Did you know?
We cannot exist without you!
Science North is a not-for-profit organization and a registered charity.
Community support such as memberships, donations, sponsorships and partnerships enable us to make Sudbury a better place to live, work and play.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Science North funded?
If you're anything like most of us, you'll probably be surprised to learn that Science North generates only a small portion of its operating revenue from admissions. Or that we actually generate more revenue from building and selling exhibits to other museums and science centres than we do from admissions.
The simple truth is that Science North pursues revenue from as many sources as we can to keep admission fees as affordable as possible. Because science should be accessible to all.
Why does Science North have to raise funds? I thought it was a government agency and fully funded?
Science North is a not for profit charitable organization, Registration #107962979RR0001, and an arms-length Agency of the Government of Ontario. The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport provides Science North with a base-operating grant, which represents 40% of our annual operating budget. We must self-generate the other 60%.
Don’t the admissions fees cover the 60%?
In 2012, Admissions and Membership fees contributed 14.4% to our operating budget.
Admissions: 14%
A common concern we hear from our visitors is that admission fees to the science center are prohibitively high.
This is a concern we share also. Which is why we undertake so much effort to find alternative sources of funding.
If admission fees had to cover 100% of our operating costs, admission for an individual adult would cost over $170.
How does Science North benefit the community?
During peak season, Science North employs over 250 part-time and full-time staff in Northern Ontario. The building is large and in a constant state of renewal, resulting in the hiring of various contractors and sub-contractors. According to a third-party evaluation, it is estimated that the direct and indirect impact Science North has on Northern Ontario exceeds $20M annually.
Science North's attractions draw an estimated 85,000 people annually from outside of Greater Sudbury, generating economic activity for accommodations, restaurants, gas stations and retail stores. Using the Province of Ontario's Tourism Regional Economic Impact Model (TREIM), these visitors generate an additional estimated $19 million in direct spending to the Greater Sudbury community.
Where does my donation go?
That’s up to you! When you make a donation to Science North, you can direct your contribution to the cause of your choice. There are various ways to support your science centre.
Where can I find out more about Science North’s philanthropic efforts?
Feel free to contact the Acting Manager of Development at lafantaisie@sciencenorth.ca if you have any questions regarding Science North’s philanthropic efforts. You may also consult our most recent Annual Report and Financial Statements.