| Client Note 1 |
Client Note 1 - PROPERTY & EQUIPMENT--------------------Property and equipment consist of the following at December 31, 2014 and 2013: 2014 2013 ------------- -------------Building and land $ 1,895,580 $ 2,335,580Furniture and equipment 174,287 174,287Less: accumulated depreciation (451,237) (401,522) ------------- ------------- $ 1,615,822 $ 2,108,345 ------------- -------------During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Agency purchased real estate property in Cotati, California which is used to house a portion of the organizations corporate office. The total purchase price was $866,991 (including escrow fees and related acquisition costs). During 2014, the Agency disposed of partially depreciated property for a loss of $68,695. There were no disposals during the year ended December 31, 2013. Depreciation expense related to all property and equipment amounted to $69,226 and $41,916 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.INVESTMENTS-----------Investments consist of certificates of deposit, money market funds, mutual funds, marketable securities and bonds. Cost basis and market value of investments are as follows at December 31, 2014 and 2013: December 31, 2014 December 31, 2013 --------------------- -------------------- Cost Fair Cost Fair Basis Value Basis Value --------- --------- --------- ---------Certificates of deposit $ 1,040,929 1,040,929 784,214 784,214Securities/corporate stocks 938,866 1,401,985 991,746 1,394,691Corporate bonds 793,351 814,223 712,664 735,854Mutual funds/Bonds/ETFs/Other 475,321 507,876 425,338 434,772Real Estate Investment Trust 62,063 45,110 50,067 30,917 --------- --------- --------- --------- $ 3,310,530 3,810,123 2,964,029 3,380,448 --------- --------- --------- ---------Money market deposits include funds held in highly liquid investments with maturity dates of less than three months. Net investment income (interest and dividends) amounted to $116,985 and $80,432 and for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, there were net unrealized gains of $175,232 and $285,421, respectively, related to the Agencys investments. |
| Form 990, Part VI, Line 1a: Explanation of Delegated Broad Authority to Committee |
In accordance with common practice in the nonprofit community, the Board delegates certain matters to the Executive Committee, which is empowered to act between Board meetings if necessary, and sometimes with specifically delegated authority to act in particular areas on behalf of the full Board. The composition of Executive Committee includes the Organization's Board officers and other designated officials. |
| Form 990, Part VI, Line 11b: Form 990 Review Process |
Form 990 is prepared by an outside tax professional. The form is then reviewed by the Organization's management, a member of the Board of Directors, and the Executive Director. This group of individuals then discusses the contents of the return with the outside tax professional. After a full review (with modifications where necessary), the final version of the tax return is provided to all members of the Organization's voting body. A representative of management authorizes the final Form 990 which is then e-filed with the Internal Revenue Service. |
| Form 990, Part VI, Line 12c: Explanation of Monitoring and Enforcement of Conflicts |
Members of the Board of Directors review all potential conflicts of interest at least annually. All personnel and board members are required to disclose (in writing) potential conflicts and any related party affiliations. Loans between the Organization and members of management and the Board are strictly prohibited. The Organization seeks full transparency on all relationships. Any potential conflicts (in fact or appearance) are discussed openly and resolved in accordance with the Organization's policies and procedures. |
| Form 990, Part VI, Line 15a: Compensation Review & Approval Process - CEO, Top Management |
Members of the Board of Directors review the compensation of the Executive Director and top management within the framework of the organizations Compensation Plan, developed and administered by a third party expert firm, covering all positions within the organization.The Compensation Plan utilizes data from industry sources and internal analysis within each category of compensation, to assure fairness, equity, and competitiveness of compensation. The process of administering the Compensation Plan is thorough and transparent and is administered in accordance with IRS guidelines and the Organization's policies and procedures. |
| Form 990, Part VI, Line 15b: Compensation Review and Approval Process for Officers and Key Employees |
Compensation of other high-level personnel and key employees is determined within the framework of the organizations Compensation Plan, developed and administered by a third party expert firm, covering all positions within the organization. The Compensation Plan utilizes data from industry sources and internal analysis within each category of compensation, to assure fairness, equity, and competitiveness of compensation. The process of administering the Compensation Plan is thorough and transparent and is administered in accordance with IRS guidelines and the Organization's policies and procedures. |
| Form 990, Part VI, Line 19: Other Organization Documents Publicly Available |
All of the organization's governing documents, financial statements and other legal filings are maintained in a secure environment and held available for inspection by tax authorities and the general public. Tax returns are posted annually to www.guidestar.org (where they are available for viewing as electronic copies) and are also available for a physical inspection at the Organization's office in Cotati, California. |
| Program Services Accomplishments (continued) |
Pro Bono ProgramThe Animal Legal Defense Funds Pro Bono Program is the nations largest pro bono network for animal protection. The program partners with attorneys and pro bono coordinators across the United States to expand the practice of animal law. Collectively, legal professionals donate thousands of hours to the Animal Legal Defense Funds cases annually. The donated value of services for 2017, included in the total expenses of the Pro Bono Program, was $3,660,085. The program also works to increase the understanding of animal law in the legal community by educating professionals at law firm and bar association events and keeping volunteers engaged and up-to-date on the latest developments in the field.Animal Law ProgramThe Animal Legal Defense Funds Animal Law Program works closely with law students and law professionals to advance the emerging field of animal law. Working to expand animal law into the curriculum of every law school in the country, the Animal Law Program collaborates with students, faculty, and school administrations to facilitate the development of animal law courses and assists students in forming Animal Legal Defense Fund Student Chapters.As part of the Animal Legal Defense Funds Animal Law Program, the organization makes grants available to various organizations, law centers, individuals, and Animal Legal Defense Fund Student Chapters at law schools across the country to support the efforts to inform, educate, and take action for animal protection laws. The Animal Legal Defense Fund grants are critical to encouraging the next generation of animal lawyers. Grants and scholarships funded during the year ending December 31, 2017 included various donations to law schools, organizations, and individuals.Criminal Justice ProgramThe Animal Legal Defense Funds Criminal Justice Program is staffed by attorneys, including former prosecutors, with expertise in animal protection. Criminal Justice Program attorneys provide free legal assistance and trainings to prosecutors and law enforcement agencies to ensure that state criminal anti-cruelty statutes are vigorously enforced and that those convicted of animal cruelty and neglect receive appropriate sentences. They work with state legislators to enact felony anti-cruelty statutes in states that do not yet have them and to upgrade existing laws in states that do. The Criminal Justice Program also maintains a nationwide database of animal cruelty cases and current and model animal protection laws available to prosecutors, legislators, and researchers.Other Legal ProgramsThe Animal Legal Defense Funds other legal programs include Legislative Affairs. Efforts focus on working at local levels to advance legislation that would promote or protect the lives and interests of animals or to oppose legislation that would be detrimental to animals well-being. The program works closely with the Animal Legal Defense Funds other programs to identify opportunities to create model legislation that addresses strategic legal issues in the areas of civil and criminal law, and monitor legislation that impacts animals at the federal, state, and local levels.Public EducationPublic education informs the public of, and facilitates support for, the organization's mission in protecting the lives and advancing the interests of animals through the legal system. |
Attach to Form 990 or 990-EZ.