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.