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September 21, 2025 2025 Giving Guide

Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences

 

2026 Goals

Bigelow Laboratory’s strategic goals have been set by our Board of Directors, scientists, and staff. These include:

• Hold the line amidst the evolving federal landscape by investing in new tools to advance science and diversifying revenue streams.

• Be a world-renowned hub of research and technology development in seaweed and microalgae.

• Be a nexus of organismal- and molecular-level discoveries for blue biotech and ocean stewardship.

• Forge new frontiers in ocean monitoring and forecasting to increase resilience and predict hazards to human health.

• Lift up the next generation of ocean science leaders, including the blue economy workforce.

Fundraising events/Opportunities

• 2025 Annual Fund: Now through Dec. 31, employer matches welcome (Give at donate.bigelow.org.)

• #GivingTuesday: Global day of generosity, Dec. 2, 2025

• World Ocean Day: June 8, 2026, spring matching gift opportunities

• Laboratory Tours: Year-round, private group tours on request

• Annual Open House: July 2026, featuring campus-wide science exhibits, hands-on activities, tours, and more

• Café Sci: Wednesday night talks with our scientists in July and August every summer

• Big Splash: Gala-style event and live auction held every few summers, sponsorships available (Contact Michael at mvilarello@bigelow.org for info.)

Visit bigelow.org for more and to follow our discoveries.

Giving Opportunities

• Donate to the 2025 Annual Fund: Your generosity sustains our ocean research and enables transformative educational experiences.

• Join the Council: Annual donors of $5,000+ enjoy exclusive opportunities to connect with others committed to ocean health and science education.

• 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.

• Provide In-Kind Support: Contribute valuable services, such as venue rentals, to help advance our mission.

• Host a Fundraiser: Organize a one-day event for Bigelow Laboratory on World Ocean Day, June 8!

Volunteer Opportunities

• Campus Support: Lend a hand with gardening, seasonal upkeep, or preparing our grounds for visitors.

• Science Ambassadors: Serve as a tour docent, guiding guests through our laboratory and sharing enthusiasm for ocean discovery.

• Event and Office Assistance: Support community events, mailings, and outreach activities.

• Creative and Professional Services: Contribute skills in photography, printing, media, event hosting, or other specialized expertise.

• 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 contribution and hour of volunteer support strengthens our science and community. To learn more, contact Dana at dwilson@bigelow.org.

At A Glance

Established: 1974 / Employees: 111 / Annual revenue: $20.4 million

Top funding sources

52.5% Federal/state agencies (grant income)

28% Private donors (including endowment gifts)

9% Foundations (grant income)

8% Fee-for-service contracts

2.5% Course fees/academic affiliations

Contact

60 Bigelow Drive

East Boothbay, ME 04544

(207) 315-2567

Bigelow.org

Awards/Accolades

Charity Navigator Four-star Rating 2025; Platinum Transparency Rating Candid 2025; Mainebiz Business Leaders of the Year 2025 (Deborah Bronk, President & CEO); Best Places to Work in Maine, 2023; and United Nations Ocean Decade endorsement, 2022

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.

Area served

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).

Leadership

Deborah Bronk
President and CEO

Board Officers

Peter Handy, Chairman of the Board of Directors, COO, Mark Foods

Stewart Bither, Vice Chair Consultant, New Ventures

Board Members

Mark Abbott, PhD, President Emeritus, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

Jon Bigelow, Retired President & CEO, KnowledgePoint360 Group

Elizabeth Bishop, CFO, Boothbay Region & CLC YMCA

Priscilla Brooks, PhD, Vice President & Director of Ocean Conservation, Conservation Law Foundation

Barbara Burgess, Cofounder, Women Working for Oceans

Chris Byrd, Executive Vice President of Healthcare Operations, WEX

Michael Conathan, Senior Policy Fellow, The Aspen Institute

John Heyl, Retired Senior Vice President for Development, Center for Strategic and International Studies

Marion Howard, Community Volunteer

Edwin Trautman, PhD, Retired Vice President, Pfizer