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Connections Program

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About the Connections program

The Seattle Aquarium aims to be inclusive and welcoming to all. We believe that our audience should reflect the diversity of our region. To that end, the Seattle Aquarium Connections program partners with local community organizations, distributes complimentary admission tickets, engages in outreach events and more.

The Connections program aims to be part of an ocean conservation movement that is centered and led by the communities most impacted by climate change, environmental degradation and systemic barriers. We hope to create authentic, meaningful relationships that build trust between the Aquarium and our partner communities and provide high-quality, culturally relevant marine conservation experiences to all.

Types of partnerships

Anemone partnership

Just as anemones provide protection and shelter to marine fish, this partnership type represents a foundational relationship. Anemones symbolize stability, mutual benefit and foundational connections.

Benefits

Commitments

Salmon partnership

Salmon reflects a partnership that goes beyond the fundamental level. Like the salmon that connect oceans and rivers, this partnership type connects the Aquarium with communities through educational outreach and enhanced Aquarium visits. Salmon represent endurance, local relevance and the flow of knowledge.

Benefits

Commitments

Orca partnership

Please note: At the time, this type of partnership is by invitation only. In the application, prospective partners can let us know if they would be interested in being a future Orca partner.

This type of partnership is highly collaborative and dynamic, with communities working alongside the Aquarium to co-design events and programs. Like orca pods, this partnership type is about shared leadership, collective action and strong, lasting relationships.

Benefits

Commitments

Becoming part of the program

Please note: Applications for Salmon and Orca partnerships are closed. For more information on applying for the Anemone partnership, read below.

Over the past 12 years our Connections program has grown rapidly. We have shared so many powerful moments with this community. Now, we are embarking on a new strategy that will allow us to more deeply engage with our community partners.  

As of 2025, the Connections program will be working more closely with a smaller group of partners. Our goal is to build deeper, more intentional relationships. Through this process we will be working with some partners to co-create dynamic, culturally grounded educational offerings and community events, deepening our shared impact in service of our marine environment.

Applications for Anemone partnerships are still open! This type of partnership comes with benefits including free Aquarium tickets, discounted memberships and access to outreach programs. Applications are open until this group reaches capacity, so we encourage you to apply soon if you’re interested.

We will review all partnership requests and select organizations based on need, community impact and alignment with the Aquarium’s mission. As we process applications, we will respond to every organization that applies and provide selected partners with onboarding materials.

If you have any questions about the Connections community partner application, please call (206) 693-6173 or email connections@seattleaquarium.org.

Applications for Orca and Salmon partnerships are closed for the year.

Frequently asked questions

Nope! We are excited to offer three different types of partnerships because they allow us to work with many organizations in different capacities. The type of partnership that works for one organization may not be a good fit for another. Each of the three partnership types comes with many fantastic benefits.

Yes, all organizations must apply, even those that were previously Connections partners.

Organizations interested in an Anemone partnership can apply online here. Applications are open until this group reaches capacity, so we encourage you to apply soon if you’re interested. If you have any questions about the Connections community partner application, please call (206) 693-6173 or email connections@seattleaquarium.org.

Applications for Orca and Salmon partnerships are closed for the year.

We partner with organizations focused on Seattle and the surrounding areas. Eligible partners include service-based nonprofit organizations, advocacy groups or community centers that support members of marginalized communities including but not limited to: low-income families; communities of color; immigrant and refugee communities; people with disabilities; the deaf community; people who are blind; families or individuals experiencing homelessness; and others.

Using the following links, your organization’s primary contact can request:

Group reservations →

Printed individual tickets →

Membership vouchers →

These links are also included in the Connections program onboarding email.

Using the following links, Salmon and Orca partners can request:

Field programs →

Activity kits →

Outreach programs/event tabling →

These links are also included in the Connections program onboarding email.

Yes! The Seattle Aquarium offers discounted tickets for Tribal members, seniors, EBT, WIC, and other eligible visitors. You can learn more on our Hours, Discounts and Groups page.

The best way to stay up to date with the Connections Program is by subscribing to our newsletter.

We welcome you to reapply next year. In the meantime, we offer discounted tickets for Tribal members, seniors, EBT, WIC and other eligible visitors. You can learn more on our Hours, Discounts and Groups page.

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Website maintenance

Our ticketing and membership systems will be undergoing maintenance starting at 10pm Pacific on Wednesday, March 5. Maintenance is expected to last a few hours. During the maintenance window you may not be able to purchase tickets or access the membership dashboard.

Thank you for understanding.

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Support the Seattle Aquarium

End the year with a gift for our one world ocean! Support the Aquarium’s work as a conservation organization by making a donation by December 31, 2024.

Today only, your donation will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $20,000 thanks to the generosity of Betsy Cadwallader, Jess and Andy Peet, and an anonymous donor.

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Cyber Weekend Sale

15% OFF ALL MEMBERSHIPS
NOV. 29–DEC. 2