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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 ignites curiosity and inspires the lifelong discovery of science.
Leadership
CEO/Executive Director Mrs. Susan B. Duvenhage
Board Chair Mr. Gerry F. Gorman
Board Chair Company Affiliation Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation
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
 
 
Projected Expenses $4,226,944.00
Projected Annual Revenue $4,578,942.00 (2015)
Statements
Mission Adventure Science Center ignites curiosity and inspires the lifelong discovery of science.
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 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.

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

  • Strengthen student learning experiences for all grade levels with programs designed to promote student interest in STEM topics and to inspire them to pursue STEM careers.
  • Sustain student learning beyond the classroom by providing science enrichment programs year-round.
  • Offer teachers new ways to teach “hands-on” science and math through professional development workshops designed to expand teacher content knowledge and boost science teaching skills
  • Organize public events that bring together students, parents, and educators with STEM professionals to raise awareness of the important role science and technology play in a young person’s future, as well as the future of our city and state.
 
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, New York and New Jersey, Massachusetts and Michigan.
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. Gerry F. Gorman
Company Affiliation Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation
Term July 2014 to June 2016
Board Members
NameAffiliationStatus
Ms. Honey Alexander Community VolunteerVoting
Mr. DeVan D. Ard Jr.Reliant BankVoting
Mr. Rob Barrick Smith Seckman Reid, Inc.Voting
Mr. Jeffrey D. Cogen Nashville PredatorsVoting
Mr. Ronald Corbin Allstate (Retired), RBBC HoldingsVoting
Ms. Anne Davis Southern Environmental Law CenterVoting
Ms. Susan B. Duvenhage Adventure Science CenterNonVoting
Dr. Philippe M. Fauchet Vanderbilt School of EngineeringVoting
Mr. Amin Ferdowsi MRCOVoting
Mr. Mark Fioravanti Ryman Hospitality PropertiesVoting
Mr. John Gawaluck Ernst & Young LLP (Retired)Voting
Mr. Gerry Gorman Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation
Mr. Tim Hartnett Louisiana-Pacific CorporationVoting
Dr. A. Alex Jahangir Vanderbilt Orthopaedic Institute
Mr. Matthew H. Kisber Silicon Ranch CorporationVoting
Mr. Paul Kleine-Kracht c3 ConsultingVoting
Ms. Jennifer J. Lacey Farris Mathews Bobango, PLCVoting
Mr. Don MacLeod Community VolunteerVoting
Mr. David C. McGowan Jr.Regent Development LLCVoting
Ms. Diane Miller Mulloy Community VolunteerVoting
Ms. Eily Carell Nicholson Community VolunteerVoting
Mr. Allen K. Oakley FirstBank
Ms. Lyn Plantinga News Channel 5Voting
Dr. Jesse Register Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools
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
Ms. Christina Smith Metro Parks BoardNonVoting
Mr. Christopher Spyridon Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp.Voting
Mr. Marc Stengel HistorixVoting
Mr. J. Thomas Trent Jr.Bradley Arant Boult Cummings, LLPVoting
Ms. Sandra Vance AT&TVoting
Mr. Lamar Wade Dell, Inc.
Dr. Leslie A. Wisner-Lynch BioTN Foundation, Inc.Voting
Mr. Jack Wood Barge, Waggoner, Sumner & Cannon (Retired)Voting
Mr. Uzi Yemin Delek US HoldingsVoting
Ms. Vickie Ziegler Community VolunteerVoting
Board Demographics - Ethnicity
African American/Black 3
Asian American/Pacific Islander 1
Caucasian 32
Hispanic/Latino 0
Native American/American Indian 0
Other 3
Board Demographics - Gender
Male 26
Female 13
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 Mrs. Susan B. Duvenhage
Term Start Feb 2007
Email sduvenhage@adventuresci.org
Experience  

Susan Duvenhage was named President & CEO of Adventure Science Center in February of 2007. Susan came to the Science Center from Gainesville, FL with an extensive background in non-profit management, marketing and fundraising. She most recently served as the Associate Director of Exhibits and Public Programs for the Florida Museum of Natural History, first joining the organization as its chief development officer. During her 8-year tenure there she developed new programs for audience expansion, revitalized the museum’s traveling exhibits program and opened Butterfly Rainforest, a 6400 s.f. live butterfly exhibit. Prior to her positions with the Florida Museum, she served as Director of Development for the University of Florida Foundation and as Assistant Director of Community Relations, for Shands Healthcare where she was responsible for fundraising and promoting the pediatric programs, statewide and regionally. Susan earned a bachelor’s of science degree in public relations from the University of Florida and is an accredited public relations professional. Susan is a member of the Association of Science Museum Directors, Association of Science and Technology Centers, American Alliance of Museums and Association of Fundraising Professionals.
Former CEOs
NameTerm
Ms. Diane Neal Oct 1997 - Mar 1999
Mr. Ralph Schulz July 1999 - Dec 2006
Staff
Full Time Staff 32
Part Time Staff 24
Volunteers 201
Contractors 0
Retention Rate 81%
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 10
When was Strategic Plan adopted? June 2004
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
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. Susan Duvenhage
Title President / CEO
Experience/Biography
Mrs. Tina Brown
Title Director of Operations
Experience/Biography
Mr. Jeff Krinks
Title Director of Marketing
Experience/Biography
Ms. Debra Michael
Title Finance & Admin. Director
Experience/Biography
 
 
Fiscal Year
Fiscal Year Start July 01 2014
Fiscal Year End June 30 2015
Projected Revenue $4,578,942.00
Projected Expenses $4,226,944.00
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 Year201320122011
Total Revenue$3,811,294$5,235,854$4,213,422
Total Expenses$4,972,285$5,192,185$5,276,345
Revenue Less Expenses($1,160,991)$43,669($1,062,923)
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 Year201320122011
Foundation and
Corporation Contributions		$0$0$0
Government Contributions$525,622$366,611$454,963
Federal$0$0$0
State$0$0$0
Local$0$0$0
Unspecified$525,622$366,611$454,963
Individual Contributions$643,693$2,278,444$1,038,221

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.

$2,444,682$2,449,954$2,558,259
Investment Income, Net of Losses$77,815$44,013$82,900
Membership Dues$0$0$0
Special Events$92,490$70,894$48,765
Revenue In-Kind$12,549$0$0
Other$14,443$25,938$0
Expense Allocation
Fiscal Year201320122011
Program Expense$4,277,992$4,491,985$4,481,072
Administration Expense$396,176$336,988$410,379
Fundraising Expense$298,117$363,212$384,894
Payments to Affiliates$0$0$0
Total Revenue/Total Expenses0.771.010.80
Program Expense/Total Expenses86%87%85%
Fundraising Expense/Contributed Revenue24%13%25%
Assets and Liabilities
Fiscal Year201320122011
Total Assets$20,520,224$21,629,075$22,562,175
Current Assets$2,123,158$2,116,219$2,164,450
Long-Term Liabilities$1,744,453$1,809,996$2,745,575
Current Liabilities$349,210$373,718$416,182
Total Net Assets$18,426,561$19,445,361$19,400,418
Short Term Solvency
Fiscal Year201320122011
Current Ratio: Current Assets/Current Liabilities6.085.665.20
Long Term Solvency
Fiscal Year201320122011
Long-Term Liabilities/Total Assets9%8%12%
Top Funding Sources
Fiscal Year201320122011
Top Funding Source & Dollar AmountProgram Service Revenue $2,229,531Program Service Revenue $2,300,649Program Service Revenue $2,417,150
Second Highest Funding Source & Dollar AmountContributions, Gifts & Grants $643,693Contributions, Gifts, and Grants $2,278,444Contributions, Gifts and Grants $1,038,221
Third Highest Funding Source & Dollar AmountGovernment Grants and Contracts $525,622Government Grants $366,611Government Grants $454,963
Form 990s
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 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 Mar 2015
Solicitations Permit
2014 Solicitations Permit
Organizational Budgets and Other Documents
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 which reconciled to the audit. Foundation and Corporation gifts included with Individuals.
990 prepared by Frasier, Dean and Howard.
Comment provided by Beth Groves 2/4/14
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 Mrs. Susan B. Duvenhage
Board Chair Mr. Gerry F. Gorman
Board Chair Company Affiliation Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation
Year of Incorporation 1944
Former Names
Cumberland Science Museum
Nashville Children's Museum