Skip to content
Nonprofiteer
← BELLE ISLE CONSERVANCY

Form 990 for tax year 2023

Filed by BELLE ISLE CONSERVANCY.

Totals

Total revenue
$2,998,151
Total expenses
$2,301,330
Contributions and grants received
$2,539,500
Grants paid
$0
Program service revenue
$0
Investment income
$114,222
Other revenue
$344,429
Total assets, end of year
$4,307,955
Total liabilities, end of year
$440,330
Net assets or fund balances, end of year
$3,867,625
Program services expenses (Part IX)
$1,400,881
Management and general expenses
$475,304
Fundraising expenses
$425,145
Program service expenses (Part III)
$1,400,881

Program services were 60.9% of total expenses calculated — Part IX's program-services column over total expenses, both as filed.

Line items

Every line the filer filed in Parts VIII, IX and X, as filed and in filed order. Blank columns are left out, and the lines are not forced to add up to the totals above.

Revenue

Part VIII, the statement of revenue.

  • 1e · Government grants (contributions)

    $67,515

  • 1f · All other contributions, gifts and grants

    $2,471,985

  • 1g · Noncash contributions included above

    $38,477

  • 3 · Investment income

    total $114,222 · excluded $114,222

  • 11a · Other revenue: OTHER

    total $273,017 · related or exempt $273,017

  • 11b · Other revenue: MERCHANDISE SALES

    total $65,967 · related or exempt $65,967

  • 11c · Other revenue: DUES

    total $5,445 · related or exempt $5,445

  • 11e · Other revenue, total

    $344,429

Functional expenses

Part IX, the statement of functional expenses.

  • 7 · Other salaries and wages

    total $1,307,120 · program services $946,302 · management and general $213,716 · fundraising $147,102

  • 11g · Fees: other

    total $413,057 · program services $64,285 · management and general $131,859 · fundraising $216,913

  • 19 · Conferences, conventions and meetings

    total $36,238 · program services $19,549 · management and general $4,225 · fundraising $12,464

  • 24a · Other expenses: REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE

    total $295,972 · program services $295,972

  • 24b · Other expenses: BUSINESS &OPERATIONAL EXP

    total $106,501 · program services $28,578 · management and general $74,446 · fundraising $3,477

  • 24c · Other expenses: SUPPLIES

    total $51,201 · program services $42,265 · management and general $5,027 · fundraising $3,909

  • 24d · Other expenses: OTHER EXPENSES

    total $41,710 · program services $805 · fundraising $40,905

  • 24e · All other expenses

    total $49,531 · program services $3,125 · management and general $46,031 · fundraising $375

Balance sheet

Part X, book values.

  • 1 · Cash, non-interest-bearing

    beginning of year $716,174 · end of year $826,658

  • 2 · Savings and temporary cash investments

    beginning of year $2,575,033 · end of year $2,289,255

  • 3 · Pledges and grants receivable

    beginning of year $155,773 · end of year $989,661

  • 8 · Inventories for sale or use

    beginning of year $9,319 · end of year $5,215

  • 9 · Prepaid expenses and deferred charges

    beginning of year $15,821 · end of year $39,601

  • 10a · Land, buildings and equipment: cost or other basis

    $195,107

  • 10b · Land, buildings and equipment: accumulated depreciation

    $37,542

  • 10c · Land, buildings and equipment, net

    beginning of year $2,002 · end of year $157,565

  • 17 · Accounts payable and accrued expenses

    beginning of year $149,186 · end of year $305,313

  • 19 · Deferred revenue

    beginning of year $88,026 · end of year $75,844

  • 25 · Other liabilities

    beginning of year $66,106 · end of year $59,173

  • 27 · Net assets without donor restrictions

    beginning of year $1,796,689 · end of year $1,754,377

  • 28 · Net assets with donor restrictions

    beginning of year $1,374,115 · end of year $2,113,248

Mission and programs · 2023

Mission

FORM 990 - ORGANIZATION'S MISSION THE MISSION OF THE BELLE ISLE CONSERVANCY (THE ORGANIZATION) IS TO PROTECT, PRESERVE, RESTORE, AND ENHANCE THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT, HISTORIC STRUCTURES AND UNIQUE CHARACTER OF BELLE ISLE AS A PUBLIC PARK FOR THE ENJOYMENT OF ALL - NOW AND FOREVER. THE ORGANIZATION STRIVES TO BRING PRIVATE SUPPORT TO BELLE ISLE, AND WORKS CLOSELY WITH ALL LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT, MAKING FOR A UNIQUE PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP ON BEHALF OF THE PARK. WORKING WITH A LEGION OF VOLUNTEERS AND GENEROUS DONORS, THE ORGANIZATION HAS SUCCESSFULLY RENOVATED THE HISTORIC HORSE STABLES ROOF, UPGRADED AMENITIES AT SUNSET POINT, REOPENED THE BELLE ISLE AQUARIUM, SUPPORTED SPECIAL PROJECTS AND IMPROVEMENTS AT THE CONSERVATORY, RESTORED MONUMENTS, RAISED MATCHING DOLLARS FOR VARIOUS GRANTS AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS ACROSS THE PARK, ORGANIZED THOUSANDS OF VOLUNTEERS TO TACKLE INVASIVE SPECIES AT THAT PARK AND TO KEEP THE PARK AND ITS WATERWAYS FREE OF LITTER, PROVIDED PROGRAMMING OPPORTUNIT

  • BELLE ISLE AQUARIUM AND ANNA SCRIPPS WHITCOMB CONSERVATORY: THE BELLE ISLE AQUARIUM AND ANNA WHITCOMB CONSERVATORY OPENED IN 1904 AND REMAINS ONE OF DETROIT'S CULTURAL JEWELS. THE BELLE ISLE AQUARIUM DELIGHTED VISITORS FOR OVER A CENTURY BEFORE THE CITY CLOSED IT IN 2005 DUE TO BUDGET REDUCTIONS. IN 2012, THE BELLE ISLE CONSERVANCY NEGOTIATED A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE CITY OF DETROIT TO ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR OPENING THE AQUARIUM. THE CONSERVANCY CONTINUES TO OPERATE UNDER THAT AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE OF MICHIGAN NOW MANAGING THE PARK INSTEAD OF THE CITY. SINCE THE CONSERVANCY'S MANAGEMENT BEGAN IN 2012 OVER 6 MILLION DOLLARS HAS BEEN INVESTED INTO THE FACILITY TO ENSURE IT'S SAFETY AND LONG-TERM VIABILITY. HISTORIC PRESERVATION PROJECTS SUCH AS THE RESTORATION OF THE FAMED CEILING TILES, REPAIRING THE COPPER ROOF OF THE THE BUILDING, REPAIRING AND RESTORING PLASTER ELEMENTS IN THE BUILDING, REOPENING THE ORIGINAL SKYLIGHTS IN THE BUILDING, AND FABRICATING THE ORIGINAL LIGHTING IN THE BUILDING HAVE ALL HELPED KEEP IMPORTANT ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS OF THE BUILDING ALIVE. ADDITIONALLY, THE AQUARIUM EXHIBITS HAVE BEEN RENOVATED WITH NEEDED REPAIRS SUCH AS GLASS, MODERN FILTRATION AND WATER SYSTEMS, MODERN PLUMBING AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS, AND CONCRETE REPAIR THROUGHOUT. MANY OF THE BUILDINGS MECHANICAL SYSTEMS HAVE BEEN UPGRADED TO PROVIDE SOLUTIONS TO INCREASING THE BUILDINGS GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE AND SAVE OR REUSE WATER. AS ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR DESTINATIONS IN DETROIT, THE AQUARIUM WELCOMES AROUND 180,000 VISITORS EACH YEAR, ALL FREE OF CHARGE. OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS THE CONSERVANCY HAS CURATED AN EXCEPTIONAL VISITOR ENGAGEMENT AND INTERPRETATION EXPERIENCE FOR OUR VISITORS SO THAT THEY UNDERSTAND AND BECOME EXCITED ABOUT THE CONSERVATION OF AQUATIC LIFE AND HABITATS. THE EDUCATIONAL PRONG OF OUR MISSION EXTENDS MOST THROUGH OUR PARTNERSHIP THE DETROIT PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM (DPSCD) WHERE WE PROVIDE FREE, CURRICULUM-BASED FIELD TRIPS TO FOURTH AND FIFTH GRADE STUDENTS AND PROVIDE SUMMER WORKSHOPS FOR TEACHERS WANTING TO LEARN HOW TO INCREASE THEIR KNOWLEDGE OF PROJECT BASED EDUCATION MODALITIES. THROUGH THE AQUARIUM WE PARTNER WITH HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTES AND CONSERVATION GROUPS TO FURTHER PROPEL OUR MESSAGE OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION AND EDUCATION. THE CONSERVANCY ALSO PROVIDES SUPPORT FOR THE ANNA SCRIPPS WHITCOMB CONSERVATORY. THE STATE OF MICHIGAN MANAGES THE CONSERVATORY, BUT LEANS ON THE CONSERVANCY VOLUNTEERS TO FACILITATE FIELD TRIP PROGRAMS, LEAD TOURS, SUPPORT SCHEDULING, TRAIN DOCENTS AND INTERPRETERS, FACILITATE COMMUNITY- BASED PROGRAMS, SUPPLEMENT THE PLANT COLLECTIONS WITH ADDITIONAL FLOWERS AND PLANTS, AND HELP IN THE FUND RAISING OF MAJOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS, MOST NOTABLY THE RESTORATION OF THE CONSERVATORY'S MAIN DOME

    Expenses $1,400,881

  • HISTORIC PRESERVATION: PRESERVING THE BUILDINGS, FOUNTAINS, STATUES, HISTORIC LANDSCAPE AND OTHER HISTORIC AMENITIES OF BELLE ISLE PARK; INCLUDES PLANNING, RESEARCH AND IMPLEMENTING CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS. THE BELLE ISLE CONSERVANCY RAISES PRIVATE SUPPORT FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION ACTIVITIES, WORKING IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE CITY OF DETROIT AND THE MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES. IN 2012, THE BELLE ISLE CONSERVANCY RAISED FUNDS FOR A COMPLETE RESTORATION OF THE ROOF OF THE HORSE STABLES, A LARGE COMPLEX DESIGNED BY ARCHITECT GEORGE MASON IN THE 1920'S. THE CLAY TILE ROOF WAS COMPLETELY REPAIRED AND WHERE NECESSARY, REBUILT, ENSURING THE PRESERVATION OF THE BUILDING, WHICH IS LOCATED IN A PROMINENT AREA OF THE PARK. ANOTHER MAJOR PROJECT HAS BEEN RAISING FUNDS TO REPLACE THE PEWABIC TILES IN THE JAMES SCOTT MEMORIAL FOUNTAIN. THE CONSERVANCY HAS ALSO SUPPORTED THE CITY'S EFFORT TO RENEW THE NATIONAL REGISTER FOR HISTORIC PLACES DESIGNATION FOR BELLE ISLE, THROUGH DOCUMENTATION, RESEARCH AND PUBLIC MEETINGS. THE BELLE ISLE CONSERVANCY HAS ACTED AS A FIDUCIARY FOR THE CITY OF DETROIT FOR STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE GRANTS TO RESTORE THE NANCY BROWN PEACE CARILLON TOWER WHICH IS IN DISREPAIR, AND TO ASSESS THE FEASIBILITY OF RECONNECTING THE BELLE ISLE AQUARIUM AND ANNA SCRIPPS WHITCOMB CONSERVATORY, AS IT WAS ORIGINALLY DESIGNED BY ALBERT KAHN IN THE EARLY 1900S. CONSERVANCY VOLUNTEERS CONSTANTLY MONITOR THE CONDITION OF BELLE ISLE STRUCTURES, STREETLIGHTS, FOOTPATH BRIDGES OVER THE CANALS AND OTHER STRUCTURES AND REPORT PROBLEMS TO BELLE ISLE CONSERVANCY, THE CITY OF DETROIT AND THE STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

  • THE BELLE ISLE CONSERVANCY'S EDUCATION AND VISITOR ENGAGEMENT TEAM INSPIRES A LIFETIME OF CURIOSITY, PASSION, AND STEWARDSHIP FOR AQUATIC AND PLANT ECOSYSTEMS IN PEOPLE OF ALL AGES. EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS INCLUDE ON-SITE FIELD TRIPS FOR THIRD THROUGH FIFTH GRADERS AT THE BELLE ISLE AQUARIUM AND ANNA SCRIPPS WHITCOMB CONSERVATORY, PRIVATE TOURS FOR ADULTS AND SENIORS, FREE RESOURCES FOR AT-HOME LEARNING, TEACHER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS, AND KEY PARTNERSHIPS THAT HAVE INCLUDED DETROIT PUBLIC SCHOOLS COMMUNITY DISTRICT, UPREP, CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY, AND OTHER INSTITUTIONS.

  • ALL OTHER ACCOMPLISHMENTS OTHER PROGRAM SERVICES: ARE THOSE SERVICES THAT IMPROVE BELLE ISLE PARK FOR THE ENJOYMENT OF ALL, BUT ARE NOT SPECIFICALLY COVERED UNDER HISTORIC PRESERVATION, AQUARIUM AND CONSERVATORY, OR ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP ( I.E. REGULAR REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE, CONSULTING SERVICES, ETC.). VOLUNTEER SERVICES: THE BELLE ISLE CONSERVANCY RECRUITS, MANAGES, AND TRAINS VOLUNTEERS WHO ARE SERVING AT BELLE ISLE PARK. THESE VOLUNTEERS WORK IN MYRIAD CAPACITIES SUCH AS FACILITY GREETERS AT THE AQUARIUM AND CONSERVATORY, STEWARDSHIP VOLUNTEERS WHO HELP KEEP THE PARK CLEAN AND SAFE, EDUCATIONAL VOLUNTEERS WHO HELP US IMPLEMENT OUR EDUCATIONAL FIELDTRIPS, EVENT VOLUNTEERS WHO HELP TO PLAN AND FACILITATE COMMUNITY EVENTS AND FUNDRAISING EVENTS. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT IS AT THE HEART OF THE ORGANIZATION'S WORK AND GREATLY SUPPORTS THE WORK OF MDNR AND THE CITY OF DETROIT; TO REPRESENT THE MANY PRIVATE SECTOR ORGANIZATIONS THAT OPERATE FACILITIES, RUN PROGRAMS AND HOST EVENTS ON BELLE ISLE; AND TO LISTEN TO THE VOICE OF DIVERSE PARK USERS AND REPRESENT THEIR INTERESTS. THE BELLE ISLE CONSERVANCY HELPS ALL OF THESE CONSTITUENCIES TO WORK TOGETHER TO MAKE BELLE ISLE AN OUTSTANDING URBAN PARK FOR EVERYONE. ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP: BELLE ISLE'S 982 ACRES INCLUDE A LARGE WETLAND FOREST, A SYSTEM OF CANALS AND INTERIOR LAKES IN THIS PARK THAT IS ITSELF AN ISLAND, AND TREES AND OTHER PLANTINGS THROUGHOUT THE HEAVILY USED PICNIC AND PLAYGROUND AREAS. THROUGH THE CONSERVANCY'S KEEP BELLE ISLE BEAUTIFUL PROGRAM WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO MOBILIZE HUNDREDS OF VOLUNTEERS EACH YEAR TO HELP KEEP THE ISLAND, IT'S WATERWAYS, AND THE DETROIT RIVER FREE OF HARMFUL RUBBISH AND MICROPLASTICS. IN 2019, WITH HELP FROM THE EPA, THE CONSERVANCY GREW THIS PROGRAM TO FORM THE BI-NATIONAL DETROIT RIVER COALITION, A GROUP OF ENTITIES IN CANADA AND DETROIT HELPING TO PRESERVE OUR WATERWAYS. OVER 50,000 DAFFODILS HAVE BEEN PLANTED THROUGHOUT THE PARK THROUGH A VOLUNTEER EFFORT AND WITH SUPPORT FROM THE MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES. VOLUNTEERS CONDUCT A FROG AND TOAD SURVEY (FROG WATCH) AS A WAY OF MONITORING THE ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH OF THE PARK'S ECOSYSTEM AND SUPPORT NATIONAL EFFORTS TO SURVEY AND MONITOR MIGRATORY BIRDS. STUDENTS THAT ATTEND OUR EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING ALSO HELP IN MONITORING THE VERNAL PONDS ON THE ISLAND AND ASSIST IN WATER COLLECTION AND TESTING IN THE CANALS OF THE ISLAND.

As filed on the 2023 return. The filer continues this part on Schedule O, which is not shown here.

Listed in Part VII

  • MICHELE HODGES

    PRESIDENT EN

    Total calculated
    $174,810
    From this org
    $148,822
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $25,988
    Hours/week
    40

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $148,822
    Bonus
    not reported
    Other
    not reported
    Deferred
    $25,988
    Nontaxable benefits
    not reported
    Filer's total
    $174,810

  • SUMMER RITNER

    COO

    Total calculated
    $146,897
    From this org
    $140,669
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $6,228
    Hours/week
    40

  • KATY LABARRIE

    C D O

    Total calculated
    $147,033
    From this org
    $140,669
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $6,364
    Hours/week
    40

  • DR SHAUNA RYDER DIGGS

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2

  • DAWN BILOBRAN

    DIRECTOR END

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2

  • ALLAN NACHMAN

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2

  • JON COTTON

    DIRECTOR END

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2

  • EVETTE GRIFFIE

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2

  • PETER GHAFARI

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2

  • GARY MAROWSKE

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2

  • HAROLD GARLING JR

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2

  • KATHERINE KERWIN

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2

  • SHANI PENN

    DIRECTOR DEC

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2

  • JOYA HARRIS

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2

  • MEAGAN DUNN

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2

  • ROBIN HELLER

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2

  • SOLOMON W KINLOCH

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2

  • TERRI MIAL

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2

  • COLLEEN ROBAR

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2

  • JASON VELEZ

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2

  • DAVID BELL JR

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2

  • DIANE DOSSIN

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2

  • NICHOLAI SCHULTZ

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2

  • RON OLSON

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2

  • GABRIEL VALLE

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2

  • NANCY VELLA

    CHAIR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2

  • MAUD LYON

    INTERIM PRES

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2

  • AUDREY HARVEY

    TREASURER

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2

  • SEAN MORAN

    SECRETARY

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2

  • ANDREA DICKSON

    DIRECTOR STA

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2

  • JEHAN CRUMP-GIBSON

    DIRECTOR STA

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2

  • TODD SACHSE

    DIRECTOR STA

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2

Compensation is as filed in Part VII: reportable pay from this organization and from related organizations, other compensation, and hours per week. The total, marked calculated, is our sum of the three dollar columns, with a blank column counted as $0; the form itself has no total. On a Form 990-EZ the columns are Part IV's instead, and on a Form 990-PF Part VIII's — compensation, contributions to benefit plans, and expense account — and the total sums those. A Schedule J breakdown is as filed: base pay, bonus, other, deferred compensation and nontaxable benefits from this organization, with any from related organizations beside each, and the filer's own total. It is shown with the Part VII listing of the same name on the same return. The form gives no key between the two, so that pairing is ours, and is marked matched by us.

Schedule J

Answered yes

None.

Answered no

  • 4a · Severance or change-of-control payment
  • 4b · Supplemental nonqualified retirement plan
  • 4c · Equity-based compensation arrangement
  • 5a · Pay contingent on this organization's revenues
  • 5b · Pay contingent on a related organization's revenues
  • 6a · Pay contingent on this organization's net earnings
  • 6b · Pay contingent on a related organization's net earnings
  • 7 · Other non-fixed payments
  • 8 · Paid under the initial-contract exception

Part I's answers as filed. A line not listed was left unanswered; on lines 1a and 3 that means the box was not checked.

Grants on this return

No itemized grants to organizations on this return.

Provenance

Return type
form_990
Tax year
2023
Filed
14 November 2024
IRS schema version
2023v5.0
Source object
202443209349316809

Check it against the return as filed: the GivingTuesday Data Lake hosts a public copy of the original XML.

The source document this was parsed from is served over the API, which is where bulk and document access live.