Oregon Coast Aquarium Receives Largest Grant Ever from Roundhouse Foundation

Newport, Oregon — The Oregon Coast Aquarium (OCAq) has received the largest grant in its history, in the amount of $5 million, courtesy of the Roundhouse Foundation.

The Roundhouse Foundation is located in Sisters, Oregon, and supports solutions to the challenges associated with rural culture and landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. Their primary areas of focus include arts and culture, environmental stewardship, and social services and education. The Roundhouse Foundation values opportunities that work at the intersections of these areas.

“Organizations like the Oregon Coast Aquarium that are centered in rural communities throughout Oregon are important drivers of our rural economies,” says Erin Borla, Executive Director of the Roundhouse Foundation. “They share local stories, highlight their unique history, ecology and watersheds, and most importantly provide economic resilience and strength in smaller communities.”

The $5 million, which will be disbursed over a five-year period, will support the Aquarium’s capital campaign for remodel, renovation, and development. $1 million will go toward phase 1 of the campaign, which includes the development of a new Headwaters feature. The remaining $4 million will be used to develop a new Marine Rehabilitation Center.

“We are pleased to partner with the Oregon Coast Aquarium to build the Marine Rehabilitation Center to help raise awareness of the need to defend and protect our oceans and marine wildlife,” says Kathy Deggendorfer, Co-Founder of the Roundhouse Foundation.

The Aquarium is one of three facilities in the Pacific Northwest, and the only one in the state of Oregon, authorized to provide critical care to endangered marine wildlife like sea turtles, northern fur seals, and snowy plovers.

“This gift will not only enable us to realize our dreams,” says Carrie Lewis, President and CEO of OCAq, “but it will have a tremendous impact on our treasured marine life and will leave a lasting legacy for Oregon.”

The Roundhouse Foundation’s commitment provides the Aquarium with 70% of the funds needed to build the Marine Rehabilitation Center. The Aquarium invites its supporters to help raise the remaining funds by donating via givetoaquarium.org.

About Oregon Coast Aquarium

The Oregon Coast Aquarium creates unique and engaging experiences that connect you to the Oregon Coast and inspire ocean conservation. An accredited Association of Zoos & Aquariums institution, this 501(c)3 non-profit organization is ranked as one of the top 10 aquariums in the U.S. Visit us at 2820 S.E. Ferry Slip Rd., Newport, OR. aquarium.org, 541-867-3474. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter for the latest updates.

About Roundhouse Foundation

Roundhouse Foundation believes that solutions to the unique challenges of Oregon’s rural communities can be found through creative thinking and problem-solving, innovation and collaboration. We partner with community organizations to develop, implement and sustain creative, place-based approaches and programs that strengthen and celebrate Oregon’s rural and tribal communities. Learn more about the Roundhouse Foundation at roundhousefoundation.org.