New England Aquarium receives $9 million gift to transform its ocean advising work

BOSTON, MASS. (Oct. 15, 2025) – The New England Aquarium is pleased to announce a $9 million gift from Phil Schiller and Kim Gassett-Schiller 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.

The five-year anchor gift, the largest private donation in the Aquarium’s history, will expand the BalanceBlue Lab, which draws on the expertise of the Aquarium’s dedicated ocean conservation research arm, the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life. The Lab’s experts have deep scientific credibility and decades of experience serving as trusted advisors to long-established companies, as well as innovators and investors seeking ocean-positive impact. 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. 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,” said Vikki N. Spruill, President and CEO of the New England Aquarium.

The Schillers are both Massachusetts natives and split time between Northern California and Boston. Their gift represents a full-circle moment for Schiller, who worked at the New England Aquarium as a teenager in the 1970s. He has been an Apple executive for over 30 years and previously served as Apple’s Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing.

“My time working and volunteering at the New England Aquarium as a high school student reinforced a love for the ocean that has stayed with me for decades,” shared Phil.  The Aquarium’s BalanceBlue Lab resonates with the couple’s desire to create positive change. “The work of the BalanceBlue Lab is inspiring and gives us hope for a brighter, healthier future,” Kim said.

A nonprofit research and conservation organization, the New England Aquarium relies on the generous contributions of individuals, corporations, and foundations along with city, state, and federal grants to achieve its conservation mission. Through its exhibits and experiences, research, and advocacy work, the Aquarium aims to inspire people to form a deeper connection to the ocean and take action to protect it. The Schillers’ gift represents another step toward its vision to ensure a vital and vibrant ocean for future generations.

“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.

MEDIA CONTACT: Pam Bechtold Snyder—617-686-5068; psnyder@neaq.org