Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens Inc

What it reported doing in 2024

Education: as america's first public teaching conservatory, phipps has been an innovator, community-anchor, and environmental educator since 1893 - combining the beauty of gardens with the power of plant-based science and humanities to shape a better future. Today, phipps continues to lead with bold vision and purpose, offering hands-on, inquiry-based programs that empower learners of all ages to explore, create, and act.our approach to education is rooted in a regenerative approach and maker mindset - where imagination, experimentation, and discovery drive meaningful learning. See continuation on schedule o.each calendar quarter, phipps offers more than 150 dynamic classes, symposia, and lectures, reaching thousands of participants through on-site, virtual, and community-based programming. From school partnerships to nationally acclaimed initiatives like the fairchild challenge, and the one health one planet and the nature of place symposia, phipps cultivates scientific and environmental literacy and a deep appreciation for the natural world.as a living laboratory, phipps demonstrates sustainable practices through every facet of its operations - providing an immersive educational experience in action. Guests learn from three of the world's greenest buildings, dine on healthy meals made with fresh ingredients, and discover how zero-energy design, on-site solar power, and full carbon offsetting can be achieved in the built environment.phipps also plays a global leadership role. Our climate toolkit network (climatetoolkit.org) connects hundreds of museums, gardens, zoos, and other institutions worldwide to share environmental solutions and accelerate impact. We are advancing a movement in which cultural institutions become powerful drivers of biodiversity, community resilience, and sustainable action.through the botany in action fellowship, phipps supports outstanding ph.d. Students conducting plant-based research around the world while training them in public communication and outreach. Since its inception, bia has supported 85 doctoral-level students representing 42 universities and working in 29 countries, producing cutting-edge science while deepening public engagement and science communication skills.nine years ago, phipps launched the nation's first institute for biophilia and science communication, a bold initiative that provides training, internships, and certifications to help scientists and students study and share how connections with nature enhance human health and well-being.education at phipps equips future leaders, scientists, and community members with the knowledge and skills to promote environmental stewardship, biodiversity protection, and public health - advancing a more resilient and sustainable future.

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: 100%; rating input score 100
• Program expense ratio: 87.9%; rating input score 88
• Fundraising efficiency: $10.33 raised per $1 spent on fundraising; rating input score 39; 39th percentile among comparable filings

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 100%; rating input score 100; 62nd percentile among comparable filings
• Pay-setting controls: 5 of 6 controls in place; rating input score 83
  • Compensation committee: Pass
  • Independent consultant: Pass
  • Other Form 990s reviewed: Missing
  • Written employment contract: Pass
  • Compensation survey or study: Pass
  • Board or committee approval: Pass
• Foreign activity oversight: Limited
• Grant itemization coverage: 100%; rating input score 100; 72nd percentile among comparable filings
• Major donor itemization: Yes; rating input score 100
• Related-party transparency: Limited

Accountability

• Independent voting board: 100%; rating input score 100; 66th percentile among comparable filings
• Governance controls: 9 of 9 controls in place; rating input score 100
  • Conflict-of-interest policy: Pass
  • Whistleblower policy: Pass
  • Document-retention policy: Pass
  • CEO compensation review process: Pass
  • Other executive compensation review process: Pass
  • Form 990 shared with the board: Pass
  • Board meeting minutes documented: Pass
  • Audit committee oversight: Pass
  • Independent financial-statement audit: Pass

Sustainability

• Operating margin: -12.3%; rating input score 8; 8th percentile among comparable filings
• Total-asset coverage ratio: 4.45; rating input score 83; 83rd percentile among comparable filings
• Liabilities to assets ratio: 0.07; rating input score 79; 79th percentile among comparable filings
• Officer compensation ratio: 10.8%; rating input score 17; 17th percentile among comparable filings

Growth

• Program expense growth: 5.3% per year; rating input score 100; 44th percentile among comparable filings
• Revenue growth: 5.1% per year; rating input score 100; 44th percentile among comparable filings
• Asset growth: 3.1% per year; rating input score 100; 23rd percentile among comparable filings