Nonprofit · EIN 16-1448764
NIAGARA AQUARIUM FOUNDATION INC
Tax-exempt · NIAGARA FALLS, NY 14301
Financials
| Year ended | Form | Revenue | Expenses | Net income | Total assets | Liabilities | Net assets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 30, 2025 | 990 | $4,890,455 | $5,787,999 | -$897,544 | $16,158,114 | $3,330,564 | $12,827,550 |
| September 30, 2024 | 990 | $7,609,996 | $5,118,189 | $2,491,807 | $17,549,629 | $3,747,035 | $13,802,594 |
| September 30, 2023 | 990 | $3,874,982 | $4,767,280 | -$892,298 | $12,245,295 | $1,199,683 | $11,045,612 |
Financial details: 990 for the year ended September 30, 2025
Revenue
- Contributions, gifts and grants
- $1,023,130
- of which government grants
- $661,645
- Program service revenue
- $3,127,489
- Investment income
- $237,734
- Net gain from sales of assets
- $201,182
- Net income from fundraising events
- -$3,545
- Net income from sales of inventory
- $357,534
- Other revenue
- $502,102
Expenses
- Grants and similar amounts paid
- $0
- Compensation of officers, directors and key employees
- $349,777
- Salaries, compensation and benefits (total)
- $2,892,130
- Professional fundraising fees
- $0
- Occupancy
- $250,147
- Travel
- $53,414
- Depreciation
- $855,408
- Program services (functional)
- $3,894,395
- Management and general (functional)
- $1,682,033
- Fundraising (functional)
- $211,571
Balance sheet and other
- Total assets, start of year
- $17,549,629
- Total assets, end of year
- $16,158,114
- Total liabilities, end of year
- $3,330,564
- Net assets, end of year
- $12,827,550
- Land, buildings and equipment
- $12,190,227
- Publicly traded securities
- $1,218,160
- Net assets without donor restrictions
- $12,780,100
- Net assets with donor restrictions
- $47,450
- Gross unrelated business income
- $337,596
- Gross receipts
- $6,482,171
- Employees
- 85
- Volunteers
- 22
- Year formed
- 1994
- State of legal domicile
- NY
From the e-filed returns the IRS publishes as XML (latest three processing years; amended returns replace the original). PDF copies at the IRS.
Officers, directors and key employees
As listed on the 990 for the year ended September 30, 2025, highest compensation first.
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation | Other / benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TRACIE SCHAFER | CHIEF FINANCIAL & ADMIN OFFICER Officer | 40 | $108,344 | $12,560 |
| CHAD FIFER | PRESIDENT/CEO Officer | 40 | $85,788 | $19,193 |
| THOMAS HUEBSCH | CHAIR Trustee or director, Officer | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| KELLY REITNOUR | VICE CHAIR Trustee or director, Officer | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| SCOTT ERNST | SECOND VICE CHAIR Trustee or director, Officer | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| LUKE WOEPPEL | TREASURER Trustee or director, Officer | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| KIMBERLEE DUNLOP | SECRETARY Trustee or director, Officer | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| LAURA CIANFLONE | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| ANDREA GRAY | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| ERIC HEPKINS | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| LAURA JACOBS | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| CARLY OWCZARCZAK | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| SEAN RAHILL | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
990 for the year ended September 30, 2024: 17 people
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation | Other / benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GARY SIDDALL | PRESIDENT/CEO (THRU JAN. 2024) Officer | 40 | $196,126 | $15,479 |
| TRACIE SCHAFER | CHIEF FINANCIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER Officer | 40 | $96,664 | $12,034 |
| CHAD FIFER | PRESIDENT/CEO (EFF JUNE 2024) Officer | 40 | $48,462 | $3,932 |
| CHRISTINE LORENZ | CHAIR Trustee or director, Officer | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| THOMAS HUEBSCH | VICE CHAIR Trustee or director, Officer | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| SCOTT ERNST | SECOND VICE CHAIR Trustee or director, Officer | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| LUKE WOEPPEL | TREASURER Trustee or director, Officer | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| KELLY REITNOUR | SECRETARY Trustee or director, Officer | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| KAREN HEALY CASE | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| LAURA CIANFLONE | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| KIMBERLEE DUNLOP | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| ERIC HEPKINS | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| LAURA JACOBS | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| MELISSA MORINELLO | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| CARLY OWCZARCZAK | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| SEAN RAHILL | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| ROLANDA WARD | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
990 for the year ended September 30, 2023: 15 people
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation | Other / benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GARY SIDDALL | PRESIDENT/CEO Officer | 40 | $178,577 | $12,816 |
| TRACIE SCHAFER | VP OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION Officer | 40 | $79,844 | $10,170 |
| CHRISTINE LORENZ | CHAIR Trustee or director, Officer | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| SCOTT ERNST | VICE CHAIR Trustee or director, Officer | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| THOMAS HUEBSCH | TREASURER Trustee or director, Officer | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| KELLY REITNOUR | SECRETARY Trustee or director, Officer | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| KIMBERLEE DUNLOP | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| KAREN HEALY CASE | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| ERIC HEPKINS | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| LAURA JACOBS | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| MELISSA MORINELLO | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| CLAIRE OSHEI | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| SEAN RAHILL | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| ROLANDA WARD | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| LUKAS WOEPPEL | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
Address and contacts
- Address (IRS master file)
- 701 WHIRLPOOL ST, NIAGARA FALLS, NY 14301-1037
- In care of
- % NANCY A CHAPIN
- Principal officer (990 for 2024)
- LUKAS WOEPPEL, 701 WHIRLPOOL STREET, NIAGARA FALLS, NY 14301
- Signed the 990
- CHAD FIFER, PRESIDENT & CEO
- Phone
- (716) 285-3575
- Website
- AQUARIUMOFNIAGARA.ORG
- Return prepared by
- LUMSDEN & MCCORMICK LLP
Mission
WITH OUR COMMUNITY AND PARTNERS, WE CELEBRATE OUR NATURAL WONDERS AND INSPIRE PEOPLE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR AQUATIC LIFE.
Program accomplishments
- THE AQUARIUM OF NIAGARA IS A LEADING 501(C)(3) NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION LOCATED IN NIAGARA FALLS, NY THAT IS COMMITTED TO WORKING ON BEHALF OF MARINE LIFE ACROSS THE GLOBE. THE AQUARIUM OF NIAGARA FULFILS ITS MISSION EVERY DAY THROUGH THE BELIEF THAT EDUCATIONAL MESSAGES ARE BEST CONVEYED THROUGH INSPIRATIONAL EXHIBITS, DISPLAYS AND PROGRAMS. THE AQUARIUM FEATURES OVER 120 SPECIES OF ANIMALS ACROSS A NUMBER OF GALLERIES, WITH AN EMPHASIS ON RESCUED AND NON-RELEASABLE SEALS AND SEA LIONS. THE AQUARIUM OF NIAGARA SERVES WESTERN NEW YORK AS THE REGION'S ONLY AQUARIUM WITHIN 250 MILES IN THE UNITED STATES. IT'S LIVING COLLECTION AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS SERVE THE COMMUNITY IN MANY FORMS INCLUDING AS A CULTURAL DESTINATION, EDUCATION CENTER, VENUE FOR FAMILY ACTIVITIES AND TOURIST ATTRACTION. THE AQUARIUM OF NIAGARA WELCOMES OVER 200,000 VISITORS ANNUALLY AND IS AN ACCREDITED MEMBER OF THE ASSOCIATION OF ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS.Expenses $3,894,395 · revenue $3,295,540
What it must file and when
IRS records say it files Form 990 or 990-EZ. Based on its last return; a smaller organization may file the 990-N. Its accounting year ends in September, so each return is due on the 15th day of the 5th month after that.
| Tax year | Year ended | Due | IRS public records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | September 30, 2026 | February 15, 2027 | Not due yet |
| 2024 | September 30, 2025 | February 16, 2026 | 990 on file |
| 2023 | September 30, 2024 | February 17, 2025 | 990 on file |
IRS record
- EIN
- 16-1448764
- Tax-exempt status
- 501(c)(3): Charitable, religious, educational or scientific organization
- Foundation status
- Publicly supported organization (509(a)(2))
- Donations deductible (Pub 78)
- Public charity, 50% deduction limit
- Exempt since
- 1994
- Accounting year ends
- September
- Files
- Form 990 or 990-EZ
- Category (NTEE)
- Animal-related (D500)
- Assets (IRS master file)
- $16,158,114
- Income (IRS master file)
- $6,482,171
Filing history
| Form | Year ended | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 990 | September 2025 | $4,890,455 | $5,787,999 | $16,158,114 | XML |
| 990-T | September 2025 | – | – | – | IRS |
| 990 | September 2024 | $7,609,996 | $5,118,189 | $17,549,629 | XML |
| 990-T | September 2024 | – | – | – | IRS |
| 990 | September 2023 | $3,874,982 | $4,767,280 | $12,245,295 | XML |
| 990-T | September 2023 | – | – | – | IRS |
| 990 | September 2022 | $6,462,860 | $4,418,476 | $12,879,700 | IRS |
| 990-T | September 2022 | – | – | – | IRS |
| 990 | September 2021 | – | – | – | IRS |
| 990-T | September 2021 | – | – | – | IRS |
| 990 | September 2020 | – | – | – | IRS |
| 990 | September 2018 | – | – | – | IRS |
990-N: the IRS bulk file holds only the latest e-Postcard per organization; earlier years come from archived copies of that file since 2020 and can have gaps (the IRS e-Postcard search lists every one). 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF, 990-T: every e-filed return in the IRS e-file index since 2019; XML for the latest three processing years, amounts from the IRS Statistics of Income extracts before that. PDF copies and determination letters at the IRS (search EIN 16-1448764).
Questions about NIAGARA AQUARIUM FOUNDATION INC
- What is the EIN of NIAGARA AQUARIUM FOUNDATION INC?
- The employer identification number (EIN) of NIAGARA AQUARIUM FOUNDATION INC is 16-1448764.
- Is NIAGARA AQUARIUM FOUNDATION INC tax-exempt?
- Yes. The IRS lists it as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) since 1994.
- Are donations to NIAGARA AQUARIUM FOUNDATION INC tax-deductible?
- Yes. It is listed in IRS Publication 78 (Public charity, 50% deduction limit).
- Which annual return does NIAGARA AQUARIUM FOUNDATION INC file?
- Form 990 or 990-EZ. Based on its last return; a smaller organization may file the 990-N.
- When is the next return of NIAGARA AQUARIUM FOUNDATION INC due?
- The return for tax year 2025 (the year ending September 30, 2026) is due February 15, 2027. Form 8868 extends it by six months; the 990-N cannot be extended.
- When did NIAGARA AQUARIUM FOUNDATION INC last file with the IRS?
- The latest return in the IRS public files is the 990 for the year ended September 2025.
- Who is the principal officer of NIAGARA AQUARIUM FOUNDATION INC?
- The 990 for the year ended September 30, 2025 names LUKAS WOEPPEL.
- Who are the officers and directors of NIAGARA AQUARIUM FOUNDATION INC?
- The 990 for the year ended September 30, 2025 lists 13 people; 2 received compensation from the organization, the highest $108,344 (TRACIE SCHAFER, CHIEF FINANCIAL & ADMIN OFFICER).
- How much revenue does NIAGARA AQUARIUM FOUNDATION INC have?
- On its 990 for the year ended September 30, 2025 it reported revenue of $4,890,455, expenses of $5,787,999 and total assets of $16,158,114 at year end.
Other nonprofits in NIAGARA FALLS
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- PUPPY MUTTS RESCUE LIMITED EIN 82-5053538 · last filed 990-N for 2021
- NIAGARA FALLS MEMORIAL MEDICAL CENTER EIN 16-0743094 · last filed 990 for 2024
- NYSARC INC EIN 16-0818293 · last filed 990 for 2024
- THE ALLIANCE OF WESTERN NEW YORK BENEFIT FUND EIN 20-0225592 · last filed 990 for 2025
- COMPLETE SENIOR CARE INC EIN 26-2477730 · last filed 990 for 2025
- UNITED CEREBRAL PALSY ASSOCIATION OF NIAGARA COUNTY INC EIN 16-0786061 · last filed 990 for 2024
- COMMUNITY MISSIONS OF NIAGARA FRONTIER INC EIN 16-0788242 · last filed 990 for 2025