2016 Annual Report
The museum’s impact continues to grow! Every day when the museum opens, I am reminded of how important having an asset like The Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum is to our community. When visitors begin to enter I can feel their enthusiasm for what The Discovery brings to our region. And, their continued support through membership, volunteering, or by becoming a donor, is further proof that Northern Nevada truly needed an educational resource like The Discovery. In 2016, just a little more than five years after opening to the public, the museum took the first step in taking its educational impact outside the museum’s walls. In June, with the launch of the museum’s Science Distilled lecture series – created in partnership with the Desert Research Institute (DRI) – The Discovery created an
event. Quite possibly the most impressive number of 2016 was overall
opportunity to showcase the amazing scientific research happening
attendance. In 2016 alone, more than 183,000 people engaged in
in our region, and engage an adults-only audience in the important
science exploration and learning at The Discovery—a number that
act of lifelong learning. After all, there is no better way to show our
has steadily grown since the museum opened to the public in 2011.
region’s young people that curiosity is an important trait than by modeling that behavior for them.
When reflecting on The Discovery’s short history, I can’t help but think that the museum has made great strides toward fulfilling its
The Discovery also saw growth in a number of core programs. For
mission. And best of all, we’re just getting started. I hope you share
the fifth year in a row, the museum’s kindergarten through 8th grade
my opinion, as well as my optimism, for the future of The Discovery!
school field trip attendance increased. Attendance at Social Science, the museum’s adults-only science exploration series, grew. Our
Sincerely,
accomplishments in 2016 also included the launch of Teen Science Night, an annual event created and hosted by the museum’s Teen
Mat Sinclair, MPA
Advisory Committee. Teen Science Night welcomed more than 300
President/CEO
high school students, a pretty remarkable number for an inaugural 2
Table of contents Letter from the President/CEO............................ 2 Increasing science literacy in our region............ 4 2016: Impact by the numbers................................ 5 Annual donor list....................................................... 6 Financial statement.................................................. 8 Revenue and expense summary........................ 9 Letter from the Board Chair................................. 11
Core mission & objective We seek to inspire by being the place to experience science.
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Increasing science literacy in our region The Discovery’s fifth year of operation was another filled with growth and change. Through the growth of the museum’s programs, The Discovery continues to strive toward our mission to inspire lifelong learners, regardless of age, by being the place to explore science. Here are a just a few highlights from 2016: SCHOOL FIELD TRIPS During the 2016-17 school year, The Discovery’s school Field Trip Program grew over the previous four academic years. School field trips are a key component of informal science learning, particularly in a school district where science is often not taught due to budget constraints. School field trips include museum exploration as well as an Educator-led Discovery Lab activity supported by pre- and post-trip classroom activities available on our website. Our educator resources encourage teachers to extend the learning and inspiration that students experience during their visit to The Discovery. During the 2016-17 school year, 31 percent of field trip students came from schools with 50 percent of higher Free and Reduced Lunch Program (FRL) enrollment, an indicator of poverty.
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and University of Nevada, Reno scientists accessible to the public through informal presentations delivered at hip locations in a social atmosphere. Attendance at Science Distilled is steadily growing— further evidence of our region’s appetite for science learning. DISCOVER YOUR WAY As the museum strives to serve our entire community with opportunities to explore science, museum staff identified a segment of our population who could benefit from a visit to The Discovery
SCIENCE DISTILLED
but may not be able to visit during normal hours. With careful
In 2016, The Discovery partnered with the Desert Research Institute
planning, and training from our partners at Easter Seals of Nevada,
(DRI) to create a new lecture series entitled Science Distilled. The
Discover Your Way was launched. The program, designed specifically
adults-only lecture series, held at various locations throughout our
for families with children on the Autism Spectrum or with sensory
community, is designed to make the research being done by DRI
perception disorders, occurs on the first Sunday of each month.
Lights are dimmed, exhibit sounds are turned down or muted—all creating a serene environment for museum exploration. Discover Your Way begins at 10:00am and ends at noon when the museum opens to the public. The ultimate goal of the program is to create an opportunity for attendees to return to The Discovery and enjoy the museum when it opens to the public. Feedback from families who attend has been overwhelmingly positive. In addition to a tailored
By showcasing both local and non-local inventors and inventions,
environment to explore the museum, the event also creates an
Spark!Lab makes the invention process accessible to museum
opportunity for parents of autistic children to network.
visitors of all ages, driving home the idea that innovation can happen anywhere.
SPARK!LAB SMITHSONIAN RENOVATION In November, The Discovery’s Spark!Lab Smithsonian received
The Discovery was the first in the nation to partner with the National
a major face lift. Aimed at increasing dwell time at the exhibits
Museum of American History to bring Spark!Lab Smithsonian to
in the space, and creating an experience tailored to a broader
Northern Nevada. The Spark!Lab at The Discovery was such a
demographic, the renovation included new exhibits, fresh paint,
success, five additional locations across the United States have been
new flooring, and a more welcoming entrance to the exhibit space.
added to the Spark!Lab National Network since 2012.
2016: Impact by the numbers 183,091 Total annual museum visitation
17,381 School field trip participants
133
Science Distilled attendees
13%
Visitors from outside Nevada
877
Seasonal camp participants
$67,530
Financial assistance distributed
4,462
Total member households
1,129
Social Science attendees
9,423
Hours donated by 223 volunteers 5
2016 annual donors $250,000+ Terry Lee Wells Foundation $100,000-$249,999 Anonymous $50,000-$99,999 Barracuda Championship DEW Foundation Dorothy Lemelson The Mathewson Charitable Lead Trust Number One $25,000-49,999 The Bretzlaff Foundation E.L. Cord Foundation Clarence & Martha Jones Family Foundation The Mathewson Charitable Lead Trust Number Two Gary and Sher Muhonen The Nell J. Redfield Foundation $10,000-24,999 Paul Bible Charles and Margaret Burback The CarMax Foundation Helen Close Charitable Foundation Community Foundation of Western Nevada Marie Crowley Foundation DiRienzo Foundation, Inc. Dolan Toyota Thelma B. & Thomas P. Hart Foundation Robert Z. Hawkins Foundation Roxie and Azad Joseph Foundation Trust The Libra Foundation Marshall R. Matley Foundation Newmont Mining Corporation NV Energy Foundation Heidemarie Rochlin Stillwater Foundation Charles H. Stout Foundation Jack Van Sickle Foundation Wells Fargo Foundation West Star Foundation $5,000-9,999 Anonymous Robert R. Banks Foundation Best Buy Foundation The Goddard School David and Judy Hess
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Hot August Nights Foundation Marybeth M. Lamb Foundation Lifestyle Homes Foundation Greg and Keni McKenzie Matt and Lydia Meyer Nevada State Treasurer’s Office Race178 Silver Standard Resources & Marigold Mining U.S. Bank Foundation Yelp $2,500-4,999 Albright & Associates Ltd Louis J. & Genevieve G. Capurro Foundation DowneyBrand LLP Drakulich-Kane Real Estate Group LLC Leigh, Rorie, Quinn & Will Fitzpatrick Gunderson Law Firm Jesse and Amber Haw LP Insurance Services Marketing Evolution McDonald Carano Wilson LLP J.P. and Fong Menante Microsoft Nature’s Bakery Nevada State Bank Outlets @ Legends The Reno Dentist Scheel’s Bruce and Nancy Shipman The Smile Shop Spanish Springs Business Center Trout Unlimited - Sagebrush Chapter U.S. Bank Harvey & Leslie Wagner Foundation WalMart Wells Fargo $1,000-2,499 Chuck and Pam Alvey Anonymous Jean and Dan Barnett Jim and Erin Belosic Erin and Don Bergin Bodger Law Practice Bryson Bohlander Laura Brigham and Brian Beffort Zoe Caldwell and Edward Perry
Ann Carlson Susan and Ron Clayton Country Financial David and Tammi Crowther The Crystal Family Foundation Holden & Macy Cushing Keith and Terry Davis Lee F. Del Grande Foundation Dermody Properties Foundation The Echeverria Family Fritsi and Harry Ericson Dina and David Fiore Lis, David, and Kate Garcia Richard and Susan Gobbs Hallmark Iron Works, Inc. Herb and Sue Henderson Koch Elevator Alan and Susan Liebman Jim and Erin Marren Charlotte and Richard McConnell E.W. McKenzie Foundation Raymond and Humma Oster George and Candi Peek Eric and Jackie Pulver The Quigley Family Elizabeth S. Ray Natalie Reed Chris and Wendy Riche Susanne and Patrick Riley Darryl and Niki Rubarth Jennifer and Phil Satre Brett Tierney and Kimberly Surratt UNR Global Water Center Renny and Sarah Uppal Tammy and Richard Williams King and Linda Won Marilyn D. York $500-999 Gretchen and Forrest Bietz Lyn Karol Blumenthal Fred McElroy and Alice Heiman Dennis and Lynne Jilot Kappes, Cassiday & Associates Stacy Kendall and Stuart Golder Jay and Jennifer Kenny Kohn & Company LLP Ray and Selene Lee Linda and Jon Madsen
Tony and Alannah Manfredi Lebo and Merrill Newman Marc and Diane Nicolet Rounds Bakery Brian Speicher and Tatiana Stafeyeva Janelle & Scott Borsum & Clara Swobe Michael and Karen Traynor Wiley’s Plumbing & Heating $250-499 Yvessa and Jason Aviles Dana and Luis Ayala James and Carol Barnes Meredith and Joseph Barton Maryanne and Michael Berdan Bickford Angier & Associates Jaren and Mary Blake Janine Book-Muniz Monica and Joe Brandl SaraBeth Brown Cathleen and William Cobb Jill Wells and Zane Cotterell Edward Jones In honor of Ronald Fitzpatrick Darci Fletcher Matthew and Jaunice Franzen Frankie Gray Robert Green Gail Griesmer Jane M. Grossman Rick Hsu and Nancy Alvarez Elizabeth and Patrick Jewell Christina and Shane Lafromboise Teresa Maloney Patti and Gene McClelland Mark and Christy McKinnon Robert and Michelle Mollath Sherry Nowell Morgan Shila Morris Jeff and Amy Patzlaff Natalie and Dale Porter Nanda and Vodur Reddy Alejandro Sabogal Vicki Seifer and David Feil-Seifer Spruce Janatorial Megan Svare In Memory of Nick Tobey Bethany and Stephen Wells Danielle and Simon Williams
$10-249 Catherine Adkins Becky Aguirre Pamela Anderson Donna J and Guy R Archambault Michele Attaway Wesley Ayres Sheri Barainca Loretta Baughman Brenda Becker Alex and Cindy Bieche Randall and Judith Brown Jim Browne Jeanette and Wayne Burk Deborah Cadigan Anthea and Ian Campbell Judy Caviglia Pat and Tassy Class Clausen & Co Nancy Coleman-Frank Stephen Crowder Renee Curtis Stephanie and Tony D’Arcy Mary Davis Robert and Elaine Dehnke M.P. De Luca Rajen Desai and Sinal Desai-Patel Charishma and Taren Desai Megan and Brian Duggan Joan Dyer Natalie and Leland Ede Roger and Dianne Ehlers Christine Erickson Doug Erwin EyeTech Visioncare Reno Sparks Lauren and Jon Fairchild Alice Fisher Sandy Foley Joice Fong Kathleen Fralick Ron and Rosemary Garcia Alejandra Gardella Mike & Dee Gent Debbie and Dan Gerbatz Sarah Gobbs-Hill and Sean Hill Patricia and Greg Gomez Kathleen J Gowing Larry and Teri Greenhill Sarah Hardy-Cooper and James Cooper
Sandy Haslem William and Susan Hauser Alana and Mike Heim Robert and Mary Hery Sabiene Hesse Rachel Hockaday Nate Hudson It’s My Community Store, LLC Robert and Barbara Jepsen Elena Ramos Jimenez and Dean Christopher Marilyn Johnson Dr. Jayne Kading Jeff Karhohs Denise Kelly Bill and Linda Kennedy Harvey Lambert Stephanie and Paul Lamboley Gretchen Legarza Dashaun M. Lipscomb Lucia Lombardo Bill Luikart Judith Mahon Hugh and Cynthia Marshall Mary McCaffrey Kyle, Nicole & Elle McCann Rhonda Mckenzie Marc and Norren McKinney Marissa Meier Marian Miller Jennifer Mingo Teeara and Kevin Monaghan Kerey Moore Jim Nadeau NV Energy Jeff and Kristin Paine Julie Peters Palmer Susan Park and Brandon Rhoades In Loving Memory of Faye Parker Isabell J. Pearce Rebekah Perez Ann M. Perry Prosperity Alignment, Inc. Carolyn Puryear RBC Wealth Management Judy Robertson Carolyn J. Rogalla Risa Ronan Gary Rosenbloom
Janet N. Ross Derrik and Susan Sandberg Katharine Santti Beverly L. Savage Meghan and Brian Schiedel Adolph and Kathleen Schonder Vickie A. Scott Lynn M. Sheridan Gwen Shonkwiler Jackelyn and Thomas Shoupe Michael and Karren Smith Kathleen Smith Lance Smith Tyler Smith Natalie Stamos Lori Stock David and Ashley Stratton Jan and John Sullivan Karyn Taylor Truckee River Paint & Wallpaper and Studio on 4th Ya-Ju Tsai and Chia-Yang Hsu Patrick and Alissa Turner Cheri Unland Upland Contractors Autumn and Tyson Valcalda Meg Valiquet Beverly M. Waldron Charles Walker Brandi and Phil Wells Western Nevada Supply Whole Foods Carole Worthen Bill Yundt Ilia Zaliapin IN-KIND A. Carlisle Printers Academy for Career Education Alana Heim Animal Ark Atlantis Casino Resort Spa Ball Fitness Studios Beaujolais Bistro Bell Limo Big Horn Olive Oil Company Bobos Boys & Girls Club of Mason Valley Brewer’s Cabinet
Bridgewater Swim Academy Bruka Theatre Bully’s Cabela’s Chester’s Reno Harley-Davidson Concepts Coney Island Bar Core Personal Training Creative Coverings Crystal Ice Dayton Valley Turf Desert Research Institute (DRI) Disneyland Don Clark Group Double Edge Fitness Dr Pepper Snapple Group Dr. Mark B. Hausner Dr. Sudeep Chandra Dr. Zeb Hogan Duncan Golf Management Eagle Valley Golf Eclipse Pizza Co EcoStudents, High Desert Montessori Eldorado Hotel and Casino Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center Full Pedal Gene Brockman Google Inc. Granite Construction Supply Grassroots Books Harrah’s & Harveys Lake Tahoe Harrah’s Reno Hi Point Cafe IMBÎB Custom Brews IQ Technology Solutions Jack Saik Jason Barnes Jeffrey Kraft Jennifer Utu Jensen & Company Jessi LeMay Jim Litchfield Joey Mares Johnny’s Ristorante Italiano Johnstone Studios Juice Box Yoga KTVN Channel 2 News KUNR Reno Public Radio
Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival Maplewood, Inc Mastercraft Hardwood Lumber Aaron Mintz Mix Cupcake Co Model Dairy Montbleu Mt Rose Drinks Mt. Rose Ski Resort My Favorite Muffin Napa Sonoma National Automobile Museum Nature’s Bakery Need 2 Speed Nevada Advanced Autonomous Systems Innovation Center Nevada Vines and Wines No Child Left Behind Nothing To It! Nugget Casino Resort Patagonia Patrick Turner Peppermill Resort Spa Casino Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts Polygrarian Institute Pretty Parlor Pure Barre Recycled Records Reno Bighorns Reno Chamber Orchestra Reno Diagnostic Center Reno eNVy Store Reno Fly Shop Reno Gazette-Journal Reno High School Fly Fishing Club Reno Media Group Reno News & Review Reno Philharmonic Reno Robotics Club Reno Tahoe Golf Headquarters Reno Tattoo Removal Reno-Tahoe Open Foundation Renown Health Robin Mercer Roundabout Catering & Party Rentals Ruby River Steakhouse Salon Glow Salon Lux Sarah Gobbs-Hill
Scheel’s Seven Troughs Distilling Company Shoe Sierra Aquatics Sierra Nevada Journeys Sierra Sage Golf Course Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. Sippees New and Used Kids Clothes Six Four Growlers Skydive Lake Tahoe Soak Nail Spa & Lounge Somersett Country Club Sorensen’s Resort SouthCreek Pizza Company Squeeze In Studio Benna Susan A. Payne Tahoe Adventure Company Tahoe Mountain Club Tahoe Star Tours Tesla The Jungle The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe The Studio Toiyabe Golf Club Too Soul Tea Company Total Wine & More Trader Joe’s Truckee Meadows Firefighters Assn. University of California, Davis University of Nevada, Reno UNR Department of Microbiology and Immunology UNR Office for Prospective Students Urban Roots Vail Resorts Valerie Thompson Verdant Connections Volant Productions Walden’s Coffee House Wedge - A Cheese Shop Whole Foods Market Wild Fish Wild Places Wild Island Wild Sheep Foundation Wolf Pack Athletics Worldpak Flexible Packaging, LLC Yoga Loka Yogurt Beach
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2016 audited financial statement In 2016, The Discovery continued its progress toward becoming a more financially self-sufficient organization. However, even with this continued progress, the museum still relies on the generous support of donors to help fund the major additions and improvements that are critical to the long-term success of the museum’s mission. STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
BALANCE SHEET
Revenue and other support
Assets
Gift revenue
$1,244,521
Current assets
Earned revenue
$1,648,407
Other assets
Total earned revenue before interest income $2,892,928 Investment/interest income Total revenue
$2,104 $2,895,032
Expenses Program services
Property and equipment (net) Total assets
Fundraising
$438,123
General and administration
$342,560
Depreciation
$955,066
Total expenses
$3,891,971
Change in net assets
($996,939)
$62,780 $14,575,101 $15,403,464
Liabilities Accounts payable and accrued expenses
$2,156,222
$765,583
Total liabilities
$1,068,721 $1,068,721
Net assets Property and equipment net of debt Undesignated
$14,334,743 ($354,548)
Permanently restricted
$41,047
Temporarily restricted
$313,501
Total net assets
$14,334,743
Total liabilities and net assets
$15,403,464
The Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum (The Discovery) was incorporated in 2004 in Nevada for the purpose of inspiring curiosity, creativity and the joy of lifelong learning. The Discovery is an IRS-approved 501(c)3, tax-exempt organization with tax ID #61-1474845.
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2016 revenue and expense summary 5% 1%
4%
6%
12%
8%
Annual Revenue
16% 55%
$2,895,032
Annual Expenditures $2,936,905*
25% 75%
Earned revenue (admissions, memberships, camps, field trips, etc.)
Galleries and exhibits, educational programs, visitor experience
Grants and foundation gifts
Operating expenses (staff, overhead, advertising)
Special and fundraising events
Fundraising (events, mailings, donor cultivation)
Individual gifts
Donor funded financial assistance distributed
Corporate gifts In-kind services
*Does not include depreciation
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“SUE” IS HERE! A T. rex Named Sue, from Chicago’s Field Museum, opened to the public at The Discovery in late May 2017 and will be on exhibit through January 15, 2018.
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From the Board Chair Early in 2017, I was given the opportunity to serve as Chair of The
Board of Directors
Discovery’s Board of Directors. The decision to take on the role of Board
Jed Bodger Board Chair
Chair wasn’t a tough one for me because the growth the organization has experienced since opening to the public in 2011 is only going to continue. This an exciting time to be involved. There is no question that what The Discovery offers its visitors is in high demand. With recent changes in our country’s leadership and priorities, the importance of science literacy and opportunities to engage in STEM-based learning are only going to increase. Nationally, and locally, employers are seeking candidates who are creative, open-minded and have an understanding of science, technology, engineering and math. The Discovery has the power to create a constant stream of ever-changing experiences for visitors of all ages that empowers today’s workforce and will create innovators for many generations to come. This year, and in the years to come, I hope you’ll join me in supporting The Discovery’s efforts to create new
Matt Anderson Vice Chair Dr. Diane Nicolet Secretary Dan Clausen, CPA Treasurer Bryce Bolander, CFP Dr. David Crowther Doug Erwin Mike Heath Stacy Kendall Tony Manfredi Austin K. Sweet, Esq.
and exciting ways to increase science literacy. The Discovery is our region’s home for people to explore their interests and passions in science. But the good work of the museum’s staff and volunteers cannot continue without your financial support. Thank you for believing in lifelong learning and the potential the museum creates for everyone in our region and for many generations to come. With gratitude,
The Discovery’s board has earned the Community Foundation of Western Nevada’s 100% Giving Board Award for 2016.
Jed Bodger Senior Tax Advisor, Sierra Nevada Corporation
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490 S. Center Street · Reno, NV 89501 · 775-786 -1000 · nvdm.org