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CHARITY REVIEW
Issued: November 2023 Expires: November 2025

Bernheim Forest and Arboretum

Accredited Charity
Accredited Charity

Meets Standards

2075 Clermont Rd.
Clermont, KY, 40110

Standards For Charity Accountability

Governance

  1. Board Oversight
  2. Board Size
  3. Board Meetings
  4. Board Compensation
  5. Conflict of Interest

Measuring Effectiveness

  1. Effectiveness Policy
  2. Effectiveness Report

Finances

  1. Program Expenses
  2. Fundraising Expenses
  3. Accumulating Funds
  4. Audit Report
  5. Detailed Expense Breakdown
  6. Accurate Expense Reporting
  7. Budget Plan

Fundraising & Info

  1. Truthful Materials
  2. Annual Report
  3. Website Disclosures
  4. Donor Privacy
  5. Cause Marketing Disclosures
  6. Complaints

Bernheim Forest and Arboretum meets the 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.

Stated Purpose:
Connecting people with nature.

Year, State Incorporated:
1929, KY

Bernheim is the living legacy of Isaac W. Bernheim, who in 1929 endowed land for the restoration of the bond between people and nature. His forward-thinking vision included the combination of an arboretum and natural areas infused with art that would be accessible to all people, “regardless of race, creed, or economic status.” For 95 years, Bernheim staff, donors, and volunteers have diligently brought this vision to life, expanding conserved land to over 16,000 acres and connecting annually with up to half a million visitors through quiet experiences with the outdoors; art and cultural activities; imaginative programs and exhibits; and innovative research in horticulture, natural areas management, and habitat restoration. Bernheim defines success by the myriad ways we connect people with nature. Success is the joy a child experiences learning about the plant cycle through yoga and music. Success is the wonder of seeing hundreds of Blue Ghost Fireflies on a Bernheim Night Hike. Success is providing a haven to 51 mammal species, thousands of insect species, and 229 bird species. Success is the thoughtful curation of art that encourages visitors to explore our deep and precarious connections with nature. All are welcome and invited to experience the deep connections to nature that Bernheim offers.

For the year ended February 28, 2023, Bernheim Forest and Arboretum's program expenses were:

Program services $4,593,553
Total Program Expenses $4,593,553

Chief Executive
Mark Wourms, Executive Director

Chair of the Board
Ms. Kathy Knotts

Chair's Profession / Business Affiliation
Grants Officer, The Gheens Foundation

Board Size
24

Paid Staff Size
71

Method(s) Used:
Direct mail appeals, Telephone appeals, Invitations to fund raising events, Print advertisements (newspapers, magazines, etc.), Television, Radio, Grant proposals, Internet, Planned giving arrangements, Membership appeals, Appeals via Social Media (Facebook, etc.)

% of Related Contributions on Fundraising: 11.58%

This organization is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. It is eligible to receive contributions deductible as charitable donations for federal income tax purposes.

The following information is based on Bernheim Forest and Arboretum's audited financial statements for the year ended February 28, 2023.

Source of Funds
Investment income, net $2,250,877
Contributions and grants $2,100,430
Federal grant revenue - Employee Retention Credit $1,201,306
Membership and admission $915,433
Gift shop sales $617,483
Special events and sponorships $163,429
Other $142,771
Program fees $123,441
Donated services $90,282
Net realized and unrealized investment (losses) gains $-519,458
Change in fund held in trust by others $-7,749,558
Total Income $-663,564

Programs: 83% Fundraising: 7% Administrative: 10%

Total Income $-663,564
Total expenses: $5,559,621
  Program expenses $4,593,553
  Fundraising expenses $411,866
  Administrative expenses $554,202
  Other expenses $0
Income in Excess of Expenses $-6,223,185
Beginning Net Assets $72,249,695
Other Changes In Net Assets $0
Ending Net Assets $66,026,510
Total Liabilities $637,934
Total Assets $66,664,444
Ending net assets as reported above include $21,121,083 without donor restrictions and $44,905,427 with donor restrictions.

Total assets as reported above include $14,677,483 in property and equipment, net.

An organization may change its practices at any time without notice. A copy of this report has been shared with the organization prior to publication. It is not intended to recommend or deprecate, and is furnished solely to assist you in exercising your own judgment. If the report is about a charity and states the charity meets or does not meet the Standards for Charity Accountability, it reflects the results of an evaluation of information and materials provided voluntarily by the charity. The name Better Business Bureau is a registered service mark of the International Association of Better Business Bureaus.

This report is not to be used for fundraising or promotional purposes.

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Report completed by:
BBB serving Greater Kentucky and South Central Indiana