Virginia Aquarium Wins Another 4 Star Rating From Charity Navigator

By Joan Barns

Virginia Beach, VA - The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation which raises funds to support the Aquarium’s exhibits, educational programs and Stranding Response Program, recently received its second consecutive four out of a possible four stars rating from Charity Navigator.

Charity Navigator is America’s premier independent charity evaluator. According to the letter that announced the designation, “The Aquarium has earned our second consecutive four-star rating for its ability to efficiently manage and grow its finances. Only 20% of the charities we rate have received at least two consecutive four-star evaluations, indicating that the Aquarium Foundation consistently executes its mission in a fiscally responsible way, and outperforms most other charities in America.”

Virginia Aquarium Director of Development Russell Turner said, “We highly value this designation and those who donate to the Virginia Aquarium Foundation should as well. Too many times donation decisions are made based on what friends or their companies are supporting without the fiscal viability of the nonprofit organization.”

The Virginia Aquarium Foundation is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to increasing the public’s knowledge and appreciation of Virginia’s marine environment and inspiring commitment to preserve its existence. The Foundation was formed in 1981, three years before construction on the Aquarium even began. Recent efforts have been focused on the Capital Campaign which funded a $25 million renovation which included the newly opened Restless Planet exhibit.

Fundraising for the Foundation continues in order to grow its endowment for future expansion of the Aquarium campus. The Annual Fund supports programs and exhibits. For further information, please contact the Aquarium’s development department at (757) 385-0260.

To view Virginia Aquarium's web page on Zoo and Aquarium Visitor, go to:  http://www.zandavisitor.com/forumtopicdetail-136-Virginia_Aquarium_and_Marine_Science_Center