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.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2012
Open to Public Inspection
Name of the organization
BROOKLYN BOTANIC GARDEN CORPORATION
Employer identification number
11-2417338
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) 2012
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2012
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) 2008
(b) 2009
(c) 2010
(d) 2011
(e) 2012
(f) Total
1
Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grants.") ....
12,019,351
14,257,709
21,016,341
15,086,389
12,173,652
74,553,442
2
Tax revenues levied for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf.......
0
3
The value of services or facilities furnished by a governmental unit to the organization without charge..
0
4
Total. Add lines 1 through 3
12,019,351
14,257,709
21,016,341
15,086,389
12,173,652
74,553,442
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)..
7,274,354
6
Public support. Subtract line 5 from line 4.
67,279,088
Section B. Total Support
Calendar year
(or fiscal year beginning in)
(a) 2008
(b) 2009
(c) 2010
(d) 2011
(e) 2012
(f) Total
7
Amounts from line 4..
12,019,351
14,257,709
21,016,341
15,086,389
12,173,652
74,553,442
8
Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources...
1,690,146
1,654,408
1,476,208
1,443,954
1,558,919
7,823,635
9
Net income from unrelated business activities, whether or not the business is regularly carried on..
0
10
Other income. Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets (Explain in Part IV.)..
218,628
395,769
273,885
289,191
481,755
1,659,228
11
Total support (Add lines 7 through 10).
84,036,305
12
Gross receipts from related activities, etc. (see instructions)
..................
12
14,770,297
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 2012 (line 6, column (f) divided by line 11, column (f))
.........
14
80.060 %
15
Public support percentage for 2011 Schedule A, Part II, line 14
...............
15
80.239 %
16a
33 1/3% support test—2012.
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—2011.
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—2012.
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—2011.
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) 2012
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2012
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) 2008
(b) 2009
(c) 2010
(d) 2011
(e) 2012
(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) 2008
(b) 2009
(c) 2010
(d) 2011
(e) 2012
(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 2012 (line 8, column (f) divided by line 13, column (f))
.........
15
16
Public support percentage from 2011 Schedule A, Part III, line 15
...............
16
Section D. Computation of Investment Income Percentage
17
Investment income percentage for 2012 (line 10c, column (f) divided by line 13, column (f))
......
17
18
Investment income percentage from 2011 Schedule A, Part III, line 17
.............
18
19a
33 1/3% support tests—2012.
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—2011.
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) 2012
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2012
Page 4
Part IV
Supplemental Information.
Complete this part to 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) 2012
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.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2012
Open to Public Inspection
Name of the organization
BROOKLYN BOTANIC GARDEN CORPORATION
Employer identification number
11-2417338
Identifier
Return Reference
Explanation
SUMMARY // STATEMENT OF PROGRAM SERVICE ACCOMPLISHMENTS
PART I - LINE 1 // PART III - LINE 1
The mission of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden (the "GARDEN") is to serve all the people in its community and throughout the world by: Displaying plants and practicing the high art of horticulture to provide a beautiful and hospitable setting for the delight and inspiration of the public. Engaging in research in plant sciences to expand human knowledge of plants, and disseminating the results to science professionals and the general public. Teaching children and adults about plants at a popular level, as well as making available instruction in the exacting skills required to grow plants and make beautiful gardens. Reaching out to help the people of all our diverse urban neighborhoods to enhance the quality of their surroundings and their daily lives through the cultivation and enjoyment of plants. Seeking actively to arouse public awareness of the fragility of our natural environment, both local and global, and providing information about ways to conserve and protect it. STATEMENT OF PROGRAM SERVICE ACCOMPLISHMENTS PART III - LINE 4A HORTICULTURE: The foundation of the Garden is its world class horticulture collection featuring more than 12,000 plant species and cultivars on 52 acres. the GARDEN protects, preserves and catalogs its living collections for the beauty they offer the public and for their horticultural, scientific, ecological and educational merit. Some of the GARDENs rare and world-class living plant collections include bonsai, orchids, tropical plants, cacti & succulents, warm-temperate region plants, cherries, magnolias, water lilies and native flora collection. Nestled in the heart of one of the densest urban settings in North America, these collections are laid out in iconic landscape display gardens, many of which were the first of their kind, including the historic Japanese Garden, Rock Garden, Fragrance Garden, Rose Garden, and Shakespeare Garden. the GARDENs living collections management includes recording and keeping detailed accession, acquisition and dissemination records aligning with scientific research programs, educational programs, and public interpretation, labels and signage. The Garden welcomes approximately 725,000 visitors annually. STATEMENT OF PROGRAM SERVICE ACCOMPLISHMENTS PART III - LINE 4B MAINTENANCE: The Facilities Department at the Garden oversees the repair and maintenance of all buildings and outdoor hardscape infrastructure. the GARDENs infrastructure maintenance includes custodial services, fleet & grounds equipment services, irrigation, plumbing, electrical, heating, geothermal, and phone systems. Interdepartmental collaboration and contractor management for new capital and renovation projects is also a significant responsibility of the facilities department, as is support for private functions and public events. STATEMENT OF PROGRAM SERVICE ACCOMPLISHMENTS PART III - LINE 4C EDUCATION AND OUTREACH PROGRAMS: More than 150,000 children and adults are served through a continuum OF programs aimed to teach people about the science and care of plants, arouse public awareness of the fragility of our natural environment, and help the people of all our diverse urban neighborhoods to enhance the quality of their surroundings and their daily lives through the cultivation and enjoyment of plants. Programs range from supplemental science education in public schools to lectures by international leaders. the GARDEN brings urban residents of all ages into contact with the beauty and health benefits of nature as a vital first step to not only improving the quality of all our lives, but to help inspire current and future generations of environmental stewards. STATEMENT OF PROGRAM SERVICE ACCOMPLISHMENTS PART III - LINE 4D CAPITAL CAMPAIGN - IN THE MOST SIGNIFICANT GARDEN RENEWAL EFFORT SINCE ITS FOUNDING 100 YEARS AGO, the GARDEN IS CURRENTLY ENGAGED IN A DRAMATIC AND AMBITIOUS EFFORT FOR THE FUTURE. WITH PROJECTS THAT AFFECT VIRTUALLY EVERY PART OF THE GARDEN AND EXTEND BEYOND ITS BORDERS, THESE ENHANCEMENTS WILL HELP THE GARDEN MEET THE RAPIDLY CHANGING NEEDS OF ITS AUDIENCE, FOSTER A LOVE AND UNDERSTANDING OF PLANTS AND THE NATURAL WORLD AND INSPIRE THE NEXT GENERATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDS. (EXPENSES $ 1,220,523. INCLUDING GRANTS OF $NONE. REVENUE $NONE) SECURITY - SECURITY INSURES THAT OUR GARDEN AND ITS LIVING COLLECTIONS ARE PROTECTED AND THAT OUR VISITORS' ENVIRONMENT IS SAFE. (EXPENSES $ 1,342,255. INCLUDING GRANTS OF $NONE. REVENUE $NONE) PROGRAM ENHANCEMENTS - Combining recreation with horticultural and ecological interpretation and education, the GARDEN produces five popular public programs each year that highlight the seasons and celebrate the cultural diversity of Brooklyn. The Garden welcomes autumn with Chile Pepper Fiesta, featuring music, dance and food from various cultures, and Ghouls and Gourds, a Halloween-inspired festival with music, costumes, giant puppets and family activities. In the spring, the GARDEN honors the Japanese tradition of Hanami: Celebrating the Cherry Blossom Season which culminates with Sakura Matsuri, the largest cherry blossom festival in the northeast, in April. the GARDEN also enhances the experiences of ITS visitors and patrons through various exhibitions , a comprehensive visitor services program, and through a range of information shared on the bbg.org website. (EXPENSES $ 1,302,339. INCLUDING GRANTS OF $NONE. REVENUE $NONE) MEMBERSHIPS - Membership ENHANCES the GARDEN visitors' experiences by providing special afterhours Garden events, providing additional educational materials and availing them to various Garden and community discounts. (EXPENSES $668,903. INCLUDING GRANTS OF $NONE REVENUE $NONE) DIGITAL/PRINT - The Department of Digital and Print Media creates original, mission-driven media that informs the public about plants, ecology, and horticulture and inspires its support of conservation in general and the GARDEN in particular. Products include the GARDEN Guides to a Greener Planet, a 70-year-old series of award-winning retail handbooks; editorial services for all of the Garden's interpretation and printed materials; collection and management of photos documenting the Garden's collections; web properties that offer gardening articles, a nature blog, historic image collections, and rich research resources; and web-based technologies and marketing features that build the Garden's brand and drive earned income through membership enrollment, class registration, public programs ticketing, concession sales, and increased Garden visitation. (EXPENSES $361,309. INCLUDING GRANTS OF $NONE. REVENUE $NONE) ADMISSIONS - The Garden is committed to making its exhibitions, programs and services accessible to all who visit. To ensure accessibility, the institution maintains MANY COMPLIMENTARY or reduced admission OPTIONS. Proceeds from admissions provide operating support for the GARDEN. (EXPENSES $187,815. INCLUDING GRANTS OF $NONE. REVENUE $2,008,779) SCIENCE - Plant science is a fundamental part of Brooklyn Botanic Garden programs, and is the basis of all our horticultural work and extensive education, interpretation, and publications efforts. BBG has an acclaimed publishing program, an outstanding library and herbarium, and has worked together with government, academic and private organizations worldwide to advance conservation efforts through such projects as the New York Metropolitan Flora (NYMF), and the Center for Plant Conservation, for which BBG monitors six wild taxa as part of the National Collection of Endangered Plants. (EXPENSES $498,998. INCLUDING GRANTS OF $NONE. REVENUE $NONE).
GOVERNANCE, MANAGEMENT, AND DISCLOSURE
PART VI, SECTION B. - QUESTION 11B
THE FORM 990 IS REVIEWED BY THE AUDIT COMMITTEE THEN BROUGHT TO THE FULL BOARD PRIOR TO FILING.
GOVERNANCE, MANAGEMENT, AND DISCLOSURE
PART VI, SECTION B. - QUESTION 12C
CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENTS ARE REQUIRED TO BE SIGNED BY ALL OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, TRUSTEES AND KEY EMPLOYEES ANUALLY. ANY CONFLICT THAT ARISES IS BROUGHT IN FRONT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE FOR RESOLUTION.
GOVERNANCE, MANAGEMENT, AND DISCLOSURE
PART VI, SECTION B. - QUESTIONS 15A & 15B
COMPENSATION IS ESTABLISHED THROUGH THE USAGE OF AN INDEPENDENT COMPENSATION CONSULTANT AND APPROVED BY A BOARD COMPENSATION COMMITTEE AND COMPENSATION SURVEYS/STUDIES OF COMPARABLE ORGANIZATIONS.
GOVERNANCE, MANAGEMENT AND DISCLOSURE
PART VI, SECTION C - QUESTION 19
THE GARDEN CURRENTLY PROVIDES ITS GOVERNING DOCUMENTS, CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC UPON REQUEST. The GARDEN posts its audited financial statements and approved IRS form 990 on its website.
RECONCILIATION OF NET ASSETS
PART XI - LINE 9
9. EFFECT OF POST-RETIREMENT ADJUSTMENT: 4,338,646; 9. POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS: -390,203.
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990 or 990-EZ.