Nashville Tree Foundation
General Information
Contact Information
Nonprofit
Nashville Tree Foundation
Address
PO Box 58962
Nashville, TN 37205
Phone
(615) 292-5175
Web Site
Web Site
Facebook
Facebook
Twitter
Twitter
Email
[email protected]
At A Glance
Year of Incorporation
1987
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Mission & Impact
Statements
Mission
Nashville Tree Foundation plants and preserves Nashville's trees. We work with other non-profits and the City
to planting tree in neighborhoods. We help protect trees by identifying the largest and oldest trees in Davidson
County. We designate arboretums and educate the public about the value of trees and their impact in our city.
Background
In 1986 founders of the Nashville Tree Foundation wanted to create an organization to keep enthusiasm for
Nashville's trees alive after the highly-successful planting of 1,986 trees across the state for the Homecoming
'86 celebration. These founding members - Betty Brown (1939-2011), Eleanor Willis, and Joan Armour realized there was real value in helping preserve and protest our urban forests. Under the leadership of
community volunteer and tree enthusiast, Betty Brown, the foundation gained recognition and support for
several activities including the Big Old Tree Contest and High Tree Party, arboretum designations, educational
programs in schools, and planting projects with partners like MDHA and Metro Nashville. After the devastating
tornadoes of 1998, the Tree Foundation went into action in response to the loss of over 8,000 trees during the
storms. Nashville Tree Foundation's ReLeaf Nashville initiative replanted over 2,000 trees that were lost. From
that effort, ReLeafing Day evolved and is still a major project of the Nashville Tree Foundation that focuses on
planting trees in neighborhoods. The Tree Foundation approached NES about their aggressive trim cycles by
encouraging plantings of trees under power lines to reduce the number of trees that need to be pruned to keep
lines clear. These power line-friendly trees are planted by volunteers on ReLeafing Day in neighborhoods
where low tree canopy and need intersect. NTF believes a bio-diverse canopy of shade and power line-friendly
trees can be planted and has sought funding to increase the number of shade trees that are planted in
neighborhoods. Partnerships of the Tree Foundation also include Metro Parks, Metro Public Works
Beautification, and the Cumberland River Compact. Most of the trees NTF plants are 1.5" caliper and planted
by volunteers who are trained on the proper planting methods. Nashville Tree Foundation also plants trees for
Nashville Arbor Day with the generous help of Metro Parks and plants "gift trees" in public spaces where the
care and maintenance of the trees can be guaranteed. Nashville Tree Foundation also hosts tree forums and a
lecture series named after poet and author Wendell Berry, the first to present at a lecture for NTF. The future of
NTF will still be focused on our four main missives: to plant trees, recognize the oldest and largest trees in
Davidson County, designate arboretums, and educate the public about the value of trees.
Impact
Nashville Tree Foundation's impact in 2016 added 215 trees to Bordeaux and North Nashville, 10 Metro
schools, and metro parks and provided 800 free trees to the public. The inaugural Taking Root: A Community
Tree Workshop was presented in October to the community (free admission) to address growth and tree
canopy. NTF partnered with Eileen Fisher for a corporate day of giving in March. NTF worked with the city to
develop protection measures for old trees, the Metro Historic and Specimen Tree program. Total volunteer
impact was 795 hours. Financial commitments increased which allows NTF to hire a part-time program
coordinator in 2017.
Needs
Nashville Tree Foundation seeks long-term financial commitments from sponsors of $1,000 gifts for a 3-5 year
period to total $50,000 in additional gifts each year. NTF sees a need to help address neighborhood
coordination and planting of 16,000 trees each year as part of the Livable Nashville goals. Maintenance is a top
priority in tree care with a need to not only plant trees in areas of need but to help water them. NTF seeks
funding to establish a watering truck with staff as part of a tree consortium.
Other ways to donate, support, or volunteer
Financial donations can be made online or by mailing a check to PO Box 5892, Nashville, TN 37205. Contact if
donating stock options. Sponsorships are available for tree planting events and speaker events. Volunteers are
needed to plant trees at ReLeafing Day held on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, to help train on tree care and
maintenance, and to help NTF at table events at festivals throughout the year. In kind donations of trees, tools,
volunteer support items such as food/beverage and t-shirts are needed.
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Service Categories
Primary Organization Category
Environment / Forest Conservation
Secondary Organization Category
Environment / Botanical Gardens & Arboreta
Areas of Service
Areas Served
TN - Davidson
NTF serves the entire area of Davidson County. Neighborhoods where low tree canopy and need intersect are
the focus of annual tree planting day, ReLeafing Day.
CEO Statement
Nashville Tree Foundation is Nashville's oldest non-profit solely dedicated to trees and is the only organization
that plants in private yards. With the increased emphasis on trees as a natural resource to provide health
benefits, we have much work to do to create a vibrant urban forest and a culture that values trees as a beautiful
workhorse to sustain our future.
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Programs
Programs
ReLeafing Day
Description
ReLeafing Day is the largest tree planting program of Nashville Tree
Foundation held on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. In 1998 the
program began in response to the devastating tornado events of April by
raising funds of $1 million to replace 2,000 trees in a 5-year period. Since
then, ReLeafing Day has evolved into an annual tradition where
volunteers from schools, groups and the community plant trees in areas
where low tree canopy and need intersect. NES provides trees that are
planted under power lines as they will not need future trimming, and NTF
plants shade trees provided by financial donations to complement a biodiverse tree canopy.
Budget
28400
Category
Environment, General/Other Environmental & Urban Beautification
Population Served
Families, Elderly and/or Disabled, Minorities
Short Term Success
Planting several trees has an immediate impact on a neighborhood that it
has been improved by beautification.
Long term Success
Increasing urban tree canopy has several benefits. Trees clean our air
and water, help mitigate carbon emissions from vehicles, provide lower
utility bills, beautify neighborhoods, provide shelter and food for birds and
wildlife, and provide a general sense of well being.
Program Success Monitored By
Tree survival rate helps determine success.
Examples of Program Success
Trees planted at the first ReLeafing Day are now mature to provide
significant tree canopy in East Nashville.
4
Big Old Tree Contest
Description
The Big Old Tree Contest recognizes winners of an annual, free contest to
find Davidson Count's largest and oldest trees. This registry works well
with the newly created Metro Historic and Specimen Tree program. The
public is invited to participate by entering a photo with measurements of
their favorite tree on NTF's website. A state forester is employed to judge
trees and verify winners for each species class. Tree tags are made for
each winning tree with the tree's common and Latin name and winning
year and awarded at the annual High Tree Party. All data is available for
review and study by the public.
Budget
7000
Category
Environment, General/Other Environmental Education
Population Served
General/Unspecified, ,
Short Term Success
Number of tree entries equals short-term success.
Long term Success
Mapping champion and older tree locations will help determine where
preservation efforts can be concentrated.
Program Success Monitored By
Contest began in 1988 and continues today.
Examples of Program Success
n/a
Taking Root: A Community Tree Workshop
Description
Taking Root is a free workshop presented to community to address many
tree topics such as boundary trees, tree replacement code, tree care, and
diseases and pests. Experts within each topic present a 20-minute
program with Q/A following. Education exhibits are presented by State of
Tennesse Agriculture Extension Department, Nashville Electric Service,
Metro Beautification, and tree care companies.
Budget
7000
Population Served
,,
CEO Comments
Metro Nashville only owns 5% of land to focus on urban tree plantings. However, with this land, the staff to care
for and maintain trees needs to grow and our support is needed. NTF is the non-profit that engages with
neighborhoods and communities to educate and plant trees on private land. The challenge is reaching the
entire community and developing a network of neighborhood mentoring programs to help each other. Watering
is the next big challenge to ensuring our trees survive.
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Governance
Board Chair
Board Chair
Mrs. Patricia W Wallace
Company Affiliation
Community Volunteer
Term
Jan 2016 to Dec 2017
Email
[email protected]
Board Members
Name
Affiliation
Status
Mrs. Joan Link Armour
Armour and Armour Public
Relations
NonVoting
Mrs. Alice Ann Barge
Community Volunteer
Voting
Mr. George Cate Sr.
Legal Counsel, Retired
Exofficio
Mr. Baird Dixon AIA
Partner, Street Dixon Rick
Voting
Mr. Jim Douglas ASLA
Partner, Hodgson & Douglas
Voting
Mr. Edward Henley III
Pillars Development
Voting
Mr. Ad Hudler
Hospitality Industry, Author
Voting
Mr. Thomas Hunter
Davidson County Sheriff's Office
Voting
Mr. Bart Kempf
Bradley Arant Boult Cummings
Voting
Mr. Randall Lantz
Horticulture Superintendant, Metro Voting
Parks
Mrs. Susannah Brown ScottBarnes
Owner, AshBlue
Voting
Ms. Jennifer M Smith
Horticulture Coordinator, Metro
Public Works
Voting
Ms. Vicki Pierce Turner
Owner, VPT Ventures
Voting
Mr. Anthony Viglietti
Retired
Voting
Mr. John Wallace
VP Production, StudioNow
Voting
Mrs. Patricia W Wallace
Community Volunteer
Voting
Ms. Eleanor Willis
Former Executive Director, Friends Voting
of Warner Park
Board Demographics - Ethnicity
African American/Black
11
Asian American/Pacific Islander
0
Caucasian
89
Hispanic/Latino
0
Native American/American Indian
0
Other
00
Board Demographics - Gender
Male
6
70
Female
30
Unspecified
0
Governance
Board Term Lengths
3
Board Term Limits
3
Board Meeting Attendance %
60%
Written Board Selection Criteria?
Under Development
Written Conflict of Interest Policy?
No
Percentage Making Monetary Contributions
70%
Percentage Making In-Kind Contributions
25%
Constituency Includes Client Representation
No
Number of Full Board Meetings Annually
10
Board CoChair
Board CoChair
Ms. Eleanor Willis
Company Affiliation
Former ED, Friends of Warner Parks
Term
Jan 2016 to Dec 2017
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Management
Executive Director/CEO
Executive Director
Ms. Carolyn Sorenson
Term Start
Nov 2008
Email
[email protected]
Experience
Carolyn Sorenson began NTF as program coordinator in 1988 with work experience from 1988-2000 serving the
environmental/engineering fields in marketing and business development. She was promoted to Executive
Director in 2012.
Staff
Full Time Staff
0
Part Time Staff
1
Volunteers
300
Contractors
2
Retention Rate
100%
Plans & Policies
Does the organization have a documented Fundraising Plan?
Under Development
Does the organization have an approved Strategic Plan?
Under Development
Number of years Strategic Plan Considers
3
In case of a change in leadership, is a Management Succession plan in place?
No
Does the organization have a Policies and Procedures Plan?
No
Does the organization have a Nondiscrimination Policy?
Yes
Does the organization have a Whistle Blower Policy?
No
Does the organization have a Document Destruction Policy?
No
Awards
Awards
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Award/Recognition
Organization
Year
Green Industry
Tennessee Urban Forestry Counci 2014
Career Achievement
Tennessee Urban Forestry Counci 2013
East Area Business Council
Beautification Award for ReLeaf
Nashville
Nashville Area Chamber of
Commerce
1999
Outstanding Community Service
Rediscover East!
1999
Certificate of Appreciation for 1998 Metro Nashville Parks
ReLeaf Nashville
1999
Preservation recognition - ReLeaf
Nashville
Metro Nashville Historical
Commission
1999
Merit Award - ReLeaf Nashville
American Society of Landscape
Architects
2000
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Financials
Fiscal Year
Fiscal Year Start
Jan 01 2017
Fiscal Year End
Dec 31 2017
Projected Revenue
$70,000.00
Projected Expenses
$69,000.00
Endowment Value
$0.00
Endowment Spending Policy
Income Only
Endowment Spending Percentage (if selected)
0%
Detailed Financials
Revenue and Expenses
Fiscal Year
Total Revenue
Total Expenses
Revenue Sources
Fiscal Year
Foundation and Corporation
Contributions
Government Contributions
Federal
State
Local
Unspecified
Individual Contributions
Indirect Public Support
Earned Revenue
Investment Income, Net of Losses
Membership Dues
Special Events
Revenue In-Kind
Other
2015
$51,818
$305,607
2014
$286,465
$50,356
2013
---
2015
$10,000
2014
$0
2013
--
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$37,428
$0
$0
$95
$4,295
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$284,894
$0
$0
$96
$1,475
$0
$0
$0
$0
10
---------
Expense Allocation
Fiscal Year
Program Expense
Administration Expense
Fundraising Expense
Payments to Affiliates
Total Revenue/Total Expenses
Program Expense/Total Expenses
Fundraising Expense/Contributed
Revenue
Assets and Liabilities
Fiscal Year
Total Assets
Current Assets
Long-Term Liabilities
Current Liabilities
Total Net Assets
Short Term Solvency
Fiscal Year
Current Ratio: Current Assets/Current
Liabilities
Long Term Solvency
Fiscal Year
Long-Term Liabilities/Total Assets
2015
$299,524
$2,210
$3,873
$0
0.17
98%
8%
2014
$41,584
$6,716
$2,056
$0
5.69
83%
1%
2013
--------
2015
$114,847
$114,809
$0
$1,276
$113,571
2014
$338,548
$338,359
$0
$1,384
$337,164
2013
------
2015
89.98
2014
244.48
2013
--
2015
0%
2014
0%
2013
--
Top Funding Sources
Fiscal Year
Top Funding Source & Dollar Amount
2015
Contributions, Gifts
and Grants $37,428
Second Highest Funding Source & Dollar Foundations and
Amount
Corporations
$10,000
Third Highest Funding Source & Dollar
Membership Dues
Amount
$4,295
2014
2013
Contributions, Gifts & -Grants $284,894
Membership Dues
-$1,475
Investment Income
$96
--
Capital Campaign
Is the organization currently conducting a Capital
Campaign for an endowment or the purchase of a
major asset?
Anticipated In 3 Years
Campaign Purpose
To increase programming, staff, and office location
Capital Campaign Goal
$250,000.00
Campaign Start and End Dates
Nov 2018 to Nov 2021
Capital Campaign Anticipated in Next 5 Years?
Yes
State Charitable Solicitations Permit
TN Charitable Solicitations Registration
Yes - Expires June 2017
Organization Comments
Nashville Tree Foundation seeks to create long-term financial stability and a future capital campaign to expand
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programs. Donations remain steady yet need to see growth as we serve a wider area of Nashville. Operating
expenses are very low.
GivingMatters.com Financial Comments
Financial figures taken from Form 990.
Organization filed a Form 990N in 2013.
Form 990 was prepared by Crosslin & Associates, P.C.
Comments provided by Kathryn Bennett 3/24/17
Created 06.16.2017.
Copyright © 2017 The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee
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