Phil Schiller and Kim Gassett-Schiller have donated $9 million to The New England Aquarium to expand the institution’s work advising and partnering with corporations and ocean industries to increase environmentally responsible practices in a rapidly growing ocean blue economy.
This is the largest private donation in the Aquarium’s history. The five-year gift will expand the BalanceBlue Lab, which draws on the expertise of the Aquarium’s ocean conservation research arm, the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life to implement, and scale solutions that support ocean industry and ocean health. The lab advises and partners with businesses and decision-makers to help ensure that the blue economy—from seafood to shipping—can grow responsibly while safeguarding the ocean and all who rely on it. This gift will broaden the Aquarium’s work of translating cutting-edge ocean science into real-world solutions across ocean industries, including fisheries, aquaculture, and shipping.
“The Schillers’ philanthropy continues to make this world a better, healthier place,” said Vikki N. Spruill, President and CEO of the New England Aquarium. “Their generous investment in the New England Aquarium is an endorsement of our vital work to ensure a balanced use of the ocean alongside industry partners. We are honored to have their support.”
The Schillers are both Massachusetts natives and split time between Northern California and Boston. Schiller worked at the New England Aquarium as a teenager in the 1970s and has been an Apple executive for over 30 years.
“The New England Aquarium has always worked to protect the ocean and the animals that call it home. A gift of this magnitude will allow us to continue our legacy of providing science-based solutions with global impact,” Spruill said.
