NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION
Chicago Horticultural Society
A message from the Chair of the Board and the President & CEO
Board of Directors Officers and Executive Staff as of 12/31/2021
Robert F. Finke, Chair Jean M. Franczyk, President and Chief Executive Officer Fred Spicer, Executive Vice President and Director Paul Rafac, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Jennifer C. Bell, Chief Development Officer
Gregory M. Mueller, Ph.D., Chief Scientist and Negaunee Vice President of Science
Nature is in demand, and we are ready to meet the moment. People come to us as a place to unwind, to walk in the shade of a sturdy oak, to catch the fragrant double bloom of a peony. In 2021,
Harriet Resnick, Vice President, Visitor Experience and Business Development
as COVID-19 continued to affect our daily lives, the Chicago
Gwen VanderBurg, Vice President, Marketing and Communications
dance in our history.
Botanic Garden hosted 1.1 million visits—the second highest atten-
The Garden continues to grow, and we need the financial foundation 2021 Life Directors
2021 Board of Directors
and infrastructure to meet growing public demands and expecta-
Dana Anderson
Anne Leventry
Neville F. Bryan
Matt Banholzer
Diane vS. Levy
J. Melfort Campbell
Carol A. Barnett
Laura M. Linger
Barbara Whitney Carr
Russell F. Bartmes
Anne S. Loucks
David R. Casper
project that will create a much-improved visitor experience. In front
Allegra E. Biery
Michael J. McMurray
Gary P. Coughlan
of the Visitor Center, you’ll see that a new Welcome Plaza is taking
Martha D. Boudos
Christopher Merrill
Peter R. Crane
shape. By the end of 2022, we’ll have a visitor friendly and traf-
Terrence R. Brady
Gregory A. Moerschel
Suzanne S. Dixon
fic-free entry plaza, a new lakeside Stone Family Picnic Glade, and
John H. Buehler
Lois L. Morrison
Thomas A. Donahoe
Suzanne M. Burns
Henry J.Munez
Peter B. Foreman
new electric trams.
Sandy Campbell, ex officio
Jennifer J. Neighbours, ex officio
Ralph F. Fujimoto
We continue to build on the momentum of 2021, which launched us
Craig Niemann
James J. Glasser Caryn L. Harris
back on the road to recovery from the ongoing global pandemic.
Robin Colburn Jill M. Delaney Amy DeVore, ex officio James W. DeYoung Timothy A. Dugan Diana S. Ferguson Jean M. Franczyk, ex officio Steven J. Gavin Nancy Gidwitz Christopher E. Girgenti Ellis M. Goodman Charles V. Greener Joseph P. Gromacki William J. Hagenah Kathleen Hagerty Jane Irwin Samuel S. Jacobs Gregory K. Jones Peter Keehn Lydia R. B. Kelley Barbara Malott Kizziah R. Henry Kleeman
Jane S. Park George A. Peinado Toni Preckwinkle, ex officio Bob Probst Arnold Randall, ex officio Mary B. Richardson-Lowry John C. Robak Ryan S. Ruskin Richard J. Sciortino Robert E. Shaw Andrew F. Sinclair AnnaClare Smith, ex officio Maria Smithburg Pam F. Szokol Catherine M. Waddell Susan A. Willetts Melvin F. Williams, Jr. Nicole S. Williams Ernest C. Wong Michael R. Zimmerman
John L. Howard Pamela K. Hull*
raising event, was a great success. Windy City Harvest, our urban agriculture program, distributed more than 16,000 VeggieRx boxes
Susan L. Regenstein
Obama Foundation announced its partnership with the Garden to
Anne O. Scott
work on the design and operation of its fruit and vegetable garden,
Elena Kraus
Ernest P. Waud III
Thomas E. Lanctot
Arthur M. Wood, Jr.
You’re invited
as well as the overall design of the Obama Presidential Center landscape in Jackson Park.
On December 31, our longtime Garden champion Robert F. (Bob) Finke finished nearly a decade of service as chair of the Board of Directors. We are forever grateful for his extraordinary leadership and vision and are thrilled that he remains a member of the Board. At the same time, we’re excited that Michael R. Zimmerman—a Board member since 2018—was elected as Board chair. We look forward to the Garden’s next chapter together.
*denotes deceased
We cultivate the power of plants to sustain and enrich life. DE 22055 CBG Annual 2021 FINAL.indd 1
chicagobotanic.org/annual_report
and our planet, can thrive. With our partner, the Forest Preserves of and community engagement programs. And on Earth Day, the
Howard J. Trienens*
To view our Annual Report and video online, please visit
We continue to protect natural areas and green space so people,
Homi B. Patel
Richard L. Thomas
President & CEO
food insecure—more than double the impact of the previous year.
Cook County, we worked on conservation and restoration projects
Susan K. Stone
Jean M. Franczyk
of free fruits and vegetables to more than 2,000 families who are
William A. Osborn
David Byron Smith
life, full of possibilities.
totaled $14.9 million in unrestricted donations, memberships, trib-
Benjamin F. Lenhardt, Jr.
William E. Moeller
growth. Because of you, the Garden has never seemed more full of
Thanks to the remarkable efforts of our team, raised revenue in 2021
holiday event Lightscape, along with the Lightscape Preview fund-
Jeanine McNally
Annual Report | 2021
to show our gratitude to you for five decades of extraordinary
Chair of the Board
William H. Kurtis
Mary L. McCormack
PERMIT NO. 1568
thought-provoking and joyous. Most of all, the celebration allows us
fee for nonmembers. At the same time, we broke ground on a new
Posy L. Krehbiel
Josephine P. Louis
NORTHBROOK, IL
50th anniversary celebration. Flourish: The Garden at 50 will be
Michael R. Zimmerman
utes, and fundraising events, a 30 percent increase over 2020. Our
Daniel I. H. Linzer
US POSTAGE PAID
This year, we have much to look forward to, including the Garden’s
tions. In February 2022, we began charging a per-person admission
Thomas B. Hunter III
Donna La Pietra
chicagobotanic.org One of the treasures of the Forest Preserves of Cook County
Jennifer Schwarz, Ph.D., Vice President, Learning and Engagement Aida Z. Giglio, Vice President, Human Resources
1000 lake cook road glencoe, illinois 60022
May 13 – September 25 Nature-inspired art | Interactive stories | Pop-up events Celebrating 50 years of connecting people to the natural world
5/13/22 12:33 PM
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION
Chicago Horticultural Society
A message from the Chair of the Board and the President & CEO
Board of Directors Officers and Executive Staff as of 12/31/2021
Robert F. Finke, Chair Jean M. Franczyk, President and Chief Executive Officer Fred Spicer, Executive Vice President and Director Paul Rafac, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Jennifer C. Bell, Chief Development Officer
Gregory M. Mueller, Ph.D., Chief Scientist and Negaunee Vice President of Science
Nature is in demand, and we are ready to meet the moment. People come to us as a place to unwind, to walk in the shade of a sturdy oak, to catch the fragrant double bloom of a peony. In 2021,
Harriet Resnick, Vice President, Visitor Experience and Business Development
as COVID-19 continued to affect our daily lives, the Chicago
Gwen VanderBurg, Vice President, Marketing and Communications
dance in our history.
Botanic Garden hosted 1.1 million visits—the second highest atten-
The Garden continues to grow, and we need the financial foundation 2021 Life Directors
2021 Board of Directors
and infrastructure to meet growing public demands and expecta-
Dana Anderson
Anne Leventry
Neville F. Bryan
Matt Banholzer
Diane vS. Levy
J. Melfort Campbell
Carol A. Barnett
Laura M. Linger
Barbara Whitney Carr
Russell F. Bartmes
Anne S. Loucks
David R. Casper
project that will create a much-improved visitor experience. In front
Allegra E. Biery
Michael J. McMurray
Gary P. Coughlan
of the Visitor Center, you’ll see that a new Welcome Plaza is taking
Martha D. Boudos
Christopher Merrill
Peter R. Crane
shape. By the end of 2022, we’ll have a visitor friendly and traf-
Terrence R. Brady
Gregory A. Moerschel
Suzanne S. Dixon
fic-free entry plaza, a new lakeside Stone Family Picnic Glade, and
John H. Buehler
Lois L. Morrison
Thomas A. Donahoe
Suzanne M. Burns
Henry J.Munez
Peter B. Foreman
new electric trams.
Sandy Campbell, ex officio
Jennifer J. Neighbours, ex officio
Ralph F. Fujimoto
We continue to build on the momentum of 2021, which launched us
Craig Niemann
James J. Glasser Caryn L. Harris
back on the road to recovery from the ongoing global pandemic.
Robin Colburn Jill M. Delaney Amy DeVore, ex officio James W. DeYoung Timothy A. Dugan Diana S. Ferguson Jean M. Franczyk, ex officio Steven J. Gavin Nancy Gidwitz Christopher E. Girgenti Ellis M. Goodman Charles V. Greener Joseph P. Gromacki William J. Hagenah Kathleen Hagerty Jane Irwin Samuel S. Jacobs Gregory K. Jones Peter Keehn Lydia R. B. Kelley Barbara Malott Kizziah R. Henry Kleeman
Jane S. Park George A. Peinado Toni Preckwinkle, ex officio Bob Probst Arnold Randall, ex officio Mary B. Richardson-Lowry John C. Robak Ryan S. Ruskin Richard J. Sciortino Robert E. Shaw Andrew F. Sinclair AnnaClare Smith, ex officio Maria Smithburg Pam F. Szokol Catherine M. Waddell Susan A. Willetts Melvin F. Williams, Jr. Nicole S. Williams Ernest C. Wong Michael R. Zimmerman
John L. Howard Pamela K. Hull*
raising event, was a great success. Windy City Harvest, our urban agriculture program, distributed more than 16,000 VeggieRx boxes
Susan L. Regenstein
Obama Foundation announced its partnership with the Garden to
Anne O. Scott
work on the design and operation of its fruit and vegetable garden,
Elena Kraus
Ernest P. Waud III
Thomas E. Lanctot
Arthur M. Wood, Jr.
You’re invited
as well as the overall design of the Obama Presidential Center landscape in Jackson Park.
On December 31, our longtime Garden champion Robert F. (Bob) Finke finished nearly a decade of service as chair of the Board of Directors. We are forever grateful for his extraordinary leadership and vision and are thrilled that he remains a member of the Board. At the same time, we’re excited that Michael R. Zimmerman—a Board member since 2018—was elected as Board chair. We look forward to the Garden’s next chapter together.
*denotes deceased
We cultivate the power of plants to sustain and enrich life. DE 22055 CBG Annual 2021 FINAL.indd 1
chicagobotanic.org/annual_report
and our planet, can thrive. With our partner, the Forest Preserves of and community engagement programs. And on Earth Day, the
Howard J. Trienens*
To view our Annual Report and video online, please visit
We continue to protect natural areas and green space so people,
Homi B. Patel
Richard L. Thomas
President & CEO
food insecure—more than double the impact of the previous year.
Cook County, we worked on conservation and restoration projects
Susan K. Stone
Jean M. Franczyk
of free fruits and vegetables to more than 2,000 families who are
William A. Osborn
David Byron Smith
life, full of possibilities.
totaled $14.9 million in unrestricted donations, memberships, trib-
Benjamin F. Lenhardt, Jr.
William E. Moeller
growth. Because of you, the Garden has never seemed more full of
Thanks to the remarkable efforts of our team, raised revenue in 2021
holiday event Lightscape, along with the Lightscape Preview fund-
Jeanine McNally
Annual Report | 2021
to show our gratitude to you for five decades of extraordinary
Chair of the Board
William H. Kurtis
Mary L. McCormack
PERMIT NO. 1568
thought-provoking and joyous. Most of all, the celebration allows us
fee for nonmembers. At the same time, we broke ground on a new
Posy L. Krehbiel
Josephine P. Louis
NORTHBROOK, IL
50th anniversary celebration. Flourish: The Garden at 50 will be
Michael R. Zimmerman
utes, and fundraising events, a 30 percent increase over 2020. Our
Daniel I. H. Linzer
US POSTAGE PAID
This year, we have much to look forward to, including the Garden’s
tions. In February 2022, we began charging a per-person admission
Thomas B. Hunter III
Donna La Pietra
chicagobotanic.org One of the treasures of the Forest Preserves of Cook County
Jennifer Schwarz, Ph.D., Vice President, Learning and Engagement Aida Z. Giglio, Vice President, Human Resources
1000 lake cook road glencoe, illinois 60022
May 13 – September 25 Nature-inspired art | Interactive stories | Pop-up events Celebrating 50 years of connecting people to the natural world
5/13/22 12:33 PM
Statement of financial position As of December 31, 2021 (in millions of dollars)
Building for the future
The restorative power of nature
Racial justice and diversity progress
Reaching local communities
Our 28th display garden opens
We must meet our growing demand, maintain our exceptional
Last year, our attendance rebounded, thanks to the hard work of
Beatriz Cañas is our first director of equity, diversity, inclusion, and
Our community ties grow stronger each year through programs
In late 2021, we opened the Mitsuzo and Kyoko Shida Evaluation Garden, which allows us to expand our acclaimed plant evaluation program.
gardens and visitor experience, and sustain our science and
our staff, the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, and a strong
accessibility (EDIA). Along with the Employee Advisory Group, she
such as Windy City Harvest, the Garden’s urban agriculture,
The landscape plan by Wirtz International Landscape Architects includes specialty evaluation areas for perennials, roses, shrubs, and vines.
learning programs in order to ensure our future. Earlier this year,
program within our open-air environment. We hosted 1.1 million
is leading our efforts to make the Garden an equitable and inclu-
education, and jobs-training program. Last year, 15 Windy City
we restructured our membership program and began charging a
visits, the second highest in our history. Our holiday event Light-
sive space for all. The Garden remains committed to attracting a
Harvest Farms grew 120,000 pounds of fruits and vegetables,
per-per admission fee for nonmembers. Admission, as well as
scape sold out, with 213,237 visitors; the previous year, with lower
diverse audience. Our Board of Directors completed the Facing
much of it staying in local communities. The Garden also joined
ASSETS Cash Pledges receivable Accounts receivable Prepaid expenses and other assets Investments Other assets Property and equipment
parking, remains free for members. Because accessibility is a pri-
capacity, drew 134,783 people. As our audience grows, the
Change board diversity and inclusion project sponsored by the
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle’s Project Rain-
TOTAL
ority for the Garden, we offer 52 free admission days per year. We
Garden remains committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and
American Alliance of Museums. The Board’s goal is for 25 percent
bow, a new initiative to address learning loss magnified by
also are constructing a visitor-friendly Welcome Plaza and the
respectful environment. To that end, in 2021, we instituted a new
of its members to be BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of
COVID-19. We produced “Maria’s Nature Notebooks,” a series of
Stone Family Picnic Glade and acquiring new electric trams.
Code of Conduct for all visitors and provided conflict resolution
Color) within three years. Also, 80 staff members have completed a
popular videos for young children, featuring the color, sounds,
training for more than 70 front-line staff.
certification process to become Conscious Ambassadors so we
and action of the natural world.
$333.1
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS Liabilities Accounts payable and accrued expenses Other liabilities Bonds payable
understand how our own experiences shape us and how we interact with others.
6.9 15.4 1.5 0.9 184.1 1.4 122.9
Connecting people to the natural world
5.6 10.0 49.6
Total Liabilities
$65.1
borhood, a new project with the Nature Conservancy. The proj-
Net Assets Without donor restrictions With donor restrictions
157.2 110.8
ect seeks to better understand the relationship between the dis-
Total Net Assets
268.0
We’ve expanded our work on promoting biodiversity. The Negaunee Institute for Plant Conservation Science and Action, for instance, leads the work on Chicago Nature: Map Your Neigh-
tribution and quality of biodiversity found in the different areas of
TOTAL
Cook and Lake Counties and socioeconomic factors impacting
$331.1
residents. The Garden hosted Picturing the Prairie last year, celebrating tallgrass prairies and their vital role in our midwestern heritage with events and an exhibition of landscape paintings.
Operating revenue and other support $49 million
You made a difference in 2021. Thank you… …to our donors, who remain so responsive to the Garden’s needs and mission. …to our partners, especially the Forest Preserves of Cook County. … to our members, for being patient and loyal as the Garden moves forward in an ever-changing landscape. …to our staff and board members, who continue to go above and beyond. …to our volunteers, for their flexibility and dedication.
OTHER GRANT & CONTRACT REVENUE 3%
•
•
•
VISITOR PROGRAMS & OPERATIONS 21%
Our digital reach continued to expand, with more than 15.5 million website page views in 2021; new users were up 15 percent over 2020. In 2021, engagement on our social media channels increased by more than 27 percent, compared to the previous year.
GOVERNMENT GRANTS 4%
•
MEMBERSHIP 11%
Connections
•
•
EDUCATION FEES 3%
CONTRIBUTIONS/IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS 19%
• •
•
FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT OF COOK COUNTY 19%
SPONSORSHIPS 2% RESTRICTED PROGRAM GIFTS 18%
Operating expenditures $43 million ADMINISTRATION 13%
•
MEMBERSHIP & DEVELOPMENT 10%
•
COMMUNICATIONS 6%
•
VISITOR PROGRAMS & OPERATIONS 18%
• •
•
GARDENS & GROUNDS 25%
•
SCIENCE AFFAIRS 14% LEARNING & ENGAGEMENT 14%
Complete, audited financial statements for the Chicago Botanic Garden for the year ending December 31, 2021, are available at chicagobotanic.org/annual_report.
DE 22055 CBG Annual 2021 FINAL.indd 2
5/13/22 12:33 PM
Statement of financial position As of December 31, 2021 (in millions of dollars)
Building for the future
The restorative power of nature
Racial justice and diversity progress
Reaching local communities
Our 28th display garden opens
We must meet our growing demand, maintain our exceptional
Last year, our attendance rebounded, thanks to the hard work of
Beatriz Cañas is our first director of equity, diversity, inclusion, and
Our community ties grow stronger each year through programs
In late 2021, we opened the Mitsuzo and Kyoko Shida Evaluation Garden, which allows us to expand our acclaimed plant evaluation program.
gardens and visitor experience, and sustain our science and
our staff, the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, and a strong
accessibility (EDIA). Along with the Employee Advisory Group, she
such as Windy City Harvest, the Garden’s urban agriculture,
The landscape plan by Wirtz International Landscape Architects includes specialty evaluation areas for perennials, roses, shrubs, and vines.
learning programs in order to ensure our future. Earlier this year,
program within our open-air environment. We hosted 1.1 million
is leading our efforts to make the Garden an equitable and inclu-
education, and jobs-training program. Last year, 15 Windy City
we restructured our membership program and began charging a
visits, the second highest in our history. Our holiday event Light-
sive space for all. The Garden remains committed to attracting a
Harvest Farms grew 120,000 pounds of fruits and vegetables,
per-per admission fee for nonmembers. Admission, as well as
scape sold out, with 213,237 visitors; the previous year, with lower
diverse audience. Our Board of Directors completed the Facing
much of it staying in local communities. The Garden also joined
ASSETS Cash Pledges receivable Accounts receivable Prepaid expenses and other assets Investments Other assets Property and equipment
parking, remains free for members. Because accessibility is a pri-
capacity, drew 134,783 people. As our audience grows, the
Change board diversity and inclusion project sponsored by the
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle’s Project Rain-
TOTAL
ority for the Garden, we offer 52 free admission days per year. We
Garden remains committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and
American Alliance of Museums. The Board’s goal is for 25 percent
bow, a new initiative to address learning loss magnified by
also are constructing a visitor-friendly Welcome Plaza and the
respectful environment. To that end, in 2021, we instituted a new
of its members to be BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of
COVID-19. We produced “Maria’s Nature Notebooks,” a series of
Stone Family Picnic Glade and acquiring new electric trams.
Code of Conduct for all visitors and provided conflict resolution
Color) within three years. Also, 80 staff members have completed a
popular videos for young children, featuring the color, sounds,
training for more than 70 front-line staff.
certification process to become Conscious Ambassadors so we
and action of the natural world.
$333.1
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS Liabilities Accounts payable and accrued expenses Other liabilities Bonds payable
understand how our own experiences shape us and how we interact with others.
6.9 15.4 1.5 0.9 184.1 1.4 122.9
Connecting people to the natural world
5.6 10.0 49.6
Total Liabilities
$65.1
borhood, a new project with the Nature Conservancy. The proj-
Net Assets Without donor restrictions With donor restrictions
157.2 110.8
ect seeks to better understand the relationship between the dis-
Total Net Assets
268.0
We’ve expanded our work on promoting biodiversity. The Negaunee Institute for Plant Conservation Science and Action, for instance, leads the work on Chicago Nature: Map Your Neigh-
tribution and quality of biodiversity found in the different areas of
TOTAL
Cook and Lake Counties and socioeconomic factors impacting
$331.1
residents. The Garden hosted Picturing the Prairie last year, celebrating tallgrass prairies and their vital role in our midwestern heritage with events and an exhibition of landscape paintings.
Operating revenue and other support $49 million
You made a difference in 2021. Thank you… …to our donors, who remain so responsive to the Garden’s needs and mission. …to our partners, especially the Forest Preserves of Cook County. … to our members, for being patient and loyal as the Garden moves forward in an ever-changing landscape. …to our staff and board members, who continue to go above and beyond. …to our volunteers, for their flexibility and dedication.
OTHER GRANT & CONTRACT REVENUE 3%
•
•
•
VISITOR PROGRAMS & OPERATIONS 21%
Our digital reach continued to expand, with more than 15.5 million website page views in 2021; new users were up 15 percent over 2020. In 2021, engagement on our social media channels increased by more than 27 percent, compared to the previous year.
GOVERNMENT GRANTS 4%
•
MEMBERSHIP 11%
Connections
•
•
EDUCATION FEES 3%
CONTRIBUTIONS/IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS 19%
• •
•
FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT OF COOK COUNTY 19%
SPONSORSHIPS 2% RESTRICTED PROGRAM GIFTS 18%
Operating expenditures $43 million ADMINISTRATION 13%
•
MEMBERSHIP & DEVELOPMENT 10%
•
COMMUNICATIONS 6%
•
VISITOR PROGRAMS & OPERATIONS 18%
• •
•
GARDENS & GROUNDS 25%
•
SCIENCE AFFAIRS 14% LEARNING & ENGAGEMENT 14%
Complete, audited financial statements for the Chicago Botanic Garden for the year ending December 31, 2021, are available at chicagobotanic.org/annual_report.
DE 22055 CBG Annual 2021 FINAL.indd 2
5/13/22 12:33 PM
Statement of financial position As of December 31, 2021 (in millions of dollars)
Building for the future
The restorative power of nature
Racial justice and diversity progress
Reaching local communities
Our 28th display garden opens
We must meet our growing demand, maintain our exceptional
Last year, our attendance rebounded, thanks to the hard work of
Beatriz Cañas is our first director of equity, diversity, inclusion, and
Our community ties grow stronger each year through programs
In late 2021, we opened the Mitsuzo and Kyoko Shida Evaluation Garden, which allows us to expand our acclaimed plant evaluation program.
gardens and visitor experience, and sustain our science and
our staff, the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, and a strong
accessibility (EDIA). Along with the Employee Advisory Group, she
such as Windy City Harvest, the Garden’s urban agriculture,
The landscape plan by Wirtz International Landscape Architects includes specialty evaluation areas for perennials, roses, shrubs, and vines.
learning programs in order to ensure our future. Earlier this year,
program within our open-air environment. We hosted 1.1 million
is leading our efforts to make the Garden an equitable and inclu-
education, and jobs-training program. Last year, 15 Windy City
we restructured our membership program and began charging a
visits, the second highest in our history. Our holiday event Light-
sive space for all. The Garden remains committed to attracting a
Harvest Farms grew 120,000 pounds of fruits and vegetables,
per-per admission fee for nonmembers. Admission, as well as
scape sold out, with 213,237 visitors; the previous year, with lower
diverse audience. Our Board of Directors completed the Facing
much of it staying in local communities. The Garden also joined
ASSETS Cash Pledges receivable Accounts receivable Prepaid expenses and other assets Investments Other assets Property and equipment
parking, remains free for members. Because accessibility is a pri-
capacity, drew 134,783 people. As our audience grows, the
Change board diversity and inclusion project sponsored by the
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle’s Project Rain-
TOTAL
ority for the Garden, we offer 52 free admission days per year. We
Garden remains committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and
American Alliance of Museums. The Board’s goal is for 25 percent
bow, a new initiative to address learning loss magnified by
also are constructing a visitor-friendly Welcome Plaza and the
respectful environment. To that end, in 2021, we instituted a new
of its members to be BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of
COVID-19. We produced “Maria’s Nature Notebooks,” a series of
Stone Family Picnic Glade and acquiring new electric trams.
Code of Conduct for all visitors and provided conflict resolution
Color) within three years. Also, 80 staff members have completed a
popular videos for young children, featuring the color, sounds,
training for more than 70 front-line staff.
certification process to become Conscious Ambassadors so we
and action of the natural world.
$333.1
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS Liabilities Accounts payable and accrued expenses Other liabilities Bonds payable
understand how our own experiences shape us and how we interact with others.
6.9 15.4 1.5 0.9 184.1 1.4 122.9
Connecting people to the natural world
5.6 10.0 49.6
Total Liabilities
$65.1
borhood, a new project with the Nature Conservancy. The proj-
Net Assets Without donor restrictions With donor restrictions
157.2 110.8
ect seeks to better understand the relationship between the dis-
Total Net Assets
268.0
We’ve expanded our work on promoting biodiversity. The Negaunee Institute for Plant Conservation Science and Action, for instance, leads the work on Chicago Nature: Map Your Neigh-
tribution and quality of biodiversity found in the different areas of
TOTAL
Cook and Lake Counties and socioeconomic factors impacting
$331.1
residents. The Garden hosted Picturing the Prairie last year, celebrating tallgrass prairies and their vital role in our midwestern heritage with events and an exhibition of landscape paintings.
Operating revenue and other support $49 million
You made a difference in 2021. Thank you… …to our donors, who remain so responsive to the Garden’s needs and mission. …to our partners, especially the Forest Preserves of Cook County. … to our members, for being patient and loyal as the Garden moves forward in an ever-changing landscape. …to our staff and board members, who continue to go above and beyond. …to our volunteers, for their flexibility and dedication.
OTHER GRANT & CONTRACT REVENUE 3%
•
•
•
VISITOR PROGRAMS & OPERATIONS 21%
Our digital reach continued to expand, with more than 15.5 million website page views in 2021; new users were up 15 percent over 2020. In 2021, engagement on our social media channels increased by more than 27 percent, compared to the previous year.
GOVERNMENT GRANTS 4%
•
MEMBERSHIP 11%
Connections
•
•
EDUCATION FEES 3%
CONTRIBUTIONS/IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS 19%
• •
•
FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT OF COOK COUNTY 19%
SPONSORSHIPS 2% RESTRICTED PROGRAM GIFTS 18%
Operating expenditures $43 million ADMINISTRATION 13%
•
MEMBERSHIP & DEVELOPMENT 10%
•
COMMUNICATIONS 6%
•
VISITOR PROGRAMS & OPERATIONS 18%
• •
•
GARDENS & GROUNDS 25%
•
SCIENCE AFFAIRS 14% LEARNING & ENGAGEMENT 14%
Complete, audited financial statements for the Chicago Botanic Garden for the year ending December 31, 2021, are available at chicagobotanic.org/annual_report.
DE 22055 CBG Annual 2021 FINAL.indd 2
5/13/22 12:33 PM
Statement of financial position As of December 31, 2021 (in millions of dollars)
Building for the future
The restorative power of nature
Racial justice and diversity progress
Reaching local communities
Our 28th display garden opens
We must meet our growing demand, maintain our exceptional
Last year, our attendance rebounded, thanks to the hard work of
Beatriz Cañas is our first director of equity, diversity, inclusion, and
Our community ties grow stronger each year through programs
In late 2021, we opened the Mitsuzo and Kyoko Shida Evaluation Garden, which allows us to expand our acclaimed plant evaluation program.
gardens and visitor experience, and sustain our science and
our staff, the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, and a strong
accessibility (EDIA). Along with the Employee Advisory Group, she
such as Windy City Harvest, the Garden’s urban agriculture,
The landscape plan by Wirtz International Landscape Architects includes specialty evaluation areas for perennials, roses, shrubs, and vines.
learning programs in order to ensure our future. Earlier this year,
program within our open-air environment. We hosted 1.1 million
is leading our efforts to make the Garden an equitable and inclu-
education, and jobs-training program. Last year, 15 Windy City
we restructured our membership program and began charging a
visits, the second highest in our history. Our holiday event Light-
sive space for all. The Garden remains committed to attracting a
Harvest Farms grew 120,000 pounds of fruits and vegetables,
per-per admission fee for nonmembers. Admission, as well as
scape sold out, with 213,237 visitors; the previous year, with lower
diverse audience. Our Board of Directors completed the Facing
much of it staying in local communities. The Garden also joined
ASSETS Cash Pledges receivable Accounts receivable Prepaid expenses and other assets Investments Other assets Property and equipment
parking, remains free for members. Because accessibility is a pri-
capacity, drew 134,783 people. As our audience grows, the
Change board diversity and inclusion project sponsored by the
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle’s Project Rain-
TOTAL
ority for the Garden, we offer 52 free admission days per year. We
Garden remains committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and
American Alliance of Museums. The Board’s goal is for 25 percent
bow, a new initiative to address learning loss magnified by
also are constructing a visitor-friendly Welcome Plaza and the
respectful environment. To that end, in 2021, we instituted a new
of its members to be BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of
COVID-19. We produced “Maria’s Nature Notebooks,” a series of
Stone Family Picnic Glade and acquiring new electric trams.
Code of Conduct for all visitors and provided conflict resolution
Color) within three years. Also, 80 staff members have completed a
popular videos for young children, featuring the color, sounds,
training for more than 70 front-line staff.
certification process to become Conscious Ambassadors so we
and action of the natural world.
$333.1
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS Liabilities Accounts payable and accrued expenses Other liabilities Bonds payable
understand how our own experiences shape us and how we interact with others.
6.9 15.4 1.5 0.9 184.1 1.4 122.9
Connecting people to the natural world
5.6 10.0 49.6
Total Liabilities
$65.1
borhood, a new project with the Nature Conservancy. The proj-
Net Assets Without donor restrictions With donor restrictions
157.2 110.8
ect seeks to better understand the relationship between the dis-
Total Net Assets
268.0
We’ve expanded our work on promoting biodiversity. The Negaunee Institute for Plant Conservation Science and Action, for instance, leads the work on Chicago Nature: Map Your Neigh-
tribution and quality of biodiversity found in the different areas of
TOTAL
Cook and Lake Counties and socioeconomic factors impacting
$331.1
residents. The Garden hosted Picturing the Prairie last year, celebrating tallgrass prairies and their vital role in our midwestern heritage with events and an exhibition of landscape paintings.
Operating revenue and other support $49 million
You made a difference in 2021. Thank you… …to our donors, who remain so responsive to the Garden’s needs and mission. …to our partners, especially the Forest Preserves of Cook County. … to our members, for being patient and loyal as the Garden moves forward in an ever-changing landscape. …to our staff and board members, who continue to go above and beyond. …to our volunteers, for their flexibility and dedication.
OTHER GRANT & CONTRACT REVENUE 3%
•
•
•
VISITOR PROGRAMS & OPERATIONS 21%
Our digital reach continued to expand, with more than 15.5 million website page views in 2021; new users were up 15 percent over 2020. In 2021, engagement on our social media channels increased by more than 27 percent, compared to the previous year.
GOVERNMENT GRANTS 4%
•
MEMBERSHIP 11%
Connections
•
•
EDUCATION FEES 3%
CONTRIBUTIONS/IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS 19%
• •
•
FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT OF COOK COUNTY 19%
SPONSORSHIPS 2% RESTRICTED PROGRAM GIFTS 18%
Operating expenditures $43 million ADMINISTRATION 13%
•
MEMBERSHIP & DEVELOPMENT 10%
•
COMMUNICATIONS 6%
•
VISITOR PROGRAMS & OPERATIONS 18%
• •
•
GARDENS & GROUNDS 25%
•
SCIENCE AFFAIRS 14% LEARNING & ENGAGEMENT 14%
Complete, audited financial statements for the Chicago Botanic Garden for the year ending December 31, 2021, are available at chicagobotanic.org/annual_report.
DE 22055 CBG Annual 2021 FINAL.indd 2
5/13/22 12:33 PM
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION
Chicago Horticultural Society
A message from the Chair of the Board and the President & CEO
Board of Directors Officers and Executive Staff as of 12/31/2021
Robert F. Finke, Chair Jean M. Franczyk, President and Chief Executive Officer Fred Spicer, Executive Vice President and Director Paul Rafac, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Jennifer C. Bell, Chief Development Officer
Gregory M. Mueller, Ph.D., Chief Scientist and Negaunee Vice President of Science
Nature is in demand, and we are ready to meet the moment. People come to us as a place to unwind, to walk in the shade of a sturdy oak, to catch the fragrant double bloom of a peony. In 2021,
Harriet Resnick, Vice President, Visitor Experience and Business Development
as COVID-19 continued to affect our daily lives, the Chicago
Gwen VanderBurg, Vice President, Marketing and Communications
dance in our history.
Botanic Garden hosted 1.1 million visits—the second highest atten-
The Garden continues to grow, and we need the financial foundation 2021 Life Directors
2021 Board of Directors
and infrastructure to meet growing public demands and expecta-
Dana Anderson
Anne Leventry
Neville F. Bryan
Matt Banholzer
Diane vS. Levy
J. Melfort Campbell
Carol A. Barnett
Laura M. Linger
Barbara Whitney Carr
Russell F. Bartmes
Anne S. Loucks
David R. Casper
project that will create a much-improved visitor experience. In front
Allegra E. Biery
Michael J. McMurray
Gary P. Coughlan
of the Visitor Center, you’ll see that a new Welcome Plaza is taking
Martha D. Boudos
Christopher Merrill
Peter R. Crane
shape. By the end of 2022, we’ll have a visitor friendly and traf-
Terrence R. Brady
Gregory A. Moerschel
Suzanne S. Dixon
fic-free entry plaza, a new lakeside Stone Family Picnic Glade, and
John H. Buehler
Lois L. Morrison
Thomas A. Donahoe
Suzanne M. Burns
Henry J.Munez
Peter B. Foreman
new electric trams.
Sandy Campbell, ex officio
Jennifer J. Neighbours, ex officio
Ralph F. Fujimoto
We continue to build on the momentum of 2021, which launched us
Craig Niemann
James J. Glasser Caryn L. Harris
back on the road to recovery from the ongoing global pandemic.
Robin Colburn Jill M. Delaney Amy DeVore, ex officio James W. DeYoung Timothy A. Dugan Diana S. Ferguson Jean M. Franczyk, ex officio Steven J. Gavin Nancy Gidwitz Christopher E. Girgenti Ellis M. Goodman Charles V. Greener Joseph P. Gromacki William J. Hagenah Kathleen Hagerty Jane Irwin Samuel S. Jacobs Gregory K. Jones Peter Keehn Lydia R. B. Kelley Barbara Malott Kizziah R. Henry Kleeman
Jane S. Park George A. Peinado Toni Preckwinkle, ex officio Bob Probst Arnold Randall, ex officio Mary B. Richardson-Lowry John C. Robak Ryan S. Ruskin Richard J. Sciortino Robert E. Shaw Andrew F. Sinclair AnnaClare Smith, ex officio Maria Smithburg Pam F. Szokol Catherine M. Waddell Susan A. Willetts Melvin F. Williams, Jr. Nicole S. Williams Ernest C. Wong Michael R. Zimmerman
John L. Howard Pamela K. Hull*
raising event, was a great success. Windy City Harvest, our urban agriculture program, distributed more than 16,000 VeggieRx boxes
Susan L. Regenstein
Obama Foundation announced its partnership with the Garden to
Anne O. Scott
work on the design and operation of its fruit and vegetable garden,
Elena Kraus
Ernest P. Waud III
Thomas E. Lanctot
Arthur M. Wood, Jr.
You’re invited
as well as the overall design of the Obama Presidential Center landscape in Jackson Park.
On December 31, our longtime Garden champion Robert F. (Bob) Finke finished nearly a decade of service as chair of the Board of Directors. We are forever grateful for his extraordinary leadership and vision and are thrilled that he remains a member of the Board. At the same time, we’re excited that Michael R. Zimmerman—a Board member since 2018—was elected as Board chair. We look forward to the Garden’s next chapter together.
*denotes deceased
We cultivate the power of plants to sustain and enrich life. DE 22055 CBG Annual 2021 FINAL.indd 1
chicagobotanic.org/annual_report
and our planet, can thrive. With our partner, the Forest Preserves of and community engagement programs. And on Earth Day, the
Howard J. Trienens*
To view our Annual Report and video online, please visit
We continue to protect natural areas and green space so people,
Homi B. Patel
Richard L. Thomas
President & CEO
food insecure—more than double the impact of the previous year.
Cook County, we worked on conservation and restoration projects
Susan K. Stone
Jean M. Franczyk
of free fruits and vegetables to more than 2,000 families who are
William A. Osborn
David Byron Smith
life, full of possibilities.
totaled $14.9 million in unrestricted donations, memberships, trib-
Benjamin F. Lenhardt, Jr.
William E. Moeller
growth. Because of you, the Garden has never seemed more full of
Thanks to the remarkable efforts of our team, raised revenue in 2021
holiday event Lightscape, along with the Lightscape Preview fund-
Jeanine McNally
Annual Report | 2021
to show our gratitude to you for five decades of extraordinary
Chair of the Board
William H. Kurtis
Mary L. McCormack
PERMIT NO. 1568
thought-provoking and joyous. Most of all, the celebration allows us
fee for nonmembers. At the same time, we broke ground on a new
Posy L. Krehbiel
Josephine P. Louis
NORTHBROOK, IL
50th anniversary celebration. Flourish: The Garden at 50 will be
Michael R. Zimmerman
utes, and fundraising events, a 30 percent increase over 2020. Our
Daniel I. H. Linzer
US POSTAGE PAID
This year, we have much to look forward to, including the Garden’s
tions. In February 2022, we began charging a per-person admission
Thomas B. Hunter III
Donna La Pietra
chicagobotanic.org One of the treasures of the Forest Preserves of Cook County
Jennifer Schwarz, Ph.D., Vice President, Learning and Engagement Aida Z. Giglio, Vice President, Human Resources
1000 lake cook road glencoe, illinois 60022
May 13 – September 25 Nature-inspired art | Interactive stories | Pop-up events Celebrating 50 years of connecting people to the natural world
5/13/22 12:33 PM
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION
Chicago Horticultural Society
A message from the Chair of the Board and the President & CEO
Board of Directors Officers and Executive Staff as of 12/31/2021
Robert F. Finke, Chair Jean M. Franczyk, President and Chief Executive Officer Fred Spicer, Executive Vice President and Director Paul Rafac, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Jennifer C. Bell, Chief Development Officer
Gregory M. Mueller, Ph.D., Chief Scientist and Negaunee Vice President of Science
Nature is in demand, and we are ready to meet the moment. People come to us as a place to unwind, to walk in the shade of a sturdy oak, to catch the fragrant double bloom of a peony. In 2021,
Harriet Resnick, Vice President, Visitor Experience and Business Development
as COVID-19 continued to affect our daily lives, the Chicago
Gwen VanderBurg, Vice President, Marketing and Communications
dance in our history.
Botanic Garden hosted 1.1 million visits—the second highest atten-
The Garden continues to grow, and we need the financial foundation 2021 Life Directors
2021 Board of Directors
and infrastructure to meet growing public demands and expecta-
Dana Anderson
Anne Leventry
Neville F. Bryan
Matt Banholzer
Diane vS. Levy
J. Melfort Campbell
Carol A. Barnett
Laura M. Linger
Barbara Whitney Carr
Russell F. Bartmes
Anne S. Loucks
David R. Casper
project that will create a much-improved visitor experience. In front
Allegra E. Biery
Michael J. McMurray
Gary P. Coughlan
of the Visitor Center, you’ll see that a new Welcome Plaza is taking
Martha D. Boudos
Christopher Merrill
Peter R. Crane
shape. By the end of 2022, we’ll have a visitor friendly and traf-
Terrence R. Brady
Gregory A. Moerschel
Suzanne S. Dixon
fic-free entry plaza, a new lakeside Stone Family Picnic Glade, and
John H. Buehler
Lois L. Morrison
Thomas A. Donahoe
Suzanne M. Burns
Henry J.Munez
Peter B. Foreman
new electric trams.
Sandy Campbell, ex officio
Jennifer J. Neighbours, ex officio
Ralph F. Fujimoto
We continue to build on the momentum of 2021, which launched us
Craig Niemann
James J. Glasser Caryn L. Harris
back on the road to recovery from the ongoing global pandemic.
Robin Colburn Jill M. Delaney Amy DeVore, ex officio James W. DeYoung Timothy A. Dugan Diana S. Ferguson Jean M. Franczyk, ex officio Steven J. Gavin Nancy Gidwitz Christopher E. Girgenti Ellis M. Goodman Charles V. Greener Joseph P. Gromacki William J. Hagenah Kathleen Hagerty Jane Irwin Samuel S. Jacobs Gregory K. Jones Peter Keehn Lydia R. B. Kelley Barbara Malott Kizziah R. Henry Kleeman
Jane S. Park George A. Peinado Toni Preckwinkle, ex officio Bob Probst Arnold Randall, ex officio Mary B. Richardson-Lowry John C. Robak Ryan S. Ruskin Richard J. Sciortino Robert E. Shaw Andrew F. Sinclair AnnaClare Smith, ex officio Maria Smithburg Pam F. Szokol Catherine M. Waddell Susan A. Willetts Melvin F. Williams, Jr. Nicole S. Williams Ernest C. Wong Michael R. Zimmerman
John L. Howard Pamela K. Hull*
raising event, was a great success. Windy City Harvest, our urban agriculture program, distributed more than 16,000 VeggieRx boxes
Susan L. Regenstein
Obama Foundation announced its partnership with the Garden to
Anne O. Scott
work on the design and operation of its fruit and vegetable garden,
Elena Kraus
Ernest P. Waud III
Thomas E. Lanctot
Arthur M. Wood, Jr.
You’re invited
as well as the overall design of the Obama Presidential Center landscape in Jackson Park.
On December 31, our longtime Garden champion Robert F. (Bob) Finke finished nearly a decade of service as chair of the Board of Directors. We are forever grateful for his extraordinary leadership and vision and are thrilled that he remains a member of the Board. At the same time, we’re excited that Michael R. Zimmerman—a Board member since 2018—was elected as Board chair. We look forward to the Garden’s next chapter together.
*denotes deceased
We cultivate the power of plants to sustain and enrich life. DE 22055 CBG Annual 2021 FINAL.indd 1
chicagobotanic.org/annual_report
and our planet, can thrive. With our partner, the Forest Preserves of and community engagement programs. And on Earth Day, the
Howard J. Trienens*
To view our Annual Report and video online, please visit
We continue to protect natural areas and green space so people,
Homi B. Patel
Richard L. Thomas
President & CEO
food insecure—more than double the impact of the previous year.
Cook County, we worked on conservation and restoration projects
Susan K. Stone
Jean M. Franczyk
of free fruits and vegetables to more than 2,000 families who are
William A. Osborn
David Byron Smith
life, full of possibilities.
totaled $14.9 million in unrestricted donations, memberships, trib-
Benjamin F. Lenhardt, Jr.
William E. Moeller
growth. Because of you, the Garden has never seemed more full of
Thanks to the remarkable efforts of our team, raised revenue in 2021
holiday event Lightscape, along with the Lightscape Preview fund-
Jeanine McNally
Annual Report | 2021
to show our gratitude to you for five decades of extraordinary
Chair of the Board
William H. Kurtis
Mary L. McCormack
PERMIT NO. 1568
thought-provoking and joyous. Most of all, the celebration allows us
fee for nonmembers. At the same time, we broke ground on a new
Posy L. Krehbiel
Josephine P. Louis
NORTHBROOK, IL
50th anniversary celebration. Flourish: The Garden at 50 will be
Michael R. Zimmerman
utes, and fundraising events, a 30 percent increase over 2020. Our
Daniel I. H. Linzer
US POSTAGE PAID
This year, we have much to look forward to, including the Garden’s
tions. In February 2022, we began charging a per-person admission
Thomas B. Hunter III
Donna La Pietra
chicagobotanic.org One of the treasures of the Forest Preserves of Cook County
Jennifer Schwarz, Ph.D., Vice President, Learning and Engagement Aida Z. Giglio, Vice President, Human Resources
1000 lake cook road glencoe, illinois 60022
May 13 – September 25 Nature-inspired art | Interactive stories | Pop-up events Celebrating 50 years of connecting people to the natural world
5/13/22 12:33 PM