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Adventure Science Center Nashville
800 Fort Negley Boulevard
Nashville TN 37203
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adventure science center photo
Adventure Science Center in the Spring
Mission Statement
Adventure Science Center opens every mind to the wonders of science and technology, fostering a better understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
Leadership
CEO/Executive Director Mr. Steve Hinkley
Board Chair Mr. J. Thomas Trent Jr.
Board Chair Company Affiliation Bradley Arant Boult Cummings
History & Background
Year of Incorporation 1944
Former Names
Cumberland Science Museum
Nashville Children's Museum
Organization's type of tax exempt status 501-C3
Financial Summary
Graph: Expense Breakdown Graph - All Years
 
 
Projected Expenses $5,827,552.00
Projected Annual Revenue $5,996,142.00 (2018)
Statements
Mission Adventure Science Center opens every mind to the wonders of science and technology, fostering a better understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
Background

Adventure Science Center (ASC) opened its doors to the public in 1945 (then the Children’s Museum of Nashville) as a cultural institution dedicated to providing learning opportunities for the entire community. Today, located on Metro Parks property neighboring the historical Ft. Negley, ASC brings science alive for visitors of all ages with more than 44,000+ square feet of interactive exhibits, daily live demonstrations, engaging public programs and the renowned Sudekum Planetarium. ASC welcomes more than 340,000 visitors from across the country, has more than 11,000 member households and annually ranks among the top five local attractions (Nashville Business Journal Book of Lists). Known for fun and dynamic hands-on learning, ASC is an indispensable part of the science education community, impacting more than 65,000 school children and teachers from 50 school systems with standards-based programming each year. ASC is steadfastly committed to advancing science awareness, interest and understanding with the diverse audiences we serve and inspiring young people to build dreams that include careers in science, technology, engineering and healthcare.

Adventure Science Center (ASC) opened its doors to the public in 1945 (then the Children’s Museum of Nashville) as a cultural institution dedicated to providing learning opportunities for the entire community. Today, located on Metro Parks property neighboring the historical Ft. Negley, ASC brings science alive for visitors of all ages with more than 44,000+ square feet of interactive exhibits, daily live demonstrations, engaging public programs and the renowned Sudekum Planetarium. ASC welcomes more than 300,000 visitors from across the country, has more than 11,000 member households and annually ranks among the top five local attractions (Nashville Business Journal Book of Lists). Known for fun and dynamic hands-on learning, ASC is an indispensable part of the science education community, impacting more than 65,000 school children and teachers from 50 school systems with standards-based programming each year. ASC is steadfastly committed to advancing science awareness, interest and understanding with the diverse audiences we serve and inspiring young people to build dreams that include careers in science, technology, engineering and healthcare.
Impact

We continue our service to the community under the guiding mission to open every mind to the wonders of science and technology, fostering a better understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Mission-driven, Adventure Science Center set forth the following goals in our 2017-2020 Strategic Plan:

  • Provide a compelling experience to visitors of all ages.
  • Engage diverse communities through two-way communication and collaboration.
  • Inspire learning, bringing science to life for all people through novel approaches.
  • Strengthen our financial core to ensure the community continues to be served at a high level.

At our core, we address these goals through 44,000+ square feet of interactive exhibits, an ever-evolving portfolio of immersive learning experiences, and awe-inspiring shows in the Sudekum Planetarium. Annually, Adventure Science Center engages more than 340,000 people of all ages and socio-economic backgrounds from throughout Tennessee and across the country. It is notable that this past year more than 63,000 students and teachers were engaged through on- and off-site school trips and outreach. Adventure Science Center strives to offer schools a diverse array of programming, including labs, workshops, after-school outreach, and home-school experiences. All programs are designed to meet state core curriculum and national education standards through collaborations with local educational institutions seeking to promote science literacy and experiences beyond the classroom environment.

 
Once again the Science Center ranked in the top three for Best Place to Take the Kids in The Tennessean's Toast of Music City reader's poll. The Science Center also consistently ranks among Nashville's top five tourist attractions.
Service Categories
Primary Organization Category Arts,Culture & Humanities / Science & Technology Museums
Secondary Organization Category Education /
Areas of Service
Areas Served
TN
Adventure Science Center serves Nashville and the Middle Tennessee region. We also annually host thousands of visitors from across Tennessee, the region, the country, and the international community. School groups visit from across Tennessee (47 districts) as well as from Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, and more.
Programs
School-Year Programming
Description

Field trips, labs, classes, demonstrations, science clubs, intercession camps, outreach/in-school programs, science family nights, assembly programs, exhibit-based programming, school camp-ins, distance learning, and planetarium programs.

Teacher Professional Development: Full and half-day classes, workshops and week-long summer institutes designed to increase teacher knowledge of science, improve teaching skills using inquiry-based, hands-on science instruction, and demonstrate how to use Science Center programs and exhibits to enhance science curriculum.  
Budget 0
Category Arts, Culture & Humanities, General/Other Museum Education
Population Served Children and Youth (0 - 19 years), Adults,
Community Programming
Description Summer camps, youth camp-ins/overnights, community outreach programs partnering with libraries, community centers, Boys & Girls clubs, etc., family learning labs and workshops. Summer and weekend public programs including Engineering Day, Chemistry Day, Astronomy Day, etc. Plus, Science Cafes that showcase actual scientists working in the field to the community.
Budget 0
Category Arts, Culture & Humanities, General/Other Museum Education
Population Served Children and Youth (0 - 19 years), Adults, Families
Planetarium Programming
Description

Full-dome educational programming ranging from the vast emptiness of space to the depths or the Earth's ocean. Traditional planetarium shows exploring the night sky, animated educational full-dome videos focusing on a wide range of science content, fun laser light shows accompanied by popular music, and innovative new content from artists. This breadth of offerings ensure all ages and demographics have content to enjoy. Planetarium programming is created by ASC staff, as well as leased from outside producers.
Budget 0
Category Arts, Culture & Humanities, General/Other Museum Education
Population Served Children and Youth (0 - 19 years), Adults, Families
Exhibits
Description Permanent exhibits at ASC focus on 6 themes: earth, air and space, health, color and light, energy and creativity and invention. Exhibits are interactive, variable and suitable for both individuals and groups working together in a social environment. Exhibits complement programs and special events. ASC hosts 3-4 temporary exhibits each year.
Budget 0
Category Arts, Culture & Humanities, General/Other Museum Education
Population Served Children and Youth (0 - 19 years), Adults, Families
Board Chair
Board Chair Mr. J. Thomas Trent Jr.
Company Affiliation Bradley Arant Boult Cummings
Term July 2016 to June 2018
Board Members
NameAffiliationStatus
Ms. Louise Alexander Community VolunteerVoting
Mr. DeVan D. Ard Jr.Reliant BankVoting
Mr. Rob Barrick Smith Seckman Reid, Inc.Voting
Mr. Brent Blane QualifactsVoting
Mr. Steve Brophy Dollar GeneralVoting
Mr. Rob Corbin RBBC HoldingsVoting
Mr. Josh Dailey Ingram Content GroupVoting
Mr. Amin Ferdowsi MRCOVoting
Mr. Mark Fioravanti Ryman Hospitality PropertiesVoting
Dr. Jack Fisher RetiredVoting
Mr. John Gawaluck Ernst & Young LLP (Retired)Voting
Mr. Shawn Glinter Vanderbilt University Medical CenterVoting
Mr. Gerry Gorman Caterpillar Financial Services CorporationVoting
Ms. Lisa Helton Young Leaders' CouncilVoting
Dr. A. Alex Jahangir Vanderbilt Orthopaedic Institute
Dr. Shawn Joseph Metro Nashville Public SchoolsVoting
Mr. Matthew H. Kisber Silicon Ranch CorporationVoting
Mr. Ted Klee Schneider ElectricVoting
Mr. Paul Kleine-Kracht c3 ConsultingVoting
Ms. Jennifer J. Lacey Farris Mathews Bobango, PLCVoting
Ms. Kelly Mayes The Bulleit GroupVoting
Ms. Cheryl D. Mayes Joon Properties/Joon ManagementVoting
Mr. David C. McGowan Jr.Regent Development LLCVoting
Ms. Rankin McGugin Community VolunteerVoting
Mr. Allen K. Oakley FirstBankVoting
Mr. Spencer Sessions Tennessee Valley AuthorityVoting
Ms. Divya Shroff TriStar Centennial Medical CenterVoting
Ms. Kay Simmons Community VolunteerVoting
Mr. Jonathan M. Skeeters Bradley Arant Boult Cummings, LLPVoting
Mr. Clint Smith Emma Inc.Voting
Mr. Christopher Spyridon Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp.Voting
Ms. Michelle D. Steele EdDLipscomb UniversityVoting
Mr. Marc Stengel HistorixVoting
Mr. J. Thomas Trent Jr.Bradley Arant Boult Cummings, LLPVoting
Mr. Josh Trusley EYVoting
Ms. Sandra Vance AT&TVoting
Mr. Jack Wood Barge, Waggoner, Sumner & Cannon (Retired)Voting
Mr. Uzi Yemin Delek US HoldingsVoting
Board Demographics - Ethnicity
African American/Black 3
Asian American/Pacific Islander 0
Caucasian 28
Hispanic/Latino 0
Native American/American Indian 0
Other 5
Board Demographics - Gender
Male 28
Female 10
Unspecified 0
Governance
Board Term Lengths 3
Board Term Limits 0
Board Meeting Attendance % 75%
Does the organization have written Board Selection Criteria? Yes
Does the organization have a written Conflict of Interest Policy? Yes
Percentage of Board Members making Monetary Contributions 100%
Percentage of Board Members making In-Kind Contributions 0%
Does the Board include Client Representation? Yes
Number of Full Board Meetings Annually 4
Standing Committees
Risk Management Provisions
Accident and Injury Coverage
Automobile Insurance
Boiler and Machinery
Commercial General Liability
Crime Coverage
Directors and Officers Policy
Medical Health Insurance
Life Insurance
Disability Insurance
Workers Compensation and Employers' Liability
Umbrella or Excess Insurance
Executive Director/CEO
Executive Director Mr. Steve Hinkley
Term Start July 2017
Email shinkley@adventuresci.org
Experience

Steve Hinkley was named President & CEO of Adventure Science Center in May of 2017, replacing Interim President & CEO Tina Brown. Steve previously served as President and CEO of MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation in Santa Barbara, California. He also spent seven years as Vice President of Programs at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas, Texas.

 
Former CEOs
NameTerm
Ms. Tina Brown Aug 2016 - June 2017
Mrs. Susan B. Duvenhage Feb 2007 - Aug 2016
Staff
Full Time Staff 37
Part Time Staff 24
Volunteers 201
Contractors 0
Retention Rate 74%
Plans & Policies
Does the organization have a documented Fundraising Plan? Yes
Does the organization have an approved Strategic Plan? Yes
Number of years Strategic Plan Considers 3
When was Strategic Plan adopted? 2017
In case of a change in leadership, is a Management Succession plan in place? Yes
Does the organization have a Policies and Procedures Plan? Yes
Does the organization have a Nondiscrimination Policy? Yes
Does the organization have a Whistle Blower Policy?HelpThe 2002 Sarbanes-Oxley Act provides certain protections for whistle-blowers and criminal penalties for actions taken in retaliation against whistle-blowers. The Act protects persons who risk their careers by reporting suspected illegal activities in the organization. It is illegal for a corporate entity, for-profit or nonprofit, to punish the whistle-blower in any manner. For more information, visit Independent Sector (http://www.independentsector.org). No
Does the organization have a Document Destruction Policy?HelpThe 2002 Sarbanes-Oxley Act addresses the destruction of business records and documents and turns intentional document destruction into a process that must be carefully monitored.For more information, visit Independent Sector (http://www.independentsector.org). No
Affiliations
AffiliationYear
AFP (Association of Fundraising Professionals)1999
American Association of Museums - Member2006
Center for Nonprofit Management Excellence Network2003
Nashville Rotary Club2006
Planned Giving Council of Nashville2002
CABLE2004
Tennessee Association of Museums2000
PENCIL2006
External Assessments and Accreditations
External Assessments and Accreditations
Assessment/AccreditationYear
Association of Science & Technology Centers2004
Awards
Award/RecognitionOrganizationYear
Salute to Excellence AwardCenter for Nonprofit Management2003
Award of ExcellenceInter-Museum Council of Nashville2003
Award for Permanent ExhibitsTN Association of Museums2002
Marvin Runyon Leadership AwardCenter for Nonprofit Management2001
Salutes to ExcellenceAmerican Chemical Society2001
Salute to Excellence Award - Diversified Trust Next Generation AwardCenter for Nonprofit Management2014
Senior Staff
Mrs. Tina Brown
Title Director of Operations
Experience/Biography
Ms. Alexis McCoy
Title Director of Marketing and Communications
Experience/Biography
Dr. Tiffany Farmer
Title Director of Education and Community Engagement
Experience/Biography
Ms. Susan Earl Hosbach CFRE
Title Chief Development Officer
Experience/Biography
 
 
Fiscal Year
Fiscal Year Start July 01 2017
Fiscal Year End June 30 2018
Projected Revenue $5,996,142.00
Projected Expenses $5,827,552.00
Endowment ValueHelpA legal definition of endowment is used in this system (i.e. restricted assets or a supporting foundation). Rainy day funds are not included in endowments figures. $1,622,628.00
Endowment Spending Policy N/A
Endowment Spending Percentage (if selected) 0%
Detailed Financials
Revenue and ExpensesHelpFinancial data for prior years is entered by foundation staff based on the documents submitted by nonprofit organizations.Foundation staff members enter this information to assure consistency in the presentation of financial data across all organizations.
Fiscal Year201620152014
Total Revenue$5,436,126$4,827,139$4,250,385
Total Expenses$4,941,519$4,596,144$4,758,840
Revenue Less Expenses$494,607$230,995($508,455)
Revenue SourcesHelpThe financial analysis involves a comparison of the IRS Form 990 and the audit report (when available) and revenue sources may not sum to total based on reconciliation differences. Revenue from foundations and corporations may include individual contributions when not itemized separately.
Fiscal Year201620152014
Foundation and
Corporation Contributions		$0$0$0
Government Contributions$405,224$398,773$359,750
Federal$0$0$0
State$0$0$0
Local$0$0$0
Unspecified$405,224$398,773$359,750
Individual Contributions$1,713,235$1,332,734$1,153,585

Indirect Public Support HelpIndirect public support represents revenue received through solicitation campaigns. This includes funding United Way and other federated fundraising organizations, but does not include donor designated contributions.

$0$0$0

Earned Revenue HelpEarned revenue represents income generated in direct exchange for a product or service.Earned income includes income from government contracts.

$3,035,386$2,679,125$2,486,255
Investment Income, Net of Losses$39,393$143,760$104,997
Membership Dues$0$0$0
Special Events$178,206$220,788$107,168
Revenue In-Kind$21,184$20,572$0
Other$43,498$31,387$38,630
Expense Allocation
Fiscal Year201620152014
Program Expense$4,015,841$3,837,358$3,996,203
Administration Expense$403,652$375,571$344,011
Fundraising Expense$522,026$383,215$418,626
Payments to Affiliates$0$0$0
Total Revenue/Total Expenses1.101.050.89
Program Expense/Total Expenses81%83%84%
Fundraising Expense/Contributed Revenue23%20%26%
Assets and Liabilities
Fiscal Year201620152014
Total Assets$20,089,287$19,539,046$19,651,667
Current Assets$2,959,796$2,110,648$1,801,847
Long-Term Liabilities$1,149,516$1,149,516$1,446,166
Current Liabilities$537,606$447,674$397,821
Total Net Assets$18,402,165$17,941,856$17,807,680
Short Term Solvency
Fiscal Year201620152014
Current Ratio: Current Assets/Current Liabilities5.514.714.53
Long Term Solvency
Fiscal Year201620152014
Long-Term Liabilities/Total Assets6%6%7%
Top Funding Sources
Fiscal Year201620152014
Top Funding Source & Dollar AmountProgram Revenue $3,035,386Earned Revenue $2,679,125Program Service Revenue $2,358,218
Second Highest Funding Source & Dollar AmountContributions, Gifts and Grants $1,713,235Contributions, Gifts & Grants $1,332,734Contributions, Gifts & Grants $1,153,585
Third Highest Funding Source & Dollar AmountGovernment Grants $405,224Government Grants $398,773Government Grants $359,750
Form 990s
adventure science center nasvhille 2016 9902016
adventure science center nashville 2015 9902015
adventure science center nashville 2014 9902014
adventure science center nashville 2013 9902013
adventure science center nashville 2012 9902012
adventure science center nashville 2011 9902011
adventure science center nashville 2010 9902010
adventure science center nashville 2009 9902009
adventure science center nashville 2008 9902008
adventure science center nashville 2007 9902007
adventure science center nashville 2006 9902006
adventure science center nashville 2005 9902005
adventure science center nashville 2004 9902004
Audit Documents
adventure science center nashville audit 20162016
adventure science center nashville 2015 audit2015
adventure science center nashville 2014 audit2014
adventure science center nashville 2013 audit2013
adventure science center nashville 2012 audit2012
adventure science center nashville 2011 audit2011
adventure science center nashville 2010 audit2010
adventure science center nashville 2009 Audit2009
adventure science center nashville 2008 audit2008
adventure science center nashville 2007 audit2007
adventure science center nashville 2006 audit2006
adventure science center nashville 2005 audit2005
IRS Letter of Exemption
Adventure Science Center IRS Letter
Capital Campaign
Is the organization currently conducting a Capital Campaign for an endowment or the purchase of a major asset? No
Capital Campaign Anticipated in Next 5 Years? Yes
State Charitable Solicitations Permit
TN Charitable Solicitations Registration Yes - Expires Dec 2017
Solicitations Permit
2017 Solicitations Permit
Organizational Budgets and Other Documents
adventure science center nashville 2018 budget2018
adventure science center nashville 2017 budget2017
adventure science center nashville 2016 budget2016
adventure science center nashville 2015 budget2015
Adventure Science Center Nashville 2014 budget2014
adventure science center nashville 2013 budget2013
adventure science center nashville 2012 budget2012
adventure science center nashville 2011 budget2011
adventure science center nashville 2010 budget2010
adventure science center nashville 2009 budget2009
adventure science center nashville 2008 budget2008
adventure science center nashville 2007 budget2007
adventure science center nashville 2006 budget2006
adventure science center nashville 2005 budget2005
GivingMatters.com Financial Comments
Financials taken from 990. Foundation and Corporation gifts included with Individuals.
990 prepared by Frasier, Dean and Howard, PLLC.
Comment provided by Kathryn Bennett 2/23/17.
Nonprofit Adventure Science Center Nashville
Address 800 Fort Negley Boulevard
Nashville, TN 37203
Primary Phone (615) 862-5160
Website http://www.adventuresci.org
Contact Email info@adventuresci.org
CEO/Executive Director Mr. Steve Hinkley
Board Chair Mr. J. Thomas Trent Jr.
Board Chair Company Affiliation Bradley Arant Boult Cummings
Year of Incorporation 1944
Former Names
Cumberland Science Museum
Nashville Children's Museum