irs program accomplishments · form 990 part iii · fy2024
What they reported doing
- #1 primary $44.09MAS THE OFFICIAL MANAGER OF CENTRAL PARK, THE CONSERVANCY IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DAY-TO-DAY MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION OF THE PARK. ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE, PLAYGROUND MAINTENANCE, TREE CARE, TURF CARE, AND PRESERVATION OF HISTORIC MONUMENTS. THE CONSERVANCY HAS SET NEW STANDARDS IN EXCELLENCE IN PARK CARE. IT HAS TRANSFORMED CENTRAL PARK INTO A MODEL FOR URBAN PARKS WORLDWIDE.
- #2 $7.75MTHE CONSERVANCY PUBLIC PROGRAMS TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE INVALUABLE RESOURCES IN CENTRAL PARK PROVIDING EDUCATION, RECREATION, AND VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS THAT SERVE THE COMMUNITY. IN ADDITION, THE CONSERVANCY PROVIDES SERVICES AT THE FOLLOWING SIX VISITOR CENTERS IN THE PARK: THE DAVIS CENTER, CHARLES A. DANA DISCOVERY CENTER, NORTH MEADOW RECREATION CENTER, BELVEDERE CASTLE, DAIRY VISITOR CENTER AND GIFT SHOP, AND CHESS AND CHECKERS HOUSE.
named programs · 4 · from sources
What they call their work
Central Park Maintenance
Responsible for landscape, playground, tree, turf, and historic monument care throughout Central Park.
Chess & Checkers House
Provides public access to chess and checkers, including instruction from Grandmaster Michael Rohde.
Public Programs
Offers education, recreation, and volunteer programs for the community, including guided tours and kids' activities.
Visitor Centers
Operates six visitor centers including the Davis Center, Dana Discovery Center, and Belvedere Castle providing information and services.
activities · 3 groups
What they do
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Urban Park and Public Space Conservation 2 activities
- Manages and maintains Central Park landscapes, infrastructure, and facilitiesProvides year-round care for Central Park's 843 acres, including landscape, tree, turf, and playground maintenance; restoration of historic structures such as Bethesda Fountain and Grand Army Plaza; upkeep of public restrooms; and seasonal management of ballfields and lawns using a red flag closure system. Activities include planting flowers, trash removal, power washing fountains, and construction on benches and paths.
- Provides capacity-building support to urban parks locally and internationallyOffers assistance and expertise to parks across New York City’s five boroughs and globally through the Institute for Urban Parks and Five Borough Program, sharing best practices in park management and stewardship.
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Transportation Policy Advocacy & Infrastructure Reform 1 activity
- Conducts research to support park planning and safety improvementsConducted the Central Park Drives Safety and Circulation Study in partnership with NYC DOT and NYC Parks to inform the redesign of park drives, promoting safer access and circulation for all users.
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Uncategorized 2 activities
- Offers public education, recreation, and volunteer programs in Central ParkHosts daily programs, seasonal and holiday events, guided tours (including the Conservatory Garden), children's activities, and volunteer opportunities. Operates six visitor centers—The Davis Center, Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, North Meadow Recreation Center, Belvedere Castle, Dairy Visitor Center and Gift Shop, and Chess & Checkers House—and provides free summer swimming at the Gottesman Pool. Also includes public chess events led by Grandmaster Michael Rohde.
- Provides public information and educational resources about Central ParkOffers digital tools such as an official cherry blossom tracker, a guide to navigating Central Park Drives safely, and educational content about the park’s history, maintenance practices, and the Conservancy’s role in its stewardship.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$172.92M
Contributions & grants$110.57M64%
Program service revenue$29.03M17%
Investment income$34.44M20%
Other revenue$-1.12M
expenses
Total expenses$166.07M
Program expenses79%
Admin / overhead15%
Fundraising6%
Salaries & benefits$54.99M
Grants paid out$247K
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$727.09M
Cash$68.14M
Investments$509.37M
Liabilities$57.72M
Net assets$669.37M
Liquid reserves41.7 mo
6 years on record · 2019–2024 · YoY revenue -13.6%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 13
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS ELIZABETH W SMITH | EX-OFFICIO (PRESIDENT/CEO) | 35 | $1.29M |
| MR STEPHEN SPINELLI | CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER | 35 | $823K |
| MR ROGER MOSIER | CHIEF OF PARK OPERATIONS | 35 | $616K |
| MS MARY CARACCIOLI | CHIEF COMM. & ENG THROUGH 7/5/24 | 35 | $437K |
| MS SANDRA HUBER | SENIOR VP FOR CAPITAL PROJECT | 35 | $410K |
| MS SUZANNE PENNASILICO | VICE PRESIDENT FOR PEOPLE & CULTURE | 35 | $407K |
| MS ABIGAIL HEALY | SENIOR VP FOR PHILANTHROPY | 35 | $402K |
| MS LEAH CATHERINE DAY | CHIEF OF STAFF & VP OF STR. INIT. | 35 | $400K |
| MR CHRISTOPHER ATKINSON | VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE | 35 | $392K |
| MR JOSHUA EHRLICH | VP FOR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY | 35 | $360K |
| MS MARGARET ASARO | VP FOR PARK MAINT & FACILITIES | 35 | $348K |
| MR DAVID SALTONSTALL | VP FOR GOVT RELATIONS, POL. & COMM A | 35 | $342K |
| MS SYLVIA TSEN | VP FOR BUSINESS SOLUTIONS | 35 | $317K |
board members · 12
- DR AMELIA OGUNLESI — GENERAL TRUSTEE
- DR ANGELA DIAZ — APPOINTED TRUSTEE (BOARD)
- DR GAYATRI DEVI — GENERAL TRUSTEE
- DR SANDYE JOHNSON — APPOINTED TRUSTEE (BOARD)
- DR THELMA DYE — APPOINTED TRUSTEE (BOARD)
- HON MARK LEVINE — EX-OFFICIO (MAN. BOR. PRES)
- MR ALFRED J SHUMAN — GENERAL TRUSTEE
- MR ANDREW DAVIS — VICE CHAIR & GENERAL TRUSTEE
- MR BARRY WOLF — GENERAL TRUSTEE
- MR BEN ELLENCWEIG — GENERAL TRUSTEE
- MR CLARENCE NESBITT — GENERAL TRUSTEE
- MR FRANK CARONE — APPOINTED TRUSTEE (MAYORAL)
relationships · 18
Who they work with
- Animal Care Center (ACC) Partner — Handles lost and found pets in Central Park.
- Central Park Zoo Partner — Partners with the Central Park Zoo, where restroom access requires admission.
- City of New York Government — Partner in the stewardship of Central Park, with the Conservancy entrusted with day-to-day care while coordinating with city agencies.
- Five Borough Program Partner — Initiative providing support to parks throughout New York City’s five boroughs.
- Google Government — Uses Google's reCAPTCHA and adheres to Google's Privacy Policy and Terms of Service for website functionality.
- Harlem Meer Partner — Hosts the Harlem Meer Performance Festival in partnership with the Central Park Conservancy.
- Institute for Urban Parks Partner — Collaborates to provide technical assistance and support to parks across New York City and globally.
- NYC Parks Government — Co-manages the Gottesman Pool at the Davis Center in Central Park.
- NYC Parks Partner — Partnered with the Conservancy and NYC DOT on the Central Park Drives Safety and Circulation Study.
- NYC Parks Department Government — Manages park permits, fishing licenses, and park concessions in partnership with the Conservancy.
- NYC Parks Urban Park Rangers Partner — Handles wildlife issues and injured animals in Central Park in coordination with the Conservancy.
- NYPD Central Park Precinct Partner — Manages lost and found items collected in Central Park.
- New York City Department of Parks and Recreation Government — Official public partner in the management of Central Park.
- New York City Department of Transportation Partner — Partnered with the Conservancy on the Central Park Drives Safety and Circulation Study and leads design and reconstruction of the Drives.
- New York Police Department Partner — Collaborates with the Conservancy on enforcement and safety compliance on the Central Park Drives.
- Playground Partners Partner — Special membership group supporting the Central Park Conservancy through fundraising and engagement.
- Settepani Family Partner — Featured in a story highlighting food and connection within Central Park, suggesting community engagement through personal narratives.
- Women's Committee Partner — Special membership group supporting the Central Park Conservancy through fundraising and engagement.
strategies · 3
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Community-Integrated Park Restoration and Education 333 orgsmethodology: community-engagementBy integrating public education, volunteer engagement, and community input into horticultural and historic restoration, we strengthen public ownership and support for Central Park, because involving the community in stewardship fosters lasting engagement and behavioral investment in park preservation.shared approach: Community-Driven Stewardship →
- Visitor-Centered Access and Experience Design 333 orgsmethodology: visitor-centered_engagementBy enhancing visitor experience through real-time information, seasonal programming, and accessible navigation resources, we increase public use and appreciation of Central Park, because responsive, user-focused design deepens engagement and encourages repeat visitation.shared approach: Community-Driven Stewardship →
- Private-Philanthropy-Driven Urban Park Stewardship 31 orgsmethodology: private-public_stewardship_modelBy combining private philanthropy with public access and high-standard maintenance, we ensure the long-term sustainability and equitable use of Central Park, because sustained private investment enables consistent, high-quality stewardship that public funding alone cannot support.shared approach: Public-Private Partnership Model →