-Kress — VP of Facilities & Operations: $167KJesse Phillips-KressVP of Facilities & Operations$167KKathryn Willson — VP of Marketing & Communications: $163KKathryn WillsonVP of Marketing & Communications$163KSusan Bullerdick — Sr. Director of Capital Projects: $163KSusan BullerdickSr. Director of Capital Projects$163KDerek Baker — Sr. Director of Strat. Initiatives: $161KDerek BakerSr. Director of Strat.…$161KAndre Nguyen — Sr. Director of Technology: $158KAndre NguyenSr. Director of Technology$158K

The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $391K, to Robert W Davidson (President & CEO). 10 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.

Frequently asked questions about The Seattle Aquarium Society

How much does The Seattle Aquarium Society give each year?

The Seattle Aquarium Society gave $21K across 3 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it reported $61K in grants paid.

What is The Seattle Aquarium Society's typical grant size?

The Seattle Aquarium Society's median grant in 2024 was $6,626, and its average grant was $7,050, across 3 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990.

Where does The Seattle Aquarium Society give grants?

The Seattle Aquarium Society gives mostly in Washington: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there.

Does The Seattle Aquarium Society give general operating support?

Not in 2024: none of the 3 grants with a stated purpose on The Seattle Aquarium Society's 2024 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support.

How large is The Seattle Aquarium Society?

The Seattle Aquarium Society reported $211.4M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $54.1M.

What is The Seattle Aquarium Society?

The Seattle Aquarium Society is a public charity focused on Environment & Animals, based in Seattle, WA. It holds $211.4M in total assets as of 2024.

What is The Seattle Aquarium Society's EIN?

The Seattle Aquarium Society's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 91-1189249. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.

Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings.

Your AI grants department

Here's the math on researching The Seattle Aquarium Society by hand.

Explore Open Grants

Browse active grant opportunities in The Seattle Aquarium Society's focus areas in our free grants database

Similar Funders

Similar funders in Washington

Seattle Foundation

Seattle, WA

Seattle Foundation supports community-led solutions, racial and economic equity, policy and systems change, and a broad range of community needs through donor-recommended and foundation-directed grants. Its 2024 median grant was $6,000, and its giving primarily serves Greater Seattle and Washington, with some grants made nationally and internationally.

Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking

Assets

$1.4B

Grants

5,379

Total Given

$177.9M

Gates Foundation

Seattle, WA

The Gates Foundation funds work to reduce disease and poverty, improve health and gender equality in lower-income countries, and support education and economic mobility in the United States, especially Washington State; it works in more than 140 countries. Its 2024 grants had a median of $500,000, with awards ranging from $1 to $350.5 million. It generally does not accept unsolicited proposals, but periodically offers opportunities through published requests for proposals.

Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking

Assets

$78.7B

Grants

4,974

Total Given

$6.3B

M J Murdock Charitable Trust

Vancouver, WA

The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust funds nonprofit capacity-building and projects in arts and culture, civic and community services, education, health and environmental stewardship, and scientific research across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. Its 2024 median grant was $87,000, with awards ranging from $4,000 to about $1.55 million. Eligible organizations can submit a Letter of Inquiry; full applications are by invitation.

Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking

Assets

$2.0B

Grants

797

Total Given

$116.6M

The Avista Foundation

Spokane, WA

The Avista Foundation supports 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in education, basic needs and poverty, and economic and cultural vitality. Its 2025 grants had a median of $1,000, though awards ranged from $20 to $350,000, and it serves communities in eastern Washington, northern Idaho, parts of southern Oregon, Sanders County, Montana, and Juneau, Alaska.

Assets

$10.6M

Grants

577

Total Given

$2.2M

Scholar Fund

Seattle, WA

Scholar Fund supports community organizations and programs addressing childcare, college access, economic hardship, and barriers to resources, with a focus on underserved communities. Its 2023 grants had a median of $23,486 and ranged from $5,036 to $1,313,081; 98% of grant dollars went to Washington recipients. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.

Assets

$5.2M

Grants

535

Total Given

$23.1M

The Roots and Wings Foundation Inc

Seattle, WA

The Roots & Wings Foundation supports nonprofits helping low-income children and families thrive, especially from pregnancy through age three, in areas including basic needs, early learning, health, and safety and justice. Its 2024 grants ranged from $100 to $2 million, with a median of $55,000, and it funds organizations in Wisconsin, Washington, and nationally. It does not accept unsolicited requests; it identifies potential partners and invites aligned organizations to apply.

Assets

$611.8M

Grants

518

Total Given

$66.6M

The Norcliffe Foundation

Seattle, WA

The Norcliffe Foundation funds Puget Sound nonprofits in areas including human services, education, healthcare, arts and culture, environment, and community projects; it supports programs, operations, capacity building, and capital projects. Grants vary widely, but the median is $20,000 and nearly 60% are $15,000 or less. It serves 11 counties in Washington’s Puget Sound region and accepts applications year-round through its online system.

Assets

$1.0B

Grants

454

Total Given

$56.5M

Artsfund

Seattle, WA

ArtsFund supports Washington arts and cultural organizations, primarily through unrestricted operating grants, with some project and capital support. Its 2025 itemized grants ranged from $5,934 to $860,000, with a median of $17,500; the Annual Allocations program is invitation-only, and the profile does not state whether other programs accept unsolicited requests.

Arts, Culture & Humanities

Assets

$9.6M

Grants

434

Total Given

$10.8M

Innovia Foundation

Spokane, WA

Innovia Foundation supports charities, public entities, and other eligible organizations working in arts and culture, economic opportunity, education and youth development, health and wellbeing, and quality of life. Its 2026 Community Grants are typically around $7,500, with a maximum of $15,000, for work in 20 counties across Eastern Washington and North Idaho; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.

Assets

$286.5M

Grants

422

Total Given

$12.7M

World Vision Inc

Federal Way, WA

World Vision funds international community development and emergency relief, as well as U.S. domestic programs and family assistance, with grants supporting needs such as disaster relief, food, housing, health, education, and child protection. In 2025, grants ranged from $5,139 to $14.46 million, with a median of $65,954; its work spans nearly 100 countries and the United States. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.

Assets

$515.3M

Grants

410

Total Given

$157.4M

Thurston County Economic Development COU

Lacey, WA

Thurston County Economic Development Council supports economic development in Thurston County, including local businesses and childcare providers; its 2024 filing lists ten daycare grants of $50,000 each. Its grantmaking focuses on Washington, and the available information does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.

Assets

$1.1M

Grants

10

Total Given

$500K

Greater Good Charities

Seattle, WA

Greater Good Charities supports animal welfare, humanitarian aid, conservation, and disaster response, including through cash grants, supplies, and programs. Its 2025 grants had a median of $37,406, though awards ranged widely, and it supports partners in the United States and internationally. Many grants are invitation-only; its website lists opportunities as they become available.

Assets

$24.4M

Grants

357

Total Given

$123.4M

More Funders in Washington

The Seattle Aquarium Society down — hundreds of funders to go?

Want AI to do this for you?