2012-10-30T09:16:49-05:00 2011-12-31 SMITH & HOWARD PC 171 17TH STREET SUITE 900 ATLANTA GA 30363 990 2011-01-01 586028607 Fernbank Inc % CATHERINE NOWELL FERN 4049296344 767 Clifton Road NE Atlanta GA 303071221 Catherine A Nowell 2012-11-15 true Marc A Azar 4048746244 2011 2016-02-24 21:20:13Z Fernbank Museum of Natural History Catherine A Nowell 767 Clifton Road NE Atlanta GA 303071221 9714598 false X www.fernbankmuseum.org X 1939 GA The Museum's mission is to inspire lifelong learning of natural history through dynamic programming to encourage a greater appreciation of our planet and its people. 42 42 143 250 872765 -212693 7407752 3411805 2761758 3744629 12125 13683 1298541 1708165 11480176 8878282 54875 98007 0 0 3918765 4396309 176973 19780 571134 4510346 5525743 8660959 10039839 2819217 -1161557 30048536 29327438 1595138 2048429 28453398 27279009 Fernbank Museum of Natural History 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. The Museum's mission is to inspire lifelong learning of natural history through immersive programming and unmatched experiences to encourage a greater appreciation of our planet and its inhabitants. 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 14 permanent exhibits and features, annual special exhibitions and a host of 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 c false false 5823020 3687574 Exhibitions and Films see Schedule O for Description. 1693824 33610 Educational Programs see Schedule O for Description. 396443 Strategic Initiatives see Schedule O for Description. 7913287 true true false false false false true false true true false false false true true true false false false false false false true true false false false true true false false false false false false false false false false false true false false false false false false false false false true 20 0 true 143 true true true false false false false true true false false false false X 42 42 true false false false false false false true true false false true true true true true true true true false GA X X CATHERINE NOWELL 4049296344 767 CLIFTON ROAD NE Atlanta GA 303071221 Ashish Bahl 1.0 X Jeffery B Baker 1.0 X Hartley D Baker 1.0 X Ronald B Bobo 1.0 X Eric K Busko 1.0 X Tim Carssow 1.0 X Eric W Cash 1.0 X Allan N Crawford III 1.0 X Sherri Crawford 1.0 X Arnold B Evans 1.0 X Steven J de Groot 1.0 X Peter Evans 1.0 X Teresa Finley 1.0 X Darrell Fitzgerald 1.0 X Rick Frazier 1.0 X Brenda C Freeman 1.0 X Nell F Hall 1.0 X Deborah Hodge Harrison 1.0 X Dorothy Smith Hines 1.0 X Fay S Howell 1.0 X Wab P Kadaba 1.0 X Robin L King 1.0 X Randolph J Koporc 1.0 X Ronnie R Labrato 1.0 X Cara Isdell Lee 1.0 X David W Leeds 1.0 X Kevin A Maxim 1.0 X Richard V McPhail 1.0 X W Hampton Morris 1.0 X Cindy K Patrick 1.0 X Melanie M Platt 1.0 X H Palmer Proctor 1.0 X Drew Atkinson Putt 1.0 X Jake Ring 1.0 X Kristine Peterson Rudolph 1.0 X Eve M Saunders 1.0 X Joseph B Schultz 1.0 X Rebecca S Shepherd 1.0 X Charles U Slick 1.0 X Caryl G Smith 1.0 X Alvin T Wong Judge 1.0 X John B Zellars Jr 1.0 X Susan Neugent 55.0 X 225250 0 17966 Aneli Nugteren 50.0 X 146358 0 12285 Catherine Nowell 50.0 X 145107 0 9821 Jennifer Grant-Warner 50.0 X 122637 0 9578 Dana Harvey 50.0 X 97787 0 11545 737139 0 61195 4 false true false Thinkwell Design Production 695 South Glenwood Place BURBANK CA 91506 Exhibit Design 1102069 Kaiser Permanente PO Box 403012 ATLANTA GA 303843012 Health Insurance 308668 CBS Outdoor PO Box 33074 NEWARK NJ 07188 Advertising 198646 Georgia Maintenance Solutions Inc 2841 East Mount Tabor Circle DULUTH GA 30096 Janitorial Svcs. 183100 Sysco PO BOX 490379 COLLEGE PARK GA 30349 Food Service 259356 10 1228857 548821 1634127 36146 3411805 MUSEUM ADMISSIONS 611600 2443100 2443100 IMAX ADMISSIONS 713990 1267919 1244474 23445 EDUCATIONAL INCOME 611600 33610 33610 3744629 13083 13083 0 0 600 600 600 600 113206 548821 121663 -8457 -8457 0 2417433 714653 1702780 853460 849320 OTHER REVENUE 900099 13842 13842 13842 8878282 4588486 872765 5226 0 98007 98007 0 0 798334 333145 465189 0 3051892 2059262 617860 374770 0 260123 176993 67503 15627 285960 182998 75302 27660 0 0 33000 33000 0 19780 19780 0 0 954729 954729 258774 37486 214796 6492 63187 61892 1295 0 1018703 1018703 0 0 0 0 0 1620866 1601638 18057 1171 137687 137687 EXHIBITS 659361 659361 IMAX FILMS 400587 400587 PROGRAMS & ACTIVITIES 191227 165442 1819 23966 MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT 100373 100373 87249 87249 10039839 7913287 1555418 571134 2589429 2504337 85702 81513 1470541 891840 39228 67818 0 0 0 0 0 0 206889 241548 48926 70520 43079646 19473078 23852640 23606568 685322 794238 0 0 0 0 0 0 1069859 1069056 30048536 29327438 1595138 1583429 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 465000 1595138 2048429 X 25199313 25400108 2936155 1497636 317930 381265 28453398 27279009 30048536 29327438 X -1161557 -12832 X false true true X false X 6484890 7299659 3898467 7407752 3411805 28502573 6484890 7299659 3898467 7407752 3411805 28502573 4769571 23733002 69517 42403 8540 10577 13086 144123 28646696 23949092 0.82847 0.82515 X RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED 1057949 X X X X false 317930 55374 7961 0 0 0 381265 314550 0 3380 0 0 0 317930 314451 0 99 0 0 0 314550 310518 0 3933 0 0 0 314451 0.00000 1.00000 0.00000 false false 782166 782166 645956 550751 95205 39057703 17218691 21839012 2593821 1703634 890187 23606570 0 LOC 465000 465000 8878282 10039839 -1161557 198 -13030 -12832 -1174389 8987113 198 121663 121861 8865252 13030 13030 8878282 10161502 121663 121663 10039839 10039839 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 of value for exhibition and education for students and visitors, and available 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. We will use these to develop engaging exhibits, educational programs and resources that will provide our visitors opportunities to experience authentic cultural materials, artifacts and specimens representative of the earth's history and its variety of life. Schedule D, Part V, Question 4 The overall financial objectives of the Endowment are to support the current and future operations of the Museum and to preserve and enhance the purchasing power of the Endowment. The investment objectives are to be achieved through a three-tiered investment strategy. Tiers I & II incorporate endowment growth through reinvested earnings with no principal spending. The endowment is currently in its Tier II phase. In 2011, all earnings were reinvested; no principal or earnings were expended. 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 XII, Question 2d The $121,663 is due to fundraising expenses. Schedule D, Part XIII, Question 2d The $121,663 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 have any uncertain tax positions as of December 31, 2011. Schedule D, Part XII - Question 4b Bad Debt Expense -- 13,030 Schedule D, Part XI, Line 7 Bad Debt - uncollectible pledges X true ComNet Membership Phone Camp. false 35860 19780 16080 35860 19780 16080 AL AK AZ AR CA CT FL GA IL IN IA MA MI MN NH NJ NY NC ND OH OR PA SC SD TN UT VT VA WA WV Lost Oasis 155237 134866 20371 652 11476 5525 7398 Timeless 506790 413955 92835 36719 36708 6225 16960 0 662027 548821 113206 37371 48184 11750 24358 121663 -8457 true Reduced Admission 13649 98007 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 admission cost. X X X X X false true false false false false false false false Susan Neugent 225250 0 0 0 0 0 17500 466 243216 0 Aneli Nugteren 146358 0 0 0 0 0 0 12285 158643 0 Catherine Nowell 145107 0 0 0 0 0 0 9821 154928 0 Schedule J, Part I, Question 4b Susan Neugent received $17,500 in Deferred Contributions to a nonqualified plan. X 7 36146 FMV ON NOtification 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 2 Two trustees are serving as co-directors in an investment company. 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. The review was conducted by the Finance Committee. A complete copy of the Form 990 was made available on the Museum's web site and a link was provided 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 and return 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. The minutes of the Executive Committee dated January 21, 2010 reflect the process observed in determining the compensation arrangement under signed contract through January 1, 2015. 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, and finance committee charter 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 and current Form 990 are available on-line through the Museum's web site. Part XI, Question 5 $198 is due to unrealized gains. $(13,030) is due to bad debt on prior uncollected pledges. Form 990, Part III, Question 4a Exhibitions and Films: In 2011, Fernbank Museum presented six special exhibitions, featuring Mythic Creatures and Darwin. Additionally, the Museum hosted nearly a dozen films in its IMAX Theatre, including the new films Tornado Alley and Hubble. In 2011, Fernbank presented the second annual Winter Wonderland: Traditions Around the World, a festive holiday exhibition which serves as a unique presentation of cross-cultural symbolism bolstered by vibrant enrichment programs on the weekends. Through these interactive exhibits and thought-provoking films, Fernbank introduces visitors to cultures around the globe and highlights important environmental issues facing the world today to encourage a deeper understanding of our planet and the human discourse. Form 990, Part III, Question 4b Educational Programs: The Museum is committed to offering the highest quality educational programming designed to complement the visitor's experience at the Museum as well as in-school learning. Programs are designed for a variety of audiences including families, children and schoolchildren. In 2011, Fernbank Museum offered nearly 750 exploratory science classes and delivered enhanced, on-site laboratory and classroom programs to roughly 13,000 of the 65,000 schoolchildren who visited. All Museum programs are designed to meet or exceed state and national standards, enhancing the curriculum and partnering with teachers to bring science to life through hands-on experiences. Additionally, the Museum presented two signature environmental programs, UrbanWatch Atlanta and City Scientists that serve schools, with a focus on students from underserved populations. Fernbank's UrbanWatch program connects middle and high school students with nature and biodiversity through an immersive ecology experience in Fernbank Forest and across the Museum campus. The program focuses on the importance of native plant species, bio-diversity and healthy eco-systems providing Title 1 students the opportunity to actively participate in a restoration project on the Museum campus. City Scientists, an after-school program, serves 300 3rd, 4th and 5th graders attending Atlanta's Title 1 schools. This highly-interactive program introduces underserved students to regional ecology, geology and natural history themes, providing them with meaningful challenges in education and the enhanced foundation to perform well in science. For families and children, the Museum offers Weekend Wonders, Live Animal Encounters, Family Activity Days, Nature Walks and more. These programs provide visitors with new experiences every time they visit, allowing them to delve deeper into themes presented throughout the Museum at age-appropriate levels. Form 990, Part III, Question 4c Strategic Initiatives: Fernbank's strategic plan calls for introducing new permanent galleries, programs and exhibitions to ensure the Museum remains exciting and relevant to the next generation of visitors and to meet the growing need to provide meaningful opportunities for children and their families to connect with science and the natural world and enhance science education in Georgia. In 2011, the Museum unveiled Fernbank NatureQuest, a ground-breaking new children's exhibition that is an award-winning immersive experience that turns kids into explorers, scientists and adventurers as they discover the many wonders of the natural world through hundreds of hands-on activities, live animal displays and engaging encounters. Children can explore the nooks and crannies of a multi-level clubhouse, shimmy up the insides of a mighty red oak tree and walk through a virtual waterfall to investigate the rocks and animals within it and more.