How the Center Supports Its Mission
A connected destination can create multiple ways to support conservation, education, research and long-term stewardship.
The following sections explain, in order, where money could come from, who receives it, what may come to SCWS, what SCWS has available, what SCWS spends it on, and what happens after expenses.
Money Coming Directly to SCWS
These are examples of potential future revenue and support received directly by Space Coast Water Sweep.
SCWS Direct Income
Restricted funds must be used for their designated purposes. Not all contributed funding is available for general Center operations.
These are potential sources, not financial forecasts. No revenue source is guaranteed.
Outside Businesses — Their Sales
Some visitor services may be provided by independent businesses operating under future agreements with SCWS.
Restaurant
Restaurant sales belong to the restaurant operator.
Eco-Tours & Guided Kayaking
Operator sales belong to the operator.
Events / Catering
Operator sales belong to the operator.
Transportation
Transportation sales belong to the provider.
An independent operator's total customer sales are NOT SCWS revenue. Only a payment actually required under a future agreement would become revenue to SCWS.
Potential Contractual Payment to SCWS
How an operator could compensate SCWS
Depending on the future agreement, an independent operator could potentially compensate SCWS through a site or facility fee, booking-related payment, concession payment, agreed revenue share or another approved form of compensation.
No operator, payment structure, rate or revenue share has been selected or agreed.
Not every operator will use the same structure. Not every operator will necessarily make every type of payment. No percentages or dollar figures are shown.
Resources Available to SCWS
The resources SCWS has available combine three kinds of income and support.
SCWS Direct Income
Admission, experiences, merchandise, memberships, programs, events
Available Donations, Sponsorships & Grants
Including restricted funds for designated purposes
Payments Actually Received from Outside Operators Under Future Agreements
Only if a future agreement requires payment
Resources Available to Operate the Center and Advance the SCWS Mission
Restricted funds remain subject to their designated purposes and are not automatically available for general operations.
Outside operator gross sales are not included in SCWS resources.
No dollar figures are shown. This is a planning concept, not a financial forecast.
Where the Resources Go
Resources are used in two main ways: operating the Center and advancing the mission.
Operating the Center
Advancing the Mission
Project Lagoon, Hidden Waters, Currents Through Time and SCWS conservation programs remain under SCWS mission and operational control.
What Happens After Expenses?
There are two possible outcomes. Neither is guaranteed.
When Available Resources Exceed Costs
SCWS may:
- Maintain appropriate operating and capital reserves.
- Reinvest available resources in SCWS conservation, education, research and future mission needs.
- When appropriate and legally permissible, choose to support another organization's work that advances SCWS's charitable mission.
Supporting another organization is NOT automatic, required, guaranteed, a predetermined percentage, or a required distribution of surplus.
When Costs Exceed Available Resources
The funding need may be addressed through:
- Additional earned revenue
- Fundraising
- Grants
- Sponsorships
- Operating adjustments
- Other appropriate sources
A funding need is not automatically a failure. No single source is guaranteed to cover it.
Planning Concept — Not a Financial Forecast
The Center remains in development and feasibility planning. Revenue sources, operator arrangements, fees, costs, reserves and funding structures have not been finalized.
Actual arrangements will depend on property rights, agreements, funding restrictions, legal and tax requirements, operating conditions and future contracts.
Property & Lease Considerations
Potential operator payments remain subject to the final property-control structure, applicable lease or use restrictions, required governmental approvals, future operator agreements, and legal and tax review.
SCWS does not automatically have authority to:
- sublease property;
- issue concessions;
- charge site fees;
- collect percentage rent;
- participate in operator sales; or
- grant commercial operating rights.
These issues depend on future state, county, private-property, lease, use and contractual arrangements as applicable.