A visitor asked me recently what we would most like to have to improve the Alaska SeaLife Center. She was surprised when I handed her the following top 10 priorities for funding, but impressed that we have such a clear set of options for funders to consider that span a range of hardware, software and capacity needs.
It will be interesting to see at the end of the year which of these we were able to fund and what our next set of priorities are as these needs are met...
Please feel free to share this list within your community/network.
ASLC Top 10 Funding Priorities*
1. Chief Scientist - $400,000 (for 3 years)
Will lead efforts to expand ASLC research into areas such as ocean acidification.
2. Seawater intake pipeline repair and supplementation - $1,200,000 (est.)
Seawater flow into the siphon lines that supply all areas of the Center has been reduced to 40% of designed capacity, most likely due to biofouling. The problem must be identified and a new design approved before we can determine repair or replacement costs.
3. Conservation Program core support - $100,000
4. Philanthropy specialist - $150,000 over two years, including overhead
To develop a more professional, thorough, and effective development effort by assisting with proposal development and submission, fundraising events, and donor solicitation.
5. Energy conservation and “green building” initiatives - $650,000 (est.)
Heat Pump project and other measures to reduce consumption and fuel expenses.
6. New ASLC Website and related computer/server support - $150,000
7. Ocean acidification exhibit - $10,000
8. ASLC team building events – donation of lodging + transport costs - $5,000-10,000
9. China-Russia scientific program linkage - $150,000/year for 3 years
10. A new deep sea exhibit and world class audio visual experience in the 'Catacombs' (unused gallery behind sea lion tank) - up to $3 million
*These are based on new sources of discretionary funding and do not necessarily reflect priorities using existing funding sources – we have a much longer list targeting other opportunities, but this is the list we will use to talk with new donors from.
Ian - At yesterday's staff meeting you said you had substituted #8 (team building event) with another item. What was it?
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