The Nelson Gallery Foundation

“Description of changes to governing documents- the organization's bylaws were amended on may 1, 2016. The amended bylaws state that the trustees of the william rockhill nelson trust, a related tax-exempt organization, shall be those persons serving as trustees of the nelson gallery foundation. Additionally, the maximum number of foundation trustees was increased from twenty-one to twenty-four and the requirement to have three university trustees was eliminated.”

“Description of practices re: documentation of mtgs & actions of committees- the executive committee of the board does not maintain minutes of their meetings. The remaining committees (audit, buildings & grounds, collections, community relations, development, education, exhibition, governance, finance, investment, and nominating) generate and approve minutes of their meetings.”

“Describe the process used by management &/or governing body to review 990- initial compilation of the information for the return is completed by finance department staff with review by the director, finance and subsequent review by the chief operating officer prior to transmission to the accounting firm for return preparation. Upon receipt of completed return and review by the director, finance the return will be provided to the chief executive officer, chief operating officer, audit committee and to all trustees for review prior to filing.”

“Monitoring and enforcement of compliance with conflict of interest policy- the conflict of interest policy requires the completion of a written questionnaire by each director, officer, member of a committee with board-delegated power and key employees, on an annual basis. The questionnaire addresses each individual's acknowledgement of the receipt of the code of conduct and the conflict of interest policy and their compliance with it, along with requiring responses to detailed questions related to specific areas that could raise a conflict. The board chair of the board of trustees would review any identified conflicts of interest and determine whether any further action would need to occur.”

“Offices & positions for which process was used & year process began- the executive committee and board chair of the board of trustees reviews the compensation and employment benefits of the director/ceo on an annual basis. A variety of salary survey information is provided by the director, human resources during this process including surveys by american association of museum directors, the american alliance of museums, society for human resources management, and the non-profit times salary and benefit report. The last review was conducted on may 1, 2017 by shirley bush helzberg, board chair.”

“Process for making documents available to the public- the governing documents and conflict of interest policy are not generally made available to the public. Audited financial statements for the prior year are available on the oranization's website.”

“The nelson-atkins museum of art is where the power of art engages the spirit of community. We welcome and provide free admission to all, and deliver unparalleled opportunities to enjoy, appreciate and understand the finest visual arts and the varied cultures they represent on our campus, online, and throughout kansas city. As an institution of national and international renown, we establish and adhere to the highest professional standards and practices in research, scholarship, presentation, interpretation and care of our collections. We serve as a vital partner in the educational, social and cultural life of our community, using our collections and programs to build an environment where people can gather, share and contemplate the greatest creations of humankind. Every day, in all we do, the nelson-atkins is committed to nurturing excellence, inspiring creativity and building community through the power of art.”

“The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is dedicated to connecting the public with great works of art. During the current fiscal year, the Nelson-Atkins welcomed over 561,000 visitors to explore its encyclopedia collection of approximately 40,000 art objects spanning 5,000 years. Free general admission to the Museums collection allows for hundreds of free public programs each year that give people a wide range of opportunities to interact with art. More than 159,000 adults and children participated in structured learning opportunities offered by the Museums educational division during the current fiscal year. Curators focus on studying our collection, enhancing it through gifts and purchases, loaning works from our collection to other institutions to enhance the publics understanding of a particular artist or topic and they organize exhibitions for the Nelson-Atkins galleries that are both collection and thematically developed. Each year at least three major featured exhibitions are held in large galleries dedicated to rotation or traveling exhibitions. In addition, three exhibitions are held annually in our photography galleries. Rotations of works on paper and textiles in our European collection is ongoing, giving visitors something new to see each time they visit. Approximately 500 volunteers assist and support the Museum annually by giving of their time and intellect. This includes docents and museum guides who are rigorously trained by our education and curatorial staff to guide and interpret our collection for visitors.”

“Other changes in net assets or fund balances- net periodic pension costs $ 1,762,434 change in value of trusts held by others 1,180,235 acquisition and disposition of art (835,337) ----------- $ 2,107,332”

“The audit committee is responsible for engaging the audit firm and review of the draft audited financial statements before issuance.”