SHEDD AQUARIUM NEEDS YOUR HELP TODAY

Join Shedd Aquarium in calling for federal support for aquariums, zoos, museums and cultural organizations

Across the United States, non-profit aquariums and zoos have closed their doors to the public as part of the global effort to limit the spread of COVID-19. Though the full financial impacts of this closure are unclear, our efforts to care for, protect and conserve aquatic life have not stopped. But we need continued support to fuel this critical work.

At Shedd, our top priority is the health and well-being of the thousands of animals at the aquarium and the dedicated caretakers who look after them. We’re also providing unique opportunities for people here in Chicago and across the globe to look nature in the eye virtually, including learning from incredible animals like Wellington the rockhopper penguin, as he explores the aquarium without guests. Outside of our walls, our conservation team is still driving important research to safeguard and better understand our native aquatic wildlife.

But we can’t do this without you. Please join Shedd Aquarium in asking Congress to include U.S. aquariums, zoos, museums and other non-profit cultural organizations in emergency federal relief funding during these unprecedented times.

We are so grateful to you. We hope you’ll stay connected with us digitally, and we look forward to seeing your faces in person when the aquarium is ready to safely reopen.

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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

Allocate Urgently Needed Funds for Operations  
•	$6B Supplemental Funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to provide direct economic relief grants for non-profit museums, including aquariums and zoos. These grants must support operations and pandemic recovery planning and implementation, in addition to distance learning.

Increase and Extend the Paycheck Protection Program    
•	Extend loan forgiveness through December 2020   
•	Make non-profits, including aquariums and other museums, with greater than 500 employees eligible for the PPP.    
 
Encourage Charitable Gifts   
•	Extend the CARES Act removal of the 60% limit on Adjusted Gross Income that may be deducted through charitable gifts of cash.   
•	Expand the universal charitable deduction provision in the CARES Act by removing the $300 cap.

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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