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Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens Society Inc

EIN 22-2514024 · Buffalo, NY

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair65 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

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.

Income
$11.6 million
Spending
$2.6 million
Spent on programs
73%
Reserves
-31.2 months of spending
Largest source of income
government grants, 72%
Employees
54
Volunteers
115
Highest pay
$155,111, ceo/president

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Fair: 65 out of 100. Higher than 29% of charities in its peer group (environment, $10m to $100m).

  • Reserves

    0 of 35

    Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 9% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 77% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 368% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    73% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 2 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 36% of charities in its peer group (environment, $10m to $100m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    29 of 29 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Impact evidence

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (4)
  1. $670,245 spent. 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.
  2. $421,423 spent. 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.
  3. $317,484 spent. 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.
  4. 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.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.

    Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  2. Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.

    Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated November 6, 2026.

  3. Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.

    On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

    Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2025.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since May 1989.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  6. Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.

    Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.

    Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated November 4, 2026.

Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.