Chicago Botanic Garden Annual Report 2020

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

Chicago Horticultural Society

A message from the Chairman of the Board and the President & CEO

Board of Directors Officers and Executive Staff as of 12/31/2020

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 Schwarz Ballard, Ph.D., Vice President, Learning and Engagement

Aida Z. Giglio, Vice President, Human Resources

“Clearly, nature calls to something very deep in us...the love of

Our mission, and people’s hunger for the respite we offer, will carry

nature and living things is an essential part of the human

us forward through this pandemic and beyond. Yes, we lost a

Gregory M. Mueller, Ph.D., Chief Scientist and Negaunee Vice President of Science

condition.”—Dr. Oliver Sacks, neurologist

significant amount of revenue from the extended closure and

Harriet Resnick, Vice President, Visitor Experience and Business Development

The late February chill had just lifted. At the Chicago Botanic

Gwen VanderBurg, Vice President, Marketing and Communications

a bit of scent near the water’s edge...and then 2020 took a

Dana Anderson

Anne Leventry

Garden, hints of a plum-colored iris had emerged, along with

and foremost, we wanted to express our gratitude for your

Neville F. Bryan

ignited a new civil rights movement and caused our organization

commitment to our mission. We are truly touched by your loyalty.

to reflect on equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.

Because of you, the Garden remains a place of beauty and healing

J. Melfort Campbell

Carol A. Barnett

Laura M. Linger

Barbara Whitney Carr

Russell F. Bartmes

Anne S. Loucks

David R. Casper

Through the upheaval, we looked to nature to sustain us, to provide

Allegra E. Biery

Michael J. McMurray

Gary P. Coughlan

a rhythm to our lives, especially as the days seemed to blend

Martha D. Boudos

Christopher Merrill

Peter R. Crane

together. As always, that purple Iris histrioides ‘George’ ended up

Terrence R. Brady

Gregory A. Moerschel

Suzanne S. Dixon

blooming in the Sensory Garden and fragrant giant snowdrops,

Jennifer K. Brown, ex offico

Lois L. Morrison

Thomas A. Donahoe

John H. Buehler

Henry Munez

Peter B. Foreman

Galanthus elwesii, kept opening up in the Lakeside Garden.

Suzanne M. Burns

Jennifer J. Neighbours, ex officio

Ralph F. Fujimoto

The grace notes of spring reminded us that, even without visitors,

Craig Niemann

James J. Glasser Caryn L. Harris

the Garden’s teams go above and beyond to maintain and cultivate

Robin Colburn Jill M. Delaney Amy DeVore, ex officio James W. DeYoung Timothy A. Dugan Peter M. Ellis Jean M. Franczyk, ex officio Steven J. Gavin Arthur J. Gibson Nancy Gidwitz Christopher E. Girgenti Ellis M. Goodman Charles V. Greener Joseph P. Gromacki Gillian Growdon William J. Hagenah Kathleen Hagerty Jonathan S. Holloway Jane Irwin Gregory K. Jones Peter Keehn R. Henry Kleeman Judith H. Konen, ex officio Thomas E. Lanctot M. James Leider Benjamin F. Lenhardt, Jr.

Jane S. Park Katie Parks, ex officio George A. Peinado Toni Preckwinkle, ex officio Bob Probst Arnold Randall, ex officio Mary B. Richardson-Lowry John C. Robak James Robinson Ryan S. Ruskin Richard Sciortino Robert E. Shaw Andrew Sinclair Thomas E. Skilling Maria Smithburg Sharvani Srivastava, ex officio Pam F. Szokol Catherine M. Waddell Andrew J. Warzecha, Sr. Susan A. Willetts Melvin F. Williams, Jr.

other relief measures, which you’ll see in our financial statement.

Garden temporarily closed. The powerful call for racial justice

Diane vS. Levy

Heidi B. Capozzi

John L. Howard Pamela K. Hull Posy L. Krehbiel

COVID-19 protocols so people could safely watch tropical butterflies

William H. Kurtis

land on pollen-rich vines. On self-guided interpretive walks in the fall,

Donna La Pietra

visitors took in the gold and scarlet hues of native oaks and maples

Josephine P. Louis Mary L. McCormack

chicagobotanic.org/annual_report

Jean M. Franczyk, President & CEO

We couldn’t do it without you.

Thank you …

Garden was able to keep its gates open, while it curated and maintained its living landscapes. Butterflies & Blooms opened with

To view our Annual Report and video online, please visit

that is moving forward toward a brighter, more inclusive future.

our living collection. Thanks to your support, for most of the year, the

Thomas B. Hunter III

Daniel I. H. Linzer

PERMIT NO. 1568

mission helped us pull through, along with a federal loan and

You’ll read more details about the year in this Annual Report, but first

Matt Banholzer

Michael J. Busch

NORTHBROOK, IL

limited reopening. Your response to the Garden’s needs and

devastating turn. A global pandemic upended lives, and the 2020 Life Directors

chicagobotanic.org

US POSTAGE PAID

One of the treasures of the Forest Preserves of Cook County

James F. Boudreau, Chief Development Officer

2020 Board of Directors

1000 lake cook road glencoe, illinois 60022

Robert F. Finke, Chairman of the Board

… to the 900 additional donors to the Annual Fund, and the many others who continued to give or increased their giving levels in 2020. … to our loyal members, 53,000 strong.

in McDonald Woods. Windy City Harvest farmers planted and harvested kale, lettuce, and tomatoes, and helped local families hit

Jeanine McNally

hardest by the pandemic. The year drove home the importance of

William E. Moeller

our mission: We cultivate the power of plants to sustain and

William A. Osborn

enrich life.

Homi B. Patel Susan L. Regenstein

… to our partners, including the Forest Preserves of Cook County. … to our staff, who worked through myriad challenges to take care of our living collection and to offer the beauty and respite that nature provides.

Anne O. Scott

… to our volunteers. We can’t wait to have our loyal crew back at full strength when COVID-19 mitigations allow.

David Byron Smith Susan K. Stone Richard L. Thomas Howard J. Trienens Ernest P. Waud III Arthur M. Wood, Jr.

The Elizabeth Hubert Malott Japanese Garden was featured on a now-discontinued 2020 U.S. postage stamp, along with nine other gardens.

Nicole S. Williams Ernest C. Wong

Annual Report | 2020

Michael R. Zimmerman

We cultivate the power of plants to sustain and enrich life.

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

Chicago Horticultural Society

A message from the Chairman of the Board and the President & CEO

Board of Directors Officers and Executive Staff as of 12/31/2020

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 Schwarz Ballard, Ph.D., Vice President, Learning and Engagement

Aida Z. Giglio, Vice President, Human Resources

“Clearly, nature calls to something very deep in us...the love of

Our mission, and people’s hunger for the respite we offer, will carry

nature and living things is an essential part of the human

us forward through this pandemic and beyond. Yes, we lost a

Gregory M. Mueller, Ph.D., Chief Scientist and Negaunee Vice President of Science

condition.”—Dr. Oliver Sacks, neurologist

significant amount of revenue from the extended closure and

Harriet Resnick, Vice President, Visitor Experience and Business Development

The late February chill had just lifted. At the Chicago Botanic

Gwen VanderBurg, Vice President, Marketing and Communications

a bit of scent near the water’s edge...and then 2020 took a

Dana Anderson

Anne Leventry

Garden, hints of a plum-colored iris had emerged, along with

and foremost, we wanted to express our gratitude for your

Neville F. Bryan

ignited a new civil rights movement and caused our organization

commitment to our mission. We are truly touched by your loyalty.

to reflect on equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.

Because of you, the Garden remains a place of beauty and healing

J. Melfort Campbell

Carol A. Barnett

Laura M. Linger

Barbara Whitney Carr

Russell F. Bartmes

Anne S. Loucks

David R. Casper

Through the upheaval, we looked to nature to sustain us, to provide

Allegra E. Biery

Michael J. McMurray

Gary P. Coughlan

a rhythm to our lives, especially as the days seemed to blend

Martha D. Boudos

Christopher Merrill

Peter R. Crane

together. As always, that purple Iris histrioides ‘George’ ended up

Terrence R. Brady

Gregory A. Moerschel

Suzanne S. Dixon

blooming in the Sensory Garden and fragrant giant snowdrops,

Jennifer K. Brown, ex offico

Lois L. Morrison

Thomas A. Donahoe

John H. Buehler

Henry Munez

Peter B. Foreman

Galanthus elwesii, kept opening up in the Lakeside Garden.

Suzanne M. Burns

Jennifer J. Neighbours, ex officio

Ralph F. Fujimoto

The grace notes of spring reminded us that, even without visitors,

Craig Niemann

James J. Glasser Caryn L. Harris

the Garden’s teams go above and beyond to maintain and cultivate

Robin Colburn Jill M. Delaney Amy DeVore, ex officio James W. DeYoung Timothy A. Dugan Peter M. Ellis Jean M. Franczyk, ex officio Steven J. Gavin Arthur J. Gibson Nancy Gidwitz Christopher E. Girgenti Ellis M. Goodman Charles V. Greener Joseph P. Gromacki Gillian Growdon William J. Hagenah Kathleen Hagerty Jonathan S. Holloway Jane Irwin Gregory K. Jones Peter Keehn R. Henry Kleeman Judith H. Konen, ex officio Thomas E. Lanctot M. James Leider Benjamin F. Lenhardt, Jr.

Jane S. Park Katie Parks, ex officio George A. Peinado Toni Preckwinkle, ex officio Bob Probst Arnold Randall, ex officio Mary B. Richardson-Lowry John C. Robak James Robinson Ryan S. Ruskin Richard Sciortino Robert E. Shaw Andrew Sinclair Thomas E. Skilling Maria Smithburg Sharvani Srivastava, ex officio Pam F. Szokol Catherine M. Waddell Andrew J. Warzecha, Sr. Susan A. Willetts Melvin F. Williams, Jr.

other relief measures, which you’ll see in our financial statement.

Garden temporarily closed. The powerful call for racial justice

Diane vS. Levy

Heidi B. Capozzi

John L. Howard Pamela K. Hull Posy L. Krehbiel

COVID-19 protocols so people could safely watch tropical butterflies

William H. Kurtis

land on pollen-rich vines. On self-guided interpretive walks in the fall,

Donna La Pietra

visitors took in the gold and scarlet hues of native oaks and maples

Josephine P. Louis Mary L. McCormack

chicagobotanic.org/annual_report

Jean M. Franczyk, President & CEO

We couldn’t do it without you.

Thank you …

Garden was able to keep its gates open, while it curated and maintained its living landscapes. Butterflies & Blooms opened with

To view our Annual Report and video online, please visit

that is moving forward toward a brighter, more inclusive future.

our living collection. Thanks to your support, for most of the year, the

Thomas B. Hunter III

Daniel I. H. Linzer

PERMIT NO. 1568

mission helped us pull through, along with a federal loan and

You’ll read more details about the year in this Annual Report, but first

Matt Banholzer

Michael J. Busch

NORTHBROOK, IL

limited reopening. Your response to the Garden’s needs and

devastating turn. A global pandemic upended lives, and the 2020 Life Directors

chicagobotanic.org

US POSTAGE PAID

One of the treasures of the Forest Preserves of Cook County

James F. Boudreau, Chief Development Officer

2020 Board of Directors

1000 lake cook road glencoe, illinois 60022

Robert F. Finke, Chairman of the Board

… to the 900 additional donors to the Annual Fund, and the many others who continued to give or increased their giving levels in 2020. … to our loyal members, 53,000 strong.

in McDonald Woods. Windy City Harvest farmers planted and harvested kale, lettuce, and tomatoes, and helped local families hit

Jeanine McNally

hardest by the pandemic. The year drove home the importance of

William E. Moeller

our mission: We cultivate the power of plants to sustain and

William A. Osborn

enrich life.

Homi B. Patel Susan L. Regenstein

… to our partners, including the Forest Preserves of Cook County. … to our staff, who worked through myriad challenges to take care of our living collection and to offer the beauty and respite that nature provides.

Anne O. Scott

… to our volunteers. We can’t wait to have our loyal crew back at full strength when COVID-19 mitigations allow.

David Byron Smith Susan K. Stone Richard L. Thomas Howard J. Trienens Ernest P. Waud III Arthur M. Wood, Jr.

The Elizabeth Hubert Malott Japanese Garden was featured on a now-discontinued 2020 U.S. postage stamp, along with nine other gardens.

Nicole S. Williams Ernest C. Wong

Annual Report | 2020

Michael R. Zimmerman

We cultivate the power of plants to sustain and enrich life.

Statement of financial position As of December 31, 2020 (in millions of dollars)

fall, the Mitsuzo and Kyoko Shida Evaluation Garden is set to open.

ASSETS Cash Pledges receivable Accounts receivable Investments Other assets Property and equipment

Though it will be a while before the evaluation plants are in and the trees

TOTAL $311.6

2021 and beyond

Our commitment to racial justice and equity Black Lives Matter ignited a new civil rights movement and caused our organization to reflect on equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. We instituted an employee resource group that is creating a foundation for change at the Garden, and the Board of the Chicago Horticultural Society continued its diversity and inclusion work begun in 2019. We recommit to live our mission and values. We know our work is just beginning.

What our visitors said

As we reflect on 2020, we look forward too, fortified by the knowledge that gardens and being a part of nature make people’s lives better. This

8.8 19.4 1.2 154.0 1.7 126.6

fully grown, visitors will be able to appreciate the garden’s strong, sculpLIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS Liabilities Accounts payable and accrued expenses Other liabilities Bonds payable

tural design, curvilinear pathways, and amazing views. We anticipate that we will fully emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022, which happens to be our 50th anniversary. We plan a Garden-wide celebration, and that in itself inspires optimism. We move forward with hope, bolstered by the loyalty and generosity of our Garden community.

6.4 16.2 49.6

Total Liabilities

$72.1

Net Assets Without donor restrictions With donor restrictions

142.0 97.5

Total Net Assets

239.5

TOTAL $311.6 The Garden received a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan under the federal CARES Act, which provided COVID-19 relief. The loan is reflected as debt on our financial statements while the Garden pursues forgiveness. The Garden anticipates full loan forgiveness.

Operating revenue and other support $37 million OTHER INCOME 1%

Broadening our reach

Finding new ways to work

Windy City Harvest, the Garden’s education and jobs-training program,

While the state’s stay-at-home order was in place, a dedicated core team

$200,000 over budget. All three boards—the Board of Directors, Woman’s

redoubled its efforts during the pandemic. The farms donated more than

of grounds and horticulture staff members kept our living collection alive. To

Board, and Guild—worked together to make this single fundraising event

Scientists from the Negaunee Institute for Plant Conservation Science and

Throughout 2020, we were, and still are, guided by core principles that

2,000 pounds of produce to partner and social service organizations that

tackle big jobs that required more than one person, we created two- and

a resounding success.

Action continued work to understand biodiversity loss and the impacts of

included keeping our staff and visitors safe and protecting the financial

work with the most vulnerable. At the Farm on Ogden, qualified partici-

three-person “shoulder-to-shoulder” teams of staff members who live and

integrity of the Garden. Due to state mandates on COVID-19, the

pants took home bags of free vegetables via contactless pick-up.

commute together.

When the world shut down last spring, the Garden’s social channels

Visitor Operations streamlined and safely held popular events, as a weary

including Maryland and New Mexico. The Science Career Continuum

and website allowed people to experience nature from their homes.

and stressed public turned to plants and outdoor events for respite. The

(SCC) held a virtual experience for Chicago Public Schools students.

We reached a bigger audience than ever before, and website views

Woman’s Board Fall Bulb Sale sold out. Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns

Classes and training moved online for the Garden’s joint graduate program

produced more than 15,000 plugs of native species for Forest Preserves

grew 26 percent over 2019.

sold out for Halloween. Our holiday event Lightscape sold out.

in plant biology and conservation with Northwestern University.

restoration efforts.

Garden closed for 82 days, starting in mid-March. We reopened in June, with limited capacity, timed entries, new safety protocols, and canceled or reimagined events and classes.

Still, in a year of devastating loss and hardship, we are humbled and grateful that the Garden was able to offer a bit of respite or relief. As we

In the fall, the Nature Preschool had its largest enrollment to date, with

reflect on the terrible toll that 2020 took on so many lives, we appreci-

93 students in seven different classes. Our small classes and outdoor

ate the support that made it possible for us to reach more people and

setting appealed to parents looking for safe ways for their children to

find new ways to work.

learn and develop social and emotional skills.

The Joseph Regenstein, Jr. School of the Chicago Botanic Garden offered new adult education classes online, drawing participants from places

Protecting plants and their habitats

three Forest Preserves of Cook County nature centers as part of the Garden’s Budburst community science program, and our Garden teams

OTHER GRANT & CONTRACT REVENUE 4%

• • •

FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT OF COOK COUNTY 25%

•

SPONSORSHIPS 2% RESTRICTED PROGRAM GIFTS 14%

Operating expenditures $38 million

climate change. That included managing field site operations and seed collection in the western United States. We planted nativar gardens at

•

•

VISITOR PROGRAMS & OPERATIONS 18%

How we responded to the global pandemic

GOVERNMENT GRANTS 3%

•

MEMBERSHIP 11%

The Lightscape Preview netted approximately $750,000, more than

•

• •

EDUCATION FEES 3%

CONTRIBUTIONS/IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS 20%

ADMINISTRATION 13%

•

MEMBERSHIP & DEVELOPMENT 9%

•

COMMUNICATIONS 6%

•

VISITOR PROGRAMS & OPERATIONS 17%

• •

•

GARDENS & GROUNDS 25%

•

SCIENCE AFFAIRS 16% LEARNING & ENGAGEMENT 14%

Complete, audited financial statements for the Chicago Botanic Garden for the year ending December 31, 2020, are available at chicagobotanic.org/annual_report.

Statement of financial position As of December 31, 2020 (in millions of dollars)

fall, the Mitsuzo and Kyoko Shida Evaluation Garden is set to open.

ASSETS Cash Pledges receivable Accounts receivable Investments Other assets Property and equipment

Though it will be a while before the evaluation plants are in and the trees

TOTAL $311.6

2021 and beyond

Our commitment to racial justice and equity Black Lives Matter ignited a new civil rights movement and caused our organization to reflect on equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. We instituted an employee resource group that is creating a foundation for change at the Garden, and the Board of the Chicago Horticultural Society continued its diversity and inclusion work begun in 2019. We recommit to live our mission and values. We know our work is just beginning.

What our visitors said

As we reflect on 2020, we look forward too, fortified by the knowledge that gardens and being a part of nature make people’s lives better. This

8.8 19.4 1.2 154.0 1.7 126.6

fully grown, visitors will be able to appreciate the garden’s strong, sculpLIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS Liabilities Accounts payable and accrued expenses Other liabilities Bonds payable

tural design, curvilinear pathways, and amazing views. We anticipate that we will fully emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022, which happens to be our 50th anniversary. We plan a Garden-wide celebration, and that in itself inspires optimism. We move forward with hope, bolstered by the loyalty and generosity of our Garden community.

6.4 16.2 49.6

Total Liabilities

$72.1

Net Assets Without donor restrictions With donor restrictions

142.0 97.5

Total Net Assets

239.5

TOTAL $311.6 The Garden received a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan under the federal CARES Act, which provided COVID-19 relief. The loan is reflected as debt on our financial statements while the Garden pursues forgiveness. The Garden anticipates full loan forgiveness.

Operating revenue and other support $37 million OTHER INCOME 1%

Broadening our reach

Finding new ways to work

Windy City Harvest, the Garden’s education and jobs-training program,

While the state’s stay-at-home order was in place, a dedicated core team

$200,000 over budget. All three boards—the Board of Directors, Woman’s

redoubled its efforts during the pandemic. The farms donated more than

of grounds and horticulture staff members kept our living collection alive. To

Board, and Guild—worked together to make this single fundraising event

Scientists from the Negaunee Institute for Plant Conservation Science and

Throughout 2020, we were, and still are, guided by core principles that

2,000 pounds of produce to partner and social service organizations that

tackle big jobs that required more than one person, we created two- and

a resounding success.

Action continued work to understand biodiversity loss and the impacts of

included keeping our staff and visitors safe and protecting the financial

work with the most vulnerable. At the Farm on Ogden, qualified partici-

three-person “shoulder-to-shoulder” teams of staff members who live and

integrity of the Garden. Due to state mandates on COVID-19, the

pants took home bags of free vegetables via contactless pick-up.

commute together.

When the world shut down last spring, the Garden’s social channels

Visitor Operations streamlined and safely held popular events, as a weary

including Maryland and New Mexico. The Science Career Continuum

and website allowed people to experience nature from their homes.

and stressed public turned to plants and outdoor events for respite. The

(SCC) held a virtual experience for Chicago Public Schools students.

We reached a bigger audience than ever before, and website views

Woman’s Board Fall Bulb Sale sold out. Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns

Classes and training moved online for the Garden’s joint graduate program

produced more than 15,000 plugs of native species for Forest Preserves

grew 26 percent over 2019.

sold out for Halloween. Our holiday event Lightscape sold out.

in plant biology and conservation with Northwestern University.

restoration efforts.

Garden closed for 82 days, starting in mid-March. We reopened in June, with limited capacity, timed entries, new safety protocols, and canceled or reimagined events and classes.

Still, in a year of devastating loss and hardship, we are humbled and grateful that the Garden was able to offer a bit of respite or relief. As we

In the fall, the Nature Preschool had its largest enrollment to date, with

reflect on the terrible toll that 2020 took on so many lives, we appreci-

93 students in seven different classes. Our small classes and outdoor

ate the support that made it possible for us to reach more people and

setting appealed to parents looking for safe ways for their children to

find new ways to work.

learn and develop social and emotional skills.

The Joseph Regenstein, Jr. School of the Chicago Botanic Garden offered new adult education classes online, drawing participants from places

Protecting plants and their habitats

three Forest Preserves of Cook County nature centers as part of the Garden’s Budburst community science program, and our Garden teams

OTHER GRANT & CONTRACT REVENUE 4%

• • •

FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT OF COOK COUNTY 25%

•

SPONSORSHIPS 2% RESTRICTED PROGRAM GIFTS 14%

Operating expenditures $38 million

climate change. That included managing field site operations and seed collection in the western United States. We planted nativar gardens at

•

•

VISITOR PROGRAMS & OPERATIONS 18%

How we responded to the global pandemic

GOVERNMENT GRANTS 3%

•

MEMBERSHIP 11%

The Lightscape Preview netted approximately $750,000, more than

•

• •

EDUCATION FEES 3%

CONTRIBUTIONS/IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS 20%

ADMINISTRATION 13%

•

MEMBERSHIP & DEVELOPMENT 9%

•

COMMUNICATIONS 6%

•

VISITOR PROGRAMS & OPERATIONS 17%

• •

•

GARDENS & GROUNDS 25%

•

SCIENCE AFFAIRS 16% LEARNING & ENGAGEMENT 14%

Complete, audited financial statements for the Chicago Botanic Garden for the year ending December 31, 2020, are available at chicagobotanic.org/annual_report.

Statement of financial position As of December 31, 2020 (in millions of dollars)

fall, the Mitsuzo and Kyoko Shida Evaluation Garden is set to open.

ASSETS Cash Pledges receivable Accounts receivable Investments Other assets Property and equipment

Though it will be a while before the evaluation plants are in and the trees

TOTAL $311.6

2021 and beyond

Our commitment to racial justice and equity Black Lives Matter ignited a new civil rights movement and caused our organization to reflect on equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. We instituted an employee resource group that is creating a foundation for change at the Garden, and the Board of the Chicago Horticultural Society continued its diversity and inclusion work begun in 2019. We recommit to live our mission and values. We know our work is just beginning.

What our visitors said

As we reflect on 2020, we look forward too, fortified by the knowledge that gardens and being a part of nature make people’s lives better. This

8.8 19.4 1.2 154.0 1.7 126.6

fully grown, visitors will be able to appreciate the garden’s strong, sculpLIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS Liabilities Accounts payable and accrued expenses Other liabilities Bonds payable

tural design, curvilinear pathways, and amazing views. We anticipate that we will fully emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022, which happens to be our 50th anniversary. We plan a Garden-wide celebration, and that in itself inspires optimism. We move forward with hope, bolstered by the loyalty and generosity of our Garden community.

6.4 16.2 49.6

Total Liabilities

$72.1

Net Assets Without donor restrictions With donor restrictions

142.0 97.5

Total Net Assets

239.5

TOTAL $311.6 The Garden received a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan under the federal CARES Act, which provided COVID-19 relief. The loan is reflected as debt on our financial statements while the Garden pursues forgiveness. The Garden anticipates full loan forgiveness.

Operating revenue and other support $37 million OTHER INCOME 1%

Broadening our reach

Finding new ways to work

Windy City Harvest, the Garden’s education and jobs-training program,

While the state’s stay-at-home order was in place, a dedicated core team

$200,000 over budget. All three boards—the Board of Directors, Woman’s

redoubled its efforts during the pandemic. The farms donated more than

of grounds and horticulture staff members kept our living collection alive. To

Board, and Guild—worked together to make this single fundraising event

Scientists from the Negaunee Institute for Plant Conservation Science and

Throughout 2020, we were, and still are, guided by core principles that

2,000 pounds of produce to partner and social service organizations that

tackle big jobs that required more than one person, we created two- and

a resounding success.

Action continued work to understand biodiversity loss and the impacts of

included keeping our staff and visitors safe and protecting the financial

work with the most vulnerable. At the Farm on Ogden, qualified partici-

three-person “shoulder-to-shoulder” teams of staff members who live and

integrity of the Garden. Due to state mandates on COVID-19, the

pants took home bags of free vegetables via contactless pick-up.

commute together.

When the world shut down last spring, the Garden’s social channels

Visitor Operations streamlined and safely held popular events, as a weary

including Maryland and New Mexico. The Science Career Continuum

and website allowed people to experience nature from their homes.

and stressed public turned to plants and outdoor events for respite. The

(SCC) held a virtual experience for Chicago Public Schools students.

We reached a bigger audience than ever before, and website views

Woman’s Board Fall Bulb Sale sold out. Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns

Classes and training moved online for the Garden’s joint graduate program

produced more than 15,000 plugs of native species for Forest Preserves

grew 26 percent over 2019.

sold out for Halloween. Our holiday event Lightscape sold out.

in plant biology and conservation with Northwestern University.

restoration efforts.

Garden closed for 82 days, starting in mid-March. We reopened in June, with limited capacity, timed entries, new safety protocols, and canceled or reimagined events and classes.

Still, in a year of devastating loss and hardship, we are humbled and grateful that the Garden was able to offer a bit of respite or relief. As we

In the fall, the Nature Preschool had its largest enrollment to date, with

reflect on the terrible toll that 2020 took on so many lives, we appreci-

93 students in seven different classes. Our small classes and outdoor

ate the support that made it possible for us to reach more people and

setting appealed to parents looking for safe ways for their children to

find new ways to work.

learn and develop social and emotional skills.

The Joseph Regenstein, Jr. School of the Chicago Botanic Garden offered new adult education classes online, drawing participants from places

Protecting plants and their habitats

three Forest Preserves of Cook County nature centers as part of the Garden’s Budburst community science program, and our Garden teams

OTHER GRANT & CONTRACT REVENUE 4%

• • •

FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT OF COOK COUNTY 25%

•

SPONSORSHIPS 2% RESTRICTED PROGRAM GIFTS 14%

Operating expenditures $38 million

climate change. That included managing field site operations and seed collection in the western United States. We planted nativar gardens at

•

•

VISITOR PROGRAMS & OPERATIONS 18%

How we responded to the global pandemic

GOVERNMENT GRANTS 3%

•

MEMBERSHIP 11%

The Lightscape Preview netted approximately $750,000, more than

•

• •

EDUCATION FEES 3%

CONTRIBUTIONS/IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS 20%

ADMINISTRATION 13%

•

MEMBERSHIP & DEVELOPMENT 9%

•

COMMUNICATIONS 6%

•

VISITOR PROGRAMS & OPERATIONS 17%

• •

•

GARDENS & GROUNDS 25%

•

SCIENCE AFFAIRS 16% LEARNING & ENGAGEMENT 14%

Complete, audited financial statements for the Chicago Botanic Garden for the year ending December 31, 2020, are available at chicagobotanic.org/annual_report.

Statement of financial position As of December 31, 2020 (in millions of dollars)

fall, the Mitsuzo and Kyoko Shida Evaluation Garden is set to open.

ASSETS Cash Pledges receivable Accounts receivable Investments Other assets Property and equipment

Though it will be a while before the evaluation plants are in and the trees

TOTAL $311.6

2021 and beyond

Our commitment to racial justice and equity Black Lives Matter ignited a new civil rights movement and caused our organization to reflect on equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. We instituted an employee resource group that is creating a foundation for change at the Garden, and the Board of the Chicago Horticultural Society continued its diversity and inclusion work begun in 2019. We recommit to live our mission and values. We know our work is just beginning.

What our visitors said

As we reflect on 2020, we look forward too, fortified by the knowledge that gardens and being a part of nature make people’s lives better. This

8.8 19.4 1.2 154.0 1.7 126.6

fully grown, visitors will be able to appreciate the garden’s strong, sculpLIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS Liabilities Accounts payable and accrued expenses Other liabilities Bonds payable

tural design, curvilinear pathways, and amazing views. We anticipate that we will fully emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022, which happens to be our 50th anniversary. We plan a Garden-wide celebration, and that in itself inspires optimism. We move forward with hope, bolstered by the loyalty and generosity of our Garden community.

6.4 16.2 49.6

Total Liabilities

$72.1

Net Assets Without donor restrictions With donor restrictions

142.0 97.5

Total Net Assets

239.5

TOTAL $311.6 The Garden received a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan under the federal CARES Act, which provided COVID-19 relief. The loan is reflected as debt on our financial statements while the Garden pursues forgiveness. The Garden anticipates full loan forgiveness.

Operating revenue and other support $37 million OTHER INCOME 1%

Broadening our reach

Finding new ways to work

Windy City Harvest, the Garden’s education and jobs-training program,

While the state’s stay-at-home order was in place, a dedicated core team

$200,000 over budget. All three boards—the Board of Directors, Woman’s

redoubled its efforts during the pandemic. The farms donated more than

of grounds and horticulture staff members kept our living collection alive. To

Board, and Guild—worked together to make this single fundraising event

Scientists from the Negaunee Institute for Plant Conservation Science and

Throughout 2020, we were, and still are, guided by core principles that

2,000 pounds of produce to partner and social service organizations that

tackle big jobs that required more than one person, we created two- and

a resounding success.

Action continued work to understand biodiversity loss and the impacts of

included keeping our staff and visitors safe and protecting the financial

work with the most vulnerable. At the Farm on Ogden, qualified partici-

three-person “shoulder-to-shoulder” teams of staff members who live and

integrity of the Garden. Due to state mandates on COVID-19, the

pants took home bags of free vegetables via contactless pick-up.

commute together.

When the world shut down last spring, the Garden’s social channels

Visitor Operations streamlined and safely held popular events, as a weary

including Maryland and New Mexico. The Science Career Continuum

and website allowed people to experience nature from their homes.

and stressed public turned to plants and outdoor events for respite. The

(SCC) held a virtual experience for Chicago Public Schools students.

We reached a bigger audience than ever before, and website views

Woman’s Board Fall Bulb Sale sold out. Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns

Classes and training moved online for the Garden’s joint graduate program

produced more than 15,000 plugs of native species for Forest Preserves

grew 26 percent over 2019.

sold out for Halloween. Our holiday event Lightscape sold out.

in plant biology and conservation with Northwestern University.

restoration efforts.

Garden closed for 82 days, starting in mid-March. We reopened in June, with limited capacity, timed entries, new safety protocols, and canceled or reimagined events and classes.

Still, in a year of devastating loss and hardship, we are humbled and grateful that the Garden was able to offer a bit of respite or relief. As we

In the fall, the Nature Preschool had its largest enrollment to date, with

reflect on the terrible toll that 2020 took on so many lives, we appreci-

93 students in seven different classes. Our small classes and outdoor

ate the support that made it possible for us to reach more people and

setting appealed to parents looking for safe ways for their children to

find new ways to work.

learn and develop social and emotional skills.

The Joseph Regenstein, Jr. School of the Chicago Botanic Garden offered new adult education classes online, drawing participants from places

Protecting plants and their habitats

three Forest Preserves of Cook County nature centers as part of the Garden’s Budburst community science program, and our Garden teams

OTHER GRANT & CONTRACT REVENUE 4%

• • •

FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT OF COOK COUNTY 25%

•

SPONSORSHIPS 2% RESTRICTED PROGRAM GIFTS 14%

Operating expenditures $38 million

climate change. That included managing field site operations and seed collection in the western United States. We planted nativar gardens at

•

•

VISITOR PROGRAMS & OPERATIONS 18%

How we responded to the global pandemic

GOVERNMENT GRANTS 3%

•

MEMBERSHIP 11%

The Lightscape Preview netted approximately $750,000, more than

•

• •

EDUCATION FEES 3%

CONTRIBUTIONS/IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS 20%

ADMINISTRATION 13%

•

MEMBERSHIP & DEVELOPMENT 9%

•

COMMUNICATIONS 6%

•

VISITOR PROGRAMS & OPERATIONS 17%

• •

•

GARDENS & GROUNDS 25%

•

SCIENCE AFFAIRS 16% LEARNING & ENGAGEMENT 14%

Complete, audited financial statements for the Chicago Botanic Garden for the year ending December 31, 2020, are available at chicagobotanic.org/annual_report.

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

Chicago Horticultural Society

A message from the Chairman of the Board and the President & CEO

Board of Directors Officers and Executive Staff as of 12/31/2020

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 Schwarz Ballard, Ph.D., Vice President, Learning and Engagement

Aida Z. Giglio, Vice President, Human Resources

“Clearly, nature calls to something very deep in us...the love of

Our mission, and people’s hunger for the respite we offer, will carry

nature and living things is an essential part of the human

us forward through this pandemic and beyond. Yes, we lost a

Gregory M. Mueller, Ph.D., Chief Scientist and Negaunee Vice President of Science

condition.”—Dr. Oliver Sacks, neurologist

significant amount of revenue from the extended closure and

Harriet Resnick, Vice President, Visitor Experience and Business Development

The late February chill had just lifted. At the Chicago Botanic

Gwen VanderBurg, Vice President, Marketing and Communications

a bit of scent near the water’s edge...and then 2020 took a

Dana Anderson

Anne Leventry

Garden, hints of a plum-colored iris had emerged, along with

and foremost, we wanted to express our gratitude for your

Neville F. Bryan

ignited a new civil rights movement and caused our organization

commitment to our mission. We are truly touched by your loyalty.

to reflect on equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.

Because of you, the Garden remains a place of beauty and healing

J. Melfort Campbell

Carol A. Barnett

Laura M. Linger

Barbara Whitney Carr

Russell F. Bartmes

Anne S. Loucks

David R. Casper

Through the upheaval, we looked to nature to sustain us, to provide

Allegra E. Biery

Michael J. McMurray

Gary P. Coughlan

a rhythm to our lives, especially as the days seemed to blend

Martha D. Boudos

Christopher Merrill

Peter R. Crane

together. As always, that purple Iris histrioides ‘George’ ended up

Terrence R. Brady

Gregory A. Moerschel

Suzanne S. Dixon

blooming in the Sensory Garden and fragrant giant snowdrops,

Jennifer K. Brown, ex offico

Lois L. Morrison

Thomas A. Donahoe

John H. Buehler

Henry Munez

Peter B. Foreman

Galanthus elwesii, kept opening up in the Lakeside Garden.

Suzanne M. Burns

Jennifer J. Neighbours, ex officio

Ralph F. Fujimoto

The grace notes of spring reminded us that, even without visitors,

Craig Niemann

James J. Glasser Caryn L. Harris

the Garden’s teams go above and beyond to maintain and cultivate

Robin Colburn Jill M. Delaney Amy DeVore, ex officio James W. DeYoung Timothy A. Dugan Peter M. Ellis Jean M. Franczyk, ex officio Steven J. Gavin Arthur J. Gibson Nancy Gidwitz Christopher E. Girgenti Ellis M. Goodman Charles V. Greener Joseph P. Gromacki Gillian Growdon William J. Hagenah Kathleen Hagerty Jonathan S. Holloway Jane Irwin Gregory K. Jones Peter Keehn R. Henry Kleeman Judith H. Konen, ex officio Thomas E. Lanctot M. James Leider Benjamin F. Lenhardt, Jr.

Jane S. Park Katie Parks, ex officio George A. Peinado Toni Preckwinkle, ex officio Bob Probst Arnold Randall, ex officio Mary B. Richardson-Lowry John C. Robak James Robinson Ryan S. Ruskin Richard Sciortino Robert E. Shaw Andrew Sinclair Thomas E. Skilling Maria Smithburg Sharvani Srivastava, ex officio Pam F. Szokol Catherine M. Waddell Andrew J. Warzecha, Sr. Susan A. Willetts Melvin F. Williams, Jr.

other relief measures, which you’ll see in our financial statement.

Garden temporarily closed. The powerful call for racial justice

Diane vS. Levy

Heidi B. Capozzi

John L. Howard Pamela K. Hull Posy L. Krehbiel

COVID-19 protocols so people could safely watch tropical butterflies

William H. Kurtis

land on pollen-rich vines. On self-guided interpretive walks in the fall,

Donna La Pietra

visitors took in the gold and scarlet hues of native oaks and maples

Josephine P. Louis Mary L. McCormack

chicagobotanic.org/annual_report

Jean M. Franczyk, President & CEO

We couldn’t do it without you.

Thank you …

Garden was able to keep its gates open, while it curated and maintained its living landscapes. Butterflies & Blooms opened with

To view our Annual Report and video online, please visit

that is moving forward toward a brighter, more inclusive future.

our living collection. Thanks to your support, for most of the year, the

Thomas B. Hunter III

Daniel I. H. Linzer

PERMIT NO. 1568

mission helped us pull through, along with a federal loan and

You’ll read more details about the year in this Annual Report, but first

Matt Banholzer

Michael J. Busch

NORTHBROOK, IL

limited reopening. Your response to the Garden’s needs and

devastating turn. A global pandemic upended lives, and the 2020 Life Directors

chicagobotanic.org

US POSTAGE PAID

One of the treasures of the Forest Preserves of Cook County

James F. Boudreau, Chief Development Officer

2020 Board of Directors

1000 lake cook road glencoe, illinois 60022

Robert F. Finke, Chairman of the Board

… to the 900 additional donors to the Annual Fund, and the many others who continued to give or increased their giving levels in 2020. … to our loyal members, 53,000 strong.

in McDonald Woods. Windy City Harvest farmers planted and harvested kale, lettuce, and tomatoes, and helped local families hit

Jeanine McNally

hardest by the pandemic. The year drove home the importance of

William E. Moeller

our mission: We cultivate the power of plants to sustain and

William A. Osborn

enrich life.

Homi B. Patel Susan L. Regenstein

… to our partners, including the Forest Preserves of Cook County. … to our staff, who worked through myriad challenges to take care of our living collection and to offer the beauty and respite that nature provides.

Anne O. Scott

… to our volunteers. We can’t wait to have our loyal crew back at full strength when COVID-19 mitigations allow.

David Byron Smith Susan K. Stone Richard L. Thomas Howard J. Trienens Ernest P. Waud III Arthur M. Wood, Jr.

The Elizabeth Hubert Malott Japanese Garden was featured on a now-discontinued 2020 U.S. postage stamp, along with nine other gardens.

Nicole S. Williams Ernest C. Wong

Annual Report | 2020

Michael R. Zimmerman

We cultivate the power of plants to sustain and enrich life.

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

Chicago Horticultural Society

A message from the Chairman of the Board and the President & CEO

Board of Directors Officers and Executive Staff as of 12/31/2020

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 Schwarz Ballard, Ph.D., Vice President, Learning and Engagement

Aida Z. Giglio, Vice President, Human Resources

“Clearly, nature calls to something very deep in us...the love of

Our mission, and people’s hunger for the respite we offer, will carry

nature and living things is an essential part of the human

us forward through this pandemic and beyond. Yes, we lost a

Gregory M. Mueller, Ph.D., Chief Scientist and Negaunee Vice President of Science

condition.”—Dr. Oliver Sacks, neurologist

significant amount of revenue from the extended closure and

Harriet Resnick, Vice President, Visitor Experience and Business Development

The late February chill had just lifted. At the Chicago Botanic

Gwen VanderBurg, Vice President, Marketing and Communications

a bit of scent near the water’s edge...and then 2020 took a

Dana Anderson

Anne Leventry

Garden, hints of a plum-colored iris had emerged, along with

and foremost, we wanted to express our gratitude for your

Neville F. Bryan

ignited a new civil rights movement and caused our organization

commitment to our mission. We are truly touched by your loyalty.

to reflect on equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.

Because of you, the Garden remains a place of beauty and healing

J. Melfort Campbell

Carol A. Barnett

Laura M. Linger

Barbara Whitney Carr

Russell F. Bartmes

Anne S. Loucks

David R. Casper

Through the upheaval, we looked to nature to sustain us, to provide

Allegra E. Biery

Michael J. McMurray

Gary P. Coughlan

a rhythm to our lives, especially as the days seemed to blend

Martha D. Boudos

Christopher Merrill

Peter R. Crane

together. As always, that purple Iris histrioides ‘George’ ended up

Terrence R. Brady

Gregory A. Moerschel

Suzanne S. Dixon

blooming in the Sensory Garden and fragrant giant snowdrops,

Jennifer K. Brown, ex offico

Lois L. Morrison

Thomas A. Donahoe

John H. Buehler

Henry Munez

Peter B. Foreman

Galanthus elwesii, kept opening up in the Lakeside Garden.

Suzanne M. Burns

Jennifer J. Neighbours, ex officio

Ralph F. Fujimoto

The grace notes of spring reminded us that, even without visitors,

Craig Niemann

James J. Glasser Caryn L. Harris

the Garden’s teams go above and beyond to maintain and cultivate

Robin Colburn Jill M. Delaney Amy DeVore, ex officio James W. DeYoung Timothy A. Dugan Peter M. Ellis Jean M. Franczyk, ex officio Steven J. Gavin Arthur J. Gibson Nancy Gidwitz Christopher E. Girgenti Ellis M. Goodman Charles V. Greener Joseph P. Gromacki Gillian Growdon William J. Hagenah Kathleen Hagerty Jonathan S. Holloway Jane Irwin Gregory K. Jones Peter Keehn R. Henry Kleeman Judith H. Konen, ex officio Thomas E. Lanctot M. James Leider Benjamin F. Lenhardt, Jr.

Jane S. Park Katie Parks, ex officio George A. Peinado Toni Preckwinkle, ex officio Bob Probst Arnold Randall, ex officio Mary B. Richardson-Lowry John C. Robak James Robinson Ryan S. Ruskin Richard Sciortino Robert E. Shaw Andrew Sinclair Thomas E. Skilling Maria Smithburg Sharvani Srivastava, ex officio Pam F. Szokol Catherine M. Waddell Andrew J. Warzecha, Sr. Susan A. Willetts Melvin F. Williams, Jr.

other relief measures, which you’ll see in our financial statement.

Garden temporarily closed. The powerful call for racial justice

Diane vS. Levy

Heidi B. Capozzi

John L. Howard Pamela K. Hull Posy L. Krehbiel

COVID-19 protocols so people could safely watch tropical butterflies

William H. Kurtis

land on pollen-rich vines. On self-guided interpretive walks in the fall,

Donna La Pietra

visitors took in the gold and scarlet hues of native oaks and maples

Josephine P. Louis Mary L. McCormack

chicagobotanic.org/annual_report

Jean M. Franczyk, President & CEO

We couldn’t do it without you.

Thank you …

Garden was able to keep its gates open, while it curated and maintained its living landscapes. Butterflies & Blooms opened with

To view our Annual Report and video online, please visit

that is moving forward toward a brighter, more inclusive future.

our living collection. Thanks to your support, for most of the year, the

Thomas B. Hunter III

Daniel I. H. Linzer

PERMIT NO. 1568

mission helped us pull through, along with a federal loan and

You’ll read more details about the year in this Annual Report, but first

Matt Banholzer

Michael J. Busch

NORTHBROOK, IL

limited reopening. Your response to the Garden’s needs and

devastating turn. A global pandemic upended lives, and the 2020 Life Directors

chicagobotanic.org

US POSTAGE PAID

One of the treasures of the Forest Preserves of Cook County

James F. Boudreau, Chief Development Officer

2020 Board of Directors

1000 lake cook road glencoe, illinois 60022

Robert F. Finke, Chairman of the Board

… to the 900 additional donors to the Annual Fund, and the many others who continued to give or increased their giving levels in 2020. … to our loyal members, 53,000 strong.

in McDonald Woods. Windy City Harvest farmers planted and harvested kale, lettuce, and tomatoes, and helped local families hit

Jeanine McNally

hardest by the pandemic. The year drove home the importance of

William E. Moeller

our mission: We cultivate the power of plants to sustain and

William A. Osborn

enrich life.

Homi B. Patel Susan L. Regenstein

… to our partners, including the Forest Preserves of Cook County. … to our staff, who worked through myriad challenges to take care of our living collection and to offer the beauty and respite that nature provides.

Anne O. Scott

… to our volunteers. We can’t wait to have our loyal crew back at full strength when COVID-19 mitigations allow.

David Byron Smith Susan K. Stone Richard L. Thomas Howard J. Trienens Ernest P. Waud III Arthur M. Wood, Jr.

The Elizabeth Hubert Malott Japanese Garden was featured on a now-discontinued 2020 U.S. postage stamp, along with nine other gardens.

Nicole S. Williams Ernest C. Wong

Annual Report | 2020

Michael R. Zimmerman

We cultivate the power of plants to sustain and enrich life.