Amplifying SEE
The SEE Science Center earned the top grant of $50,000 in the Entrepreneurs’ Fund of New Hampshire (EFNH)’s AMP Award Competition. EFNH is an initiative of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation which channels the expertise, energy and passion of the state’s leading entrepreneurs to strengthen New Hampshire communities through innovative philanthropy. Leaders from forty two qualifying non-profits were guided and coached by entrepreneurial leaders during the three month long competitive process that culminated on March 6th. SEE Science Center’s operations director, Peter Gustafson was one of five nonprofit leaders chosen to make a three-minute pitch at the annual AMP Grant Award Event.
The SEE Science Center’s pitch described how investments in new permanent exhibit areas have been a catalyst for organizational growth, amplifying SEE’s reach, impact and operating budget. Peter emphasized that now is the time to invest in a new exhibit area and programs focusing on human genetics and biotechnology. With the growth and development of the biotech and bio-med industries in New Hampshire and Dean Kamen’s launch of the Advanced Regenerative Manufacturing Institute (ARMI) in Manchester, SEE will seize the opportunity to engage our audience with this technology.
In the AMP competition, EFNH members voted for nonprofit projects in “real-time” based on anticipated “amplified benefits” for the organizations and communities they serve. SEE’s proposal was revealed as the winner at the end of the night. “This has been a great opportunity for SEE to participate in this highly competitive learning and funding opportunity. The Entrepreneurs’ Fund coaches were terrific motivators and the process was fun, a little nerve-wracking and very exciting in the end.” said SEE executive director, Susan Howland. The award will be used to purchase Genome, a world class 3,000 square foot exhibition focusing on human genetics and biotechnology. Genome includes 14 interactive components, which will be the keystone for new programing for students. the general public and summer campers visiting the center.
SEE will continue planting seeds for a future workforce and an informed community of decision makers and consumers. The endeavor is called BiologYou and will begin to take form in the fall of 2018.