2026-07-09T18:49:30-04:00 2025-12-31 WITHUM SMITH BROWN PC 424 MAIN ST SUITE 800 BUFFALO NY 14202 990 2025-01-01 222514024 BUFFALO AND ERIE COUNTY BOTANICAL GARDENS SOCIETY INC % THE ORGANIZATION BUFF 7168271584 2655 SOUTH PARK AVENUE BUFFALO NY 14218 TISHA LUCIANI BOARD CHAIR 7168271584 2026-06-15 true Mary Madonia P00405803 7168472651 2026-05-15 2025 2025-03-06 01:10:19Z TISHA LUCIANI 2655 SOUTH PARK AVENUE BUFFALO NY 14218 13679440 false X WWW.BUFFALOGARDENS.COM X 1981 NY SEE SCHEDULE O 29 29 54 115 445413 2497 745323 9470979 1290823 1630270 245428 261585 191518 209600 2473092 11572434 0 0 0 0 1712151 1736336 0 0 228481 694317 882283 2406468 2618619 66624 8953815 9512152 19990080 486124 1701399 9026028 18288681 X THE MISSION OF THE BUFFALO AND ERIE BOTANICAL GARDENS SOCIETY, INC. IS TO DEEPEN THE CONNECTION BETWEEN PEOPLE AND PLANTS THROUGH BEAUTIFUL GARDENS AND EXTRAORDINARY EXPERIENCES. false false 670245 0 0 HORTICULTURE & PLANT COLLECTION - The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens meticulously cares for a permanent collection of approximately 5,400 plants, representing plant species from every continent. Our horticultural team also curates an additional 43,000 plants as part of their rotating and engaging plant exhibitions. Through careful stewardship, we ensure the preservation and propagation of plant species, enhancing the garden's beauty and educational value. In addition to our regular maintenance, we also introduce new plant varieties and seasonal displays, keeping the Botanical Gardens dynamic and ever-changing. 421423 0 1123540 GUEST SERVICES - In 2025, the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens welcomed over 100,000 visitors, providing an enriching full-sensory experience amidst stunning architecture and serene garden sanctuaries. As a living museum and tourist destination, we generate 50% of our operating budget through admissions and internal events. Our guest services team ensures every visitor enjoys a memorable and inspiring journey through our indoor and outdoor gardens and exhibits. We also offer tailored experiences for different visitor groups, including guided tours, special events, and interactive activities. Our commitment to exceptional guest service creates a welcoming atmosphere that encourages repeat visits and strong community engagement. 317484 0 83391 EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS - The Botanical Gardens hosted over 14,000 students and adults in 2025, offering a wide range of educational programs designed to foster a love for nature and horticulture. Our programs, tailored for all ages, emphasize interactive learning and environmental stewardship. By connecting learners with the natural world, we cultivate future generations of environmental advocates and informed citizens. In addition to our on-site programs, we provide outreach initiatives that extend our educational impact into the community. Our partnerships with schools and local organizations further enhance our ability to deliver impactful and inclusive educational experiences. 490272 0 206557 1899424 true true false true false false false false false true true true false false true true true false false false false false false false true false false false false true false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false true 10 0 true 54 true true true false false false false false false false false false false false X 29 29 false false false false false false false true true false false true true true true true true true true false NY X THE ORGANIZATION 7168271584 2655 SOUTH PARK AVENUE BUFFALO NY 14218 Erin Grajek CEO/President 40.0 0.0 X 139437 0 15674 DEBORAH ZIOLKOWSKI DIR. OF FINANCE(TO 10/2/25) 40.0 0.0 X 14962 0 455 Miche Needham CPA DIRECTOR 2.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Paulette M Crooke DIRECTOR/ASSISTANT SECRETARY 2.0 0.0 X X 0 0 0 Bryan DeBroka DIRECTOR / TREASURER 2.0 0.0 X X 0 0 0 Kim LaVare DIRECTOR 2.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 George Cameron DIRECTOR 2.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Jim Charlier DIRECTOR 2.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Rose Ann Dulski DIRECTOR 2.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Thomas Gaffney DIRECTOR 2.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Charles Brandy DIRECTOR 2.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Phil Kadet DIRECTOR 2.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Tatiana Merrick DIRECTOR 2.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Alexis McColgin DIRECTOR 2.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Kimberly Nason DIRECTOR/VICE CHAIR 2.0 0.0 X X 0 0 0 Barbara Nevergold DIRECTOR 2.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Joe Sullivan DIRECTOR 2.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Allison Sagraves DIRECTOR 2.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Rachel Silva DIRECTOR/SECRETARY 2.0 0.0 X X 0 0 0 Phil Snyder DIRECTOR 2.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Erik Solomon DIRECTOR 2.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Thomas Wrinn DIRECTOR 2.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Jason Hurley DIRECTOR 2.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Robert Lowery DIRECTOR 2.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 Tracy Cichocki DIRECTOR 2.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 TEGAN CAPUTI DIRECTOR 2.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 ANDY DRILLING DIRECTOR 2.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 BRIAN HERRMANN DIRECTOR 2.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 TISHA LUCIANI DIRECTOR/CHAIR 5.0 0.0 X X 0 0 0 COLLEEN QUINN SHANAHAN DIRECTOR 2.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 MICHAEL VRANJES DIRECTOR 2.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 154399 0 16129 1 false true false 0 220867 89885 8334340 825887 5000 9470979 GUEST SERVICES 713990 1123540 1123540 EDUCATION PROGRAMS 611710 83391 83391 RENTAL OF FACILITY 531190 423339 423339 1630270 247217 247217 0 0 0 0 0 1931787 1917419 14368 14368 14368 6450 89885 25481 -19031 -19031 0 0 0 386431 164106 222325 200251 22074 MISCELLANEOUS 900099 6306 6306 6306 11572434 1413488 445413 242554 0 0 0 0 154399 114255 24704 15440 0 1320190 972892 215697 131601 27069 19957 4413 2699 115310 85013 18798 11499 119368 88005 19460 11903 0 0 127026 21107 89673 16246 0 0 0 66281 11013 46791 8477 73760 73760 100287 75510 21425 3352 33410 15035 3340 15035 0 0 4468 3708 730 30 0 5431 1173 3578 680 0 0 120049 92438 27611 65316 58784 6532 OPERATIONS AND FACILITIES EXP 53195 53195 OTHER PROGRAM EXPENSES 66761 66761 PLANTS FOR SHOWS 55226 55226 PRINTING 35560 19350 4830 11380 75513 72242 3132 139 2618619 1899424 490714 228481 167821 639404 0 0 386848 510503 88877 193062 0 0 0 0 0 0 55401 54022 51744 202296 14147250 1814956 4115530 12332294 0 0 4636937 6049505 0 0 0 0 8994 8994 9512152 19990080 126508 1329767 0 0 350622 365449 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8994 6183 486124 1701399 X 4798979 5534662 4227049 12754019 9026028 18288681 9512152 19990080 8953815 308838 X false true X true false X 526543 2096102 677283 745323 9470979 13516230 1104943 1954567 1342352 973124 1213237 6588223 138003 219567 228673 323365 362295 1271903 0 0 1769489 4270236 2248308 2041812 11046511 21376356 20133 20000 30000 90000 28100 188233 0 20133 20000 30000 90000 28100 188233 21188123 26258 77945 199098 241387 247217 791905 0 26258 77945 199098 241387 247217 791905 0 0 1795747 4348181 2447406 2283199 11293728 22168261 0.95579 0.94710 0.03572 0.04130 X RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 259255 268041 0 0 527296 790944 24100 9000 0 0 33100 64814 67010 0 0 131824 197736 0 0 0 0 0 1371230 231996 8362 1743 1593121 1254914 116316 1371230 1126590 128324 1254914 1314180 -182320 5270 1126590 1238246 75934 1314180 1.00000 0.00000 0.00000 false false 1969136 1386123 583013 537041 428833 108208 11641073 11641073 12332294 EQUITY MUTUAL FUNDS 1924404 F FIXED INCOME MUTUAL FUND 579274 F CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 3545827 F 6049505 0 LEASE LIABILITY 6183 6183 X 11906753 308838 25481 334319 11572434 11572434 2644100 25481 25481 2618619 2618619 PART V, LINE 4: THE GARDENS INTENDS TO USE THE ENDOWMENT FUNDS FOR PRESERVATION AND CONSERVATION EFFORTS ASSOCIATED WITH MAINTAINING THE BUILDING AND THE HORTICULTURAL COLLECTION. PART X, LINE 2: THE SOCIETY IS A NOT-FOR-PROFIT CORPORATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 501(C)(3) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE (CODE) AND IS APPROPRIATELY EXEMPT FROM FEDERAL TAXATION UNDER SECTION 501(A) OF THE CODE. FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS BOARD (FASB) ASC 740, ACCOUNTING FOR UNCERTAINTY IN INCOME TAXES, REQUIRES THE RECOGNITION OF INCOME TAX POSITIONS WHEN IT IS MORE-LIKELY THAN-NOT THAT THE POSITION WILL BE SUSTAINED BASED ON THE MERITS OF THE POSITION. MANAGEMENT HAS CONCLUDED THAT THERE ARE NO MATERIAL TAX LIABILITIES THAT REQUIRE RECOGNITION AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2025 AND 2024. THE SOCIETY FILES ITS RETURN OF ORGANIZATION EXEMPT FROM INCOME TAX IN THE U.S. FEDERAL JURISDICTION AND ITS ANNUAL FILING OF CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS IN NEW YORK STATE. PART XI, LINE 2D - OTHER ADJUSTMENTS: FUNDRAISING EXPENSES PART XII, LINE 2D - OTHER ADJUSTMENTS: FUNDRAISING EXPENSES BASH 96335 89885 6450 16795 600 8086 0 96335 89885 6450 16795 600 8086 25481 -19031 X X false false false false false false false false false Erin Grajek CEO/President 134437 5000 4477 11197 155111 FORM 990, PART I, LINE 1, DESCRIPTION OF ORGANIZATION MISSION: BUFFALO AND ERIE COUNTY BOTANICAL GARDENS WELCOMES THE PUBLIC TO ENJOY ITS LIVING PLANT COLLECTIONS AND BREATHTAKING CONSERVATORY. ITS EXHIBITS, EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING, ROOTS, AND RELATIONSHIPS SERVE THE GREATER COMMUNITY. AS A REGIONAL ASSET, IT IS COMMITTED TO OVERCOMING BARRIERS TO BE AN INCLUSIVE ORGANIZATION WHERE ALL FEEL WELCOME. DESIGNED BY LORD & BURNHAM, ITS HISTORIC CONSERVATORY, MODELED AFTER RARE GLASSHOUSES IN LONDON, ENGLAND, OPENED IN 1900. LOCATED WITHIN A PARK SYSTEM DESIGNED BY FREDERICK LAW OLMSTED IN THE 1800S, THE BUFFALO AND ERIE COUNTY BOTANICAL GARDENS IS SITUATED ON 12 ACRES THAT ALSO FEATURE AN ACCREDITED ARBORETUM AND LUSH OUTDOOR GARDENS. THE CAMPUS IS OWNED BY ERIE COUNTY AND OPERATED BY THE BUFFALO AND ERIE COUNTY BOTANICAL GARDENS, A 501(C)(3) NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATION SUPPORTED IN PART BY PUBLIC FUNDS FROM THE COUNTY OF ERIE, THE NEW YORK STATE OFFICE OF PARKS, RECREATION AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION, MEMBERS, DONORS, AND FRIENDS. FORM 990, PART III, LINE 4D, OTHER PROGRAM SERVICES: Expenses include private events and membership since those expenses are included in program expenses even though private events is unrelated income so excluded from income and membership is included in line 1b so not program related income. Revenue is the related income from Gift shop and any other miscellaneous income. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 11B: THE 990 IS PREPARED BY AN INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTING FIRM. A DRAFT 990 IS REVIEWED BY BOTANICAL GARDEN MANAGEMENT ALONG WITH THE BOARD TREASURER AND MEMBERS OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE. IT IS THEN PRESENTED TO THE FULL BOARD OF DIRECTORS WHERE IT IS DISCUSSED, REVIEWED, AND ANY QUESTIONS/CONCERNS ARE ADDRESSED AND THEN APPROVED. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 12C: THE BOTANICAL GARDENS HAS BOTH ITS STAFF AND BOARD MEMEBERS ANNUALLY SIGN CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENTS PROVIDING SUFFICIENT INFORMATION ABOUT THEIR PERSONAL INTERESTS/RELATIONSHIPS SO THE ORGANIZATION CAN DETERMINE IF ANY POTENTIAL OR ACTUAL CONFLICTS EXIST AND MONITOR ASSIGNMENTS TO AVOID PLACING THE BOARD MEMBER IN A POSITION WHERE THERE IS ANY APPEARANCE, POTENTIAL OR ACTUAL, OF A CONFLICT OF INTEREST OR OBJECTIVITY. THE COMPLETED STATEMENTS ARE MAINTAINED BY THE ORGANIZATION. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 15: ON AN ANNUAL BASIS, THE BOARD IS PRESENTED WITH DOCUMENTATION WITH RESPECT TO THE COMPENSATION OF THE PRESIDENT/CEO FOR REVIEW AND APPROVAL. SUCH INFORMATION INCLUDES COMPARABLE DATA FROM SIMILAR SIZED TAX EXEMPT ORGANIZATIONS IN THE COMMUNITY. REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENT BY THE BOARD IS DOCUMENTED IN THE BOTANICAL GARDENS PAYROLL RECORDS AND FILES. THE COMPENSATION OF THE OTHER OFFICERS AND MANAGEMENT IS REVIEWED BY THE PRESIDENT/CEO, BOARD CHAIR AND SUPERVISOR. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION C, LINE 18: AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST AT THE OFFICE OF THE BOTANICAL GARDENS. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION C, LINE 19: AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST AT THE OFFICE OF THE BOTANICAL GARDENS. FORM 990, PART XII, LINE 2C NO CHANGES HAVE TAKEN PLACE DURING THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2025.