CHICAGO HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

Nonprofit organization operating Chicago Botanic Garden and promoting horticultural education

Primary audience
General public
Work area
Environmental education
Topic
Botany and horticulture
Website Contact

About Organization

Chicago Horticultural Society maintains botanical gardens, conducts plant research, and provides educational programs. Based in Chicago area, the organization operates with $48.6 million in annual revenue, managing extensive gardens and conservation programs.

What They Focus On

Plant Science

Conducting botanical research on conservation, ecology, and sustainable horticultural practices serving scientific community

Urban Agriculture

Supporting community food systems through gardening education and sustainable growing technique demonstration

Public Education

Providing lifelong learning opportunities connecting diverse audiences with plants through exhibitions and programs

Financial Information

Form 990 data showing organizational financial health and growth.

Year Revenue Expenses Assets Employees
2024 $68,147,549 $73,382,562 $359,100,527 865
2023 — — — —
2023 $76,930,745 $69,918,513 $345,474,602 871
2022 — — — —
2022 $77,057,735 $60,660,427 $316,160,584 803
2020 — — — —
2020 $53,583,619 $46,241,769 $311,583,095 657
2019 $88,318,689 $48,907,247 $289,912,332 730
2018 $49,317,007 $47,979,832 $249,029,271 738

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. All figures in USD.

How They Work

Learn more
  • 01

    Plant Cultivation

    Maintain diverse living collections demonstrating horticultural excellence and plant conservation

  • 02

    Scientific Study

    Conduct plant science research addressing ecology, conservation, and sustainable agriculture challenges

  • 03

    Community Education

    Deliver learning programs connecting diverse audiences with plants through hands-on experiences

  • 04

    Public Access

    Welcome visitors to explore gardens fostering appreciation for plant beauty and importance

Programs and Initiatives

Services and programs offered by CHICAGO HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

Scientific Research

Plant science studies advancing knowledge of conservation, ecology, and horticultural practices

Urban Agriculture

Community gardening programs supporting food security and sustainable growing practices

Lifelong Learning

Educational courses, workshops, and certificate programs for all ages and skill levels

Garden Collections

Curated horticultural displays showcasing plant diversity and landscape design excellence

Team & Leadership

Meet the people behind CHICAGO HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

Team information not available.

Milestones

1890

Society Founded

1890

Chicago Horticultural Society established with motto Urbs in Horto meaning city in garden

1893

World Fair Show

1893

Hosted Chrysanthemum Show at World Columbian Exposition gaining national recognition

1943

Society Restarted

1943

Reestablished Chicago Horticultural Society after period of organizational inactivity

2019

Revenue Peak

2019

Achieved highest annual revenue of $88 million supporting expanded programs

2024

Current Operations

2024

Operating with 865 employees serving Chicago region with $68 million budget

Contact

Get in touch with CHICAGO HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

Phone

(847) 835-6801

Social

Visit Website