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
- Free Aquarium tickets
- Discounted memberships
- Group visits
- Virtual tours
Commitments
- Appoint a liaison: Partners will designate one primary contact to represent their organization and act as a liaison between the Aquarium, their coworkers and their community, distributing tickets and maintaining distribution logs. (Alternate arrangements can be made on a case-by-case basis for larger organizations.)
- Provide feedback: Anemone partners are encouraged to provide feedback to help us stay connected with the community’s evolving needs.
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
- Free Aquarium tickets
- Discounted memberships
- Access to outreach programs like workshops, presentations, mobile exhibits and/or field programs
- Enhanced Aquarium visits with access to guided tours, specialized talks and/or behind-the-scenes access
- Virtual tours
Commitments
- Appoint a liaison: Partners will designate one primary contact to represent their organization and act as a liaison between the Aquarium, their coworkers and their community, distributing tickets and maintaining distribution logs. (Alternate arrangements can be made on a case-by-case basis for larger organizations.)
- Provide feedback: Salmon partners are encouraged to provide feedback to help us stay connected with the community’s evolving needs.
- Attend two events: Salmon partners are invited to participate in two listening sessions each, where community partners can come together and brainstorm new ways to engage and collaborate, strengthening the bonds between all participants.
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
- Free Aquarium tickets
- Discounted memberships
- Access to outreach programs like workshops, presentations, mobile exhibits and/or field programs
- Enhanced Aquarium visits with access to guided tours, specialized talks and/or behind-the-scenes access
- Virtual tours
- Collaboration on community events at the Aquarium
- Co-design of outreach programs, contributing to event planning and content development
Commitments
- Appoint a liaison: Partners will designate one primary contact to represent their organization and act as a liaison between the Aquarium, their coworkers and their community, distributing tickets and maintaining distribution logs. (Alternate arrangements can be made on a case-by-case basis for larger organizations.)
- Provide feedback: Orca partners are encouraged to provide feedback to help us stay connected with the community’s evolving needs.
- Attend two events: Orca partners are invited to participate in two listening sessions each, where community partners can come together and brainstorm new ways to engage and collaborate, strengthening the bonds between all participants.
- Table at Community Days: Orca partners will participate in at least one Community Day event at the Aquarium where they will host a table, share their organization’s work and connect with community members.
- Collaborate on Community Days: Orca partners will also work with the Aquarium on a Community Day event, either by helping to shape the theme, content or activities.
- Co-design a program with us: As the most engaged partners, Orca members work directly with us to co-design new programs, ensuring they reflect community values, needs and priorities.
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 email connections@seattleaquarium.org.
Applications for Orca and Salmon partnerships are closed for the year.
Frequently asked questions
Is one type of partnership better than the others?
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.
Do I have to reapply?
Yes, all organizations must apply, even those that were previously Connections partners.
How do I apply?
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 email connections@seattleaquarium.org.
Applications for Orca and Salmon partnerships are closed for the year.
How do I know if my organization is eligible?
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.
How can I request tickets, group visits or membership vouchers for my organization?
Using the following links, your organization’s primary contact can request:
These links are also included in the Connections program onboarding email.
How can I request outreach programs (field programs, activity kits, tabling at an event, etc.)?
Using the following links, Salmon and Orca partners can request:
Outreach programs/event tabling →
These links are also included in the Connections program onboarding email.
Do you offer discounted tickets for individuals?
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.
How can I stay updated about future program changes?
The best way to stay up to date with the Connections Program is by subscribing to our newsletter.
If I apply and am not accepted for 2025, what can I do?
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.
