Gifts That Make An Impact Now
If you would like to help protect aquatic life today, consider the giving options below — many of which have financial and personal benefits to you.
Donate Now
To support Shedd Aquarium’s work, make a gift online 
or by mail:
John G. Shedd Aquarium Society
1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60605
Recommend a grant now from your donor-advised fund
You can use your donor-advised fund (DAF) to make a one-time gift, or to create a recurring monthly or quarterly gift for even more impact.
We invite you to visit our donor-advised fund page to conveniently initiate a grant or learn more about creating your legacy by making Shedd Aquarium a beneficiary of your DAF.
Memorial or Tribute Gift
When you give a memorial or tribute gift for Shedd Aquarium to honor someone special, you’re expressing your love, admiration and gratitude in one of the most meaningful ways there is. Your gift will honor your loved one, create a lasting tribute and help animals around the globe for years to come.
Gifts of Appreciated Securities
Challenge Gift Opportunities
Qualified Charitable Distribution
- You must be 70 ½ or older.
- An individual may transfer up to a total of $105,000 per year and a married couple may give up to $210,000 to all organizations.
- An individual may take a one-time QCD up to $53,000 to fund a charitable gift annuity (CGA) or charitable remainder trust (CRT).
- Your gift must be transferred directly from the IRA account to Shedd Aquarium.
- Your gift is a transfer of funds from your IRA to Shedd Aquarium so it does not count as income for the year.
- If you are 73 and older, the transfer of funds counts towards your annual Required Minimum Distribution from your IRA.
You can download a sample letter for your IRA administrator here to start the distribution process. You may also be able to request a qualified charitable distribution through your online account portal.
Please note: If you are still working and contributing to a retirement account, this gift could impact your taxable income. Please consult a qualified advisor before making a gift.
The Impact of Your Giving
$2,500
could help provide more immersive experiences.
With memorable activities like interactive touch experiences and exclusive behind-the-scenes tours of aquatic habitats – you help bring more people up close and personal with underwater life.
$15,000
could help us provide the best care for our animals.
Your donation helps ensure every animal at Shedd continues to receive world-class care.
$65,000
could help conservation efforts around the world.
Your support would aid with specialized care for animals in need, provide support for important conservation efforts or protect endangered species.
*Please note that these examples are for illustration purposes only and actual gift amounts may differ. Please contact our team to see the impact you can make possible.
Our Team is Here to Help
Our experienced team is here to help you…
- Learn about special projects that align with your interests.
- Structure a donation that maximizes benefits for you and your loved ones.
- Stay up to date on how your gift is used.
- And more!
Maggie Olson
Manager of Individual Giving
Complimentary Gift Planning Resources are Just a Click Away!
