anonymous source. The mystery donor has agreed to match contributions to the corporation of $1,000 or more to a maximum of $25,000.

Set up in the US state of Maryland, the corporation aims to promote the programmes of the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo to Americans. And the grant is designed to stimulate American involvement in the Friends of the Bermuda Aquarium.

"It will also enable the organisation to develop new relationships with United States donors,'' said a Friends spokesman. He added the corporation would be seeking to become a public charity.

This would enable American donors to deduct their contributions for US tax purposes.