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
SHAKER LAKES REGIONAL NATURE CENTER DBA NATURE CENTER AT SHAKER LAKES
Employer identification number
34-6576569
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.") ....
748,070
733,244
789,307
955,530
854,397
4,080,548
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
748,070
733,244
789,307
955,530
854,397
4,080,548
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)..
66,565
6
Public support. Subtract line 5 from line 4.
4,013,983
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..
748,070
733,244
789,307
955,530
854,397
4,080,548
8
Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources...
25,671
23,362
34,283
48,800
33,220
165,336
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.)..
54,480
53,308
62,169
58,233
53,161
281,351
11
Total support (Add lines 7 through 10).
4,527,235
12
Gross receipts from related activities, etc. (see instructions)
..................
12
223,994
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
88.660 %
15
Public support percentage for 2012 Schedule A, Part II, line 14
...............
15
89.310 %
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
SHAKER LAKES REGIONAL NATURE CENTER DBA NATURE CENTER AT SHAKER LAKES
Employer identification number
34-6576569
Return Reference
Explanation
FORM 990 - ORGANIZATION'S MISSION
THE MISSION OF THE NATURE CENTER AT SHAKER LAKES IS TO CONSERVE A NATURAL AREA, CONNECT PEOPLE WITH NATURE, AND INSPIRE ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP. TO MEET THIS MISSION, THE NATURE CENTER ENGAGES IN NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS.
FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4A
TO REALIZE ITS MISSION, THE NATURE CENTER MAINTAINS A NATURAL GREEN OASIS IN THE HEART OF AN URBAN AREA AND OFFERS EXTENSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS TO CHILDREN AND ADULTS OF ALL EDUCATIONAL, ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL BACKGROUNDS. THE NATURE CENTER MANAGES TWENTY ACRES OF LAND; MAINTAINS TWO DISTINCT WALKING/HIKING TRAILS, INCLUDING ONE THAT IS FULLY ACCESSIBLE TO VISITORS WITH DISABILITIES; PROTECTS MULTIPLE ANIMAL AND PLANT HABITATS; AND SERVES AS A MODEL FOR GREEN BUILDING PRACTICES. ITS ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS INCLUDE CLASSES, FIELD TRIPS, GUIDED NATURE HIKES AND CAMPS FOR CHILDREN; FAMILY PROGRAMS; AND HANDS-ON WORKSHOPS AND FORUMS ON SUSTAINABILITY TOPICS FOR ADULTS. THE NATURE CENTER HAS LONG BEEN A LEADER IN PROVIDING EXCELLENT ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION FOR INDIVIDUALS OF ALL AGES. PARTICULARLY WELL- KNOWN FOR ITS EARLY CHILDHOOD CURRICULA FOR HEAD STARTS AND OTHER PRESCHOOLS IN THE AREA, THE NATURE CENTER PROVIDES ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND CAMPS FOR OVER 14,500 CHILDREN PER YEAR IN ITS CLASSROOMS AS WELL AS ON ITS TRAILS, WHICH IS A 33% INCREASE OVER LAST FISCAL YEAR. THE CENTER REGULARLY EVALUATES AND MODIFIES ITS CURRICULA TO ENSURE THAT IT FULLY MEETS ALL OHIO ACADEMIC CONTENT STANDARDS. THIS YEAR THE CENTER SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED ITS FIRST YEAR OF THE APPLIED SCIENCE FOR KIDS (ASK) PROGRAM FOR CLEVELAND METROPOLITAN SCHOOL DISTRICT, PROVIDING SCIENCE EDUCATION AND UNIQUE FIELD EXPERIENCES FOR 75% OF ALL PRESCHOOL, KINDERGARTEN, AND 1ST GRADE STUDENTS AT THE DISTRICT (OVER 4,000 STUDENTS), AS WELL AS CLASSROOM KITS AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR 194 DISTRICT TEACHERS. THE VALUE OF THE NATURE CENTER AT SHAKER LAKES TO THE NORTHEAST OHIO COMMUNITY WAS CLEARLY AFFIRMED THIS PAST FISCAL YEAR THROUGH OUR GROWTH IN EDUCATIONAL OFFERINGS, PROGRAMMATIC SERVICES AND PARTNERSHIPS WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS. OUR FISCAL STRENGTH WAS ALSO AFFIRMED AS THE NATURE CENTER COMPLETED ANOTHER YEAR WITH A SURPLUS, SUSTAINING A PERIOD OF FINANCIAL STABILITY AND REVENUE GROWTH. -APPROXIMATELY 40,000 VISITORS TO THE NATURE CENTER ENJOYED THE TRAILS, EXHIBIT SPACE, EVENTS AND PROGRAMS. -INDIVIDUAL, FOUNDATION, AND CORPORATE SUPPORT INCREASED BY 7.8% OVER THE LAST FISCAL YEAR. -INCOME FROM PROGRAM FEES SUCH AS SUMMER CAMP INCREASED BY 5% OVER THE LAST FISCAL YEAR. -PARTICIPATION IN FAMILY AND ADULT PROGRAMMING HAD A SLIGHT INCREASE OVER THE LAST FISCAL YEAR. -SPECIAL EVENTS WERE HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL. BOTH HIKE & RUN AND THE SUMMER BENEFIT SET RECORDS FOR PARTICIPATION AND REVENUE GENERATION. THE SUMMER BENEFIT WAS A SELL-OUT EVENT FOR THE FOURTH YEAR IN A ROW AND RAISED A RECORD NET OF OVER 126,000 WITH 560 ATTENDEES. -OVER 800 VOLUNTEERS, INTERNS AND SERVICE LEARNING GROUPS PROVIDED MORE THAN 9,500 HOURS OF VOLUNTEER ASSISTANCE IN LAND MANAGEMENT, EDUCATION, EVENTS AND ADMINISTRATION FOR THE EQUIVALENT OF 4.5 FULL-TIME STAFF MEMBERS, OR APPROXIMATELY 204,000 WORTH OF SERVICE. BY ANY MEASURE, FISCAL YEAR 2014 WAS A SUCCESSFUL YEAR IN FURTHERING OUR MISSION TO CONSERVE A NATURAL AREA, CONNECT PEOPLE WITH NATURE, AND INSPIRE ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP.
FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 11B
THE FORM 990, PREPARED BY AN INDEPENDENT CPA, WAS PRESENTED TO THE FINANCE STAFF AND TREASURER FOR REVIEW AND APPROVAL BEFORE ELECTRONIC FILING.
FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 12C
EACH YEAR, THE BOARD MEMBERS ARE ASKED TO REVIEW THE ORGANIZATION'S CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY. AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE POLICY MAKES CLEAR THAT ALL DECISIONS OF THE BOARD, OFFICERS, AND EMPLOYEES OF THE ORGANIZATION ARE MADE SOLELY ON THE BASIS OF A DESIRE TO PROMOTE THE BEST INTEREST OF THE ORGANIZATION AND THE PUBLIC GOOD. THE CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT REQUESTS BOARD MEMBERS TO IDENTIFY TO THE BEST OF THEIR KNOWLEDGE AFFILIATIONS WITH ORGANIZATIONS THAT MAY BE POTENTIALLY RELATED TO THE FINANCIALS OR OTHER SUBSTANTIVE OPERATIONS OF THE ORGANIZATION. THEY ARE ALSO ASKED TO IDENTIFY CIRCUMSTANCES INVOLVING EITHER THEMSELVES, OR A MEMBER OF THEIR EXTENDED FAMILY, THAT MAY BE CONSTRUED AS A CONFLICT OF INTEREST. AT THE STAFF LEVEL, THE ORGANIZATION'S PERSONNEL ALSO ENSURE THAT THERE ARE NO CONFLICTS OF INTEREST WHEN CONSIDERING THE ENGAGEMENT OF A NEW VENDOR. IF A POTENTIAL CONFLICT IS IDENTIFIED, APPROPRIATE STEPS ARE TAKEN TO BOTH ASSESS THE NATURE OF THE POTENTIAL CONFLICT AND, SUBSEQUENTLY, TO ENSURE THAT THE POSSIBILITY OF AN ACTUAL CONFLICT IS MITIGATED. SUCH MITIGATION IS MANAGED AND THE LETTER AND SPIRIT OF THE CONFLICTS POLICY ARE UPHELD.
FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 15A
THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ANNUALLY EVALUATES THE PERFORMANCE OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. COMPENSATION IS BASED ON PERFORMANCE AND COMPARED TO OTHER AREA ARTS AND SCIENCE ORGANIZATIONS OF SIMILAR SIZE. COMPENSATION FOR STAFF WITHIN THE ORGANIZATION IS DETERMINED BY THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. THE LEVEL OF COMPENSATION IS SET BASED ON PERFORMANCE AND IN RELATION TO OTHER AREA ARTS AND SCIENCE ORGANIZATIONS OF SIMILAR SIZE. THIS COMPENSATION IS A COMPONENT OF THE BUDGET, WHICH IS REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE AND ALSO BY THE BOARD AS A WHOLE.
FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 15B
SEE RESPONSE TO 15A.
FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 19
THE ORGANIZATION'S GOVERNING DOCUMENTS, FORM 990 CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ARE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC UPON REQUEST. THE FORM 990 CAN ALSO BE FOUND ON SEVERAL PUBLICALLY-ACCESSIBLE WEBSITES.
FORM 990, PART XI, LINE 9
LINE 10B-COST OF GOODS SOLD 28,063 LINE 9B-EVENT EXPENSES 75,764 LINE 10B-COST OF GOODS SOLD -28,063 LINE 9B-EVENT EXPENSES -75,764
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990 or 990-EZ.