TY 2011 Form 990EZ

- TIN:

Form990-EZ
Click to see attachment

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service

Short Form
Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax

Under section 501(c), 527, or 4947(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code
(except black lung benefit trust or private foundation)

Sponsoring organizations of donor advised funds, organizations that operate one or more hospital facilities, and certain controlling organizations as defined in section 512(b)(13) must file Form 990 (see instructions).
All other organizations with gross receipts less than $200,000 and total assets less than $500,000 at the end of the year may use this form.

The organization may have to use a copy of this return to satisfy state reporting requirements.

OMB No. 1545-1150

2011

Open to Public
Inspection

For the 2011 calendar year, or tax year beginning 01-01-2011, and ending 12-31-2011

Check if applicable:

Address change

Name change

Initial return

Terminated

Amended return

Application pending

C Name of organization
THINK LOCAL FIRST

Number and street (or P. O. box, if mail is not delivered to street address)1515 PACIFIC AVE
Room/suite

City or town, state or country, and ZIP + 4 SANTA CRUZ, CA95060

D Employer identification number

71-1038324

E Telephone number

F Group Exemption
Number. . bullet

G Accounting method: CashAccrualOther (specify) bullet

H Check bullet

required to attach Schedule B
(Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF).I Website: bullet

WWW.THINKLOCALFIRST.ORGJ Tax-Exempt status(check only one)501(c)(3) 501(c)( 6) bullet

(insert no.) 4947(a)(1) or 527

K Check

if the organization is not a section 509(a)(3) supporting organization or a section 527 organization and its gross receipts are normally not more than $50,000. A Form 990-EZ or Form 990 return is not required though Form 990-N (e-postcard) may be required (see instructions). But if the organization chooses to file a return, be sure to file a complete return.

L Add lines 5b, 6c, and 7b, to line 9 to determine gross receipts; If gross receipts are $200,000 or more, or if total assets (Part II, line 25, column (B) below) are $500,000 or more,file Form 990 instead of Form 990-EZ........... bullet

$ 62,421


1	Contributions, gifts, grants, and similar amounts received...............		1
2	Program service revenue including government fees and contracts ............		2
3	Membership dues and assessments......................		3	62,420
4	Investment income...........................		4	1
5a	Gross amount from sale of assets other than inventory........	5a
b	Less: cost or other basis and sales expenses...........	5b
c	Gain or (loss) from sale of assets other than inventory (Subtract line 5b from line 5a) ......		5c
6	Gaming and fundraising events
a	Gross income from gaming (attach Schedule G if greater than $15,000) .	6a
b	Gross income from fundraising events (not including $ of contributions from fundraising events reported on line 1) (attach Schedule G if the
	sum of such gross income and contributions exceeds $15,000)	6b
c	Less: direct expenses from gaming and fundraising events.......	6c
d	Net income or (loss) from gaming and fundraising events (Add lines 6a and 6b and subtract line 6c)		6d
7a	Gross sales of inventory, less returns and allowances........	7a
b	Less: cost of goods sold.................	7b
c	Gross profit or (loss) from sales of inventory (Subtract line 7b from line 7a) .........		7c
8	Other revenue (describe in Schedule O) .....................		8
9	Total revenue. Add lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5c, 6d, 7c, and 8.................		9	62,421
10	Grants and similar amounts paid (list in Schedule O) .................		10
11	Benefits paid to or for members........................		11
12	Salaries, other compensation, and employee benefits................		12
13	Professional fees and other payments to independent contractors............		13	14,440
14	Occupancy, rent, utilities, and maintenance...................		14
15	Printing, publications, postage, and shipping...................		15
16	Other expenses (describe in Schedule O) ....................		16	43,923
17	Total expenses. Add lines 10 through 16 ....................		17	58,363
18	Excess or (deficit) for the year (Subtract line 17 from line 9)............		18	4,058
19	Net assets or fund balances at beginning of year (from line 27, column (A)) (must agree with
	end-of-year figure reported on prior year’s return)................		19	28,756
20	Other changes in net assets or fund balances (explain in Schedule O) ..........		20
21	Net assets or fund balances at end of year. Combine lines 18 through 20.........		21	32,814

For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the separate instructions.

Cat. No. 10642I Form 990-EZ (2011)

Form 990-EZ (2011)

Page 2

Part IIBalance Sheets (see the instructions for Part II.)Check if the organization used Schedule O to respond to any question in this Part II.............

(See the instructions for Part II.)(A) Beginning of year(B) End of year

22Cash, savings, and investments................

28,756

32,814

23Land and buildings....................

24Other assets (describe in Schedule O) ..........

25Total assets......................

28,756

32,814

Total liabilities (describe in Schedule O) .............

27Net assets or fund balances (line 27 of column (B) must agree with line 21)..

28,756

32,814

Part IIIStatement of Program Service Accomplishments (see the instructions for Part III.) Check if the organization used Schedule O to respond to any question in this Part III .	Expenses (Required for section 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations and section 4947(a)(1) trusts; optional for others.)
What is the organization's primary exempt purpose? PROMOTING AND STRENGTHENING LOCALLY OWNED INDEPENDENT BUSINESSES IN SANTA CRUZ COUNTY.
Describe the organization’s program service accomplishments for each of its three largest program services, as measured by expenses. In a clear and concise manner, describe the services provided, the number of persons benefited, and other relevant information for each program title.
28 A BUSINESS LEAGUE WHICH FACILITATES PROMOTING AND STRENGTHENING LOCALLY OWNED INDEPENDENT BUSINESSES IN SANTA CRUZ COUNTY. (Grants $ ) If this amount includes foreign grants, check here ...		28a
29 (Grants $ ) If this amount includes foreign grants, check here ...		29a
30 (Grants $ ) If this amount includes foreign grants, check here ...		30a
31 Other program services (describe in Schedule O) .................. (Grants $ ) If this amount includes foreign grants, check here...	31a
32 Total program service expenses (add lines 28a through 31a)..............	32

Part IV List of Officers, Directors, Trustees, and Key Employees. List each one even if not compensated. (see the instructions for Part IV.)Check if the organization used Schedule O to respond to any question in this Part IV..........

(a) Name and title	(b) Average hours per week devoted to position	(c)Reportable compensation (Forms W-2/1099-MISC) (if not paid, enter -0-)	(d) Health benefits, contributions to employee benefit plans, and deferred compensation	(e) Estimated amount of other compensation
PETER BECKMAN 1019 3RD STREET 6 SANTA CRUZ,CA95060	CO-CHAIR000.00	0
KARL HEIMAN 501 PALISADES AVE SANTA CRUZ,CA95062	CO-CHAIR000.00	0
ERIC GIL 2863 ESTATES DRIVE APTOS,CA95003	TREASURER000.00	0
JOHN BENEDETTI 23 BLAKE AVE CORRALITOS,CA95076	SECRETARY000.00	0
MICHAEL OLSON 2300 PORTOLA DRIVE SANTA CRUZ,CA95061	DIRECTOR000.00	0
STEPHANIE WILKES 5200 SOQUEL AVE SUITE 203 SANTA CRUZ,CA95062	DIRECTOR000.00	0
LESLIE DEROSE 45 LA JOLLA ST WATSONVILLE,CA95067	DIRECTOR000.00	0
KIMBERLY PARRISH 997 HIDDEN VALLEY ROAD SOQUEL,CA95073	DIRECTOR000.00	0

Form 990-EZ (2011)

Page 3

Part VOther Information(Note the Schedule A and personal benefit contract statement requirements in the instructions for Part V.) Check if the organization used Schedule O to respond to any question in this Part V

Yes

Did the organization engage in any significant activity not previously reported to the IRS? If "Yes," provide a detailed description of each activity in Schedule O ...................

Were any significant changes made to the organizing or governing documents? If "Yes," attach a conformed copy of the amended documents if they reflect a change to the organization’s name. Otherwise, explain the changeon Schedule O (see instructions). ..........................

35a

Did the organization have unrelated business gross income of $1,000 or more during the year from business activities (such as those reported on lines 2, 6a, and 7a, among others)? ............

35a

If ‘Yes’ to line 35a, has the organization filed a Form 990-T for the year? If ‘No,’ provide an explanation in Schedule O.

35b

Was the organization a section 501(c)(4), 501(c)(5), or 501(c)(6) organization subject to section 6033(e) notice, reporting, and proxy tax requirements during the year? If "Yes," complete Schedule C, Part III. Click to see attachment

35c

Yes

Did the organization undergo a liquidation, dissolution, termination, or significant disposition of net assets during the year? If “Yes,” complete applicable parts of Schedule N ................

37a

Enter amount of political expenditures, direct or indirect, as described in the instructions. bullet

37a

Did the organization file Form 1120-POL for this year?...................

37b

38a

Did the organization borrow from, or make any loans to, any officer, director, trustee, or key employee or were

any such loans made in a prior year and still outstanding at the end of the tax year covered by this return?..

38a

If “Yes,” complete Schedule L, Part II and enter the total amount involved .

38b

Section 501(c)(7) organizations. Enter:

Initiation fees and capital contributions included on line 9.......

39a

Gross receipts, included on line 9, for public use of club facilities.....

39b

40a

Section 501(c)(3) organizations. Enter amount of tax imposed on the organization during the year under:

section 4911 bullet

; section 4912 bullet

; section 4955 bullet

Section 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations. Did the organization engage in any section 4958 excess benefittransaction during the year or did it engage in an excess benefit transaction in a prior year that has not been reported on any of its prior Forms 990 or 990-EZ? If “Yes,” complete Schedule L, Part I. ......

40b

Section 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations. Enter amount of tax imposed on organization managers or disqualified persons during the year under sections 4912, 4955, and 4958... bullet

Section 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations. Enter amount of tax on line 40c reimbursed by the organization.................... bullet

All organizations. At any time during the tax year, was the organization a party to a prohibited tax shelter transaction? If "Yes," complete Form 8886-T. ......................

40e

41List the states with which a copy of this return is filed. bullet

42aThe organization's books are in care of bullet

ERIC GIL Telephone no. bullet

(831) 234-2208

Located at bullet

2863 ESTATES DRIVE
APTOS,CA ZIP + 4 bullet

95003

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)?

Yes

42b

If “Yes,” enter the name of the foreign country: bullet

See the instructions for exceptions and filing requirements for Form TD F 90-22.1, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts.

At any time during the calendar year, did the organization maintain an office outside the U.S.?

42c

If “Yes,” enter the name of the foreign country: bullet

43 Section 4947(a)(1) nonexempt charitable trusts filing Form 990-EZ in lieu of Form 1041Check here ....... bullet

and enter the amount of tax-exempt interest received or accrued during the tax year.... bullet

Yes

44a

Did the organization maintain any donor advised funds during the year? If "Yes," Form 990 must be completed instead of

Form 990-EZ.................................

44a

Did the organization operate one or more hospital facilities during the year? If ‘Yes,’ Form 990 must be completedinstead of Form990-EZ.............................

44b

Did the organization receive any payments for indoor tanning services during the year?.........

44c

If 'Yes' to line 44c, has the organization filed a Form 720 to report these payments? If ‘No,’ provide an explanationin Schedule O................................

44d

45a

Did the organization have a controlled entity within the meaning of
section 512(b)(13)?............................

45a

45b

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," Form 990 and Schedule R may need to be completed instead of Form990-EZ (see instructions).....................

45b

Form 990-EZ (2011)

Page 4

Yes

Did the organization engage, directly or indirectly, in political campaign activities on behalf of or in opposition tocandidates for public office? If “Yes,” complete Schedule C, Part I. Click to see attachment

..............

Part VI

Section 501(c)(3) organizations and section 4947(a)(1) nonexempt charitable trusts only. All section 501(c)(3) organizations and section 4947(a)(1) nonexempt charitable trusts must answer questions 47-49b and 52. Check if the organization used Schedule O to respond to any question in this Part VI ...........

Yes

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 II .......................

Is the organization a school described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(ii)? If "Yes," complete Schedule E ....

49a

Did the organization make any transfers to an exempt non-charitable related organization?......

49a

If "Yes," was the related organization a section 527 organization?................

49b

Complete this table for the organization's five highest compensated employees (other than officers, directors, trustees and key employees) who each received more than $100,000 of compensation from the organization. If there is none, enter "None."

(a) Name and title of each employee paid more than $100,000	(b) Average hours per week devoted to position	(c) Reportable compensation (Forms W-2/1099-MISC)	(d) Health benefits, contributions to employee benefit plans, and deferred compensation	(e) Estimated amount of other compensation

Total number of other employees paid over $100,000 ................. bullet

Complete this table for the organization's five highest compensated independent contractors who each received more than $100,000 of compensation from the organization. If there is none, enter "None."

(a) Name and address of each independent contractor paid more than $100,000	(b) Type of service	(c) Compensation

Total number of other independent contractors each receiving over $100,000.......... bullet

Did the organization complete Schedule A? NOTE:All Section 501(c)(3) organizations and 4947(a)(1) nonexempt charitable trusts must attach a completed Schedule A ..................... Yes No

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

	Signature of officer	Date

	Type or print name and title

Paid preparer use only

Print/type preparer's name

Preparer's signature

Date

Check if
self-employed

PTIN

Firm's name Right pointing arrowhead image

Firm's EIN Right pointing arrowhead image

Firm's address Right pointing arrowhead image

Phone no.

May the IRS discuss this return with the preparer shown above? See instructions ......... bullet

YesNo

Form 990-EZ (2011)

Additional Data

Software ID:
Software Version:

Form 990-EZ, Special Condition Description:

Special Condition Description

- TIN:

SCHEDULE C
(Form 990 or 990-EZ)

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service

Political Campaign and Lobbying Activities

For Organizations Exempt From Income Tax Under section 501(c) and section 527
SchCMd Bullet

Complete if the organization is described below.
SchCMd Bullet

Attach to Form 990 or Form 990-EZ. SchCMd Bullet

See separate instructions.

OMB No. 1545-0047

2011

Open to Public
Inspection

If the organization answered “Yes” to Form 990, Part IV, Line 3, or Form 990-EZ, Part V, line 46 (Political Campaign Activities), then
Round Bullet

Section 501(c)(3) organizations: Complete Parts I-A and B. Do not complete Part I-C.
Round Bullet

Section 501(c) (other than section 501(c)(3)) organizations: Complete Parts I-A and C below. Do not complete Part I-B.
Round Bullet

Section 527 organizations: Complete Part I-A only.
If the organization answered “Yes” to Form 990, Part IV, Line 4, or Form 990-EZ, Part VI, line 47 (Lobbying Activities), then
Round Bullet

Section 501(c)(3) organizations that have filed Form 5768 (election under section 501(h)) Complete Part II-A. Do not complete Part II-B.
Round Bullet

Section 501(c)(3) organizations that have NOT filed Form 5768 (election under section 501(h)): Complete Part II-B. Do not complete Part II-A.
If the organization answered “Yes” to Form 990, Part IV, Line 5 (Proxy Tax) or Form 990-EZ, line 35c (Proxy Tax), then
Round Bullet

Section 501(c)(4), (5), or (6) organizations: Complete Part III.

Name of the organization

THINK LOCAL FIRST

Employer identification number

71-1038324

Part I-A

Complete if the organization is exempt under section 501(c) or is a section 527 organization.

Provide a description of the organization’s direct and indirect political campaign activities in Part IV.

Political expenditures .................................... SchCMd Bullet

Volunteer hours ........................................

Part I-B

Complete if the organization is exempt under section 501(c)(3).

Enter the amount of any excise tax incurred by the organization under section 4955 ......... SchCMd Bullet

Enter the amount of any excise tax incurred by organization managers under section 4955 ...... SchCMd Bullet

If the organization incurred a section 4955 tax, did it file Form 4720 for this year? ..............

Yes No

Was a correction made? .........................................

Yes No

If "Yes," describe in Part IV.

Part I-C

Complete if the organization is exempt under section 501(c) except section 501(c)(3).

Enter the amount directly expended by the filing organization for section 527 exempt function activities SchCMd Bullet

Enter the amount of the filing organization's funds contributed to other organizations for section 527 exempt function activities ................................... SchCMd Bullet

Total exempt function expenditures. Add lines 1 and 2. Enter here and on Form 1120-POL, line 17b.. SchCMd Bullet

Did the filing organization file Form 1120-POL for this year? ..........................

Yes No

Enter the names, addresses and employer identification number (EIN) of all section 527 political organizations to which the filing
organization made payments. For each organization listed, enter the amount paid from the filing organization’s funds. Also enter the amount of political contributions received that were promptly and directly delivered to a separate political organization, such as a separate segregated fund or a political action committee (PAC). If additional space is needed, provide information in Part IV.

(a) Name	(b) Address	(c) EIN	(d) Amount paid from filing organization's funds. If none, enter -0-.	(e) Amount of political contributions received and promptly and directly delivered to a separate political organization. If none, enter -0-.

For Privacy Act and Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the instructions for Form 990.

Cat. No. 50084S

Schedule C (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2011

Page 2

Part II-A

Complete if the organization is exempt under section 501(c)(3) and filed Form 5768 (election under section 501(h)).

A Check if the filing organization belongs to an affiliated group (and list in Part IV each affiliated group member's name, address, EIN, expenses, and share of excess lobbying expenditures).
B Check if the filing organization checked box A and "limited control" provisions apply.

Limits on Lobbying Expenditures (The term "expenditures" means amounts paid or incurred.)		(b) Affiliated group totals
1a	Total lobbying expenditures to influence public opinion (grass roots lobbying) ......
b	Total lobbying expenditures to influence a legislative body (direct lobbying) .......
c	Total lobbying expenditures (add lines 1a and 1b) ...................
d	Other exempt purpose expenditures ........................
e	Total exempt purpose expenditures (add lines 1c and 1d) ...............
f	Lobbying nontaxable amount. Enter the amount from the following table in both columns.
	If the amount on line 1e, column (a) or (b) is:The lobbying nontaxable amount is:
	Not over $500,00020% of the amount on line 1e.
	Over $500,000 but not over $1,000,000$100,000 plus 15% of the excess over $500,000.
	Over $1,000,000 but not over $1,500,000$175,000 plus 10% of the excess over $1,000,000.
	Over $1,500,000 but not over $17,000,000$225,000 plus 5% of the excess over $1,500,000.
	Over $17,000,000$1,000,000.

g	Grassroots nontaxable amount (enter 25% of line 1f) .................
h	Subtract line 1g from line 1a. If zero or less, enter -0-. ................
i	Subtract line 1f from line 1c. If zero or less, enter -0-. ................
j	If there is an amount other than zero on either line 1h or line 1i, did the organization file Form 4720 reporting section 4911 tax for this year? ......................................	Yes No

4-Year Averaging Period Under Section 501(h) (Some organizations that made a section 501(h) election do not have to complete all of the five columns below. See the instructions for lines 2a through 2f on page 4.)
Lobbying Expenditures During 4-Year Averaging Period
	Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in)	(a) 2008	(b) 2009	(c) 2010	(d) 2011	(e) Total

2a	Lobbying non-taxable amount

b	Lobbying ceiling amount (150% of line 2a, column(e))

c	Total lobbying expenditures

d	Grassroots nontaxable amount

e	Grassroots ceiling amount (150% of line 2d, column (e))

f	Grassroots lobbying expenditures

Schedule C (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2011

Page 3

Part II-B

Complete if the organization is exempt under section 501(c)(3) and has NOT filed Form 5768 (election under section 501(h)).

For each “Yes” response to lines 1a through 1i below, provide in Part IV a detailed description of the lobbying activity.

(a)

Yes

(b)

Amount

During the year, did the filing organization attempt to influence foreign, national, state or local legislation, including any attempt to influence public opinion on a legislative matter or referendum, through the use of:

Volunteers? .........................................

Paid staff or management (include compensation in expenses reported on lines 1c through 1i)? ....

Media advertisements? ....................................

Mailings to members, legislators, or the public? .........................

Publications, or published or broadcast statements? .......................

Grants to other organizations for lobbying purposes? .......................

Direct contact with legislators, their staffs, government officials, or a legislative body? ........

Rallies, demonstrations, seminars, conventions, speeches, lectures, or any similar means? ......

Other activities? ..........................

Total. Add lines 1c through 1i ...............................

Did the activities in line 1 cause the organization to be not described in section 501(c)(3)? .....

If "Yes," enter the amount of any tax incurred under section 4912 .................

If "Yes," enter the amount of any tax incurred by organization managers under section 4912 .....

If the filing organization incurred a section 4912 tax, did it file Form 4720 for this year? .......

Part III-A

Complete if the organization is exempt under section 501(c)(4), section 501(c)(5), or section 501(c)(6).

Yes

Were substantially all (90% or more) dues received nondeductible by members? ................

Did the organization make only in-house lobbying expenditures of $2,000 or less? ................

Did the organization agree to carry over lobbying and political expenditures from the prior year? ..........

Part III-B

Complete if the organization is exempt under section 501(c)(4), section 501(c)(5), or section 501(c)(6) and if either (a) BOTH Part III-A, lines 1 and 2 are answered “No” OR (b) Part III-A, line 3 is answered “Yes”.

Dues, assessments and similar amounts from members .....................

Section 162(e) nondeductible lobbying and political expenditures (do not include amounts of political
expenses for which the section 527(f) tax was paid).

Current year .........................................

Carryover from last year ....................................

Total ...........................................

Aggregate amount reported in section 6033(e)(1)(A) notices of nondeductible section 162(e) dues .

If notices were sent and the amount on line 2c exceeds the amount on line 3, what portion of the excess does the organization agree to carryover to the reasonable estimate of nondeductible lobbying and political expenditure next year? ................................

Taxable amount of lobbying and political expenditures (see instructions) ..............

Part IV

Supplemental Information

Complete this part to provide the descriptions required for Part l-A, line 1; Part l-B, line 4; Part l-C, Part II-A; line 5; and Part ll-B, line 1.
Also, complete this part for any additional information.

Identifier	Return Reference	Explanation

Schedule C (Form 990 or 990EZ) 2011

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.
MediumBullet

Attach to Form 990 or 990-EZ.

OMB No. 1545-0047

2011

Open to Public
Inspection

Name of the organization

THINK LOCAL FIRST

Employer identification number

71-1038324

Identifier	Return Reference	Explanation
OTHER EXPENSES	FORM 990-EZ, PART I, LINE 16	EXPENSES ADVERTISING 43,669 PROMOTION -800 OFFICE EXPENSE 100 INSURANCE 969 LICENSES & TAXES -15 TOTAL 43,923
PRIMARY EXEMPT PURPOSE	FORM 990-EZ, PART III	PROMOTING AND STRENGTHENING LOCALLY OWNED INDEPENDENT BUSINESSES IN SANTA CRUZ COUNTY.

For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990 or 990-EZ.

Cat. No. 51056K

Schedule O (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2011

Additional Data

Software ID:
Software Version:

- TIN:

TY 2011 CompensationExplanation

Name:

THINK LOCAL FIRST

EIN: 71-1038324

Person Name	Explanation
PETER BECKMAN
KARL HEIMAN
ERIC GIL
JOHN BENEDETTI
MICHAEL OLSON
STEPHANIE WILKES
LESLIE DEROSE
KIMBERLY PARRISH