WILMINGTON, N.C. (March 6, 2025) – The Endowment is thrilled to announce a $7.5 million grant to the North Carolina Aquarium Society, providing essential support for the expansion of the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher (NCAFF). This funding will play a pivotal role in enhancing the aquarium’s educational programs, introducing new opportunities for visitors, and supporting the first major renovation of the aquarium in more than two decades.
“This is a significant investment in the future of New Hanover County,” said Dan Winslow, President and CEO at The Endowment. “The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher has long been a vital asset to our community, and we are proud to contribute to its continued growth and success.”
NCAFF is an iconic educational and recreational resource for the residents of New Hanover County. The aquarium draws 500,000 guests each year, including more than 5,000 K-12 students from New Hanover County Schools. It offers a variety of habitats, exhibits and interactive learning experiences that create a deeper understanding of marine life and conservation for our coastal community.
“The Endowment’s support will fund a more innovative and immersive on-site educational experience at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher,” said Joanna Zazzali, Director at NCAFF. “Thousands of New Hanover County students each year will benefit from expanded indoor and outdoor educational opportunities that create a deeper connection to our aquatic environments and foster greater scientific understanding.”
The planned renovation is expected to significantly benefit the local community. Over the next few years, the project will introduce a range of new educational and recreational opportunities for families, students, and tourists. New Hanover County students will have access to expanded indoor and outdoor spaces designed to enhance their learning experience, bringing them even closer to the world of marine ecosystems and sparking curiosity about our coast. The expansion will also boost the local economy by attracting more tourism and creating new economic opportunities.
“The Endowment’s $7.5 million investment underscores the critical role of the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher as both an educational and economic resource in the region and demonstrates confidence in our vision for the future of the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher,” said Harry Archer III, NC Aquarium Society Development Committee Chair.
Specific details of the $56+ million renovations, including upgrades to exhibits and visitor amenities, will be unveiled in Summer 2025. However, the $7.5 million grant, to be distributed over the next 3 years, represents a critical step in securing both public and private funding to make the expansion a reality. This project reflects The Endowment’s dedication to advancing educational programs and enhancing local economic development, while also recognizing the aquarium’s lasting impact as both an educational hub and a key contributor to the region’s economy.
“This grant is a good example of the Endowment’s preference for late-stage funding of major capital projects, when we know the project will actually be built,” noted Winslow. “This grant will also demonstrate how the Endowment’s investments can be magnified by participation of other funders.”
The community is encouraged to stay tuned for the official announcement in Summer 2025, when the full details of the expansion project will be revealed. As anticipation builds for this exciting development, the future of NCAFF will be brighter than ever.
About The Endowment
The Endowment’s mission is to address the root challenges in community safety, community development, health and social equity, and education and to develop impactful solutions for every person in New Hanover County. The Endowment was established from the sale of the county-owned New Hanover Regional Medical Center to Novant Health in 2020. The initial fund has grown from nearly $1.3 billion to allow millions of dollars to be awarded as grants each year in perpetuity. www.theendowment.org
About North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher
The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher connects visitors with the wonders of nature and aquatic wildlife. The Aquarium and its sister facilities, the N.C. Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, the N.C. Aquarium on Roanoke Island, and Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head are dedicated to inspiring appreciation and conservation of our aquatic environments. https://www.ncaquariums.com/fort-fisher The Aquarium is part of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. www.dncr.nc.gov.