New Hanover Community Endowment awards $7.5 million to NC Aquarium Society

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The New Hanover Community Endowment announces a $7.5 million grant to the North Carolina Aquarium Society, providing support for the expansion of the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher.

According to a press release, this funding will play a 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.”

“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.”

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.