Nonprofit · EIN 51-0147653
MINNESOTA ZOO FOUNDATION
Tax-exempt · APPLE VALLEY, MN 55124
Financials
| Year ended | Form | Revenue | Expenses | Net income | Total assets | Liabilities | Net assets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 30, 2025 | 990 | $14,486,591 | $10,344,349 | $4,142,242 | $18,850,827 | $1,065,600 | $17,785,227 |
| June 30, 2024 | 990 | $8,484,895 | $8,991,857 | -$506,962 | $14,216,605 | $677,440 | $13,539,165 |
| June 30, 2023 | 990 | $6,270,098 | $9,382,230 | -$3,112,132 | $14,549,028 | $617,528 | $13,931,500 |
Financial details: 990 for the year ended June 30, 2025
Revenue
- Contributions, gifts and grants
- $13,764,890
- Program service revenue
- $0
- Investment income
- $619,599
- Net gain from sales of assets
- $276,230
- Net income from fundraising events
- $92,061
- Net income from gaming
- $9,575
- Other revenue
- $102,102
Expenses
- Grants and similar amounts paid
- $6,417,847
- Compensation of officers, directors and key employees
- $468,698
- Other salaries and wages
- $1,359,242
- Salaries, compensation and benefits (total)
- $2,252,020
- Professional fundraising fees
- $145,949
- Legal fees
- $837
- Accounting fees
- $141,795
- Occupancy
- $134,297
- Travel
- $36,213
- Program services (functional)
- $6,880,003
- Management and general (functional)
- $2,073,547
- Fundraising (functional)
- $1,390,799
Balance sheet and other
- Total assets, start of year
- $14,216,605
- Total assets, end of year
- $18,850,827
- Total liabilities, end of year
- $1,065,600
- Net assets, end of year
- $17,785,227
- Publicly traded securities
- $3,038,119
- Net assets without donor restrictions
- $2,197,664
- Net assets with donor restrictions
- $15,587,563
- Gross receipts
- $16,966,914
- Employees
- 24
- Volunteers
- 150
- Year formed
- 1974
- State of legal domicile
- MN
From the e-filed returns the IRS publishes as XML (latest three processing years; amended returns replace the original). PDF copies at the IRS.
Officers, directors and key employees
As listed on the 990 for the year ended June 30, 2025, highest compensation first.
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation | Other / benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JAMIE FLAWS | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Officer | 40 | $187,048 | $11,104 |
| JOHN FRAWLEY | PRESIDENT Officer | 10 | $80,468 | $78,000 |
| JEFFREY SULZBACH | DIRECTOR OF MAJOR GIFTS Highest-paid employee | 40 | $122,052 | $10,001 |
| ELISABETH COMEAUX | DIR CORPORATE & FOUNDATION RELATIONS Highest-paid employee | 40 | $107,126 | $8,591 |
| RYAN SWEENEY | DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Officer | 40 | $106,470 | $5,608 |
| BLAKE GRAMS | BOARD CHAIR Trustee or director, Officer | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| SUZANNE GAPPA | BOARD VICE CHAIR Trustee or director, Officer | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| CHET ELLINGSON | BOARD SECRETARY Trustee or director, Officer | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| MARK LARSEN | BOARD TREASURER Trustee or director, Officer | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| AIMEE DAYHOFF | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| CHARLENE JUNDT | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| DALE KIVIMAKI | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| JULIE KUNKEL | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| ELLIE CROSBY | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| JANE PIRTLE | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 2 | $0 | $0 |
8 more people on this return
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| JEAN TAYLOR | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 2 | $0 |
| JENNIFER SHOMENTA MAKI | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 2 | $0 |
| JESSICA DAVIS | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 2 | $0 |
| LOUIS DOTH | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 2 | $0 |
| NANCY NORDMEYER | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 2 | $0 |
| PEGGY BURNET | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 2 | $0 |
| PHIL GAARDER | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 2 | $0 |
| MATTHEW MCCARTHY | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 2 | $0 |
990 for the year ended June 30, 2024: 21 people
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation | Other / benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JAMIE FLAWS | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Officer | 40 | $161,538 | $13,334 |
| JOHN FRAWLEY | PRESIDENT Officer | 10 | $79,395 | $77,500 |
| ELISABETH COMEAUX | DIR CORPORATE & FOUNDATION RELATIONS Highest-paid employee | 40 | $101,434 | $22,899 |
| RYAN SWEENEY | DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Officer | 40 | $92,688 | $11,440 |
| BLAKE GRAMS | BOARD CHAIR Trustee or director, Officer | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| SUZANNE GAPPA | BOARD VICE CHAIR Trustee or director, Officer | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| CHET ELLINGSON | BOARD SECRETARY Trustee or director, Officer | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| MARK LARSEN | BOARD TREASURER Trustee or director, Officer | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| AIMEE DAYHOFF | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| CHARLENE JUNDT | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| DALE KIVIMAKI | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| DOUG FULTON | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| ELLIE CROSBY | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| JANE PIRTLE | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| JEAN TAYLOR | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| JENNIFER SHOMENTA MAKI | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| JOE RAVENS | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| LOUIS DOTH | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| NANCY NORDMEYER | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| PEGGY BURNET | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| PHIL GAARDER | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 2 | $0 | $0 |
990 for the year ended June 30, 2023: 22 people
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation | Other / benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ANNE WEBER-SMITH | DIRECTOR OF MAJOR GIFTS Highest-paid employee | 40 | $126,018 | $24,113 |
| RYAN SWEENEY | DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Officer | 40 | $84,633 | $12,643 |
| JOHN FRAWLEY | PRESIDENT Officer | 10 | $0 | $75,000 |
| JOE RAVENS | BOARD CHAIR Trustee or director, Officer | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| BLAKE GRAMS | VICE CHAIR Trustee or director, Officer | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| CHET ELLINGSON | BOARD SECRETARY Trustee or director, Officer | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| MARK LARSEN | BOARD TREASURER Trustee or director, Officer | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| PEGGY BURNET | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| AIMEE DAYHOFF | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| ELLIE CROSBY | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| LOUIS DOTH | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| DOUG FULTON | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| PHIL GAARDER | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| ED HEFFERNAN | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| CHARLENE JUNDT | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| DALE KIVIMAKI | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| LORI MARCO | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| NANCY NORDMEYER | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| JANE PIRTLE | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| JOE RAVENS | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| JENNIFER SHOMENTA MAKI | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| JEAN TAYLOR | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 2 | $0 | $0 |
Address and contacts
- Address (IRS master file)
- 13000 ZOO BLVD, APPLE VALLEY, MN 55124-4621
- Principal officer (990 for 2024)
- JOHN FRAWLEY, 13000 ZOO BOULEVARD, APPLE VALLEY, MN 55124
- Signed the 990
- JOHN FRAWLEY, PRESIDENT
- Phone
- (952) 431-9237
- Website
- WWW.MNZOOFOUNDATION.ORG
- Return prepared by
- BAKER TILLY ADVISORY GROUP LP
Mission
THE MINNESOTA ZOO FOUNDATION RAISES CONTRIBUTED INCOME AND SUPPORTS CONSERVATION AND ANIMAL CARE PROGRAMS ON BEHALF OF THE MINNESOTA ZOO. THE MISSION OF THE MINNESOTA ZOO IS TO CONNECT PEOPLE, ANIMALS, AND THE NATURAL WORLD TO SAVE WILDLIFE.
Program accomplishments
- ZOO CAPITAL PROJECTS:OUR SUPPORT PROPELS LEADING-EDGE IDEAS THAT REDEFINE THE ROLE AND IMPACT OF MODERN ZOOS, SUCH AS THE CREATION OF INNOVATIVE NATURE EXPERIENCES, BEST-IN-CLASS EDUCATION PROGRAMS, AND INDUSTRY-LEADING CONSERVATION EFFORTS. WE EMPOWER THE MINNESOTA ZOO TO CONTINUOUSLY RAISE THE BAR FOR EXCELLENCE IN ANIMAL CARE AND OPERATIONS BY FUNDING THE MOST ADVANCED EQUIPMENT, BEST-IN-CLASS FACILITIES AND INDUSTRY-LEADING STAFF DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES. THE MINNESOTA ZOO FOUNDATION'S FINANCIAL SUPPORT OF THE TREETOP TRAIL HAS EXPANDED THE ZOO'S ROLE AND IMPACT IN OUR COMMUNITIES. AS VISITORS HAVE EXPLORED THE INNOVATIVE, IMMERSIVE, AND ACCESSIBLE ATTRACTION, THEY'VE BEEN ABLE TO CONNECT WITH NATURE AND NURTURE THEIR PERSONAL WELL-BEING.THE FOUNDATION'S FUNDING OF THE ZOO'S FUTURE NEW ANIMAL HOSPITAL WILL ELEVATE THE ZOO'S EXCELLENCE IN ANIMAL CARE BY PROVIDING AN INDUSTRY-LEADING FACILITY AND HIGH-TECH EQUIPMENT. THE MINNESOTA ZOO'S WILDLIFE HOSPITAL AND WELLNESS CENTER WILL SERVE AS AN OASIS OF CARE AND WELLBEING FOR OUR ANIMALS AND AS A HIGH-POWERED RESEARCH CENTER BRINGING TOGETHER ZOOLOGICAL VETERINARIANS AND SCIENTISTS FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY TO LEARN AND WORK TOGETHER TO CHANGE THE FUTURE FOR WILDLIFE HERE AND AROUND THE GLOBE.Expenses $4,400,000 · grants $4,400,000
- ZOO SUPPORT:THE MINNESOTA ZOO FOUNDATION HELPS OPEN DOORS TO UNIQUELY IMMERSIVE NATURE EXPERIENCES THAT BENEFIT THE WELL-BEING OF ALL BY SPONSORING PROGRAMS THAT BRING THE MINNESOTA ZOO EXPERIENCE TO MINNESOTA COMMUNITIES AND REDUCE PHYSICAL, FINANCIAL, AND CULTURAL BARRIERS TO THE ZOO. WE EMPOWER THE ZOO TO CONTINUOUSLY RAISE THE BAR FOR EXCELLENCE IN ANIMAL CARE AND OPERATIONS BY FUNDING THE MOST ADVANCED EQUIPMENT, BEST-IN-CLASS FACILITIES AND INDUSTRY-LEADING STAFF DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES. EFFORTS BY THE MINNESOTA ZOO FOUNDATION, INCLUDING GRANTS TO THE MINNESOTA ZOO AND SUPPORT OF ZOO PROGRAMS AND LEADING-EDGE IDEAS REDEFINE THE ROLE AND IMPACT OF MODERN ZOOS, INCLUDING THROUGH THE CREATION OF INNOVATIVE NATURE EXPERIENCES, BEST-IN-CLASS EDUCATION PROGRAMS, AND INDUSTRY-LEADING CONSERVATION EFFORTS. THESE EFFORTS DIRECTLY SUPPORT DEVELOPING A WORLD-CLASS NATURE ZOO EXPERIENCE FOR NEARLY 1.5 MILLION ANNUAL VISITORS TO THE ZOO, DELIVERING EXCEPTIONAL WELFARE FOR OVER 4,500 ANIMALS IN THE ZOO'S CARE (MANY OF WHICH ARE THREATENED OR ENDANGERED IN THE WILD), AND STEWARDSHIP OF 485 ACRES OF FOREST, PRAIRIE, AND WETLANDS.Expenses $1,901,917 · grants $1,554,158
- CONSERVATION:THE MINNESOTA ZOO IS ABLE TO LEAD AND PARTICIPATE IN INDUSTRY-LEADING CONSERVATION PROGRAMS THAT ARE SAVING WILDLIFE BECAUSE OF FUNDING FROM THE MINNESOTA ZOO FOUNDATION. FROM NATIVE MUSSEL RESTORATION WORK AND TURTLE HEAD-START PROGRAMS HERE IN MINNESOTA TO GLOBAL EFFORTS THROUGH THE ULYSSES S. SEAL CONSERVATION GRANT PROGRAM AND BLACK RHINO RESTORATION IN NAMIBIA, THE FOUNDATION HELPS FURTHER THE ZOO'S CONSERVATION FOOTPRINT.THE MINNESOTA ZOO FOUNDATION FUNDS SEVERAL SAVING ANIMALS FROM EXTINCTION (SAFE) PROGRAMS AND THE ZOO AND FOUNDATION CO-HOST THE TIGER CONSERVATION CAMPAIGN, BOTH PROGRAMS WITH THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS. SUPPORTING THESE FIELD CONSERVATION PROGRAMS FURTHERS OUR WILDLIFE-SAVING IMPACT AROUND THE WORLD.THE MINNESOTA ZOO FOUNDATION HELPS TO FUND FOUR PAID INTERNSHIPS THAT SUPPORT PRAIRIE BUTTERFLY, FRESHWATER TURTLE, AND FRESHWATER MUSSEL CONSERVATION PROGRAMS AT THE ZOO. THE SUPPORT FROM THESE INTERNS ALLOWS OUR CONSERVATION BIOLOGISTS TO FOCUS ON HIGHER-LEVEL PROJECTS AND PRIORITIES THAT HELP US RAISE THE BAR FOR EXCELLENCE IN OUR CONSERVATION WORK.Expenses $578,086 · grants $463,689
What it must file and when
IRS records say it files Form 990 or 990-EZ. Based on its last return; a smaller organization may file the 990-N. Its accounting year ends in June, so each return is due on the 15th day of the 5th month after that.
| Tax year | Year ended | Due | IRS public records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | June 30, 2026 | November 16, 2026 | Not due yet |
| 2024 | June 30, 2025 | November 17, 2025 | 990 on file |
| 2023 | June 30, 2024 | November 15, 2024 | 990 on file |
IRS record
- EIN
- 51-0147653
- Tax-exempt status
- 501(c)(3): Charitable, religious, educational or scientific organization
- Foundation status
- Publicly supported organization (170(b)(1)(A)(vi))
- Donations deductible (Pub 78)
- Public charity, 50% deduction limit
- Exempt since
- 1975
- Accounting year ends
- June
- Files
- Form 990 or 990-EZ
- Category (NTEE)
- Animal-related (D115)
- Assets (IRS master file)
- $18,850,827
- Income (IRS master file)
- $16,966,914
Filing history
| Form | Year ended | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 990 | June 2025 | $14,486,591 | $10,344,349 | $18,850,827 | IRS |
| 990 | June 2024 | $8,484,895 | $8,991,857 | $14,216,605 | IRS |
| 990 | June 2023 | $6,270,098 | $9,382,230 | $14,549,028 | XML |
| 990 | June 2022 | $10,864,177 | $10,533,077 | $17,621,312 | IRS |
| 990 | June 2021 | – | – | – | IRS |
| 990 | June 2020 | – | – | – | IRS |
| 990 | June 2019 | – | – | – | IRS |
| 990 | June 2018 | – | – | – | IRS |
990-N: the IRS bulk file holds only the latest e-Postcard per organization; earlier years come from archived copies of that file since 2020 and can have gaps (the IRS e-Postcard search lists every one). 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF, 990-T: every e-filed return in the IRS e-file index since 2019; XML for the latest three processing years, amounts from the IRS Statistics of Income extracts before that. PDF copies and determination letters at the IRS (search EIN 51-0147653).
Questions about MINNESOTA ZOO FOUNDATION
- What is the EIN of MINNESOTA ZOO FOUNDATION?
- The employer identification number (EIN) of MINNESOTA ZOO FOUNDATION is 51-0147653.
- Is MINNESOTA ZOO FOUNDATION tax-exempt?
- Yes. The IRS lists it as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) since 1975.
- Are donations to MINNESOTA ZOO FOUNDATION tax-deductible?
- Yes. It is listed in IRS Publication 78 (Public charity, 50% deduction limit).
- Which annual return does MINNESOTA ZOO FOUNDATION file?
- Form 990 or 990-EZ. Based on its last return; a smaller organization may file the 990-N.
- When is the next return of MINNESOTA ZOO FOUNDATION due?
- The return for tax year 2025 (the year ending June 30, 2026) is due November 16, 2026. Form 8868 extends it by six months; the 990-N cannot be extended.
- When did MINNESOTA ZOO FOUNDATION last file with the IRS?
- The latest return in the IRS public files is the 990 for the year ended June 2025.
- Who is the principal officer of MINNESOTA ZOO FOUNDATION?
- The 990 for the year ended June 30, 2025 names JOHN FRAWLEY.
- Who are the officers and directors of MINNESOTA ZOO FOUNDATION?
- The 990 for the year ended June 30, 2025 lists 23 people; 5 received compensation from the organization, the highest $187,048 (JAMIE FLAWS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR).
- How much revenue does MINNESOTA ZOO FOUNDATION have?
- On its 990 for the year ended June 30, 2025 it reported revenue of $14,486,591, expenses of $10,344,349 and total assets of $18,850,827 at year end.
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