MBL Council Mission

Purpose

Members of the MBL Council are supporters of, ambassadors for, and advisors to the Marine Biological Laboratory. The MBL Council engages community, business, and academic leaders who can substantively assist the Marine Biological Laboratory through a combination of financial contributions, special expertise, and relationships with important regions, industries, or markets. The MBL provides members and their spouse or partner with specialized communications and invitations to exclusive social and educational events. MBL Council members have access to MBL leadership and may be asked to provide MBL leadership with advice and assistance.

Membership Guidelines

Members demonstrate their commitment to the MBL in the following ways:

  • Attend semi-annual MBL Council receptions.
  • Contribute $5,000 or more each year to the Annual Fund.
  • Serve as ambassadors of the MBL and develop new relationships for the MBL among individuals or groups in order to expand the pool of potential supporters.
  • Provide advice to the Trustees and/or Director as requested from time to time including serving on ad-hoc committees and task forces.

Events

Two MBL Council receptions will be held annually. Members will be encouraged to invite others to these gatherings with the goal of enhancing visibility of the MBL and growing its base of supporters. Events will be held as follows:

  • An annual reception in Woods Hole in the summer with laboratory experiences and scientific presentations.
  • A regional reception in early spring with a featured lecture and opportunity to interact with MBL researchers and students.

Members of the MBL Council may be invited to participate in other MBL leadership activities and events locally and in cities such as Boston, New York, and Chicago.

MBL Council members are invited on collecting trips on the MBL’s research vessel Gemma during the summer months and to visit the MBL-managed Plum Island Long Term Ecological Research site.

MBL Council members are invited to the Whitman Reception, an event held in Woods Hole every July to honor and celebrate the MBL’s Leaderships Donors.