2022-11-14T14:06:36-06:00 2021-12-31 SMITH & HOWARD PC 271 17TH STREET NW SUITE 1600 ATLANTA GA 30363 990 2021-01-01 586028607 Fernbank Inc % CATHERINE A NOWELL FERN 4049296344 767 Clifton Road NE Atlanta GA 303071221 Catherine Nowell EVP & CFO 4049296344 2022-11-15 true Catherine Nowell 999009999 MARC A AZAR P91739349 4048746244 2022-11-15 3 2021 2022-09-23 18:48:47Z Catherine A Nowell 767 Clifton Road NE Atlanta GA 303071221 14799533 false X www.fernbankmuseum.org X 1939 GA ignite a passion for science, nature and human culture through exploration and discovery. 40 40 144 102 892818 0 7362271 8095163 1328343 3303333 509625 523448 780457 1699029 9980696 13620973 27195 54066 0 0 3753432 4215543 0 0 608011 6828650 7016277 10609277 11285886 -628581 2335087 41286330 44303484 1696308 1959724 39590022 42343760 X FERNBANK MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY INSPIRES A LIFELONG LEARNING OF NATURAL HISTORY THROUGH IMMERSIVE PROGRAMMING AND UNMATCHED EXPERIENCES TO ENCOURAGE A GREATER APPRECIATION OF OUR PLANET AND ITS INHABITANTS. FERNBANK IS DEDICATED TO STIMULATING AN INTEREST IN SCIENCE, THE ENVIRONMENT AND HUMAN CULTURE; RECONNECTING PEOPLE TO NATURE; AND RESTORING A SENSE OF WONDER IN THE NATURAL WORLD. FERNBANK VIEWS NATURAL HISTORY AS A STARTLINGLY CONTEMPORARY SUBJECT MATTER, ENCOMPASSING TWO OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT ISSUES OF OUR TIME--THE DIVERSITY OF OUR ENVIRONMENT AND THE DIVERSITY OF HUMAN CULTURE. FERNBANK PRESENTS THE CONCEPTS OF PHYSICAL, EARTH, LIFE AND SOCIAL SCIENCES IN AN INTERACTIVE AND ENGAGING ENVIRONMENT THROUGH A VARIETY OF PERMANENT EXHIBITIONS, SPECIAL EXHIBITIONS, GIANT SCREEN FILMS AND SIGNATURE PROGRAMS. AS AN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION, FERNBANK SUPPORTS A VISITOR'S INTRINSIC DESIRE TO LEARN. OUR GOAL IS TO BUILD A MORE-INFORMED CITIZENRY, SCIENTIFICALLY AND CULTURALLY, THAT PLA false false 6868365 3206596 EXHIBITIONS AND GIANT SCREEN MOVIES SEE SCHEDULE O FOR DESCRIPTION. 704518 54066 EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS SEE SCHEDULE O FOR DESCRIPTION. 499531 154207 STRATEGIC INITIATIVES SEE SCHEDULE O FOR DESCRIPTION. 8072414 true true false false false false false true false true true false false false true true true false false false true false false false true false false false true true false false false false false false false false true false false false false false false false false true 6 0 true 144 true true true false false false false true true false false false false false false X 40 40 false false false false false false false true true false false true true true true true true true true false GA X CATHERINE A NOWELL 4049296344 767 CLIFTON ROAD NE Atlanta GA 303071221 X Jennifer Grant-Warner President & CEO 50.0 0.0 X 277924 0 441 Catherine Nowell EVP & CFO 50.0 0.0 X 207530 0 14699 Dana Harvey VP & CTO 50.0 0.0 X 131266 0 14740 Leslie Marlowe VP & Chief Advancement Officer 50.0 0.0 X 127456 0 8213 Justin Antoine VP of Finance & Security 45.0 0.0 X 100231 0 8380 Mark S Berry Board Member 1.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Philipp Biechteler Board Member 1.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Ronald B Bobo Board Member 1.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Laura J Brown Board Member 1.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Liz Broadway Brown Board Member 1.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Leslie B Conway Board Member 1.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Farah F Cook Board Member 1.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Chris Courts Board Member 1.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Sherri Crawford Board Member 1.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Kate Denny Board Member 1.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Ryan Smith Dunlap Board Member 1.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Jennifer Ellis Board Member 1.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Jason B Ferguson Board Member 1.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Teresa Finley Board Member 1.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Louis Gump Board Member 1.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Burch A Hanson Board Member 1.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Ellen Langford Hayes Board Member 1.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Matthew G Heimermann Board Member 1.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 W Ron Hinson Board Member 1.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Wab P Kadaba Board Member 1.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Anisa Telwar Kaicker Board Member 1.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Andrea M Kauffman Board Member 1.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Kelly Knox Board Member 1.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Bertram L Levy Board Member 1.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 C David Moody Jr Board Member 1.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Sandra S Morelli Board Member 1.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Rakhee Parikh Board Member 1.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Shannon Pierce Board Member 1.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Aaron Ribner Board Member 1.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Sean Richards Board Member 1.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Jerome Roberts Board Member 1.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Caryl G Smith Board Member 1.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Elliott Spencer Board Member 1.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Mike Suco Board Member 1.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Natasha Swann Board Member 1.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Amanda Tucker Board Member 1.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Cynthia Widner Wall Board Member 1.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Erin T Weis Board Member 1.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 C Christian Wooten Board Member 1.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 S Zachary Young Board Member 1.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 844407 0 46473 5 false true false MUSEUMSPARTNER - EXHIBITION GMBH SEBASTIAN-KNEIPP-WEG 17 6020 INNSB AU Exhibit designer 237000 GEORGIA MAINTENANCE SOLUTIONS INC 5195 BUFORD HIGHWAY NORCROSS GA 30071 JANITORIAL SERVICES 228000 EFFECTV PO BOX 415949 BOSTON MA 022415949 MARKETING SERVICES 126827 PEELING PRODUCTIONS LLC 18628 US ROUTE 15 ALLENWOOD PA 17810 EXHIBIT Designer 119161 CLEAR CHANNEL OUTDOOR PO BOX 402379 ATLANTA GA 30384 MARKETING SERVICES 118855 5 X 771317 753140 4559877 2010829 78442 8095163 MUSEUM ADMISSIONS 611600 2865718 2865718 IMAX ADMISSIONS 713990 283408 283408 EDUCATIONAL INCOME 611600 154207 154207 3303333 142960 142960 0 0 0 0 0 766703 386215 380488 380488 380488 35400 753140 153870 -118470 -118470 0 0 0 2398504 638475 1760029 867211 892818 OTHER REVENUE 900099 57470 57470 57470 13620973 4228014 892818 404978 0 54066 54066 0 0 785986 195518 425993 164475 0 2720790 1748541 656188 316061 164969 86213 54864 23892 267379 188088 61234 18057 276419 167530 73815 35074 0 0 53500 53500 0 0 35869 35869 0 729610 729610 326962 14229 306886 5847 207437 207437 68907 68907 1078850 1078850 0 0 0 0 0 2896971 2896971 177550 177550 EXHIBITION PROGRAMMING 1026300 1026300 PROGRAMS & ACTIVITIES 234197 230606 65 3526 FILM PROGRAMMING 52481 52481 SPECIAL EVENTS 86564 86564 41079 41079 11285886 8072414 2605461 608011 X 7067552 9806930 0 3303323 1686238 573780 431303 80325 0 0 0 0 0 0 247737 294932 258357 202197 60186646 38832245 23632392 21354401 6857660 7585298 0 0 0 0 0 0 1105091 1102298 41286330 44303484 1404641 1906390 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 291667 53334 1696308 1959724 X 29384546 31896973 10205476 10446787 39590022 42343760 41286330 44303484 2335087 418651 X false true X true false X 4545054 4841999 4608768 7362271 8095163 29453255 0 0 4545054 4841999 4608768 7362271 8095163 29453255 3160175 26293080 134203 148230 215047 139091 142960 779531 0 0 30232786 23256540 0.86969 0.85883 X RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED 1091649 X X X X false 7297236 30000 937653 146174 35869 8082846 6695947 5000 810864 184828 29747 7297236 5921021 1065608 261977 28705 6695947 6330362 -353732 27031 28578 5921021 5585887 815756 44325 26956 6330362 1.00000 false false 2421005 2421005 645956 645956 54463669 36587403 17876266 2656015 1598885 1057130 21354401 0 LONG-TERM CONTRACTS PAYABLE 53334 53334 X 14157625 418651 418651 13738974 35869 -153870 -118001 13620973 11403887 11403887 35869 -153870 -118001 11285886 Schedule D, Part III, Question 4 Fernbank Museum was created to encourage and advance the study and understanding of natural history by disseminating knowledge of the Earth and life upon it. We seek to develop a comprehensive collection for exhibition and education for students and visitors of all ages, as well as for research by curators and visiting scholars. As a natural history museum, we will collect and maintain a repository of biological, anthropological, geological and paleontological specimens that will be used to develop engaging exhibits, educational programs and resources to provide our visitors with opportunities to learn more about the earth and its inhabitants, both past and present. Schedule D, Part V, Question 4 THE OVER ALL FINANCIAL OBJECTIVES OF THE ENDOWMENT ARE TO SUPPORT THE CURRENT AND FUTURE OPERATIONS OF THE MUSEUM PARTICULARLY WITH RESPECT TO THE FERNBANK FOREST AND TO PRESERVE AND ENHANCE THE PURCHASING POWER OF THE ENDOWMENT. THE ENDOWMENT'S INVESTMENT POLICY IS STRUCTURED TO ACHIEVE RETURNS IN EXCESS OF THE RATE OF INFLATION TO PRESERVE THE PURCHASING POWER OF THE TEMPORARILY RESTRICTED ASSETS AS WELL AS EMPHASIZE GROWTH OF PRINCIPAL WHILE AVOIDING EXCESSIVE RISK. THE ENDOWMENT'S SPENDING POLICY ALLOWS FOR DISTRIBUTIONS UP TO 4.5% OF A TRAILING THREE YEAR AVERAGE OF THE MARKET VALUE OF THE TEMPORARILY RESTRICTED ENDOWMENT FUND FOR SPECIFIED ORGANIZATIONAL PURPOSES. Schedule D, Part III, Question 1a In accordance with GAAP, donated collections are recorded at commercial market value, determined by independent appraisal. Purchased collection items are recorded at cost. Collections are not depreciated. --- The value of collections donated by individuals prior to the current method of recording donated collections, including the gem stone collection and other works of art, are not recorded. However, the Organization's gem stone collection is extensive and has substantial value based upon appraisals of the items at the time of their donation. Schedule D, Part XI, Question 2d The $153,870 is due to fundraising expenses. Schedule D, Part XII, Question 2d The $153,870 is due to fundraising expenses. Schedule D, Part X, Question 2 Fernbank, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization which is exempt from federal income taxes under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Accordingly, no provision for income taxes is reflected in the accompanying financial statements. The Organization annually evaluates all federal and state income tax positions. This process includes an analysis of whether these income tax positions the Organization takes meet the definition of an uncertain tax position under the Income Taxes Topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Codification. The Organization does not believe it has any uncertain tax positions as of December 31, 2021. In the normal course of business, the Organization is subject to examination by the federal and state taxing authorities. In general, the Organization is no longer subject to tax examinations for tax years ending before December 31, 2018. Europe (Including Iceland and Greenland) 1 Program Services Exhibit Design 237000 1 1 237000 237000 false false false false false false TIMELESS 788540 753140 35400 54908 43438 36608 18916 0 788540 753140 35400 54908 43438 36608 18916 153870 -118470 true Reduced Admission 5484 54066 FMV Reduced Admission Schedule I, Part I, Question 2 The grants reflect the free admission provided to families in need and Title 1 students. For example, when a Title 1 school visits the museum and the associated school is considered to have 80% Title 1 Students, then the school is given an 80% grant of the total museum admission cost. X X X X X X false false false false false false false true false Jennifer Grant-Warner President & CEO 268309 9615 0 1388 279312 Catherine Nowell EVP & CFO 180272 20000 7258 0 15647 223177 PART I, LINE 7: DISCRETIONARY BONUSES ARE AWARDED BASED ON PERFORMANCE. X 11 78442 FMV false true true Schedule M, Part I, Question 32b SunTrust Securities receives any stock gifts and sells them immediately upon receipt. Schedule M, Number of Contributions The Number of Contributions is determined by the number of contributions received not the number of items received. Part VI, Section A, Question 11b As stated in the Finance & Audit Committee Charter adopted on August 3, 2006, the Form 990 is reviewed by the Finance & Audit Committee, a sub- committee of the Board of Trustees prior to filing with the IRS. A complete copy of the Form 990 was made available to each Board Trustee. Part VI, Section B, Question 12c A full copy of the Conflict of Interest Statement is provided to each Trustee at the first board meeting of the year. Each Trustee is required to sign an acknowledgement of receipt, indicates any potential conflicts of interest, and returns it to the Museum. A control list is maintained to ensure all acknowledgements are returned. The Museum recognizes a conflict of interest as occurring when an interested person defined as any trustee, principal officer or member of a committee with board-delegated powers has a direct or indirect financial interest or compensation arrangement through business, investment or family. Compensation includes direct and indirect remuneration as well as gifts or favors that are substantial in nature. All potential conflicts are reviewed by a committee of the board to determine whether the transaction or arrangement is in the Museum's best interest and for its own benefit and whether the transaction is fair and reasonable to the Museum and shall make its decision as to whether to enter into the transaction or arrangement in conformity with such determination. If the board committee determines a conflict of interest does exist, it shall take appropriate disciplinary and corrective action. Part VI, Section B, Question 15a Compensation for the President/CEO is determined by the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees. Compensation and benefit information is gathered from human resource consultants pertaining to both museums of comparable size and nature and other regional cultural institutions. The information is reviewed by the Executive Committee and a compensation package is developed and approved. PART VI, SECTION B, QUESTION 15B All other officers' compensation is determined in a similar process as to that of the President/CEO; however, the process is performed by Human Resources Staff and all other officers are not under contract. Part VI, Section C, Question 19 The Museum's governing documents including Fernbank's Charter and Articles of Incorporation, its mission statement and strategic plan, ethics policy, collections policy, privacy policy, gift policy, investment policy, endowment policy, conflict of interest policy, whistle blower policy, document retention policy and finance committee charter and current Form 990 are available upon request through the finance Department at 767 Clifton Road, NE, Atlanta, Georgia, 30307 for a nominal fee. The Museum's audited financial statements are available on-line through the Museum's web site. Form 990, Part III, Question 4a Exhibits and giant screen movies: Fernbank Museum offers a diversity of programming, including a variety of indoor and outdoor exhibitions and films. During 2021, Fernbank presented blockbuster special exhibitions including: Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed; Crocs - Ancient Predators in a Modern World; Antarctic Dinosaurs; Habitats; Games in the Gallery; Woodland Spirits; and the perennial favorite, Winter Wonderland: Celebrations & Traditions from Around the World. Fernbank's Giant Screen Theater continued to provide state-of-the-art 4K digital projection. Films shown included Australia's Great Wild North; Hidden Pacific; Turtle Odyssey and Sea Lions. Form 990, Part III, Question 4b To expand on exhibitions and movies, Fernbank Museum offers a broad array of thematic family enrichment programs, including our popular Family Discovery Days, which bring families together through the shared experience of science learning. Fernbank also offers a robust portfolio of school programs including our K-12 campus-wide Exploratory Science Classes for students who visit on a fieldtrip. Virtual programs, Fernbank on the GO community outreach (a mobile museum program), and Museum Access, an admissions scholarship assistance program, are provided to expand our reach to underserved audiences and give them equitable access to Fernbank's unique brand of science education. Form 990, Part III, Question 4c Strategic Initiatives: In 2016, Fernbank became a unified campus with the addition of WildWoods, a 10-acre woodland and immersive path into a restored and healthy Fernbank Forest. Guided by a new 5-year strategic plan, adopted in 2019, Fernbank is advancing new education and strategic initiatives that will address STEAM literacy and the significance of biodiversity to our shared global home. The strategic plan embraced a new mission to ignite a passion for science, nature and human culture through exploration and discovery; introduced these core values-Science and the natural world inspire us; Curiosity drives us; Inclusivity strengthens us; Community empowers us; Resourcefulness advances us; and Integrity grounds us; and, established these stated goals and strategies-Be known as the place for science, nature and culture; Modernize our experiences to serve the needs and expectations of our community; Expand and diversify our reach to reflect the vibrancy and multi-cultural heritage of our shared community; and strengthen our financial base so Fernbank thrives for future generations. FORM 990, PART VIII, Line 1e In April 2020, the Organization obtained a Small Business Administration ("SBA") loan under the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act ("PPPFA") in the amount of $843,900. The Paycheck Protection Program ("PPP") loan bears interest at 1% and will follow the repayment terms outlined by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Securities Act (the "CARES Act") and PPPFA. In June 2021, the Organization obtained PPPFA loan forgiveness and recorded the funds within other changes in the accompanying statement of activities and changes in net assets. In March 2021, the Organization obtained a second Small Business Administration loan under the PPPFA in the amount of $849,000. The second PPP loan had the same provisions as the PPPFA first loan mentioned above. IN MAY 2022, The Organization OBTAINED PPPFA LOAN FORGIVENESS. As part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Stabilization Act (the "CARES" Act), employers are provided the Employee Retention Credit ("ERC"). The ERC is a benefit provided through payroll tax credits to encourage maintaining employee headcounts throughout the Coronavirus pandemic. The Organization is treating the ERC as a conditional grant and revenue is recorded when the conditions are substantially met. During 2021 AND 2020, the Organization met the conditions required by the ERC and recognized grant revenue of $789,315 AND $376,521, RESPECTIVELY. In July 2021, the Organization received a federal grant, Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG), from the Small Business Administration in the amount of $2,921,562. The SVOG grant is conditioned upon certain performance requirements and/ or the incurrence of allowable qualifying expenses. Amounts received are recognized as revenue when the Organization has incurred expenditures in compliance with specific grant provisions. During 2021, the Organization recorded revenue from the SVOG in the amount of $2,921,562.