Mote Marine Laboratory
501(c)(3) Donations tax-deductible
86% goes to programs $8 to raise $100 Strong reserves Growing revenue
Mote Marine Laboratory is a 501(c)(3) organization based in Sarasota, Florida, registered in 1977, with $80,007,372 in FY2023 revenue. CharityIndex grades it A, and it directs about 86% of spending to programs.
1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL, 34236 EIN 59-0756643 Since 1977
Revenue (FY2023)
$80.0M
▲ 45.6% vs prior year
Expenses (FY2023)
$39.5M
Net assets
$142.0M
Employees
357
CharityIndex rating
One independent A+ to F grade from four published criteria, each scored separately from IRS filings and combined by weight.
A
AProgram efficiency40% of the rating86% to programs · $8 to raise $100
Measures how much of every dollar spent actually reaches programs, plus what it costs to raise $100 of donations. The worse of the two measures sets the letter (85%+ to programs is an A; under $15 to raise $100 is an A), averaged over the three most recent filings. For Mote Marine Laboratory: 86% to programs · $8 to raise $100 earns a A on this criterion. See the exact thresholds →
AFinancial health25% of the rating43 mo reserves · +51% margin
Measures whether the organization is built to last: how many months its reserves would cover expenses (3+ months earns an A-range score, but hoarding 5+ years of budget is capped) and whether it runs a surplus or a deficit. For Mote Marine Laboratory: 43 mo reserves · +51% margin earns a A on this criterion. See the exact thresholds →
A+Governance25% of the rating6 of 6 checks met
Checks how the organization is run, from its own Form 990: an independent board majority, a board of five or more, conflict-of-interest, whistleblower and document-retention policies, and independently audited financials. The share of disclosed checks that pass sets the letter. For Mote Marine Laboratory: 6 of 6 checks met earns a A+ on this criterion. See the exact thresholds →
A+Transparency10% of the rating5 of 5 disclosure signals
Counts five disclosure signals: a recent filing, a mission statement, program descriptions, a listed website, and the full expense breakdown. More disclosure, better letter. For Mote Marine Laboratory: 5 of 5 disclosure signals earns a A+ on this criterion. See the exact thresholds →
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Mission
Advancing the science of the sea through research, education and outreach.
What they do
Protect our reefsflorida's coral reef is the third-largest barrier coral reef system in the world. it provides essential ecological services, protects coastlines from major storm impacts and is crucial to florida's economy, with an asset value of $8.5 billionthis natural treasure has declined drastically over the past few decades due to major coral disease outbreaks, local to regional human impacts, heat-driven coral bleaching, and long-term climate change that is stressing corals in florida and around the world.mote marine laboratory's protect our reefs program focuses on addressing these and other challenges by supporting coral reef research, restoration, conservation and education in florida. the protect our reefs (por) specialty license plate was approved by the florida legislature in july 2003 and is available to florida-licensed drivers. each plate sale provides $25 for reef research, restoration, conservation and education in florida, including a special protect our reefs grants program. 37.5% of revenues support grants and an additional 37.5% of revenues supports mote's coral reef research and restoration. in general, por grant priorities are similar to those outlined by a number of federal and state agencies, and research organizations, along with various governmental, local community and non-profit advisory groups, with respect to coral reef research and other related coral reef program priorities. because of the need to strategically focus the por plate's limited resources on critical challenges coral reef ecosystems are currently facing, priority for funding in all categories of por proposals (research, education and conservation) will be on coral reef restoration projects, including the research of new restoration methods that further the enhancement of coral genetic diversity and resiliency in the restoration of coral reef ecosystems. education and public outreach proposals directly related to science-based restoration of coral reef ecosystems will also be considered. other quality proposals will be given careful consideration, but the priority focus will be on projects that significantly enhance the capabilities of coral reef ecosystem resource managers to more effectively use science-based information in promoting and implementing restoration and long-term sustainable use of these ecosystems. priority will be given to projects whose deliverables associated are clearly defined and aligned with coral reef restoration actions. the por will accept creative proposals that address novel coral reef restoration ideas and concepts that may require initial support to test their merit. the por encourages scientists that meet the "young-investigator" criteria to note that on their applications.membershipwith 10,000 mote members; fy2024 revenues remained strong at over $1.1 million. annual memberships continue to provide unrestricted funds that are allocated to where the need is greatest; providing support for mote's overall mission of marine research, conservation and education. membership levels begin at $100 for an individual and rise to $1,000 for a party of 10. membership benefits include unrestricted visits to mote aquarium; discounts in the aquarium gift shops and virtual reality experiences, free member-only events; discounts on education programs, camps and experiences, special pricing and early bird ticket sales to mote special events and free and discounted admissions to more than 100 reciprocal zoos, aquariums and gardens across the united states. for a complete list of membership levels, benefits and opportunities, please visit mote.org/membership.
Contact & location
Financial trends
Revenue grew from $21.3M (FY2013) to $80.0M (FY2023) across 11 reported years.
Financial snapshot
Financial health & position (FY2023)
Liabilities $59.0MNet assets $142.0M
Operating margin
50.6%
Revenue exceeded expenses in the latest fiscal year.
Total assets
$201.0M
Total liabilities
$59.0M
Net assets
$142.0M
Salaries & benefits
$20.2M
51% of expenses
Board members
28
27 independent
Financials by year
| Fiscal year | Revenue | Expenses | Net assets | Total assets | Form |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $80,007,372▲45.6% | $39,484,284▲8.9% | $141,971,241▲37.0% | $200,983,432▲45.8% | 990 |
| 2022 | $54,958,764▲15.0% | $36,250,941▲15.4% | $103,594,902▲25.2% | $137,849,757▲38.3% | 990 |
| 2021 | $47,804,418▲8.8% | $31,417,182▲15.0% | $82,775,984▲17.1% | $99,691,252▲11.5% | 990 |
| 2020 | $43,949,179▲25.8% | $27,310,456▲11.3% | $70,706,527▲39.9% | $89,374,778▲23.7% | 990 |
| 2019 | $34,937,768▲24.5% | $24,546,820▲8.0% | $50,539,503▲26.7% | $72,264,285▲20.9% | 990 |
| 2018 | $28,057,028▲33.9% | $22,719,853▲1.6% | $39,873,773▲15.6% | $59,750,581▲10.2% | 990 |
| 2017 | $20,947,954▼5.6% | $22,362,455▲1.2% | $34,492,197▼2.2% | $54,216,063▼3.7% | 990 |
| 2016 | $22,201,070▼16.1% | $22,091,552▲5.6% | $35,284,107▼3.0% | $56,298,534▲6.5% | 990 |
| 2015 | $26,461,159▲44.1% | $20,927,659▲1.6% | $36,360,391▲12.6% | $52,856,042▲5.5% | 990 |
| 2014 | $18,356,888▼13.7% | $20,593,444▲3.7% | $32,302,916▼6.5% | $50,103,916▲2.9% | 990 |
| 2013 | $21,282,894 | $19,865,459▲1.9% | $34,548,061▲9.3% | $48,685,100▲3.6% | 990 |
| 2012 | — | $19,500,111▼0.9% | $31,620,206▼5.5% | $46,987,486▼2.2% | 990 |
| 2011 | — | $19,670,758▲7.3% | $33,461,133▲2.7% | $48,051,305▲4.4% | 990 |
| 2010 | — | $18,328,456 | $32,594,648 | $46,005,743 | 990 |
Original Form 990 PDFs (the Form column) are served by ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, as filed with the IRS. Create a free account to download the CSV report.
Leadership & compensation (FY2023)
Highest-paid: Michael P Crosby Phd — $437,501 (1.11% of total expenses)
| Name | Title | Hours/week | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michael P Crosby Phd | President/ceo | 40 | $437,501 |
| Michael Moore | Special Asst To Preside | 40 | $205,888 |
| Kevin Cooper | Vice President | 40 | $174,779 |
| Richard Pierce Phd | Assistant Vice President | 40 | $171,342 |
| Demian D Chapman | Sr. Scientist | 40 | $168,219 |
| Daniel Bebak | Vice President | 40 | $156,796 |
| Deborah Allen Schultz | Cfo & Vice President | 40 | $134,889 |
| Alan Rose | Trustee | 5 | — |
| Barbara Brizdle | Trustee | 5 | — |
| Barbara Jennings | Trustee | 5 | — |
| Dean Eisner | Trustee | 5 | — |
| Donald Featherman | Trustee | 5 | — |
| Dr Andrew Economos | Secretary | 5 | — |
| Dr Harris Silverman | Trustee | 5 | — |
| Dr Howard Seider | Chairman Emeritus | 5 | — |
| Elizabeth Moore | Trustee | 5 | — |
| Eugene Beckstein | Chairman Emeritus | 5 | — |
| Frederick M Derr Pe | Chairman Emeritus | 5 | — |
| G Lowe Morrison | Chairman Emeritus To May | 5 | — |
| Hobart Skip Swan | Vice Chairman | 5 | — |
Top vendors & contractors (FY2023)
| Contractor | Services | Paid |
|---|---|---|
| Acomb Ostendorf and Associates LLC | Project Mgmt and Design | $702,619 |
| Soltech Energy LLC DBA Soltec Electric | Electrical Services | $193,374 |
Grants received · $27.4M total
160 grants to Mote Marine Laboratory totaling $27.4M, reported by foundations on their Schedule I filings — showing the 15 most recent.
| Grantmaker | Purpose | Year | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community Foundation of Sarasota County Inc | Environmental quality, protection, and beautification | 2024 | $561,204 |
| Gs Donor Advised Philanthropy Fund For Wealth Management Inc | Environment & animal protection | 2024 | $268,000 |
| American Online Giving Foundation Inc | General support | 2024 | $167,690 |
| American Endowment Foundation | Science | 2024 | $154,750 |
| Ayco Charitable Foundation | Environment & animal protection | 2024 | $100,000 |
| University of Miami | Research | 2024 | $44,209 |
| Morgan Stanley Global Impact Funding Trust Inc | Unrestricted general support | 2024 | $40,000 |
| Denver Foundation | Research institutes & public policy analysis | 2024 | $20,000 |
| Raymond James Charitable Endowment Fund | General support | 2024 | $11,000 |
| The Community Foundation For Greater Atlanta Inc | Health care | 2024 | $10,000 |
| The Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham | Environment; daf funded | 2024 | $10,000 |
| Greater Cincinnati Foundation | Programatic support | 2024 | $10,000 |
| Greater Cincinnati Foundation | Programatic support | 2024 | $10,000 |
| Charities Aid Foundation America | Charitable donation | 2024 | $9,734 |
| The Rhode Island Community Foundation | Env - environment (primary) | 2024 | $8,000 |
Grants made · $58K in FY2023
5 grants totaling $58K in FY2023. All grants made by Mote Marine Laboratory →
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| I Care Corporation | Protect our reefs grant | $22,039 |
| Eckerd College | Protect our reefs grant | $15,191 |
| University of North Florida | Protect our reefs grant | $7,908 |
| Unites States Geological Survey | Protect our reefs grant | $7,448 |
| University of South Florida | Protect our reefs grant | $5,588 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is Mote Marine Laboratory a legitimate nonprofit?
- Yes. Mote Marine Laboratory is a 501(c)(3) organization registered with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service under EIN 59-0756643, based in Sarasota, Florida. Donations are tax-deductible.
- What is Mote Marine Laboratory's EIN?
- Mote Marine Laboratory's Employer Identification Number (EIN) is 59-0756643.
- How much revenue does Mote Marine Laboratory report?
- Mote Marine Laboratory reported $80,007,372 in total revenue on its fiscal year 2023 IRS Form 990 filing.
- How much of Mote Marine Laboratory's spending goes to programs?
- Mote Marine Laboratory spends about 86% of its total expenses on programs, based on its latest IRS Form 990.
- What financial grade does Mote Marine Laboratory have?
- CharityIndex grades Mote Marine Laboratory A, based on program efficiency and fundraising cost.
- How much does Mote Marine Laboratory's highest-paid employee make?
- The highest reported compensation on Mote Marine Laboratory's latest Form 990 is $437,501, paid to Michael P Crosby Phd (President/ceo).
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Data for Mote Marine Laboratory (EIN 59-0756643) comes from the IRS Business Master File and e-filed Form 990 returns, via CharityIndex. Figures reflect what the organization reported to the IRS for each fiscal year.