Join the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center in supporting U.S. aquariums, zoos and cultural institutions

Across the United States, non-profit aquariums have closed our doors to the public as part of the global effort to control the spread of COVID-19. But the nation needs us to keep up our work to strengthen communities and care for our blue planet.

Aquariums are rising to the challenge. We continue to prioritize the health and wellbeing of our resident animals — and the people who care for them. We’ve also ramped up our digital education resources to support the millions of teachers, parents and students who have transitioned to distance learning.

But we need your help. Please join the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center in asking Congress to provide emergency relief funding to U.S. aquariums, zoos and other non-profit cultural organizations during these unprecedented times.

Thank you for being a part of our aquarium community. We hope you’ll stay connected with us online and look forward to welcoming you back in person.

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Dear [recipient position will go here] [recipient name will go here],

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Public aquariums, zoos and museums provide sources of inspiration, knowledge and enjoyment for millions of Americans, including me. I care deeply about the future of these vital cultural institutions, and urge you to please include them in emergency relief legislation in the face of the global pandemic.

In particular, I urge you to support at least $6 billion for the Institute for Museum and Library Services to support grants for tens of thousands of U.S. cultural institutions that are closed due to the emergency and facing rising costs. I also urge you to increase and expand the Paycheck Protection Program and loan forgiveness provisions in the CARES Act through December 2020, and make non-profits with greater than 500 employees eligible for loan forgiveness. Finally, I ask that you expand the universal charitable deduction provision by removing the $300 cap and by eliminating the 60% limit on Adjusted Gross Income that may be deducted through charitable giving.

This critical support will help ensure that public aquariums, zoos and museums continue to serve as community leaders and as an economic engine through this crisis and beyond. Thank you for everything you are doing to help our nation during this challenging time.

Sincerely,
[your name will go here]
[your email address will go here] [your location will go here]

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