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V O L . X X X I I N O. X X I I 18 G I V I N G G U I D E 2 0 2 6 – 2 0 2 7 N O N P RO F I T P RO F I L E P H O T O / C O U R T E S Y O F B E T H O R C U T T P H O T O / C O U R T E S Y O F B I G E L OW L A BO R AT O R Y F O R O C E A N S C I E N C E S Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences AT A GLANCE Established: 1974 Employees: 107 Annual revenue: $20.9 million 60 Bigelow Drive East Boothbay, ME 04544 (207) 315-2567 www.bigelow.org @bigelow_laboratory bigelowlab.bsky.social BigelowLab bigelow-laboratory-for-ocean-sciences AWARDS/ACCOLADES: 2026: Charity Navigator Four-star Rating and Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency; 2025: Deborah Bronk, President & CEO, MaineBiz Business Leaders of the Year; 2023: Best Places to Work in Maine; and 2022: United Nations Ocean Decade endorsement. MISSION STATEMENT: We study the foundation of global ocean health and use our discoveries to improve the future for all life on the planet. Our vision is a world where scientific understanding of the ocean turns the tide on global challenges and unlocks the potential of the ocean to support society. SERVICE LOCATIONS: Our scientists conduct research globally — from the Gulf of Maine and the polar regions to the tropics and deep ocean. We're headquartered in East Boothbay (Lincoln County). TOP FUNDING SOURCES: 53.9% Federal and state agencies (grant income) 28.5% Private donors (including endowment gifts) 11% Fee-for-service contracts 3.5% Course fees/academic affiliations 3.1% Foundations (grant income) 2026/2027 GOALS Bigelow Laboratory's strategic goals have been set by our board of directors, scientists, and staff. These include: f Holding the line amid the evolving federal landscape by investing in new tools to advance science and diversify revenue streams f Be a world-renowned hub of research and technology development in seaweed and microalgae f Be a nexus of organismal- and molecular-level discoveries for blue biotech and ocean stewardship f Forging new frontiers in ocean monitoring and forecasting to increase resilience and predict hazards to human health f Lifting up the next generation of ocean science leaders, including the blue economy workforce FUNDRAISING EVENTS/OPPORTUNITIES f 2026 Annual Fund — Now through Dec. 31; employer matches welcome! Give at donate.bigelow.org. f #GivingTuesday — Global day of generosity, Dec. 1, 2026 f World Ocean Day — June 8, 2027; spring matching gift opportunities f Ocean on Tap — Monthly, researcher-led talks at Footbridge Brewery, Boothbay Harbor and Ækeir Brewing Tasting Room, Wiscasset f Laboratory Tours — Year-round; private group tours on request f Annual Open House — July 2027, featuring campus-wide science exhibits, hands-on activities, tours, and more f Café Sci — Wednesday night talks with our scientists in July and August f Big Splash — Summertime gala-style event and live auction; sponsorships available! Contact Michael at mvilarello@ bigelow.org for info. Visit bigelow.org for more and to follow our discoveries. GIVING OPPORTUNITIES f Donate to the 2026 Annual Fund — Your generosity sustains our ocean research and enables transformative educational experiences f Join the Council or Blue Planet Circle — Annual donors of $5,000+ enjoy exclusive opportunities to connect with others committed to ocean health and science education LEADERSHIP Deborah Bronk, President & CEO BOARD OFFICERS Peter Handy, chairman of the board of directors Elizabeth Bishop, vice chair BOARD MEMBERS Mark Abbott, PhD Jon Bigelow Priscilla Brooks, PhD Barbara Burgess Chris Byrd Michael Conathan Wendy Drummond Deirdre Gibson, PhD Marion Howard Edwin Trautman, PhD Bruce Willard f Become a Corporate Sponsor — Support public programs like Café Sci, our Open House, and future Big Splash events, gaining prominent visibility in front of hundreds through our website, digital, and print materials f Provide In-Kind Support — Contribute valuable services, such as event venue rentals, to help advance our mission f Host a Fundraiser — Organize a one-day event for Bigelow Laboratory on World Ocean Day, June 8! Contact Dana at dwilson@bigelow.org for details. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Your time and talents help Bigelow Laboratory advance our mission. Opportunities include: f Campus Support — Lend a hand with gardening, seasonal upkeep, or preparing our grounds for visitors f Science Ambassadors — Serve as a tour docent, guiding guests through our laboratory and sharing enthusiasm for ocean discovery f Event & Office Assistance — Support community events, mailings, and outreach activities f Creative & Professional Services — Contribute skills in photography, printing, media, event hosting, or other specialized expertise f Leadership Roles — Consider sharing your professional expertise through service on our board of directors or advisory board to help guide Bigelow Laboratory's future Every hour of volunteer support strengthens our science and community. To learn more, contact Dana at dwilson@bigelow.org.