Form990
Click to see attachment
Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue Service
Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax
Under section 501(c), 527, or 4947(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code (except private
foundations)
MediumBullet Do not enter social security numbers on this form as it may be made public.
MediumBullet Information about Form 990 and its instructions is at www.IRS.gov/form990.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2015
Open to Public Inspection
A For the 2015 calendar year, or tax year beginning 09-01-2015 , and ending 08-31-2016
BCheck if applicable:
CName of organization
America Achieves Inc
 
 
Doing business as
 
 
Number and street (or P.O. box if mail is not delivered to street address)
1460 Broadway 8th Floor
 
Room/suite
City or town, state or province, country, and ZIP or foreign postal code
New York, NY10036
D Employer identification number

27-3238471
E Telephone number

(646) 854-6083
G Gross receipts $ 13,681,944
F Name and address of principal officer:
Jon Schnur
95 Morton Street Ground Fl
New York,NY10014
I
Tax-exempt status: (   ) LeftBullet (insert no.) or
J
Website:MediumBullet
www.americaachieves.org
H(a)
Is this a group return for
subordinates?
H(b)
Are all subordinates
included?
If "No," attach a list. (see instructions)
H(c)
Group exemption number MediumBullet  
K Form of organization:  
L Year of formation: 2010
M State of legal domicile: NY
Part I
Summary
Activities  & Governance 1 Briefly describe the organization’s mission or most significant activities: America Achieves is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring young people get the best possible education and preparation to lead and succeed in a changing world.
2 Check this box MediumBullet
3 Number of voting members of the governing body (Part VI, line 1a) ........ 3 7
4 Number of independent voting members of the governing body (Part VI, line 1b) ..... 4 6
5 Total number of individuals employed in calendar year 2015 (Part V, line 2a) ...... 5 77
6 Total number of volunteers (estimate if necessary) ............. 6  
7a Total unrelated business revenue from Part VIII, column (C), line 12 ........ 7a 0
b Net unrelated business taxable income from Form 990-T, line 34 ......... 7b  
Revenues Prior Year Current Year
8 Contributions and grants (Part VIII, line 1h) ......... 9,978,357 13,498,813
9 Program service revenue (Part VIII, line 2g) ......... 20,800 177,399
10 Investment income (Part VIII, column (A), lines 3, 4, and 7d ) .... 14,741 2,796
11 Other revenue (Part VIII, column (A), lines 5, 6d, 8c, 9c, 10c, and 11e)   2,936
12 Total revenue—add lines 8 through 11 (must equal Part VIII, column (A), line 12) 10,013,898 13,681,944
Expenses; 13 Grants and similar amounts paid (Part IX, column (A), lines 1–3 )... 2,231,126 610,168
14 Benefits paid to or for members (Part IX, column (A), line 4).....   0
15 Salaries, other compensation, employee benefits (Part IX, column (A), lines 5–10) 6,041,268 7,405,669
16a Professional fundraising fees (Part IX, column (A), line 11e) .....   0
b Total fundraising expenses (Part IX, column (D), line 25) MediumBullet846,037    
17 Other expenses (Part IX, column (A), lines 11a–11d, 11f–24e).... 10,664,706 10,203,496
18 Total expenses. Add lines 13–17 (must equal Part IX, column (A), line 25) 18,937,100 18,219,333
19 Revenue less expenses. Subtract line 18 from line 12....... -8,923,202 -4,537,389
Net Assets or Fund Balances; Beginning of Current Year End of Year
20 Total assets (Part X, line 16)............. 10,348,980 5,826,936
21 Total liabilities (Part X, line 26)............. 922,217 1,079,739
22 Net assets or fund balances. Subtract line 21 from line 20..... 9,426,763 4,747,197
Part II
Signature Block
Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have examined this return, including accompanying schedules and statements, and to the best of my knowledge and belief, it is true, correct, and complete. Declaration of preparer (other than officer) is based on all information of which preparer has any knowledge.
Sign Here
JumboBullet 2017-07-13
Signature of officer Date
JumboBullet Diane FordCFO
Type or print name and title
Paid Preparer Use Only
Print/Type preparer's name
Michael Schall
Preparer's signature
Michael Schall
Date
 
PTIN
P02024184
Firm's name MediumBullet
SCHALL & ASHENFARB CPAS  
Firm's EIN MediumBullet
Firm's address MediumBullet
307 5th Ave 15th Floor
 
NEW YORK, NY100166517
Phone no. (212) 268-2800
May the IRS discuss this return with the preparer shown above? (see instructions) ..........
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the separate instructions.
Cat. No. 11282Y Form 990 (2015)
Page 2
Form 990 (2015)
Page 2
Part III
Statement of Program Service Accomplishments
Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part III ..............
1
Briefly describe the organization’s mission: America Achieves is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring young people get the best possible education and preparation to succeed and lead in a changing world. The organization has built a successful accelerator model helping experienced, entrepreneurial leaders successfully launch and scale nonprofit initiatives aimed at policy or systemic impact. America Achieves is now building on its track record and expertise, and responding to unprecedented shifts in the economy. Looking ahead, America Achieves is updating its strategy to focus on realigning education with 21st century jobs and careers, and creating create clear pathways for economic advancement and success for all in a rapidly changing economy.
2
Did the organization undertake any significant program services during the year which were not listed on
the prior Form 990 or 990-EZ? .....................
If "Yes," describe these new services on Schedule O.
3
Did the organization cease conducting, or make significant changes in how it conducts, any program
services? ...........................
If "Yes," describe these changes on Schedule O.
4
Describe the organization’s program service accomplishments for each of its three largest program services, as measured by expenses. Section 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations are required to report the amount of grants and allocations to others, the total expenses, and revenue, if any, for each program service reported.
4a (Code:   ) (Expenses $ 15,016,365 including grants of $ 610,168 ) (Revenue $ 177,399 )
Results for America (RFA) is improving outcomes for young people, their families, and communities by promoting evidence-based, results-driven solutions. RFA has become a leading voice in advancing and driving evidence-based policy change, increasing awareness and building credibility for the practice among more elected officials and policymakers, particularly around the insufficient use of data and evidence in policymaking and decisionmaking. RFA has built a strong, bipartisan coalition of 134 high-level decision-makers from nonprofits, philanthropy, and government, as well as 220 disparate stakeholders from the public, nonprofit, and philanthropic sectors into an Invest in What Works coalition. Results for America offers tools, trainings, and opportunities to learn and share what works regarding data and evidence across all levels of government, including new work globally, such as its annual federal Invest in What Works Index released in April 2016. Results for America is transitioning to become an independent 501(c)3 organization in October 2016-- a validation of the strength of RFA's track record and of the America Achieves accelerator model.CollegePoint is dedicated to increasing the number of high-achieving, low- and moderate-income students enrolling in top-performing colleges from 1/3 of 75,000 students in 2014 to more than 1/2 by 2020. America Achieves quarterbacks a coalition of non-profit organizations and philanthropic institutions and leads the ongoing assessment and improvement of the CollegePoint model. CollegePoint grew to serve 8,300 high school students from the Class of 2016. America Achieves also helped design the American Talent Initiative (ATI), a coalition of colleges and universities that have publicly committed to expand the number of talented, low- and moderate-income students at the nation's top-performing institutions. The Initiative will continue to grow as it seeks to onboard additional members who will set individual goals for increasing socioeconomic diversity on their campuses, raise the national profile of the need to expand opportunity, and collaborate to identify best practices for enrolling and ensuring the success of low- and moderate-income students. In addition, in 2016 we supported the transition of Matriculate, a college advising program previously operated by America Achieves and part of the CollegePoint initiative, as an independent organization.America Achieves also sought to promote models to accelerate educational excellence in schools, and has laid a foundation by engaging motivated teachers, principals, parents and superintendents through fellowships and networks to ensure its strategy is grounded in the view and practices of diverse educators. Programs in this area included: The America Achieves Fellowship for Teachers and Principals: Founded in 2011, the Fellowship has developed a best-in-class program to support top teachers and principals to elevate their voices to influence public conversation and policy, with a network of 500+ Fellows nationally. In 2016, the Fellowship focused on developing a scalable model for how teachers and other educators co-design effective public policy solutions in education, with state networks in Colorado and New York. Fellows also authored and contributed to key reports, such as a policy brief released by Education Trust about how New York State should use the opportunities and levers in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) to set clear expectations that our education system must raise achievement for all students, focus attention and resources on the full range of student groups, and insist on prompt action when schools do not meet expectations. Global Learning Network: America Achieves worked with OECD and leading foundations in 2011 to pilot a school-based assessment aligned to the international PISA exam, allowing individual schools to benchmark their performance against the worlds best. America Achieves has helped school and district leaders learn from their results and share successful practices through regional meetings, virtual seminars, video and written case studies, and a second annual convening held in November 2015, with a third annual convening to be held October 2016. The Raise the Bar parents community launched in 2014 and worked with parents across the country to develop online parent resources such as educational check-ups for children in and a learning habits/character growth self-assessment. Raise the Bar successfully merged with Learning Heroes in April 2016they are now helping millions of parents access information on what their children need to succeed academically and how to help.
4b (Code:   ) (Expenses $   including grants of $   ) (Revenue $   )
4c (Code:   ) (Expenses $   including grants of $   ) (Revenue $   )
4d Other program services (Describe in Schedule O.)
(Expenses $   including grants of $   ) (Revenue $   )
4e Total program service expensesMediumBullet15,016,365
Form 990 (2015)
Page 3
Form 990 (2015)
Page 3
Part IV
Checklist of Required Schedules
Yes
No
1
Is the organization described in section 501(c)(3) or 4947(a)(1) (other than a private foundation)? If "Yes," complete Schedule AClick to see attachment.....................
1
Yes
 
2
Is the organization required to complete Schedule B, Schedule of Contributors (see instructions)? Click to see attachment...
2
Yes
 
3
Did the organization engage in direct or indirect political campaign activities on behalf of or in opposition to candidates for public office? If "Yes," complete Schedule C, Part IClick to see attachment.............
3
 
No
4
Section 501(c)(3) organizations. Did the organization engage in lobbying activities, or have a section 501(h) election in effect during the tax year? If "Yes," complete Schedule C, Part IIClick to see attachment..............
4
Yes
 
5
Is the organization a section 501(c)(4), 501(c)(5), or 501(c)(6) organization that receives membership dues, assessments, or similar amounts as defined in Revenue Procedure 98-19? If "Yes," complete Schedule C, Part IIIClick to see attachment.................
5
 
No
6
Did the organization maintain any donor advised funds or any similar funds or accounts for which donors have the right to provide advice on the distribution or investment of amounts in such funds or accounts? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part IClick to see attachment..................
6
 
No
7
Did the organization receive or hold a conservation easement, including easements to preserve open space,
the environment, historic land areas, or historic structures? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part IIClick to see attachment...
7
 
No
8
Did the organization maintain collections of works of art, historical treasures, or other similar assets? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part III Click to see attachment.............
8
 
No
9
Did the organization report an amount in Part X, line 21 for escrow or custodial account liability; serve as a custodian for amounts not listed in Part X; or provide credit counseling, debt management, credit repair, or debt negotiation services? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part IVClick to see attachment..............
9
 
No
10
Did the organization, directly or through a related organization, hold assets in temporarily restricted endowments, permanent endowments, or quasi-endowments? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part VClick to see attachment......
10
 
No
11
If the organization’s answer to any of the following questions is "Yes," then complete Schedule D, Parts VI, VII, VIII, IX, or X as applicable.
a
Did the organization report an amount for land, buildings, and equipment in Part X, line 10?
If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part VI.Click to see attachment...................
11a
Yes
 
b
Did the organization report an amount for investments—other securities in Part X, line 12 that is 5% or more of its total assets reported in Part X, line 16? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part VIIClick to see attachment.......
11b
 
No
c
Did the organization report an amount for investments—program related in Part X, line 13 that is 5% or more of its total assets reported in Part X, line 16? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part VIIIClick to see attachment.......
11c
 
No
d
Did the organization report an amount for other assets in Part X, line 15 that is 5% or more of its total assets reported in Part X, line 16? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part IXClick to see attachment............
11d
 
No
e
Did the organization report an amount for other liabilities in Part X, line 25? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part XClick to see attachment
11e
 
No
f
Did the organization’s separate or consolidated financial statements for the tax year include a footnote that addresses the organization’s liability for uncertain tax positions under FIN 48 (ASC 740)? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part XClick to see attachment
11f
 
No
12a
Did the organization obtain separate, independent audited financial statements for the tax year?
If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Parts XI and XII Click to see attachment.................
12a
 
No
b
Was the organization included in consolidated, independent audited financial statements for the tax year? If "Yes," and if the organization answered "No" to line 12a, then completing Schedule D, Parts XI and XII is optional Click to see attachment
12b
 
No
13
Is the organization a school described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(ii)? If "Yes," complete Schedule E
13
 
No
14a
Did the organization maintain an office, employees, or agents outside of the United States? .....
14a
 
No
b
Did the organization have aggregate revenues or expenses of more than $10,000 from grantmaking, fundraising, business, investment, and program service activities outside the United States, or aggregate foreign investments valued at $100,000 or more? If "Yes," complete Schedule F, Parts I and IV.........Click to see attachment
14b
Yes
 
15
Did the organization report on Part IX, column (A), line 3, more than $5,000 of grants or other assistance to or for any foreign organization? If “Yes,” complete Schedule F, Parts II and IV.....Click to see attachment
15
 
No
16
Did the organization report on Part IX, column (A), line 3, more than $5,000 of aggregate grants or other assistance to or for foreign individuals? If “Yes,” complete Schedule F, Parts III and IV...Click to see attachment
16
 
No
17
Did the organization report a total of more than $15,000 of expenses for professional fundraising services on Part IX, column (A), lines 6 and 11e? If "Yes," complete Schedule G, Part I (see instructions) ....
17
 
No
18
Did the organization report more than $15,000 total of fundraising event gross income and contributions on Part VIII, lines 1c and 8a? If "Yes," complete Schedule G, Part II............
18
 
No
19
Did the organization report more than $15,000 of gross income from gaming activities on Part VIII, line 9a? If "Yes," complete Schedule G, Part III...................
19
 
No
20a
Did the organization operate one or more hospital facilities? If "Yes," complete Schedule H....
20a
 
No
b
If "Yes" to line 20a, did the organization attach a copy of its audited financial statements to this return?
20b
 
 
Form 990 (2015)
Page 4
Form 990 (2015)
Page 4
Part IV
Checklist of Required Schedules (continued)
21
Did the organization report more than $5,000 of grants or other assistance to any domestic organization or domestic government on Part IX, column (A), line 1? If “Yes,” complete Schedule I, Parts I and II.....Click to see attachment
21
Yes
 
22
Did the organization report more than $5,000 of grants or other assistance to or for domestic individuals on Part IX, column (A), line 2? If “Yes,” complete Schedule I, Parts I and III........Click to see attachment
22
Yes
 
23
Did the organization answer "Yes" to Part VII, Section A, line 3, 4, or 5 about compensation of the organization’s current and former officers, directors, trustees, key employees, and highest compensated employees? If "Yes," complete Schedule J....................... Click to see attachment
23
Yes
 
24a
Did the organization have a tax-exempt bond issue with an outstanding principal amount of more than $100,000 as of the last day of the year, that was issued after December 31, 2002? If “Yes,” answer lines 24b through 24d and complete Schedule K. If “No,” go to line 25a...............
24a
 
No
b
Did the organization invest any proceeds of tax-exempt bonds beyond a temporary period exception?...
24b
 
No
c
Did the organization maintain an escrow account other than a refunding escrow at any time during the year
to defease any tax-exempt bonds? ...............
24c
 
No
d
Did the organization act as an "on behalf of" issuer for bonds outstanding at any time during the year?...
24d
 
No
25a
Section 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(29) organizations. Did the organization engage in an excess benefit transaction with a disqualified person during the year? If "Yes," complete Schedule L, Part I............
25a
 
No
b
Is the organization aware that it engaged in an excess benefit transaction with a disqualified person in a prior year, and that the transaction has not been reported on any of the organization’s prior Forms 990 or 990-EZ? If "Yes," complete Schedule L, Part I ...................
25b
 
No
26
Did the organization report any amount on Part X, line 5, 6, or 22 for receivables from or payables to any current or former officers, directors, trustees, key employees, highest compensated employees, or disqualified persons? If "Yes," complete Schedule L, Part II ................
26
 
No
27
Did the organization provide a grant or other assistance to an officer, director, trustee, key employee, substantial contributor or employee thereof, a grant selection committee member, or to a 35% controlled entity or family member of any of these persons? If "Yes," complete Schedule L, Part III.........
27
 
No
28
Was the organization a party to a business transaction with one of the following parties (see Schedule L, Part IV instructions for applicable filing thresholds, conditions, and exceptions):
a
A current or former officer, director, trustee, or key employee? If "Yes," complete Schedule L,
Part IV
........................
28a
 
No
b
A family member of a current or former officer, director, trustee, or key employee? If "Yes," complete Schedule L, Part IV.....................
28b
 
No
c
An entity of which a current or former officer, director, trustee, or key employee (or a family member thereof) was an officer, director, trustee, or direct or indirect owner? If "Yes," complete Schedule L, Part IV...
28c
 
No
29
Did the organization receive more than $25,000 in non-cash contributions? If "Yes," complete Schedule M..
29
 
No
30
Did the organization receive contributions of art, historical treasures, or other similar assets, or qualified conservation contributions? If "Yes," complete Schedule M .............
30
 
No
31
Did the organization liquidate, terminate, or dissolve and cease operations? If "Yes," complete Schedule N, Part I.
31
 
No
32
Did the organization sell, exchange, dispose of, or transfer more than 25% of its net assets? If "Yes," complete Schedule N, Part II ...........
32
 
No
33
Did the organization own 100% of an entity disregarded as separate from the organization under Regulations sections 301.7701-2 and 301.7701-3? If "Yes," complete Schedule R, Part I ........
33
 
No
34
Was the organization related to any tax-exempt or taxable entity? If "Yes," complete Schedule R, Part II, III, or IV, and Part V, line 1.........................
34
 
No
35a
Did the organization have a controlled entity within the meaning of section 512(b)(13)?
35a
 
No
b
If ‘Yes’ to line 35a, did the organization receive any payment from or engage in any transaction with a controlled entity within the meaning of section 512(b)(13)? If "Yes," complete Schedule R, Part V, line 2 ...
35b
 
No
36
Section 501(c)(3) organizations. Did the organization make any transfers to an exempt non-charitable related organization? If "Yes," complete Schedule R, Part V, line 2.............
36
 
No
37
Did the organization conduct more than 5% of its activities through an entity that is not a related organization and that is treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes? If "Yes," complete Schedule R, Part VI
37
 
No
38
Did the organization complete Schedule O and provide explanations in Schedule O for Part VI, lines 11b and 19? Note. All Form 990 filers are required to complete Schedule O. ............
38
Yes
 
Form 990 (2015)
Page 5
Form 990 (2015)
Page 5
Part V
Statements Regarding Other IRS Filings and Tax Compliance
Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part V...........
Yes
No
1a
Enter the number reported in Box 3 of Form 1096 Enter -0- if not applicable ..
1a
178
b
Enter the number of Forms W-2G included in line 1a. Enter -0- if not applicable .
1b
0
c
Did the organization comply with backup withholding rules for reportable payments to vendors and reportable gaming (gambling) winnings to prize winners? ..................
1c
Yes
 
2a
Enter the number of employees reported on Form W-3, Transmittal of Wage and
Tax Statements, filed for the calendar year ending with or within the year covered by this return ..................
2a
77
b
If at least one is reported on line 2a, did the organization file all required federal employment tax returns?
Note. If the sum of lines 1a and 2a is greater than 250, you may be required to e-file (see instructions)
2b
Yes
 
3a
Did the organization have unrelated business gross income of $1,000 or more during the year?...
3a
 
No
b
If “Yes,” has it filed a Form 990-T for this year? If “No” to line 3b, provide an explanation in Schedule O...
3b
 
No
4a
At any time during the calendar year, did the organization have an interest in, or a signature or other authority over, a financial account in a foreign country (such as a bank account, securities account, or other financial account)? ..
4a
 
No
b
If "Yes," enter the name of the foreign country: MediumBullet
See instructions for filing requirements for FinCEN Form 114, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR).
5a
Was the organization a party to a prohibited tax shelter transaction at any time during the tax year? ..
5a
 
No
b
Did any taxable party notify the organization that it was or is a party to a prohibited tax shelter transaction?
5b
 
No
c
If "Yes," to line 5a or 5b, did the organization file Form 8886-T? ............
5c
 
 
6a
Does the organization have annual gross receipts that are normally greater than $100,000, and did the organization solicit any contributions that were not tax deductible as charitable contributions? ...
6a
 
No
b
If "Yes," did the organization include with every solicitation an express statement that such contributions or gifts were not tax deductible? ......................
6b
 
 
7
Organizations that may receive deductible contributions under section 170(c).
a
Did the organization receive a payment in excess of $75 made partly as a contribution and partly for goods and services provided to the payor? ....................
7a
 
No
b
If "Yes," did the organization notify the donor of the value of the goods or services provided? .....
7b
 
 
c
Did the organization sell, exchange, or otherwise dispose of tangible personal property for which it was required to file Form 8282? .........................
7c
 
No
d
If "Yes," indicate the number of Forms 8282 filed during the year ....
7d
0
e
Did the organization receive any funds, directly or indirectly, to pay premiums on a personal benefit contract?
7e
 
No
f
Did the organization, during the year, pay premiums, directly or indirectly, on a personal benefit contract? ..
7f
 
No
g
If the organization received a contribution of qualified intellectual property, did the organization file Form 8899 as required? ......................
7g
 
No
h
If the organization received a contribution of cars, boats, airplanes, or other vehicles, did the organization file a Form 1098-C? ..........................
7h
 
No
8
Sponsoring organizations maintaining donor advised funds.
Did a donor advised fund maintained by the sponsoring organization have excess business holdings at any time during the year? .........................
8
 
No
9a
Did the sponsoring organization make any taxable distributions under section 4966?...
9a
 
No
b
Did the sponsoring organization make a distribution to a donor, donor advisor, or related person?...
9b
 
No
10
Section 501(c)(7) organizations. Enter:
a
Initiation fees and capital contributions included on Part VIII, line 12 ...
10a
 
b
Gross receipts, included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 12, for public use of club facilities
10b
 
11
Section 501(c)(12) organizations. Enter:
a
Gross income from members or shareholders .........
11a
 
b
Gross income from other sources (Do not net amounts due or paid to other sources against amounts due or received from them.) ..........
11b
 
12a
Section 4947(a)(1) non-exempt charitable trusts. Is the organization filing Form 990 in lieu of Form 1041?
12a
 
No
b
If "Yes," enter the amount of tax-exempt interest received or accrued during the year.
12b
 
13
Section 501(c)(29) qualified nonprofit health insurance issuers.
a
Is the organization licensed to issue qualified health plans in more than one state?
Note.
See the instructions for additional information the organization must report on Schedule O.
13a
 
No
b
Enter the amount of reserves the organization is required to maintain by the states in which the organization is licensed to issue qualified health plans ....
13b
 
c
Enter the amount of reserves on hand ............
13c
 
14a
Did the organization receive any payments for indoor tanning services during the tax year?.....
14a
 
No
b
If "Yes," has it filed a Form 720 to report these payments? If "No," provide an explanation in Schedule O..
14b
 
 
Form 990 (2015)
Page 6
Form 990 (2015)
Page 6
Part VI
Governance, Management, and Disclosure For each "Yes" response to lines 2 through 7b below, and for a "No" response to lines 8a, 8b, or 10b below, describe the circumstances, processes, or changes in Schedule O. See instructions.
Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part VI ..............
Section A. Governing Body and Management
Yes
No
1a
Enter the number of voting members of the governing body at the end of the tax year
1a
7
If there are material differences in voting rights among members of the governing body, or if the governing body delegated broad authority to an executive committee or similar committee, explain in Schedule O.
b
Enter the number of voting members included in line 1a, above, who are independent
1b
6
2
Did any officer, director, trustee, or key employee have a family relationship or a business relationship with any other officer, director, trustee, or key employee? .................
2
 
No
3
Did the organization delegate control over management duties customarily performed by or under the direct supervision of officers, directors or trustees, or key employees to a management company or other person? .
3
 
No
4
Did the organization make any significant changes to its governing documents since the prior Form 990 was filed? ...........................
4
 
No
5
Did the organization become aware during the year of a significant diversion of the organization’s assets? .
5
 
No
6
Did the organization have members or stockholders? ................
6
 
No
7a
Did the organization have members, stockholders, or other persons who had the power to elect or appoint one or more members of the governing body? ....................
7a
 
No
b
Are any governance decisions of the organization reserved to (or subject to approval by) members, stockholders, or persons other than the governing body? ...................
7b
 
No
8
Did the organization contemporaneously document the meetings held or written actions undertaken during the year by the following:
a
The governing body? .......................
8a
Yes
 
b
Each committee with authority to act on behalf of the governing body? ............
8b
Yes
 
9
Is there any officer, director, trustee, or key employee listed in Part VII, Section A, who cannot be reached at the organization’s mailing address? If "Yes," provide the names and addresses in Schedule O.......
9
 
No
Section B. Policies (This Section B requests information about policies not required by the Internal Revenue Code.)
Yes
No
10a
Did the organization have local chapters, branches, or affiliates? ............
10a
 
No
b
If "Yes," did the organization have written policies and procedures governing the activities of such chapters, affiliates, and branches to ensure their operations are consistent with the organization's exempt purposes?
10b
 
 
11a
Has the organization provided a complete copy of this Form 990 to all members of its governing body before filing the form? ............................
11a
Yes
 
b
Describe in Schedule O the process, if any, used by the organization to review this Form 990. .....
12a
Did the organization have a written conflict of interest policy? If "No," go to line 13.......
12a
Yes
 
b
Were officers, directors, or trustees, and key employees required to disclose annually interests that could give rise to conflicts? ..........................
12b
 
No
c
Did the organization regularly and consistently monitor and enforce compliance with the policy? If "Yes," describe in Schedule O how this was done...................
12c
Yes
 
13
Did the organization have a written whistleblower policy? ...............
13
Yes
 
14
Did the organization have a written document retention and destruction policy? .........
14
Yes
 
15
Did the process for determining compensation of the following persons include a review and approval by independent persons, comparability data, and contemporaneous substantiation of the deliberation and decision?
a
The organization’s CEO, Executive Director, or top management official ...........
15a
Yes
 
b
Other officers or key employees of the organization ................
15b
Yes
 
If "Yes" to line 15a or 15b, describe the process in Schedule O (see instructions).
16a
Did the organization invest in, contribute assets to, or participate in a joint venture or similar arrangement with a taxable entity during the year? ......................
16a
 
No
b
If "Yes," did the organization follow a written policy or procedure requiring the organization to evaluate its participation in joint venture arrangements under applicable federal tax law, and take steps to safeguard the organization’s exempt status with respect to such arrangements? ............
16b
 
 
Section C. Disclosure
17
List the States with which a copy of this Form 990 is required to be filedMediumBullet
NY
18
Section 6104 requires an organization to make its Form 1023 (or 1024 if applicable), 990, and 990-T (501(c)(3)s only) available for public inspection. Indicate how you made these available. Check all that apply.
19
Describe in Schedule O whether (and if so, how) the organization made its governing documents, conflict of interest policy, and financial statements available to the public during the tax year.
20
State the name, address, and telephone number of the person who possesses the organization's books and records:
MediumBulletDiane Ford1460 Broadway 8th Floor   New York,NY10036 (646) 854-6083
Form 990 (2015)
Page 7
Form 990 (2015)
Page 7
Part VII
Compensation of Officers, Directors,Trustees, Key Employees, Highest Compensated Employees, and Independent Contractors
Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part VII ..............
Section A. Officers, Directors, Trustees, Key Employees, and Highest Compensated Employees
1a Complete this table for all persons required to be listed. Report compensation for the calendar year ending with or within the organization’s tax year.
RoundBullet List all of the organization’s current officers, directors, trustees (whether individuals or organizations), regardless of amount
of compensation. Enter -0- in columns (D), (E), and (F) if no compensation was paid.

RoundBullet List all of the organization’s current key employees, if any. See instructions for definition of "key employee."
RoundBullet List the organization’s five current highest compensated employees (other than an officer, director, trustee or key employee)
who received reportable compensation (Box 5 of Form W-2 and/or Box 7 of Form 1099-MISC) of more than $100,000 from the
organization and any related organizations.

RoundBullet List all of the organization’s former officers, key employees, or highest compensated employees who received more than $100,000
of reportable compensation from the organization and any related organizations.

RoundBullet List all of the organization’s former directors or trustees that received, in the capacity as a former director or trustee of the
organization, more than $10,000 of reportable compensation from the organization and any related organizations.

List persons in the following order: individual trustees or directors; institutional trustees; officers; key employees; highest
compensated employees; and former such persons.
Check this box if neither the organization nor any related organization compensated any current officer, director, or trustee.
(A)
Name and Title
(B)
Average hours per week (list any hours for related organizations below dotted line)
(C)
Position (do not check more than one box, unless person is both an officer and a director/trustee)
(D)
Reportable compensation from the organization (W- 2/1099-MISC)
(E)
Reportable compensation from related organizations (W- 2/1099-MISC)
(F)
Estimated amount of other compensation from the organization and related organizations
Individual Trustee or Director; Institutional Trustee; OfficerInd; Key Employee; Highest compensated employee; FormerOfcrDirectorTrusteeInd;
(1) Jon Schnur......................................................................
Chairman
20.00
.................
0.00
X   X       4,220 0 0
(2) Gil Dickoff......................................................................
Treasurer
1.00
.................
0.00
X   X       0 0 0
(3) Mike Johnston......................................................................
Director
0.75
.................
0.00
X           0 0 0
(4) Ed Cohen......................................................................
Director
0.75
.................
0.00
X           0 0 0
(5) Jean Desravines......................................................................
Director
0.75
.................
0.00
X           0 0 0
(6) Louise Langheier......................................................................
Director
0.75
.................
0.00
X           0 0 0
(7) Keith Frome......................................................................
Director
0.75
.................
0.00
X           0 0 0
(8) Claudia Aguirre......................................................................
Director
0.75
.................
0.00
X           0 0 0
(9) Diane Ford......................................................................
CFAO
40.00
.................
0.00
    X       148,056 0 7,790
(10) Peter Kannam......................................................................
Managing Partner
40.00
.................
0.00
      X     280,258 0 10,138
(11) Michele Jolin......................................................................
CEO, RFA
30.00
.................
0.00
      X     206,271 0 13,995
(12) Laura Parkin......................................................................
Managing Partner
30.00
.................
0.00
      X     213,917 0 7,823
(13) Patrick Bryden Sweeney Taylor......................................................................
CEO, CollegePoint
40.00
.................
0.00
      X     231,458 0 6,350
(14) David Medina......................................................................
COO, RFA
40.00
.................
0.00
        X   200,996 0 84
(15) Cecilia Hallisey......................................................................
Senior Dir., RTB
32.00
.................
0.00
        X   166,485 0 10,551
(16) Evangelina Garcia......................................................................
VP, RFA
40.00
.................
0.00
        X   180,816 0 900
(17) Simone Brody......................................................................
ED, WWC RFA
40.00
.................
0.00
        X   191,914 0 3,448
Form 990 (2015)
Page 8
Form 990 (2015)
Page 8
Part VII
Section A. Officers, Directors, Trustees, Key Employees, and Highest Compensated Employees (continued)
(A)
Name and Title
(B)
Average hours per week (list any hours for related organizations below dotted line)
(C)
Position (do not check more than one box, unless person is both an officer and a director/trustee)
(D)
Reportable compensation from the organization (W- 2/1099-MISC)
(E)
Reportable compensation from related organizations (W- 2/1099-MISC)
(F)
Estimated amount of other compensation from the organization and related organizations
Individual Trustee or Director; Institutional Trustee; OfficerInd; Key Employee; Highest compensated employee; FormerOfcrDirectorTrusteeInd;
(18) Jeremy Ayers........................................................................
VP Policy, RFA
40.00
.......................0.00
        X   171,632 0 84
























1b Sub-Total................MediumBullet
c Total from continuation sheets to Part VII, Section A....MediumBullet
d Total (add lines 1b and 1c)...........MediumBullet 1,996,023   61,163
2
Total number of individuals (including but not limited to those listed above) who received more than $100,000 of reportable compensation from the organization MediumBullet10
Yes
No
3
Did the organization list any former officer, director or trustee, key employee, or highest compensated employee on line 1a? If "Yes," complete Schedule J for such individual ..............
3
 
No
4
For any individual listed on line 1a, is the sum of reportable compensation and other compensation from the organization and related organizations greater than $150,000? If "Yes," complete Schedule J for such
individual
...........................
4
Yes
 
5
Did any person listed on line 1a receive or accrue compensation from any unrelated organization or individual for services rendered to the organization? If "Yes," complete Schedule J for such person ........
5
 
No
Section B. Independent Contractors
1
Complete this table for your five highest compensated independent contractors that received more than $100,000 of compensation from the organization. Report compensation for the calendar year ending with or within the organization’s tax year.
(A)
Name and business address
(B)
Description of services
(C)
Compensation
Bennett Midland LLC

245 West 29th St Fl 12A
New York,NY10001
Strategic Planning 379,494
Education Counsel

101 Consitution Avenue NW STE 900
Washington,DC20001
Strategic Planning 488,000
Monica Lewis

Springbrook Dr
Troy,MI48098
Consultant 106,440
Blue Engine

1140 Connecticut Avenue NW
Washington,DC20036
Media Outreach 757,060
2
Total number of independent contractors (including but not limited to those listed above) who received more than $100,000 of compensation from the organization MediumBullet4
Form 990 (2015)
Page 9
Form 990 (2015)
Page 9
Part VIII
Statement of Revenue
Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part VIII .............
(A)
Total revenue
(B)
Related or
exempt
function
revenue
(C)
Unrelated
business
revenue
(D)
Revenue
excluded from
tax under sections
512-514
Contributions, Gifts, GrantAmt and OtherAmt Similar Amounts 1a Federated campaigns..1a  
b Membership dues..1b  
c Fundraising events..1c  
d Related organizations1d  
e Government grants (contributions)1e  
f All other contributions, gifts, grants, and similar amounts not included above1f 13,498,813
g Noncash contributions included in lines 1a-1f:$  
h Total.Add lines 1a-1f.......MediumBullet 13,498,813
 Program Service RevenueAmt Business Code
2a Earned Income 611710 177,399     177,399
b
c
d
e
f All other program service revenue.        
g Total.Add lines 2a–2f.....MediumBullet 177,399
 OtherAmt RevenueAmt 3 Investment income (including dividends, interest, and othersimilar amounts) ..........MediumBullet 2,796     2,796
4 Income from investment of tax-exempt bond proceedsMediumBullet 0      
5 Royalties...........MediumBullet 0      
(ii) Personal (i) Real
6a Gross rents    
b Less: rental expenses    
c Rental income or (loss)    
d Net rental income or (loss)......MediumBullet 0      
(ii) Other (i) Securities
7a Gross amount from sales of assets other than inventory    
b Less: cost or other basis and sales expenses    
c Gain or (loss)    
d Net gain or (loss).....MediumBullet 0      
8a Gross income from fundraising events (not including $   of contributions reported on line 1c). See Part IV, line 18 ....
a  
b Less: direct expenses ...b  
c Net income or (loss) from fundraising events..MediumBullet 0    
9a Gross income from gaming activities.
See Part IV, line 19 ...
a  
b Less: direct expenses ...b  
c Net income or (loss) from gaming activities..MediumBullet 0      
10a Gross sales of inventory, less
returns and allowances ..
a  
b Less: cost of goods sold ..b  
c Net income or (loss) from sales of inventory..MediumBullet 0      
Business Code Miscellaneous Revenue
11a Other revenue 611710 2,936 2,936    
b            
c            
d All other revenue ....        
e Total. Add lines 11a–11d ...... MediumBullet 2,936
12 Total revenue. See Instructions......MediumBullet 13,681,944 2,936   180,195
Form 990 (2015)
Page 10
Form 990 (2015)
Page 10
Part IX
Statement of Functional Expenses
Section 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations must complete all columns. All other organizations must complete column (A).Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part IX ..............
Do not include amounts reported on lines 6b,
7b, 8b, 9b, and 10b of Part VIII.
(A)
Total expenses
(B)
Program service expenses
(C)
Management and general expenses
(D)
Fundraising expenses
1 Grants and other assistance to domestic organizations and domestic governments. See Part IV, line 21 287,650 287,650
2 Grants and other assistance to individuals in the United States. See Part IV, line 22 322,518 322,518
3 Grants and other assistance to governments, organizations, and individuals outside the United States. See Part IV, lines 15 and 16 0  
4 Benefits paid to or for members 0  
5 Compensation of current officers, directors, trustees, and key employees .... 1,224,704 800,907 361,692 62,105
6 Compensation not included above, to disqualified persons (as defined under section 4958(f)(1)) and persons described in section 4958(c)(3)(B) .... 0      
7 Other salaries and wages 5,037,663 4,214,837 570,031 252,795
8 Pension plan accruals and contributions (include section 401(k) and 403(b) employer contributions) .... 104,503 83,700 15,548 5,255
9 Other employee benefits ....... 639,474 512,176 95,142 32,156
10 Payroll taxes ........... 399,325 319,833 59,412 20,080
11 Fees for services (non-employees):        
a Management ...... 0      
b Legal ......... 174,805   174,805  
c Accounting ........... 126,365   126,365  
d Lobbying ........... 0      
e Professional fundraising services. See Part IV, line 17 0  
f Investment management fees ...... 0      
g Other (If line 11g amount exceeds 10% of line 25, column (A) amount, list line 11g expenses on Schedule O) 6,470,930 5,619,059 450,373 401,498
12 Advertising and promotion .... 13,567   13,567  
13 Office expenses ....... 199,978 160,169 29,753 10,056
14 Information technology ...... 0      
15 Royalties .. 0      
16 Occupancy ........... 583,069 466,999 86,750 29,320
17 Travel ............ 651,740 522,002 96,966 32,772
18 Payments of travel or entertainment expenses for any federal, state, or local public officials . 0      
19 Conferences, conventions, and meetings .... 1,796,332 1,706,515 89,817  
20 Interest ........... 0      
21 Payments to affiliates ....... 0      
22 Depreciation, depletion, and amortization .. 1,297   1,297  
23 Insurance ... 86,620   86,620  
24 Other expenses. Itemize expenses not covered above (List miscellaneous expenses in line 24e. If line 24e amount exceeds 10% of line 25, column (A) amount, list line 24e expenses on Schedule O.)
a Member dues and subscriptions 58,302   58,302  
b Miscellaneous 40,491   40,491  
c
d
e All other expenses 0      
25 Total functional expenses. Add lines 1 through 24e 18,219,333 15,016,365 2,356,931 846,037
26 Joint costs. Complete this line only if the organization reported in column (B) joint costs from a combined educational campaign and fundraising solicitation. Check here MediumBullet if following SOP 98-2 (ASC 958-720).        
Form 990 (2015)
Page 11
Form 990 (2015)
Page 11
Part X
Balance Sheet
Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part IX ..............
(A)
Beginning of year
(B)
End of year
Assets 1 Cash–non-interest-bearing ........ 1,069,132 1 384,994
2 Savings and temporary cash investments ......... 8,329,904 2 1,777,644
3 Pledges and grants receivable, net ...... 788,319 3 3,361,946
4 Accounts receivable, net .............   4 63,519
5 Loans and other receivables from current and former officers, directors, trustees, key employees, and highest compensated employees. Complete Part II of Schedule L
60,000 5 0
6 Loans and other receivables from other disqualified persons (as defined under section 4958(f)(1)), persons described in section 4958(c)(3)(B), and contributing employers and sponsoring organizations of section 501(c)(9) voluntary employees' beneficiary organizations (see instructions) Complete Part II of Schedule L
  6 0
7 Notes and loans receivable, net .... 10,152 7 10,800
8 Inventories for sale or use ........   8 0
9 Prepaid expenses and deferred charges ...... 18,675 9 112,318
10a Land, buildings, and equipment: cost or other basis. Complete Part VI of Schedule D 10a 7,779
b Less: accumulated depreciation 10b 1,297   10c 6,482
11 Investments—publicly traded securities .   11 0
12 Investments—other securities. See Part IV, line 11 .....   12 0
13 Investments—program-related. See Part IV, line 11 ..   13 0
14 Intangible assets ...............   14 0
15 Other assets. See Part IV, line 11 ........... 72,798 15 109,233
16 Total assets. Add lines 1 through 15 (must equal line 34)... 10,348,980 16 5,826,936
Liabilities 17 Accounts payable and accrued expenses ..... 922,217 17 1,079,739
18 Grants payable ...   18  
19 Deferred revenue .........   19  
20 Tax-exempt bond liabilities .........   20  
21 Escrow or custodial account liability. Complete Part IV of Schedule D   21  
22 Loans and other payables to current and former officers, directors, trustees, key employees, highest compensated employees, and disqualified
persons. Complete Part II of Schedule L..   22  
23 Secured mortgages and notes payable to unrelated third parties ..   23  
24 Unsecured notes and loans payable to unrelated third parties ..   24  
25 Other liabilities (including federal income tax, payables to related third parties, and other liabilities not included on lines 17-24). Complete Part X of Schedule D   25  
26 Total liabilities. Add lines 17 through 25.. 922,217 26 1,079,739
Net Assets or Fund Balance Organizations that follow SFAS 117 (ASC 958), check here MediumBullet and complete lines 27 through 29, and lines 33 and 34.
27 Unrestricted net assets -31,971 27 -109,415
28 Temporarily restricted net assets ........... 9,458,734 28 4,856,612
29 Permanently restricted net assets   29  
Organizations that do not follow SFAS 117 (ASC 958), check here MediumBullet and complete lines 30 through 34.
30 Capital stock or trust principal, or current funds .....   30  
31 Paid-in or capital surplus, or land, building or equipment fund ...   31  
32 Retained earnings, endowment, accumulated income, or other funds   32  
33 Total net assets or fund balances ........... 9,426,763 33 4,747,197
34 Total liabilities and net assets/fund balances ........ 10,348,980 34 5,826,936
Form 990 (2015)
Page 12
Form 990 (2015)
Page 12
Part XI
Reconcilliation of Net Assets
Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part XI ..............
1
Total revenue (must equal Part VIII, column (A), line 12) ............
1
13,681,944
2
Total expenses (must equal Part IX, column (A), line 25) ............
2
18,219,333
3
Revenue less expenses. Subtract line 2 from line 1 ..............
3
-4,537,389
4
Net assets or fund balances at beginning of year (must equal Part X, line 33, column (A)) ..
4
9,426,763
5
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments ...............
5
 
6
Donated services and use of facilities .................
6
 
7
Investment expenses .....................
7
 
8
Prior period adjustments .....................
8
 
9
Other changes in net assets or fund balances (explain in Schedule O) ........
9
-142,177
10
Net assets or fund balances at end of year. Combine lines 3 through 9 (must equal Part X, line 33, column (B))
10
4,747,197
Part XII
Financial Statements and Reporting
Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part XII .............
Yes
No
1
Accounting method used to prepare the Form 990:  
If the organization changed its method of accounting from a prior year or checked "Other," explain in
Schedule O.
2a
Were the organization’s financial statements compiled or reviewed by an independent accountant?
2a
 
No
If ‘Yes,’ check a box below to indicate whether the financial statements for the year were compiled or reviewed on a separate basis, consolidated basis, or both:
b
Were the organization’s financial statements audited by an independent accountant?
2b
 
No
If ‘Yes,’ check a box below to indicate whether the financial statements for the year were audited on a separate basis, consolidated basis, or both:
c
If "Yes," to line 2a or 2b, does the organization have a committee that assumes responsibility for oversight of the audit, review, or compilation of its financial statements and selection of an independent accountant?
2c
 
 
If the organization changed either its oversight process or selection process during the tax year, explain in Schedule O.
3a
As a result of a federal award, was the organization required to undergo an audit or audits as set forth in the Single Audit Act and OMB Circular A-133?
3a
 
No
b
If "Yes," did the organization undergo the required audit or audits? If the organization did not undergo the required audit or audits, explain why in Schedule O and describe any steps taken to undergo such audits.
3b
 
 
Form 990 (2015)
Form 990 (2015)
Additional Data


Software ID: 15000324
Software Version: 2015v3.0
Form 990, Special Condition Description:
Special Condition Description