Urban Beekeeping Laboratory and Bee Sanctuary Inc.

On a mission to improve bee health.

aka UBL or Urban Bee Lab | Roxbury, MA | https://urbanbeelab.org/

GuideStar Charity Check

EIN: 47-2418162

Contributions tax deductible
as of September 2023

IRS BMF 509(a)(1)
as of September 18, 2023

View summary

Charity Check report

Mission

The Urban Beekeeping Lab is a 501(c)(3) non-profit on a mission to improve bee health. We see bees as the ultimate tie that binds food security, climate change, natural disaster mitigation, and ecological preservation. We believe that in order to save the world, we must save the bees. In partnership with The Best Bees Company, America’s first and largest beekeeping service, the UBL analyzes hive data from Best Bees beehives to elucidate trends and advance our understanding of global pollinator decline. We aim to conduct cutting-edge research to stabilize honeybee health, and then extend those approaches to other, lesser studied species of pollinators.

Ruling year info

2015

Executive Director

Noah Wilson-Rich

Associate Director

Katina Bentley

Main address

839 Albany St

Roxbury, MA 02119 USA

Show more contact info

EIN

47-2418162

Subject area info

Climate change

Wildlife sanctuaries

Plant biodiversity

Environmental education

Gardening

Show more subject areas

Population served info

Children and youth

Adults

LGBTQ people

Ethnic and racial groups

NTEE code info

Environmental Quality, Protection, and Beautification N.E.C. (C99)

IRS subsection

501(c)(3) Public Charity

IRS filing requirement

This organization is required to file an IRS Form 990-N.

Tax forms

Show Forms 990

Communication

Programs and results

What we aim to solve

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

We believe that honey bees can be leveraged for their scientific and societal value. They are both indicators of global pollinator health and cultural threads with which we can sew engaging dialogs that connect communities across generations. The UBL aims to harness the power of inclusive innovation to make a measurable, positive impact on the environment.

Our programs

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?

Mapping Honey DNA

HoneyDNA is the process of identifying the exact percentage of various pollen species found in honey through advanced genomic sequencing. Understanding where bees foraged reveals which plants best feed pollinators in the local environment. The UBL is taking data collected by Best Bees and putting it on the map.

Mapping HoneyDNA aims to reveal geographic areas where bees prosper based on the diversity of their diet. Consequently, the map will identify “pollinator food deserts,” or areas where plant forage is sparse or monocrop culture is prevalent. We hope to take a citizens science approach to creating a biodiverse planet where bees can thrive.

Future initiatives include using HoneyDNA data as a tool to restore land after natural disasters. By identifying the presence of invasive species in certain locations before and after extreme weather occurrences, we’re able to inform how to revive our land in a sustainable way that prioritizes native and diverse plant life.

Population(s) Served

Ethnic and racial groups

Adults

Children and youth

LGBTQ people

Immigrants and migrants

Pitch for Pollinators

Using real, cutting edge data from our Boston neighborhood bee hives and HoneyDNA map, this project is an amazing opportunity for students to feel connected to their natural environment, enhance their scientific knowledge while also contributing to our greater understanding of pollinators. At the UBL, we believe that by engaging young researchers we have the potential to improve bee health while inspiring students to consider science as a future academic and/or career path. Similar to other pitch competitions, we expect students to present to a panel of volunteer judges as part of the project.

UBL Foundation

The UBL Foundation provides small grant funding to support innovation, social and environmental justice, and creative projects across the STEAM spectrum that support our mission to save the bees. We're keenly focused on providing money to fuel projects within BIPOC, AAPI, LGBTQIA+, Latinx, and other marginalized communities that have unique but historically muted perspectives. We give priority to projects that incorporate our HoneyDNA data, although it is not a requirement.

Population(s) Served

Adolescents

Preteens

Adolescents

Preteens

Adults

Researchers

Students

Where we work

External reviews

Our results

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

How does this organization measure their results? It's a hard question but an important one.

Number of overall donors

Totals By Year

Population(s) Served

Related Program

Type of Metric

Input - describing resources we use

Direction of Success

Increasing

Context Notes

Number of samples collected and tested using HoneyDNA genomics

Totals By Year

Population(s) Served

Related Program

Mapping Honey DNA

Type of Metric

Output - describing our activities and reach

Direction of Success

Increasing

Context Notes

Goals & Strategy

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

Learn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.

Charting impact

Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.

What is the organization aiming to accomplish?

We see bees as the ultimate tie that binds food security, climate change, natural disaster mitigation, and ecological preservation. We believe that in order to save the world, we must save the bees. In partnership with The Best Bees Company, America’s first and largest beekeeping service, the UBL analyzes hive data from Best Bees beehives to elucidate trends and advance our understanding of global pollinator decline. We aim to conduct cutting-edge research to stabilize honeybee health, and then extend those approaches to other, lesser studied species.

What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?

We continue to fund cutting edge research with HoneyDNA, PollinatorDNA for detecting and monitoring animal pollinator biodiversity, and PropolisDNA, which detects medicinal plants for bees, collectively inform regions worldwide of best practices for ecosystem health and agricultural wellness.

What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?

We have hired a Associate Director to help us build a healthy non profit that operates responsibly and stewards our donor dollars in ways that will help support our mission.

What have they accomplished so far and what's next?

How we listen

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

Seeking feedback from people served makes programs more responsive and effective. Here’s how this organization is listening.

We shared information about our current feedback practices.

How is your organization using feedback from the people you serve?

To identify and remedy poor client service experiences, To make fundamental changes to our programs and/or operations, To inform the development of new programs/projects
Which of the following feedback practices does your organization routinely carry out?

We aim to collect feedback from as many people we serve as possible, We look for patterns in feedback based on people’s interactions with us (e.g., site, frequency of service, etc.), We act on the feedback we receive
What challenges does the organization face when collecting feedback?

Staff find it hard to prioritize feedback collection and review due to lack of time, It is difficult to identify actionable feedback

Financials

Urban Beekeeping Laboratory and Bee Sanctuary Inc.

Fiscal year: Jan 01 - Dec 31

Revenue vs. expenses: breakdown

SOURCE: IRS Form 990

NET GAIN/LOSS: in

Note: When component data are not available, the graph displays the total Revenue and/or Expense values.

Financial data

SOURCE: IRS Form 990

Digitizing IRS form 990 data

Urban Beekeeping Laboratory and Bee Sanctuary Inc.

Revenue & expenses

Fiscal Year: Jan 01 - Dec 31

SOURCE: IRS Form 990 info

Fiscal year ending: Download Data

Revenue
Contributions	$92,400
Program Services	$0
Investments	$0
Special Events	$0
Sales	$0
Other	$0
Total Revenue	$92,400

Expenses
Grants	$0
Salaries & Employee Benefits	$1,070
Professional Fees	$118
Occupancy	$0
Printing, Publications, Postage, etc.	$0
Other Expenses	$45,122
Total Expenses	$46,310
Net Gain/Loss	$46,090

Revenue
Contributions	$72,200
Program Services	$0
Investments	$0
Special Events	$0
Sales	$0
Other	$0
Total Revenue	$72,200

Expenses
Grants	$0
Salaries & Employee Benefits	$0
Professional Fees	$1,402
Occupancy	$0
Printing, Publications, Postage, etc.	$0
Other Expenses	$101,220
Total Expenses	$102,622
Net Gain/Loss	($30,422)

Revenue
Contributions	$8,122
Program Services	$0
Investments	$0
Special Events	$0
Sales	$0
Other	$0
Total Revenue	$8,122

Expenses
Grants	$0
Salaries & Employee Benefits	$92
Professional Fees	$2,296
Occupancy	$0
Printing, Publications, Postage, etc.	$0
Other Expenses	$19,245
Total Expenses	$21,633
Net Gain/Loss	($13,511)

Revenue
Contributions	$57,394
Program Services	$0
Investments	$0
Special Events	$0
Sales	$0
Other	$0
Total Revenue	$57,394

Expenses
Grants	$0
Salaries & Employee Benefits	$23,037
Professional Fees	$9,588
Occupancy	$0
Printing, Publications, Postage, etc.	$241
Other Expenses	$3,897
Total Expenses	$36,763
Net Gain/Loss	$20,631

Revenue
Contributions	$12,882
Program Services	$0
Investments	$0
Special Events	$0
Sales	$0
Other	$0
Total Revenue	$12,882

Expenses
Grants	$0
Salaries & Employee Benefits	$0
Professional Fees	$3,278
Occupancy	$0
Printing, Publications, Postage, etc.	$0
Other Expenses	$1,543
Total Expenses	$4,821
Net Gain/Loss	$8,061

Revenue
Contributions	$2,198
Program Services	$0
Investments	$0
Special Events	$0
Sales	$0
Other	$0
Total Revenue	$2,198

Expenses
Grants	$0
Salaries & Employee Benefits	$0
Professional Fees	$11,815
Occupancy	$0
Printing, Publications, Postage, etc.	$0
Other Expenses	$980
Total Expenses	$12,795
Net Gain/Loss	($10,597)

Urban Beekeeping Laboratory and Bee Sanctuary Inc.

Balance sheet

Fiscal Year: Jan 01 - Dec 31

SOURCE: IRS Form 990 info

The balance sheet gives a snapshot of the financial health of an organization at a particular point in time. An organization's total assets should generally exceed its total liabilities, or it cannot survive long, but the types of assets and liabilities must also be considered. For instance, an organization's current assets (cash, receivables, securities, etc.) should be sufficient to cover its current liabilities (payables, deferred revenue, current year loan, and note payments). Otherwise, the organization may face solvency problems. On the other hand, an organization whose cash and equivalents greatly exceed its current liabilities might not be putting its money to best use.

Fiscal year ending: Download Data

Assets	Jan 01, 2015	Dec 31, 2015	Change
Contributions	$92,400
Cash & Equivalents	$0	$46,090	$46,090
Fixed Assets (LBE - Depreciation)	$0	$0	$0
Other	$0	$0	$0
Total Assets	$0	$46,090	$46,090

Liabilities	Jan 01, 2015	Dec 31, 2015	Change
Total Liabilities	$0	$0	$0

Fund balance	Jan 01, 2015	Dec 31, 2015	Change
Net Assets	$0	$46,090	$46,090

Assets	Jan 01, 2016	Dec 31, 2016	Change
Contributions	$72,200
Cash & Equivalents	$46,090	$15,668	($30,422)
Fixed Assets (LBE - Depreciation)	$0	$0	$0
Other	$0	$0	$0
Total Assets	$46,090	$15,668	($30,422)

Liabilities	Jan 01, 2016	Dec 31, 2016	Change
Total Liabilities	$0	$0	$0

Fund balance	Jan 01, 2016	Dec 31, 2016	Change
Net Assets	$46,090	$15,668	($30,422)

Assets	Jan 01, 2017	Dec 31, 2017	Change
Contributions	$8,122
Cash & Equivalents	$15,668	$2,157	($13,511)
Fixed Assets (LBE - Depreciation)	$0	$0	$0
Other	$0	$0	$0
Total Assets	$15,668	$2,157	($13,511)

Liabilities	Jan 01, 2017	Dec 31, 2017	Change
Total Liabilities	$0	$0	$0

Fund balance	Jan 01, 2017	Dec 31, 2017	Change
Net Assets	$15,668	$2,157	($13,511)

Assets	Jan 01, 2019	Dec 31, 2019	Change
Contributions	$57,394
Cash & Equivalents	$16,740	$37,371	$20,631
Fixed Assets (LBE - Depreciation)	$0	$0	$0
Other	$0	$0	$0
Total Assets	$16,740	$37,371	$20,631

Liabilities	Jan 01, 2019	Dec 31, 2019	Change
Total Liabilities	$0	$0	$0

Fund balance	Jan 01, 2019	Dec 31, 2019	Change
Net Assets	$16,740	$37,371	$20,631

Assets	Jan 01, 2020	Dec 31, 2020	Change
Contributions	$12,882
Cash & Equivalents	$37,371	$62,932	$25,561
Fixed Assets (LBE - Depreciation)	$0	$0	$0
Other	$0	$0	$0
Total Assets	$37,371	$62,932	$25,561

Liabilities	Jan 01, 2020	Dec 31, 2020	Change
Total Liabilities	$0	$17,500	$17,500

Fund balance	Jan 01, 2020	Dec 31, 2020	Change
Net Assets	$37,371	$45,432	$8,061

Assets	Jan 01, 2021	Dec 31, 2021	Change
Contributions	$2,198
Cash & Equivalents	$62,932	$64,335	$1,403
Fixed Assets (LBE - Depreciation)	$0	$0	$0
Other	$0	$0	$0
Total Assets	$62,932	$64,335	$1,403

Liabilities	Jan 01, 2021	Dec 31, 2021	Change
Total Liabilities	$17,500	$29,500	$12,000

Fund balance	Jan 01, 2021	Dec 31, 2021	Change
Net Assets	$45,432	$34,835	($10,597)

Operations

The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.

Documents

Letter of Determination is not available for this organization

Form 1023/1024 is not available for this organization

Executive Director

Noah Wilson-Rich

LinkedIn profile

Noah is a keynote speaker (www.NoahWilsonRich.com) represented by Outspoken Agency (https://www.outspokenagency.com/noah-wilson-rich). His TED talks have millions of views. Noah's work draws from his background as a Ph.D. evolutionary biologist, with over 20 peer-reviewed publications with the world's leading science and research institutions such as MIT, NASA, National Geographic, and many others. Noah is an experienced co-Founder and CEO, working across for-profit and non-profit sectors with The Best Bees Company (www.bestbees.com) and the Urban Bee Lab (www.urbanbeelab.org). He is a Princeton University Press author of The Bee: A Natural History. Noah is passionate about transforming urban spaces from 'gray to green' by transforming underutilized spaces on rooftops and grounds and turning them into vibrant pollinator habitats that feed communities and add value for the property owners. His keynote topics are detailed at his speaking website, www.noahwilsonrich.com.

Associate Director

Katina Bentley

LinkedIn profile

Highly successful creative professional with an entrepreneurial mind-set and a desire to build community. Passionate about marketing, fundraising & event planning, partnerships, storytelling, and design. Loves solving a good problem, applying logic and numbers to make the best user experience and working with a team to grow an idea from ideation to execution. Adds value with a naturally curious inclination and an eagerness to learn and adapt.

Urban Beekeeping Laboratory and Bee Sanctuary Inc.

Officers, directors, trustees, and key employees

SOURCE: IRS Form 990

Compensation

Other

Show data for fiscal year

Compensation data

Download up to 5 most recent years of officer and director compensation data for this organization

There are no highest paid employees recorded for this organization.

Urban Beekeeping Laboratory and Bee Sanctuary Inc.

Board of directors
as of 07/27/2023

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

Board of directors data

Download the most recent year of board of directors data for this organization

Board chair

Terrence Meck

The Pallette Fund

Bryan Furze

WS Development

Jeff Arnstein

Nationwide Mortgage

Sean Cahill

Best Bees Company

Noah Wilson-Rich

Best Bees Company

Board leadership practices

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

GuideStar worked with BoardSource, the national leader in nonprofit board leadership and governance, to create this section.

Board orientation and education
Does the board conduct a formal orientation for new board members and require all board members to sign a written agreement regarding their roles, responsibilities, and expectations? Yes
CEO oversight
Has the board conducted a formal, written assessment of the chief executive within the past year ? Not applicable
Ethics and transparency
Have the board and senior staff reviewed the conflict-of-interest policy and completed and signed disclosure statements in the past year? Yes
Board composition
Does the board ensure an inclusive board member recruitment process that results in diversity of thought and leadership? Not applicable
Board performance
Has the board conducted a formal, written self-assessment of its performance within the past three years? Not applicable

Organizational demographics

SOURCE: Self-reported; last updated 6/9/2023

Candid has made improvements to the race and ethnicity options.

Who works and leads organizations that serve our diverse communities? Candid partnered with CHANGE Philanthropy on this demographic section.

Leadership

The organization's leader identifies as:

Race & ethnicity

White/Caucasian/European

Gender identity

Male, Not transgender (cisgender)

Sexual orientation

Gay, lesbian, bisexual, or other sexual orientations in the LGBTQIA+ community

The organization's co-leader identifies as:

Race & ethnicity

White/Caucasian/European

Gender identity

Female, Not transgender (cisgender)

Sexual orientation

Heterosexual or straight

Race & ethnicity

No data

Gender identity

No data

Sexual orientation

No data

Disability

No data

Urban Beekeeping Laboratory and Bee Sanctuary Inc.

On a mission to improve bee health.

Mission

Is this your nonprofit?

Programs and results

What we aim to solve

Our programs

Mapping Honey DNA

Pitch for Pollinators

UBL Foundation

Where we work

Our results

Evaluation documents

Number of overall donors

Totals By Year

Population(s) Served

Related Program

Type of Metric

Direction of Success

Context Notes

Number of samples collected and tested using HoneyDNA genomics

Totals By Year

Population(s) Served

Related Program

Type of Metric

Direction of Success

Context Notes

Goals & Strategy

Charting impact

What is the organization aiming to accomplish?

What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?

What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?

What have they accomplished so far and what's next?

How we listen

Financials

Revenue vs. expenses: breakdown

Financial data

Digitizing IRS form 990 data

Urban Beekeeping Laboratory and Bee Sanctuary Inc.

Urban Beekeeping Laboratory and Bee Sanctuary Inc.

Operations

Documents

Executive Director

Noah Wilson-Rich

Associate Director

Katina Bentley

Urban Beekeeping Laboratory and Bee Sanctuary Inc.

Compensation data

Urban Beekeeping Laboratory and Bee Sanctuary Inc.

Board of directors data

Terrence Meck

Board leadership practices

Board orientation and education

CEO oversight

Ethics and transparency

Board composition

Board performance

Organizational demographics

Leadership

Race & ethnicity

Gender identity

Sexual orientation

Disability