NonprofitsBuffalo And Erie County Botanical Gardens Society Inc

Environment

Buffalo And Erie County Botanical Gardens Society Inc

BUFFALO, NY

Total revenue

$2.5M

Total expenses

$2.4M

Net assets

$9.0M

Grants received

$1.6M

24 grants

EIN

222514024

Tax year

2024

Mission

Buffalo and erie county botanical gardens welcomes the public to enjoy its living plant collections and breathtaking conservatory. Its exhibits, educational programming, roots, and relationships serve the greater community. As a regional asset, it is committed to overcoming barriers to be an inclusive organization where all feel welcome. Designed by lord & burnham, its historic conservatory, modeled after rare glasshouses in london, england, opened in 1900. Located within a park system designed by frederick law olmsted in the 1800s, the buffalo and erie county botanical gardens is situated on 12 acres that also feature an accredited arboretum and lush outdoor gardens. The campus is owned by erie county and operated by the buffalo and erie county botanical gardens, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization supported in part by public funds from the county of erie, the new york state office of parks, recreation and historic preservation, members, donors, and friends.

Programs

3 programs

Guest services: in 2024, the buffalo and erie county botanical gardens welcomed over 100,000 visitors, providing an enriching full-sensory experience amidst stunning architecture and serene garden sanctuaries. As a living museum and tourist destination, we generate 94% of our operating budget through admissions, memberships, special events, and contributions. Our guest services team ensures every visitor enjoys a memorable and inspiring journey through our indoor and outdoor gardens and exhibits. We also offer tailored experiences for different visitor groups, including guided tours, special events, and interactive activities. Our commitment to exceptional guest service creates a welcoming atmosphere that encourages repeat visits and strong community engagement.

Expenses: $585K

Educational programs: the botanical gardens hosted over 9,000 students and adults in 2024, offering a wide range of educational programs designed to foster a love for nature and horticulture. Our programs, tailored for all ages, emphasize interactive learning and environmental stewardship. By connecting learners with the natural world, we cultivate future generations of environmental advocates and informed citizens. In addition to our on-site programs, we provide outreach initiatives that extend our educational impact into the community. Our partnerships with schools and local organizations further enhance our ability to deliver impactful and inclusive educational experiences.

Expenses: $344K

Gift shop sales of merchandise related to the organization's mission and various other revenue and expenses.

Expenses: $394K

Financials

FY 2024

Revenue

Contributions & grants$745K
Program service revenue$1.3M
Investment income$245K
Other revenue$192K
Total revenue$2.5M

Expenses

Grants paid
Salaries & benefits$1.7M
Fundraising$123K
Other expenses$694K
Total expenses$2.4M
Total assets$9.5M
Net assets$9.0M

People

29 listed

NameRoleCompensation

MARK MORTENSON

CEO/PRESIDENT (TO 9/13/24)

Board

$124K

40 hrs/wk

ERIN GRAJEK

CEO/PRESIDENT (FROM 12/2/24)

Board

$119K

40 hrs/wk

TERRY MICKELSON

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE/HR (TO 10/4/24)

Board

$66K

40 hrs/wk

BRYAN DEBROKA

DIRECTOR / TREASURER

Board

2 hrs/wk

KIM LAVARE

DIRECTOR

Board

2 hrs/wk

GEORGE CAMERON

DIRECTOR

Board

2 hrs/wk

JIM CHARLIER

DIRECTOR

Board

2 hrs/wk

ROSE ANN DULSKI

DIRECTOR

Board

2 hrs/wk

THOMAS GAFFNEY

DIRECTOR

Board

2 hrs/wk

CHARLES BRANDY FROM MARCH 2024

DIRECTOR

Board

2 hrs/wk

TED JOHNSON

DIRECTOR

Board

2 hrs/wk

PHIL KADET

DIRECTOR

Board

2 hrs/wk

TATIANA MERRICK FROM JUNE 2024

DIRECTOR

Board

2 hrs/wk

ALEXIS MCCOLGIN

DIRECTOR

Board

2 hrs/wk

TISHA LUCIANI

DIRECTOR/CHAIRPERSON

Board

5 hrs/wk

BARBARA NEVERGOLD

DIRECTOR

Board

2 hrs/wk

JOE SULLIVAN FROM JUNE 2024

DIRECTOR

Board

2 hrs/wk

ALLISON SAGRAVES

DIRECTOR

Board

2 hrs/wk

RACHEL SILVA

DIRECTOR

Board

2 hrs/wk

PHIL SNYDER

DIRECTOR

Board

2 hrs/wk

ERIK SOLOMON

DIRECTOR

Board

2 hrs/wk

STEPHEN SPAULDING MD

DIRECTOR

Board

2 hrs/wk

THOMAS WRINN

DIRECTOR

Board

2 hrs/wk

JASON HURLEY

EX OFFICIO

Board

2 hrs/wk

ROBERT LOWERY

EX OFFICIO

Board

2 hrs/wk

TRACY CICHOCKI

EX OFFICIO

Board

2 hrs/wk

KIMBERLY NASON

DIRECTOR

Board

2 hrs/wk

MICHE NEEDHAM CPA

DIRECTOR/VICE CHAIR

Board

2 hrs/wk

PAULETTE M CROOKE

DIRECTOR /SECRETARY

Board

2 hrs/wk

Independent contractors

WENDEL

ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES

$1.2M

TURNER CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT SERVICES

$143K

Grants received

Showing 24 of 24

FromAmountPurposeYear
$19K
CHARITABLE SUPPORT. ANY RESTRICTIONS HAVE BEEN COMMUNICATED TO THE GRANTEE.
2024
$8K
UNRESTRICTED GENERAL SUPPORT
2024
$50K
CHARITABLE SUPPORT. ANY RESTRICTIONS HAVE BEEN COMMUNICATED TO THE GRANTEE.
2023
$10K
SUPPORT URBAN AGRICULTURE, COMMUNITY GARDENING, AND OTHER FOOD GROWING PROGRAMS
2023
$8K
UNRESTRICTED GENERAL SUPPORT
2023
$3K
Free Educational Programming for Buffalo and Lackawanna Public and Charter Schools
2023
$100
OTHER CIVIC / COMMUNITY
2023
$1M
TO SUPPORT THE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN FOR THE EXPANSION OF THE BUFFALO BOTANICAL GARDENS.
2022
$83K
BOTANICAL GARDENS CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
2022
$33K
UNRESTRICTED USE: IN MEMORY OF; FIELD TRIPS FOR BUFFALO & LACKAWANNA STUDENTS; JOINT REQUEST WITH MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE PROJECT TO PREPARE FOR 2023 SEASON-HARVEST TO SERVE BUFFALO FAMILIES IN NEED.
2022
$83K
BOTANICAL GARDENS CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
2020
$45K
UNRESTRICTED USE: IN MEMORY OF; BUFFALO AND ERIE COUNTY BOTANICAL GARDENS EXPANSION PROJECT
2020
$25K
EDUCATION
2020
$20K
UNRESTRICTED
2020
$10K
FOR RECIPIENT'S EXEMPT PURPOSE
2020
$9K
GENERAL PURPOSES
2020
$8K
For grant recipient's exempt purposes
2020
$100
MIP PAYOUT FOR 04/14/20
2020
$100K
UNRESTRICTED USE; CAPITAL CAMPAIGN; ECO GARDEN HARVEST FOR GERARD PLACE; SUPPORT EXPANDED CLASSROOMS
2019

Funded by

$1.6M from 14 funders · 24 grants · 2019–2024

The Ralph C Wilson Jr Foundation

$1M · 1 grant · 2022

Community Foundation For Greater Buffalo

$247K · 5 grants · 2019–2024

The John R Oishei Foundation

$167K · 2 grants · 2020–2022

American Online Giving Foundation Inc

$113K · 3 grants · 2022–2024

First Niagara Foundation

$25K · 1 grant · 2020

The Baird Foundation

$20K · 1 grant · 2020

Morgan Stanley Global Impact Funding Trust Inc

$16K · 2 grants · 2023–2024

The Peter And Elizabeth C Tower

$15K · 2 grants · 2020–2021

Details

EIN222514024
NTEE codeC410
Subsection03
Ruling date1989-05
Formed1981
Employees42
Volunteers115
BUFFALO AND ERIE COUNTY BOTANICAL GARDENS SOCIETY INC — Mission, Financials & Grants Received | Grantivo