Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service
Public Charity Status and Public Support
Complete if the organization is a section 501(c)(3) organization or a section
4947(a)(1) nonexempt charitable trust.
Attach to Form 990 or Form 990-EZ. See separate instructions.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2010
Open to Public Inspection
Name of the organization
COMMON CAUSE EDUCATION FUND
Employer identification number
31-1705370
Part I
Reason for Public Charity Status
(All organizations must complete this part.) See instructions
The organization is not a private foundation because it is: (For lines 1 through 11, check only one box.)
1
2
3
4
5
section 170(b)(1)(A)(iv). (Complete Part II.)
6
7
8
9
receipts from activities related to its exempt functions—subject to certain exceptions, and (2) no more than 331/3% of
its support from gross investment income and unrelated business taxable income (less section 511 tax) from businesses
acquired by the organization after June 30, 1975. See section 509(a)(2). (Complete Part III.)
10
11
e
By checking this box, I certify that the organization is not controlled directly or indirectly by one or more disqualified persons other than foundation managers and other than one or more publicly supported organizations described in section 509(a)(1) or section 509(a)(2).
f
If the organization received a written determination from the IRS that it is a Type I, Type II or Type III supporting organization, check this box
..................................................
g
Since August 17, 2006, has the organization accepted any gift or contribution from any of the following persons?
(i) a person who directly or indirectly controls, either alone or together with persons described in (ii)
Yes
No
and (iii) below, the governing body of the the supported organization?
................
11g(i)
(ii)
a family member of a person described in (i) above?
......................
11g(ii)
(iii)
a 35% controlled entity of a person described in (i) or (ii) above?
................
11g(iii)
h
Provide the following information about the supported organization(s).
(i) Name of supported organization
(ii) EIN
(iii) Type of organization (described on lines 1- 9 above or IRC section (see instructions))
(iv) Is the organization in col. (i) listed in your governing document?
(v) Did you notify the organization in col. (i) of your support?
(vi) Is the organization in col. (i) organized in the U.S.?
(vii) Amount of support?
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Total
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990.
Cat. No. 11285F
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2010
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2010
Page 2
Part II
Support Schedule for Organizations Described in IRC 170(b)(1)(A)(iv) and 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) (Complete only if you checked the box on line 5, 7, or 8 of Part I or if the
organization failed to qualify under Part III. If the organization fails to
qualify under the tests listed below, please complete Part III.)
Section A. Public Support
Calendar year(or fiscal year beginning in)
(a) 2006
(b) 2007
(c) 2008
(d) 2009
(e) 2010
(f) Total
1
Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grants.") ....
2,285,162
4,282,124
3,912,186
4,240,292
5,484,378
20,204,142
2
Tax revenues levied for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf.......
3
The value of services or facilities furnished by a governmental unit to the organization without charge..
4
Total. Add lines 1 through 3..
2,285,162
4,282,124
3,912,186
4,240,292
5,484,378
20,204,142
5
The portion of total contributions by each person (other than a governmental unit or publicly supported organization) included
on line 1 that exceeds 2% of the amount shown on line 11, column (f)..
4,262,653
6
Public Support. Subtract line 5 from line 4.
15,941,489
Section B. Total Support
Calendar year(or fiscal year beginning in)
(a) 2006
(b) 2007
(c) 2008
(d) 2009
(e) 2010
(f) Total
7
Amounts from line 4..
2,285,162
4,282,124
3,912,186
4,240,292
5,484,378
20,204,142
8
Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources..
55,358
59,913
11,566
-1,806
344
125,375
9
Net income from unrelated business activities, whether or not the business is regularly carried on..
10
Other income. (Explain in Part IV.) Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets..
19,924
19,924
11
Total support (Add lines 7 through 10).
20,349,441
12
Gross receipts from related activities, etc. (See instructions.)
..................
12
13
First Five Years
If the Form 990 is for the organization's first, second, third, fourth, or fifth tax year as a 501(c)(3) organization,
check this box and stop here..........................................
Section C. Computation of Public Support Percentage
14
Public Support Percentage for 2010 (line 6 column (f) divided by line 11 column (f))
.........
14
78.340 %
15
Public Support Percentage for 2009 Schedule A, Part II, line 14
...............
15
73.640 %
16a
33 1/3% support test—2010.
If the organization did not check the box on line 13, and line 14 is 33 1/3% or more, check this box
and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization
......................
b
33 1/3% support test—2009.
If the organization did not check the box on line 13 or 16a, and line 15 is 33 1/3% or more, check this
box and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization
.....................
17a
10%-facts-and-circumstances test—2010.
If the organization did not check a box on line 13, 16a, or 16b and line 14
is 10% or more, and if the organization meets the "facts and circumstances" test, check this box and stop here. Explain
in Part IV how the organization meets the "facts and circumstances" test. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported
organization
..................................................
b
10%-facts-and-circumstances test—2009.
If the organization did not check a box on line 13, 16a, 16b, or 17a and line
15 is 10% or more, and if the organization meets the "facts and circumstances" test, check this box and stop here.
Explain in Part IV how the organization meets the "facts and circumstances" test. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization
..............................................
18
Private Foundation
If the organization did not check a box on line 13, 16a, 16b, 17a or 17b, check this box and see
instructions
...................................................
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2010
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2010
Page 3
Part III
Support Schedule for Organizations Described in IRC 509(a)(2) (Complete only if you checked the box on line 9 of Part I or if the organization
failed to qualify under Part II. If the organization fails to qualify under
the tests listed below, please complete Part II.)
Section A. Public Support
Calendar year(or fiscal year beginning in)
(a) 2006
(b) 2007
(c) 2008
(d) 2009
(e) 2010
(f) Total
1
Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grants.") .
2
Gross receipts from admissions, merchandise sold or services performed, or facilities furnished in any activity that is related to the organization's tax-exempt purpose......
3
Gross receipts from activities that are not an unrelated trade or business under section 513..
4
Tax revenues levied for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf...
5
The value of services or facilities furnished by a governmental unit to the organization without charge..
6
Total. Add lines 1 through 5.
7a
Amounts included on lines 1, 2, and 3 received from disqualified persons...
b
Amounts included on lines 2 and 3 received from other than disqualified persons that exceed the greater of $5,000 or 1% of the amount on line 13 for the year.
c
Add lines 7a and 7b..
8
Public Support (Subtract line 7c from line 6.)
Section B. Total Support
Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in)
(a) 2006
(b) 2007
(c) 2008
(d) 2009
(e) 2010
(f) Total
9
Amounts from line 6...
10a
Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources..
b
Unrelated business taxable income (less section 511 taxes) from businesses acquired after June 30, 1975.
c
Add lines 10a and 10b.
11
Net income from unrelated business activities not included in line 10b, whether or not the business is regularly carried on.
12
Other income. Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets (Explain in Part IV.)
13
Total support (Add lines 9, 10c, 11 and 12.).
14
First Five Years
If the Form 990 is for the organization's first, second, third, fourth, or fifth tax year as a 501(c)(3) organization,
check this box and stop here.............................................
Section C. Computation of Public Support Percentage
15
Public Support Percentage for 2010 (line 8 column (f) divided by line 13 column (f))
.........
15
16
Public support percentage from 2009 Schedule A, Part III, line 15
...............
16
Section D. Computation of Investment Income Percentage
17
Investment income percentage for 2010 (line 10c column (f) divided by line 13 column (f))
......
17
18
Investment income percentage from 2009 Schedule A, Part III, line 17
.............
18
19a
33 1/3% support tests—2010.
If the organization did not check the box on line 14, and line 15 is more than 33 1/3% and line 17 is not more than 33 1/3%, check this box and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization
..........
b
33 1/3% support tests—2009.
If the organization did not check a box on line 14 or line 19a, and line 16 is more than 33 1/3% and line 18 is not more than 33 1/3%, check this box and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization
....
20
Private Foundation
If the organization did not check a box on line 14, 19a or 19b, check this box and see instructions
.....
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2010
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2010
Page 4
Part IV
Supplemental Information.
Supplemental Information. Complete this part to provide the explanation required by Part II, line 10; Part II, line 17a or 17b; or Part III, line 12. Also complete this part for any additional information. (See instructions).
Facts And Circumstances Test
Explanation
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2010
Additional Data
Software ID:
Software Version:
-
TIN:
SCHEDULE O (Form 990 or 990-EZ)
Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service
Supplemental Information to Form 990 or 990-EZ
Complete to provide information for responses to specific questions on
Form 990 or to provide any additional information.
Attach to Form 990 or 990-EZ.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2010
Open to Public Inspection
Name of the organization
COMMON CAUSE EDUCATION FUND
Employer identification number
31-1705370
Identifier
Return Reference
Explanation
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION A, LINE 1
THE FOUNDATION'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS MAY DESIGNATE AN EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, BY MAJORITY BOARD MEMBER RESOLUTION, TO HAVE AND EXERCISE AUTHORITY ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. THE COMMITTEE MAY NOT AMEND THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION, ADOPT AN AGREEMENT OF MERGER OR CONSOLIDATION, OR AMEND THE FOUNDATION'S BYLAWS.
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 11
THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER PROVIDES THE FORM 990 TO THE AUDIT COMMITTEE FOR REVIEW. ONCE THAT COMMITTEE HAS APPROVED THE DOCUMENT IT IS SENT TO THE FULL BOARD FOR REVIEW. THE BOARD MEMBERS HAVE TWO (2) DAYS TO RESPOND WITH ANY COMMENTS THEY MIGHT HAVE BEFORE THE DOCUMENT IS FILED.
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 12C
PROCEDURE FOR MONITORING AND ENFORCING COMPLIANCE WITH CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY: BOARD -- WHENEVER A DIRECTOR, OFFICER, OR COMMITTEE MEMBER BECOMES AWARE OF A POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST, WHETHER FINANCIAL OR OTHERWISE, HE OR SHE SHALL MAKE THE SITUATION KNOWN TO THE BOARD OR GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE (AS THE CASE MIGHT BE) AND PROVIDE ALL FACTS MATERIAL TO UNDERSTANDING THE NATURE AND SCOPE OF THE CONFLICT, INCLUDING WHETHER THE INTERESTED PERSON BELIEVES HIS OR HER ABILITY TO MAKE AN INDEPENDENT DECISION BASED SOLELY ON THE BEST INTEREST OF THE CORPORATION HAS BEEN COMPROMISED. IF THE INTERESTED PERSON INVOLVED DOES NOT MAKE THIS DISCLOSURE, ANOTHER DIRECTOR OR COMMITTEE MEMBER WITH KNOWLEDGE OF THE POTENTIAL CONFLICT SHOULD DRAW IT TO THE BODY'S ATTENTION. THE INTERESTED PERSON WITH THE POTENTIAL CONFLICT MUST RETIRE FROM THE MEETING AND NOT PARTICIPATE IN FINAL DISCUSSION AND VOTING ON THE EXISTENCE OF THE CONFLICT. IF A CONFLICT IS FOUND TO EXIST, THE INTERESTED PERSON MAY BE INVITED TO PROVIDE ANY RELEVANT INFORMATION THAT COULD BE OF USE TO THE BOARD IN MAKING ITS DECISION, BUT SHALL AGAIN RETIRE AND NOT PARTICIPATE IN THE FINAL DISCUSSION AND VOTING REGARDING THE TRANSACTION. THE BOARD OR COMMITTEE'S DECISION SHALL BE BASED ON CONSIDERATION OF WHETHER THE TRANSACTION: A) IS IN THE ORGANIZATION'S BEST INTEREST AND FOR ITS OWN BENEFIT; B) IS FAIR AND REASONABLE TO THE ORGANIZATION; AND C) IS THE MOST ADVANTAGEOUS TRANSACTION OR ARRANGEMENT THE ORGANIZATION CAN OBTAIN WITH REASONABLE EFFORTS UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES. STAFF: WHENEVER A STAFF MEMBER BECOMES AWARE OF A POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST IN AN AREA WHERE HE OR SHE EXERCISES ANY DISCRETION IN CARRYING OUT HIS OR HER DUTIES FOR THE FUND, HE OR SHE SHALL PROMPTLY DISCLOSE THE POTENTIAL CONFLICT TO AN IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR OR TO THE PRESIDENT. IF THE PRESIDENT HAS A POTENTIAL CONFLICT, HE OR SHE SHALL DISCLOSE IT TO THE BOARD OR AN EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. THE PERSON OR BODY TO WHOM DISCLOSURE IS MADE (HEREINAFTER "SUPERVISOR") SHALL DETERMINE WHETHER THERE IS A CONFLICT THAT REQUIRES RECUSAL OF THE INTERESTED PERSON. WHEN A CONFLICT IS FOUND TO EXIST, THE INTERESTED PERSON SHALL PROVIDE THE SUPERVISOR WITH ALL INFORMATION HE OR SHE HAS RELEVANT TO ANY DECISION TO BE MADE IN WHICH HE OR SHE HAS AN INTEREST, AND THE FINAL DECISION SHALL BE MADE BY THE SUPERVISOR.
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 15A
PERSONS PROVIDING SERVICES TO THE EDUCATION FUND ARE EMPLOYED BY COMMON CAUSE, A SISTER ORGANIZATION. THE NARRATIVE BELOW DESCRIBES COMMON CAUSE'S DECISION-MAKING PROCESS. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER: THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE NATIONAL GOVERNING BOARD CONDUCTS A 360 DEGREE REVIEW OF THE CEO PRIOR TO DETERMINING THE ANNUAL COMPENSATION. THE COMMITTEE INTERVIEWS THE SENIOR STAFF, REVIEW A COMPARABILITY STUDY, AND THEN CONFERS AS A COMMITTEE. THE COMMITTEE BRINGS ITS RECOMMENDATION TO THE FULL BOARD AT THE LAST BOARD MEETING OF THE YEAR. MINUTES ARE TAKEN OF THE SALARY DELIBERATIONS. OTHER OFFICERS OR KEY EMPLOYEES: THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CONDUCTS A REVIEW OF THE CFO, REVIEWS A COMPARABILITY STUDY, AND THEN CONFERS AS A COMMITTEE. THE COMMITTEE BRINGS ITS RECOMMENDATION TO THE FULL BOARD AT THE LAST BOARD MEETING OF THE YEAR. MINUTES ARE TAKEN OF THE SALARY DELIBERATIONS. THE COMMITTEE DOES NOT REVIEW COMPENSATION OF KEY EMPLOYEES; THAT IS PERFORMED BY MANAGEMENT.
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION C, LINE 19
COMMON CAUSE EDUCATION FUND SEEKS TO BE FAITHFUL TO ITS MISSION BY BEING OPEN AND ACCOUNTABLE TO OUR MEMBERS AND SUPPORTERS. WE WILL MAKE OUR GOVERNANCE DOCUMENTS, CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY, AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION UPON REQUEST. OUR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ARE ALSO PART OF OUR ANNUAL REPORT WHICH IS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE.
FORM 990, PART XII, LINE 2C
THERE WAS NO CHANGE TO THE REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS DURING THE YEAR.
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990 or 990-EZ.