Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service
Public Charity Status and Public Support
Complete if the organization is a section 501(c)(3) organization or a section
4947(a)(1) nonexempt charitable trust.
Attach to Form 990 or Form 990-EZ. See separate instructions. Information about Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) and its instructions is at www.irs.gov/form990.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2013
Open to Public Inspection
Name of the organization
CHIPPEWA NATURE CENTER
Employer identification number
38-1859315
Part I
Reason for Public Charity Status
(All organizations must complete this part.) See instructions.
The organization is not a private foundation because it is: (For lines 1 through 11, check only one box.)
1
2
3
4
5
section 170(b)(1)(A)(iv). (Complete Part II.)
6
7
8
9
receipts from activities related to its exempt functions—subject to certain exceptions, and (2) no more than 331/3% of
its support from gross investment income and unrelated business taxable income (less section 511 tax) from businesses
acquired by the organization after June 30, 1975. See section 509(a)(2). (Complete Part III.)
10
11
e
By checking this box, I certify that the organization is not controlled directly or indirectly by one or more disqualified persons other than foundation managers and other than one or more publicly supported organizations described in section 509(a)(1) or section 509(a)(2).
f
If the organization received a written determination from the IRS that it is a Type I, Type II, or Type III supporting organization, check this box
..................................................
g
Since August 17, 2006, has the organization accepted any gift or contribution from any of the following persons?
(i) A person who directly or indirectly controls, either alone or together with persons described in (ii)
Yes
No
and (iii) below, the governing body of the supported organization?
................
11g(i)
(ii)
A family member of a person described in (i) above?
......................
11g(ii)
(iii)
A 35% controlled entity of a person described in (i) or (ii) above?
................
11g(iii)
h
Provide the following information about the supported organization(s).
(i) Name of supported organization
(ii) EIN
(iii) Type of organization (described on lines 1- 9 above or IRC section (see instructions))
(iv) Is the organization in col. (i) listed in your governing document?
(v) Did you notify the organization in col. (i) of your support?
(vi) Is the organization in col. (i) organized in the U.S.?
(vii) Amount of monetary support
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Total
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990 or 990EZ.
Cat. No. 11285F
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2013
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2013
Page 2
Part II
Support Schedule for Organizations Described in Sections 170(b)(1)(A)(iv) and 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) (Complete only if you checked the box on line 5, 7, or 8 of Part I or if the
organization failed to qualify under Part III. If the organization fails to
qualify under the tests listed below, please complete Part III.)
Section A. Public Support
Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in)
(a) 2009
(b) 2010
(c) 2011
(d) 2012
(e) 2013
(f) Total
1
Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grants.") ....
328,923
393,168
592,029
327,350
433,478
2,074,948
2
Tax revenues levied for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf.......
3
The value of services or facilities furnished by a governmental unit to the organization without charge..
4
Total. Add lines 1 through 3
328,923
393,168
592,029
327,350
433,478
2,074,948
5
The portion of total contributions by each person (other than a governmental unit or publicly supported organization) included
on line 1 that exceeds 2% of the amount shown on line 11, column (f)..
238,016
6
Public support. Subtract line 5 from line 4.
1,836,932
Section B. Total Support
Calendar year
(or fiscal year beginning in)
(a) 2009
(b) 2010
(c) 2011
(d) 2012
(e) 2013
(f) Total
7
Amounts from line 4..
328,923
393,168
592,029
327,350
433,478
2,074,948
8
Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources...
622,612
609,069
610,794
441,304
408,752
2,692,531
9
Net income from unrelated business activities, whether or not the business is regularly carried on..
10
Other income. Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets (Explain in Part IV.)..
2,137
9,817
150
13,181
6,828
32,113
11
Total support (Add lines 7 through 10).
4,799,592
12
Gross receipts from related activities, etc. (see instructions)
..................
12
1,693,834
13
First five years.
If the Form 990 is for the organization's first, second, third, fourth, or fifth tax year as a 501(c)(3) organization,
check this box and stop here.................................................
Section C. Computation of Public Support Percentage
14
Public support percentage for 2013 (line 6, column (f) divided by line 11, column (f))
.........
14
38.270 %
15
Public support percentage for 2012 Schedule A, Part II, line 14
...............
15
35.170 %
16a
33 1/3% support test—2013.
If the organization did not check the box on line 13, and line 14 is 33 1/3% or more, check this box
and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization
.......................
b
33 1/3% support test—2012.
If the organization did not check a box on line 13 or 16a, and line 15 is 33 1/3% or more, check this
box and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization
.....................
17a
10%-facts-and-circumstances test—2013.
If the organization did not check a box on line 13, 16a, or 16b, and line 14
is 10% or more, and if the organization meets the "facts-and-circumstances" test, check this box and stop here. Explain
in Part IV how the organization meets the "facts-and-circumstances" test. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported
organization
.....................................................
b
10%-facts-and-circumstances test—2012.
If the organization did not check a box on line 13, 16a, 16b, or 17a, and line
15 is 10% or more, and if the organization meets the "facts-and-circumstances" test, check this box and stop here.
Explain in Part IV how the organization meets the "facts-and-circumstances" test. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization
................................................
18
Private foundation.
If the organization did not check a box on line 13, 16a, 16b, 17a, or 17b, check this box and see
instructions
.....................................................
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2013
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2013
Page 3
Part III
Support Schedule for Organizations Described in Section 509(a)(2) (Complete only if you checked the box on line 9 of Part I or if the organization
failed to qualify under Part II. If the organization fails to qualify under
the tests listed below, please complete Part II.)
Section A. Public Support
Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in)
(a) 2009
(b) 2010
(c) 2011
(d) 2012
(e) 2013
(f) Total
1
Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grants.") .
2
Gross receipts from admissions, merchandise sold or services performed, or facilities furnished in any activity that is related to the organization's tax-exempt purpose......
3
Gross receipts from activities that are not an unrelated trade or business under section 513..
4
Tax revenues levied for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf...
5
The value of services or facilities furnished by a governmental unit to the organization without charge..
6
Total. Add lines 1 through 5.
7a
Amounts included on lines 1, 2, and 3 received from disqualified persons...
b
Amounts included on lines 2 and 3 received from other than disqualified persons that exceed the greater of $5,000 or 1% of the amount on line 13 for the year.
c
Add lines 7a and 7b..
8
Public support (Subtract line 7c from line 6.)
Section B. Total Support
Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in)
(a) 2009
(b) 2010
(c) 2011
(d) 2012
(e) 2013
(f) Total
9
Amounts from line 6...
10a
Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources..
b
Unrelated business taxable income (less section 511 taxes) from businesses acquired after June 30, 1975.
c
Add lines 10a and 10b.
11
Net income from unrelated business activities not included in line 10b, whether or not the business is regularly carried on.
12
Other income. Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets (Explain in Part IV.)
..
13
Total support. (Add lines 9, 10c, 11, and 12.)..
14
First five years.
If the Form 990 is for the organization's first, second, third, fourth, or fifth tax year as a 501(c)(3) organization,
check this box and stop here.............................................
Section C. Computation of Public Support Percentage
15
Public support percentage for 2013 (line 8, column (f) divided by line 13, column (f))
.........
15
16
Public support percentage from 2012 Schedule A, Part III, line 15
...............
16
Section D. Computation of Investment Income Percentage
17
Investment income percentage for 2013 (line 10c, column (f) divided by line 13, column (f))
......
17
18
Investment income percentage from 2012 Schedule A, Part III, line 17
.............
18
19a
33 1/3% support tests—2013.
If the organization did not check the box on line 14, and line 15 is more than 33 1/3%, and line 17 is not more than 33 1/3%, check this box and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization
........
b
33 1/3% support tests—2012.
If the organization did not check a box on line 14 or line 19a, and line 16 is more than 33 1/3% and line 18 is not more than 33 1/3%, check this box and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization
.....
20
Private foundation.
If the organization did not check a box on line 14, 19a, or 19b, check this box and see instructions
.....
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2013
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2013
Page 4
Part IV
Supplemental Information.
Provide the explanations required by Part II, line 10; Part II, line 17a or 17b; and Part III, line 12. Also complete this part for any additional information. (See instructions).
Facts And Circumstances Test
Explanation
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2013
Additional Data
Software ID:
Software Version:
-
TIN:
SCHEDULE O (Form 990 or 990-EZ)
Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service
Supplemental Information to Form 990 or 990-EZ
Complete to provide information for responses to specific questions on
Form 990 or to provide any additional information.
Attach to Form 990 or 990-EZ.
Information about Schedule O (Form 990 or 990-EZ) and its instructions is at
www.irs.gov/form990.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2013
Open to Public Inspection
Name of the organization
CHIPPEWA NATURE CENTER
Employer identification number
38-1859315
Return Reference
Explanation
FORM 990 - ORGANIZATION'S MISSION
THE CHIPPEWA NATURE CENTER IS A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION WHOSE MISSION IS TO FACILITATE THE ENJOYMENT AND UNDERSTANDING OF OUR NATURAL, HISTORICAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES AS RELEVANT TO THE SAGINAW VALLEY, TO PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS AND TO FOSTER RESPONSIBLE STEWARDSHIP.
FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4A
WERE "ON THE ROAD." AT HOME WITH NATURE: AT HOME WITH NATURE IS DESIGNED TO SUPPLEMENT SCIENCE AND HISTORY HOMESCHOOL EDUCATION THROUGH FUN, INTERACTIVE, HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES. EACH SERIES CONSISTS OF THREE 1.5 HOUR PROGRAMS. IN 2013, 194 CHILDREN PARTICIPATED IN THIS PROGRAM. NATURE PRESCHOOL: NATURE PRESCHOOL IS A UNIQUE PROGRAM THAT PROVIDES THREE AND FOUR YEAR OLDS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO DEVELOP LIFELONG CONNECTIONS WITH NATURE. IN 2013-14 WE HAD 88 STUDENTS ENROLLED. WE OFFERED FIVE DIFFERENT HALF-DAY SESSIONS IN A RANGE FROM TWO TO FOUR DAYS PER WEEK. IN 2013 WE WERE ONCE AGAIN AWARDED A GREAT START READINESS GRANT FROM THE MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION FOR 21 AT-RISK 4 YEAR OLDS TO ATTEND OUR PROGRAM AT NO COST TO THE FAMILY. IN ADDITION, CNC OFFERS SCHOLARSHIPS TO FAMILIES THAT MAY NOT QUALIFY FOR THE STATE-FUNDED PROGRAM, BUT HAVE A FINANCIAL NEED FOR TUITION ASSISTANCE. WE ARE GRATEFUL TO THE DOW CHEMICAL COMPANY IN THEIR FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO KEEP THIS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM RUNNING. IN 2013 WE ONCE AGAIN ACHIEVED A VIRTUAL EVEN SPLIT BETWEEN FAMILIES PAYING FULL TUITION AND THOSE RECEIVING SOME LEVEL OF ASSISTANCE- A GREAT DIVERSITY OF ECONOMIC BACKGROUNDS. EDUCATOR WORKSHOPS: IN 2013 WE OFFERED OUR THIRD ANNUAL NATURE PRESCHOOL INSTITUTE TO TEACH EARLY CHILDHOOD PROFESSIONALS ABOUT OUR UNIQUE APPROACH TO PRESCHOOL EDUCATION. WE HAD 21 PARTICIPANTS IN OUR ON-SITE, 4 DAY TRAINING. INTEREST IN AND DEMAND FOR THE PROGRAM WAS SO GREAT THAT WE TOOK THE TRAININGS ON THE ROAD FOR OUR "NATURE PRESCHOOL TRAVELLING INSTITUTE" AND AT EARLY CHILDHOOD CONFERENCES THROUGHOUT THE STATE. BETWEEN THESE TWO WORKSHOP FORMATS WE TRAINED APPROXIMATELY 300 PRESCHOOL TEACHERS. SCOUTS: SCOUT PROGRAMS AT CHIPPEWA NATURE CENTER ARE SPECIALLY DESIGNED TO HELP GROUPS WORK ON THE VARIOUS REQUIREMENTS NEEDED TO COMPLETE BADGES AND OTHER ADVANCEMENTS. IN 2013 WE HAD 547 SCOUTS ATTEND PROGRAMS AT THE NATURE CENTER WITH THEIR DEN OR TROOP. NATURE DAY CAMP: THIS PAST SUMMER 930 CHILDREN ATTENDED NATURE DAY CAMP WHICH WAS FULL CAPACITY. THIS NUMBER ALSO REFLECTS AN INCREASE IN OUR CAPACITY FROM SUMMER 2012 BY 200 CHILDREN. PROGRAMS WERE OFFERED FOR 3-17 YEAR OLDS AND WERE ONE TO TWO WEEKS IN LENGTH. A NEW CAMP OFFERING IN 2013 WAS A FULL-WEEK "SURVIVAL VILLAGE." WE ALSO ADDED "NATURE DETECTIVES" FOR KIDS 6-7 YEARS OLD. YOUTH DROP-IN PROGRAMS: DROP-IN PROGRAMS INCLUDE WEE STROLL, STORY HOURS, NATURE FOR YOUTH AND SENSATIONAL SUMMER DAYS. WEE STROLL IS FOR OUR YOUNGEST NATURE CENTER VISITORS UP TO TWO YEARS OF AGE WITH AN ADULT, AND HAD 158 PARTICIPANTS. STORY HOURS ARE GEARED FOR THE NEXT OLDER AGE GROUP RANGING FROM 2-5 YEARS OLD WITH 880 PARTICIPANTS IN 2013. DUE TO HIGH WEEK -DAY DEMAND FOR THIS PROGRAM WE OFFERED TWO TIME SLOTS ON THURSDAYS. WE HAVE ONE DROP-IN PROGRAM LED BY AN EDUCATOR DESIGNED FOR OUR OLDER YOUTH VISITORS CALLED NATURE FOR YOUTH. NATURE FOR YOUTH IS A FREE, 1.5 HOUR PROGRAM OFFERED ON THE FIRST SATURDAY OF MOST MONTHS DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR. IN 2013 WE HAD 73 CHILDREN ATTEND THIS PROGRAM. SEASONAL EXPLORATION DAYS: WHAT FAMILY DOESN'T LOOK FOR SOMETHING FUN TO DO WITH THEIR KIDS OVER HOLIDAY BREAKS? THESE "EXPLORATION DAYS" PROVIDE AN INDOOR SELF-GUIDED PROGRAM FOR FAMILIES TO EXPLORE AS THEIR TIME ALLOWS DURING WINTER, SPRING, SUMMER, AND THANKSGIVING BREAKS. THESE DROP-IN PROGRAMS INCLUDE A VARIETY OF SELF-GUIDED, HANDS-ON EXPLORATION STATIONS. GROUNDHOG'S DAY DINNER, NATURE AT NIGHT & NATURE'S EGGS EXTRAVAGANZA: IN APRIL WE HELD NATURE'S EGGS EXTRAVAGANZA FOR 125 CHILDREN. THE EVENT INCLUDED AN EGG HUNT, ACTIVITIES IN THE CLASSROOMS ABOUT EGG-LAYING MICHIGAN ANIMALS, AND PRIZES. IN OCTOBER WAS NATURE AT NIGHT, A TWO-NIGHT EVENT FOCUSED ON THE WONDERS OF MICHIGAN'S NIGHTTIME NATURAL WORLD. ACTIVITIES IN THE CLASSROOMS, NATURE SONGS, STORYTELLING IN THE WIGWAM, AN OBSTACLE COURSE WHERE CHILDREN WERE MICE TRYING TO SAFELY NAVIGATE, AND A JACK-O-LANTERN TRAIL KEPT THE 681 VISITORS WELL ENTERTAINED. NEW IN 2013 WAS THE GROUNDHOG'S DAY DINNER-A FAMILY CELEBRATION. WE HAD 55 PEOPLE JOIN US FOR A NEW FAMILY EVENT TO CELEBRATE GROUNDHOG'S DAY. IT WAS AN EVENING OF DINNER, MUSIC, PUPPET SHOW, AND CRAFTS AND ACTIVITIES FOCUSING ON THE STAR OF THE DAY THE WOODCHUCK BIRTHDAY PARTIES: WE OFFER BIRTHDAY PARTIES IN 5 DIFFERENT NATURE THEMES FOR FAMILIES TO CHOOSE FROM. EACH PARTY INCLUDES THEMED INVITATIONS, DECORATIONS, AND ACTIVITIES FOR A 2-HOUR PROGRAM TAILORED FOR THE AGES OF THE CHILDREN. IN 2013 WE HAD 386 PARTICIPANTS IN BIRTHDAY PARTIES-MORE THAN EVER NATURE KINDERGARTEN: IN SEPTEMBER 2012 WE BEGAN IMPLEMENTING AN EXCITING NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH BULLOCK CREEK SCHOOLS. THIS PARTNERSHIP IS CONTINUING WITH THE 2013-14 SCHOOL YEAR WITH TWO SECTIONS OF KINDERGARTEN AT FLOYD ELEMENTARY AND ONE SECTION AT PINE RIVER ELEMENTARY THAT ARE NOW NATURE- BASED WITH A CNC EDUCATOR WORKING CLOSELY WITH THE TEACHERS TO DEVELOP CURRICULUM. THE GOAL IS TO INTEGRATE NATURE INTO AS MUCH OF THE DAILY REQUIRED CURRICULUM AS POSSIBLE. THE EDUCATOR ALSO VISITS EACH CLASS WEEKLY. AS ANOTHER ASPECT OF THIS PROJECT THE EDUCATOR ALSO VISITS EACH OF THE OTHER GRADE LEVELS ONCE MONTHLY. THROUGH THIS PROJECT WE'RE WORKING TO USE NATURE AS A TOOL FOR ACHIEVING CURRICULAR GOALS.
FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4B
HIGHEST RECORDED ANNUAL DROP-IN ATTENDANCE MAJOR EVENTS CELEBRATE NATURE, HISTORY AND OUTDOOR ENJOYMENT MAJOR EVENTS ALWAYS PULL IN LARGE CROWDS EAGER FOR FUN AND EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES. MAPLE SYRUP DAY LED THE WAY IN 2013 WITH 1,300 ATTENDEES READY TO USHER IN SPRING BY PARTICIPATING IN A VARIETY OF CRAFTS AND ACTIVITIES RELATED TO THE UNOFFICIAL KICK-OFF OF SPRING. AFTER 10 YEARS THE BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL HAS GROWN INTO A MUCH ANTICIPATED PROGRAM AND WE WERE VERY PLEASED THAT EVENT ONCE AGAIN SOLD-OUT THE BULLOCK CREEK AUDITORIUM WITH NEARLY 600 TICKETS SOLD THE ANNUAL NATIVE PLANT SALE ALSO PROVIDED A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR GARDENERS TO SELECT AND PURCHASE A WIDE VARIETY OF NATIVE PLANTS FOR USE IN THEIR HOME LANDSCAPING PROJECTS. FALL HARVEST FESTIVAL RETURNED IN 2013. THE EVENT WAS MOVED TO OCTOBER AND ADJUSTED TO A SINGLE DAY EVENT, SIMILAR TO MAPLE SYRUP DAY. THIS POPULAR EVENT WAS HELD ON OCTOBER 5 AND DESPITE RAINY, COOL WEATHER, OVER 750 PEOPLE CAME OUT TO THE HOMESTEAD TO LEARN ABOUT AND ENJOY HISTORIC RURAL SKILLS. FALL HARVEST FESTIVAL WILL RETURN IN 2015, WITH BIOBLITZ OCCURRING IN FALL 2014. NATURE ART SHOW AND SALE WRAPPED UP THE YEAR'S MAJOR EVENTS WHICH INCLUDED GOOD SALES OF ITEMS FOR THE 16 ARTISTS IN ATTENDANCE - INCLUDING 3 NEW ARTISTS VENTURING OUT WITH FIELD TRIPS AND HANDS-ON LEARNING WITH WORKSHOPS IN 2013 NATURE CENTER STAFF OFFERED 29 FIELD TRIPS ON LOCAL RIVERS, BIRDING THE SAGINAW BAY, VOYAGEUR CANOEING AND CAMPING ON LAKE SUPERIOR AND A NEW ADVENTURE TOURING ELK COUNTRY ON FOOT AS WELL AS BY CANOE AND KAYAK. PARTICIPANTS ON THESE FIELD TRIPS GET AN EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY TO CONNECT TO THE NATURAL WORLD FOR A LONGER PERIOD TIME THAN POSSIBLE ON AN ONSITE WALK WHILE BUILDING MEANINGFUL EXPERIENCES BY RECREATING IN IT. CHIPPEWA NATURE CENTER ONCE AGAIN OFFERED A WIDE RANGE OF HANDS-ON WORKSHOPS IN 2013, INCLUDING NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY, INTRODUCTION TO HAND- SPINNING, AQUATIC BIOLOGY, BIRCH BASKET MAKING, PINE CONE WREATH MAKING AND A DECORATIVE GOURD MAKING WORKSHOP. HANDS-ON WORKSHOPS ARE A GREAT WAY TO DIG DEEPER INTO SPECIALIZED SKILLS RELATED TO OUR CULTURAL HERITAGE, NATURAL WORLD AND THE GREAT OUTDOORS. THESE WORKSHOPS BUILD CONNECTIONS BY HELPING PARTICIPANTS LEARN A NEW SKILL AND ALSO APPRECIATE THE RESOURCES OF NATURE. HOMESTEAD FARM CELEBRATES RURAL LIFE THE HOMESTEAD FARM IS OPEN ON SUNDAY AFTERNOON THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER AND THE SITE AND PROGRAMMING CONTINUES TO GROW IN POPULARITY. THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER A TOTAL OF 1,612 VISITORS WERE COUNTED AT THE CABIN OVER THE COURSE OF THE SEASON, THE THIRD HIGHEST ATTENDANCE IN THE LAST 25 YEARS A DEDICATED GROUP OF STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS WORKED HARD TO PROVIDE SPECIAL EXPERIENCES FOR ALL THESE VISITORS. THANKS GOES TO OUR SEASONAL STAFF TEAM OF ANGELA OROS, GREG ALLINGTON AND ABIGAIL KEEL FOR LEADING ACTIVITIES, PROVIDING TOURS AND MANAGING OUR TALENTED VOLUNTEERS. ROB MAXWELL LED A FANTASTIC TEAM OF VOLUNTEERS IN THE HEIRLOOM VEGETABLE GARDEN. THIS YEAR, 17 VOLUNTEERS DONATED MORE THAN 450 HOURS OF THEIR TIME LEADING TOURS AND HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES, CONDUCTING DEMONSTRATIONS AND WORKING IN THE GARDEN. THIS YEAR, THE HEIRLOOM VEGETABLE GARDEN REACHED A POTENTIAL WE HARDLY DREAMED POSSIBLE IN THE PAST. IN ALL, OVER 536.5 POUNDS OF FRESH, ORGANIC PRODUCE WAS DONATED TO THE H.E.L.P. FOOD PANTRY AT MIDLAND'S MEMORIAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH FROM THE HOMESTEAD. DROP-IN AND CONNECT TO NATURE DROP-IN, FREE PROGRAMS CONTINUE TO BE THE FOUNDATION OF OUR INTERPRETIVE PROGRAM OFFERINGS AND ARE ATTENDED BY A MIX OF RETURNING GUESTS AND FIRST- TIME VISITORS. THE PROGRAMS COVERED A RANGE OF TOPICS INCLUDING: BIRD WALKS, WILDFLOWER HIKES, MAPLE SYRUP PROGRAMS, LIFE ON AN 1870S FARM, BIRD BANDING, NATIVE AMERICAN LIFE, FULL MOON WALKS, ARCHAEOLOGY, ANIMALS TRACKS, SALAMANDER SEARCHES, GOLF CART TOURS, AND MUCH, MUCH MORE THESE PROGRAMS ARE THE CORE OF THE CENTER'S ADULT AND FAMILY OFFERINGS, GIVING PEOPLE OF ALL AGES THE CHANCE TO GET OUTSIDE WITH A TALENTED STAFF AND BUILD CONNECTIONS TO THE NATURAL WORLD WITH PEOPLE OF SIMILAR INTERESTS.
FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4D
VOLUNTEERS & OUTREACH: OUTREACH: CNC PARTICIPATED IN 36 DIFFERENT AND DIVERSE COMMUNITY EVENTS IN MIDLAND COUNTY AND THROUGHOUT THE GREAT LAKES BAY REGION. EVENTS PROVIDE US WITH THE OPPORTUNITY TO PROMOTE CNC THROUGHOUT THE REGION, WHILE PROVIDING SIMPLE HANDS-ON EXPERIENCES TO THOSE VISITING OUR BOOTH. VOLUNTEERS: VOLUNTEER SUPPORT CONTINUES TO REMAIN STRONG AT CNC WITH 938 VOLUNTEERS CONTRIBUTING 13,527 VOLUNTEER HOURS. VOLUNTEERS ASSISTED WITH SPECIAL EVENTS AT CNC AND VARIOUS EVENTS IN THE COMMUNITY, PROVIDING SUPPORT FOR A WIDE RANGE OF PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES.
FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 6
THE ORGANIZATION HAS MEMBERS OF VARIOUS LEVELS, DEPENDING ON CONTRIBUTION. ALL MEMBERS HAVE RIGHTS TO VOTE ON BOARD MEMBERS.
FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 7A
BOARD MEMBERS ARE ELECTED AT THE ANNUAL MEETING BY VOTES FROM CNC MEMBERS. NOMINATIONS ARE NAMED BY NOVEMBER OF THE PRECEDING YEAR BY THE BOARD NOMINATING COMMITTEE. THE ELECTION IS HELD AT THE ANNUAL MEETING. IF NO NOMINATIONS ARE MADE OTHER THAN THE SLATE ANNOUNCED BY THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE, THEN THOSE NOMINATED ARE ELECTED WITH ONE BALLOT FROM THE BOARD SECRETARY - ALSO AT THE ANNUAL MEETING.
FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 11B
THE FORM 990 WAS REVIEWED BY SENIOR MANAGEMENT OF CNC PRIOR TO ITS APPROVAL FOR FILING.
FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 12C
CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY COVERS MEMBERS OF THE CHIPPEWA NATURE CENTER (CNC) BOARD OF DIRECTORS, ANY OF ITS COMMITTEES, AND STAFF MEMBERS. COVERED PERSONS SHALL READILY DISCLOSE TO CNC ANY PERSONAL INTEREST WHICH HE OR SHE MAY HAVE IN ANY MATTER PENDING BEFORE CNC AND SHALL REFRAIN FROM PARTICIPATION IN ANY DECISION ON SUCH MATTER. ANY MEMBER OF THE CNC BOARD OR STAFF, WHO IS AN OFFICER, BOARD MEMBER, OR EMPLOYEE OF AN AGENCY OR OTHER ENTITY DOING BUSINESS WITH CNC, SHALL IDENTIFY HIS OR HER AFFILIATION WITH SUCH AGENCY OR ENTITY. COVERED PERSONS IN CONNECTION WITH ANY POLICY COMMITTEE OR BOARD ACTION SPECIFICALLY DIRECTED TO THAT AGENCY OR ENTITY, SHALL NOT PARTICIPATE IN THE DECISION AFFECTING THAT AGENCY OR ENTITY, AND THE DECISION MUST BE MADE AND/OR RATIFIED BY THE FULL BOARD WITHOUT THE VOTE OF THE AFFECTED MEMBER.
FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 15A
THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE DEVELOPS A BUDGET CONTAINING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S SALARY WHICH IS APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. COMPETITIVE SALARY LEVELS ARE COMPARED AT LOCAL, STATE, AND NATIONAL LEVELS FOR COMPENSATION FOR SIMILARLY QUALIFIED PERSONS IN FUNCTIONALLY COMPARABLE POSITIONS AT SIMILARLY SITUATED ORGANIZATIONS. THE APPROVAL IS DOCUMENTED IN THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES.
FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 19
ANY REQUESTS FOR THIS INFORMATION ARE DIRECTED TO THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, WHO PROVIDES THE DOCUMENTS AS REQUESTED IF LEGALLY MANDATED OR CONSTRUCTIVELY APPROPRIATE.
FORM 990, PART XI, LINE 9
DIRECT EXPENSES 4,868 DIRECT EXPENSES -4,868
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990 or 990-EZ.