Morton Arboretum

Analysis

Morton Arboretum is a registered charity in United States, based in Lisle, IL. It received its IRS tax-exemption ruling in June 1925, 101 years ago. Its declared purposes cover environment, which this site groups under environment and conservation. The IRS classifies it as a publicly supported organisation (donations from the general public) under section 501(c)(3), and contributions to it are listed as tax-deductible.

In the financial year ending December 2023, Morton Arboretum reported income of $45.1m and spending of $52.2m, spending 116% of what it took in. Across the 5 years on record, from December 2019 to December 2023, income grew from $28.5m to $45.1m (+59%), an average of +12% a year. The sharpest change came in the year to December 2021, when income rose by 125%. Over the whole period it spent 98% of the income it received.

Among 10,430 United States charities whose main cause is environment and conservation and that reported income, Morton Arboretum sits at the 100th percentile: it is one of the largest 1% in its cause. Against every charity in United States with reported income it ranks in the 99th percentile, and in the 98th percentile within IL. Charities of a similar size with the same main cause include Sustainable Energy Utility Inc ($45.0m), Slipstream Group Inc ($45.8m) and National Outdoor Leadership School ($44.7m).

On its Form 990 for the period ending December 2023, revenue came from contributions and grants 40% and program service revenue 24% of the total. Compensation of current officers, directors and key employees was $2.6m (5.1% of expenses). Other salaries and wages came to $18.3m. It paid $146k in professional fundraising fees. At year end it held assets of $354.9m against liabilities of $57.4m, net assets of $297.5m. It reported 564 employees.