Form990
Click to see attachment
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
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)

MediumBullet The organization may have to use a copy of this return to satisfy state reporting requirements.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2011
Open to Public Inspection
A For the calendar year, or tax year beginning 01-01-2011 and ending 12-31-2011
BCheck if applicable:
CName of organization
Fernbank Inc
 
Doing Business As
Fernbank Museum of Natural History
 
Number and street (or P.O. box if mail is not delivered to street address)
767 Clifton Road NE
 
Room/suite
City or town, state or country, and ZIP + 4
Atlanta, GA303071221
D Employer identification number

58-6028607
E Telephone number

G Gross receipts $ 9,714,598
F Name and address of principal officer:
Catherine A Nowell
767 Clifton Road NE
Atlanta,GA303071221
I
Tax-exempt status: (   ) LeftBullet (insert no.) or
J
Website:MediumBullet
www.fernbankmuseum.org
H(a)
Is this a group return for
affiliates?
H(b)
Are all affiliates included?
If "No," attach a list. (see instructions)
H(c)
Group exemption number MediumBullet  
K Form of organization:
 
L Year of formation: 1939
M State of legal domicile: GA
Part I
Summary
Activities & Governance 1 Briefly describe the organization’s mission or most significant activities: The Museum's mission is to inspire lifelong learning of natural history through dynamic programming to encourage a greater appreciation of our planet and its people.
2 Check this box MediumBullet
3 Number of voting members of the governing body (Part VI, line 1a)..... 3 42
4 Number of independent voting members of the governing body (Part VI, line 1b) .... 4 42
5 Total number of individuals employed in calendar year 2011 (Part V, line 2a) ... 5 143
6 Total number of volunteers (estimate if necessary) .... 6 250
7a Total unrelated business revenue from Part VIII, column (C), line 12 .. 7a 872,765
b Net unrelated business taxable income from Form 990-T, line 34 .. 7b -212,693
Revenues; Prior Year Current Year
8 Contributions and grants (Part VIII, line 1h) ......... 7,407,752 3,411,805
9 Program service revenue (Part VIII, line 2g) ......... 2,761,758 3,744,629
10 Investment income (Part VIII, column (A), lines 3, 4, and 7d ) .... 12,125 13,683
11 Other revenue (Part VIII, column (A), lines 5, 6d, 8c, 9c, 10c, and 11e) 1,298,541 1,708,165
12 Total revenue—add lines 8 through 11 (must equal Part VIII, column (A), line 12)................... 11,480,176 8,878,282
Expenses; 13 Grants and similar amounts paid (Part IX, column (A), lines 1–3 )... 54,875 98,007
14 Benefits paid to or for members (Part IX, column (A), line 4)..... 0 0
15 Salaries, other compensation, employee benefits (Part IX, column (A), lines 5–10) 3,918,765 4,396,309
16a Professional fundraising fees (Part IX, column (A), line 11e)..... 176,973 19,780
b Total fundraising expenses (Part IX, column (D), line 25) MediumBullet571,134    
17 Other expenses (Part IX, column (A), lines 11a–11d, 11f–24f).... 4,510,346 5,525,743
18 Total expenses. Add lines 13–17 (must equal Part IX, column (A), line 25) 8,660,959 10,039,839
19 Revenue less expenses. Subtract line 18 from line 12....... 2,819,217 -1,161,557
Net Assets or Fund Balances; Beginning of Current Year End of Year
20 Total assets (Part X, line 16)............. 30,048,536 29,327,438
21 Total liabilities (Part X, line 26)............. 1,595,138 2,048,429
22 Net assets or fund balances. Subtract line 21 from line 20..... 28,453,398 27,279,009
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
Signature of officer Date
JumboBullet
Type or print name and title.
Paid preparer use only
Print/type preparer's name
 
Preparer's signature
Date
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
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the separate instructions.
Cat. No. 11282Y
Form 990 (2011)
Form 990 (2011)
Page 2
Part III
Statement of Program Service Accomplishments
Check if Schedule O contains a response to any question in this Part III .........
1
Briefly describe the organization’s mission: Fernbank Museum of Natural History is dedicated to stimulating an interest in science, the environment and human culture, reconnecting people to nature and restoring a sense of wonder in the natural world. The Museum's mission is to inspire lifelong learning of natural history through immersive programming and unmatched experiences to encourage a greater appreciation of our planet and its inhabitants. Fernbank views natural history as a startlingly contemporary subject matter encompassing two of the most significant issues of our time-the diversity of our environment and the diversity of human culture. Fernbank presents the concepts of physical, earth, life and social sciences in an interactive and engaging environment through 14 permanent exhibits and features, annual special exhibitions and a host of films and signature programs. As an educational institution, Fernbank supports a visitor's intrinsic desire to learn. Our goal is to build a more informed citizenry, scientifically and c
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 and section 4947(a)(1) trusts 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 $ 5,823,020 including grants of $   ) (Revenue $ 3,687,574 )
Exhibitions and Films see Schedule O for Description.
4b (Code:   ) (Expenses $ 1,693,824 including grants of $   ) (Revenue $ 33,610 )
Educational Programs see Schedule O for Description.
4c (Code:   ) (Expenses $ 396,443 including grants of $   ) (Revenue $   )
Strategic Initiatives see Schedule O for Description.
4d Other program services (Describe in Schedule O.)
(Expenses $   including grants of $   ) (Revenue $   )
4e Total program service expensesMediumBullet$ 7,913,287
Form 990 (2011)
Form 990 (2011)
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? 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 I..........
3
 
No
4
Section 501(c)(3) organizations. Did the organization engage in lobbying activities? If “Yes,” complete Schedule C,
Part II.........................
4
 
No
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 III........................
5
 
 
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
Yes
 
9
Did the organization report an amount in Part X, line 21; 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
Yes
 
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, line10? 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 VII.Click 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 VIII.Click 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 IX.Click 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 X.Click to see attachment
11e
Yes
 
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 X.Click to see attachment
11f
Yes
 
12a
Did the organization obtain separate, independent audited financial statements for the tax year?
If “Yes,” complete Schedule D, Parts XI, XII, and XIII Click to see attachment
12a
Yes
 
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, XII, and XIII 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, Part I.........
14b
 
No
15
Did the organization report on Part IX, column (A), line 3, more than $5,000 of grants or assistance to any organization or entity located outside the U.S.? If “Yes,” complete Schedule F, Part II..
15
 
No
16
Did the organization report on Part IX, column (A), line 3, more than $5,000 of aggregate grants or assistance to individuals located outside the U.S.? If “Yes,” complete Schedule F, Part III..
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 IClick to see attachment
17
Yes
 
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.......... Click to see attachment
18
Yes
 
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................... Click to see attachment
19
 
No
20a
Did the organization operate one or more hospitals? If “Yes,” complete Schedule H.....
20a
 
No
b
If “Yes” to line 20a, did the organization attach a copy of its audited financial statement to this return? Note. All Form 990 filers that operated one or more hospitals must attach audited financial statements.
20b
 
 
Form 990 (2011)
Form 990 (2011)
Page 4
Part IV
Checklist of Required Schedules (continued)
21
Did the organization report more than $5,000 of grants and other assistance to any government or organization in the United States on Part IX, column (A), line 1? If “Yes,” complete Schedule I, Parts I and II.. Click to see attachment
21
 
No
22
Did the organization report more than $5,000 of grants and other assistance to individuals in the United States 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, questions 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 questions 24b–24d and complete Schedule K. If “No,” go to line 25................
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) and 501(c)(4) 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
Was a loan to or by a current or former officer, director, trustee, key employee, highly compensated employee, or disqualified person outstanding as of the end of the organization’s tax year? 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 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 MClick to see attachment
29
Yes
 
30
Did the organization receive contributions of art, historical treasures, or other similar assets, or qualified conservation contributions? If “Yes,” complete Schedule M............ Click to see attachment
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, Parts II, III, IV, and 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 11 and 19? Note. All Form 990 filers are required to complete Schedule O. ............
38
Yes
 
Form 990 (2011)
Form 990 (2011)
Page 5
Part V
Statements Regarding Other IRS Filings and Tax Compliance
Check if Schedule O contains a response to any question in this Part V .........
Yes
No
1a
Enter the number reported in Box 3 of Form 1096. Enter -0- if not applicable. .......
1a
20
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
143
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
Yes
 
b
If “Yes,” has it filed a Form 990-T for this year? If “No,” provide an explanation in Schedule O.....
3b
Yes
 
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 or securities account)?.......................
4a
 
No
b
If "Yes," enter the name of the foreign country: MediumBullet
See instructions for filing requirements for Form TD F 90-22.1, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts.
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?..........
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
Yes
 
b
If “Yes,” did the organization notify the donor of the value of the goods or services provided?.....
7b
Yes
 
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
 
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
 
 
h
If the organization received a contribution of cars, boats, airplanes, or other vehicles, did the organization file a Form 1098-C?...............
7h
 
 
8
Sponsoring organizations maintaining donor advised funds and section 509(a)(3) supporting organizations. Did the supporting organization, or a donor advised fund maintained by a sponsoring organization, have excess business holdings at any time during the year?................
8
 
 
9
Sponsoring organizations maintaining donor advised funds.
a
Did the organization make any taxable distributions under section 4966?.........
9a
 
 
b
Did the organization make a distribution to a donor, donor advisor, or related person?......
9b
 
 
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
 
 
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. All 501(c)(29) organizations must list in Schedule O each state in which they are licensed to issue qualified health plans, the amount of reserves required by each state, and the amount of reserves the organization allocated to each state.
13a
 
 
b
Enter the aggregate 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 aggregate amount of reserves on hand.
13c
 
14a
Did the organization receive any payments for indoor tanning services during the tax year?.....
14a
 
 
b
If "Yes," has it filed a Form 720 to report these payments? If “No,” provide an explanation in Schedule O..
14b
 
 
Form 990 (2011)
Form 990 (2011)
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 to any question 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
If the governing body delegated broad authority to an executive committee or similar committee, explain in Schedule O.
1a
42
b
Enter the number of voting members included in line 1a, above, who are independent .................
1b
42
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
Yes
 
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 the 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
Yes
 
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
GA
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, physical address, and telephone number of the person who possesses the books and records of the organization: MediumBullet
CATHERINE NOWELL
767 CLIFTON ROAD NE
Atlanta,GA303071221
(404) 929-6344
Form 990 (2011)
Form 990 (2011)
Page 7
Part VII
Compensation of Officers, Directors,Trustees, Key Employees, Highest Compensated Employees, and Independent Contractors
Check if Schedule O contains a response to any question 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, and current key employees. 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 organizations compensated any current or former officer, director, or trustee.
(A)
Name and Title 		(B)
Average hours per week (describe hours for related organizations in Schedule O) 		(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; Officer; Key Employee; Highest compensated employee; Former;
(1) Ashish Bahl
Board Member
 1.0 X                
(2) Jeffery B Baker
Board Member
 1.0 X                
(3) Hartley D Baker
Board Member
 1.0 X                
(4) Ronald B Bobo
Board Member
 1.0 X                
(5) Eric K Busko
Board Member
 1.0 X                
(6) Tim Carssow
Board Member
 1.0 X                
(7) Eric W Cash
Board Member
 1.0 X                
(8) Allan N Crawford III
Board Member
 1.0 X                
(9) Sherri Crawford
Board Member
 1.0 X                
(10) Arnold B Evans
Board Member
 1.0 X                
(11) Steven J de Groot
Board Member
 1.0 X                
(12) Peter Evans
Board Member
 1.0 X                
(13) Teresa Finley
Board Member
 1.0 X                
(14) Darrell Fitzgerald
Board Member
 1.0 X                
(15) Rick Frazier
Board Member
 1.0 X                
(16) Brenda C Freeman
Board Member
 1.0 X                
(17) Nell F Hall
Board Member
 1.0 X                
Form 990 (2011)
Form 990 (2011)
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 (describe hours for related organizations in Schedule O) 		(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; Officer; Key Employee; Highest compensated employee; Former;
(18) Deborah Hodge Harrison
Board Member
 1.0 X                
(19) Dorothy Smith Hines
Board Member
 1.0 X                
(20) Fay S Howell
Board Member
 1.0 X                
(21) Wab P Kadaba
Board Member
 1.0 X                
(22) Robin L King
Board Member
 1.0 X                
(23) Randolph J Koporc
Board Member
 1.0 X                
(24) Ronnie R Labrato
Board Member
 1.0 X                
(25) Cara Isdell Lee
Board Member
 1.0 X                
(26) David W Leeds
Board Member
 1.0 X                
(27) Kevin A Maxim
Board Member
 1.0 X                
(28) Richard V McPhail
Board Member
 1.0 X                
(29) W Hampton Morris
Board Member
 1.0 X                
(30) Cindy K Patrick
Board Member
 1.0 X                
(31) Melanie M Platt
Board Member
 1.0 X                
(32) H Palmer Proctor
Board Member
 1.0 X                
(33) Drew Atkinson Putt
Board Member
 1.0 X                
(34) Jake Ring
Board Member
 1.0 X                
(35) Kristine Peterson Rudolph
Board Member
 1.0 X                
(36) Eve M Saunders
Board Member
 1.0 X                
(37) Joseph B Schultz
Board Member
 1.0 X                
(38) Rebecca S Shepherd
Board Member
 1.0 X                
(39) Charles U Slick
Board Member
 1.0 X                
(40) Caryl G Smith
Board Member
 1.0 X                
(41) Alvin T Wong Judge
Board Member
 1.0 X                
(42) John B Zellars Jr
Board Member
 1.0 X                
(43) Susan Neugent
President & CEO
 55.0     X       225,250 0 17,966
(44) Aneli Nugteren
Exec VP & COO
 50.0     X       146,358 0 12,285
(45) Catherine Nowell
Sr. VP & CFO
 50.0     X       145,107 0 9,821
(46) Jennifer Grant-Warner
Sr. VP & CPO
 50.0     X       122,637 0 9,578
(47) Dana Harvey
VP & CTO
 50.0     X       97,787 0 11,545
1b Sub-Total................MediumBullet
c Total from continuation sheets to Part VII, Section A....MediumBullet
d Total (add lines 1b and 1c)............MediumBullet 737,139 0 61,195
2
Total number of individuals (including but not limited to those listed above) who received more than $100,000 of reportable compensation from the organizationMediumBullet4
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
Thinkwell Design Production
695 South Glenwood Place
BURBANK,CA91506 		Exhibit Design 1,102,069
Kaiser Permanente
PO Box 403012
ATLANTA,GA303843012 		Health Insurance 308,668
CBS Outdoor
PO Box 33074
NEWARK,NJ07188 		Advertising 198,646
Georgia Maintenance Solutions Inc
2841 East Mount Tabor Circle
DULUTH,GA30096 		Janitorial Svcs. 183,100
Sysco
PO BOX 490379
COLLEGE PARK,GA30349 		Food Service 259,356
2
Total number of independent contractors (including but not limited to those listed above) who received more than $100,000 of compensation from the organization MediumBullet10
Form 990 (2011)
Form 990 (2011)
Page 9
Part VIII
Statement of Revenue
(A)
Total revenue 		(B)
Related or
exempt
function
revenue 		(C)
Unrelated
business
revenue 		(D)
Revenue
excluded from
tax under sections
512, 513, or 514
Contributions, Gifts, Grants and Other Similar Amounts 1a Federated campaigns..1a  
b Membership dues....1b 1,228,857
c Fundraising events....1c 548,821
d Related organizations...1d  
e Government grants (contributions)1e  
f All other contributions, gifts, grants, and
similar amounts not included above1f 		1,634,127
g Noncash contributions included in lines 1a-1f:$ 36,146
h Total. Add lines 1a-1f.......MediumBullet 3,411,805
Program Service Revenue Business Code
2a MUSEUM ADMISSIONS 611,600 2,443,100 2,443,100    
b IMAX ADMISSIONS 713,990 1,267,919 1,244,474 23,445  
c EDUCATIONAL INCOME 611,600 33,610 33,610    
d
e
f All other program service revenue .        
g Total. Add lines 2a–2f........MediumBullet 3,744,629
Other Revenue 3 Investment income (including dividends, interest
and other similar amounts).....MediumBullet 13,083     13,083
4 Income from investment of tax-exempt bond proceeds..MediumBullet 0      
5 Royalties............MediumBullet 0      
(i) Real (ii) Personal
6a Gross rents    
b Less: rental expenses    
c Rental income or (loss)    
d Net rental income or (loss).......MediumBullet        
(i) Securities (ii) Other
7a Gross amount from sales of assets other than inventory   600
b Less: cost or other basis and sales expenses    
c Gain or (loss)   600
d Net gain or (loss)..........MediumBullet 600     600
8a Gross income from fundraising events (not including
$ 548,821
of contributions reported on line 1c). See Part IV, line 18 ...
a 113,206
b Less: direct expenses ...b 121,663
c Net income or (loss) from fundraising events..MediumBullet -8,457   -8,457
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 2,417,433
b Less: cost of goods sold ..b 714,653
c Net income or (loss) from sales of inventory..MediumBullet 1,702,780 853,460 849,320  
Miscellaneous Revenue Business Code
11a OTHER REVENUE 900,099 13,842 13,842    
b            
c            
d All other revenue ....        
e Total. Add lines 11a–11d ......MediumBullet 13,842
12 Total revenue. See Instructions....MediumBullet 8,878,282 4,588,486 872,765 5,226
Form 990 (2011)
Form 990 (2011)
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) but are not required to complete columns (B), (C), and (D).
Check if Schedule O contains a response to any question 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 governments and organizations in the United States. See Part IV, line 21 0  
2 Grants and other assistance to individuals in the United States. See Part IV, line 22 98,007 98,007
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 .... 798,334 333,145 465,189  
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 3,051,892 2,059,262 617,860 374,770
8 Pension plan accruals and contributions (include section 401(k) and 403(b) employer contributions) .... 0      
9 Other employee benefits ....... 260,123 176,993 67,503 15,627
10 Payroll taxes ........... 285,960 182,998 75,302 27,660
11 Fees for services (non-employees):        
a Management ...... 0      
b Legal ......... 0      
c Accounting ........... 33,000   33,000  
d Lobbying ........... 0      
e Professional fundraising. See Part IV, line 17.. 19,780 19,780
f Investment management fees ...... 0      
g Other .......... 0      
12 Advertising and promotion .... 954,729 954,729    
13 Office expenses ....... 258,774 37,486 214,796 6,492
14 Information technology ...... 63,187   61,892 1,295
15 Royalties .. 0      
16 Occupancy ........... 1,018,703 1,018,703    
17 Travel ............ 0      
18 Payments of travel or entertainment expenses for any federal, state, or local public officials ...... 0      
19 Conferences, conventions, and meetings .... 0      
20 Interest ........... 0      
21 Payments to affiliates ....... 0      
22 Depreciation, depletion, and amortization ..... 1,620,866 1,601,638 18,057 1,171
23 Insurance .............. 137,687 137,687    
24 Other expenses. Itemize expenses not covered above (List miscellaneous expenses in line 24f. If line 24f amount exceeds 10% of line 25, column (A) amount, list line 24f expenses on Schedule O.)
a EXHIBITS 659,361 659,361    
b IMAX FILMS 400,587 400,587    
c PROGRAMS & ACTIVITIES 191,227 165,442 1,819 23,966
d MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT 100,373     100,373
e
f All other expenses 87,249 87,249    
25 Total functional expenses. Add lines 1 through 24f 10,039,839 7,913,287 1,555,418 571,134
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 (2011)
Form 990 (2011)
Page 11
Part X Balance Sheet
(A)
Beginning of year 		(B)
End of year
Assets 1 Cash—non-interest-bearing .......... 2,589,429 1 2,504,337
2 Savings and temporary cash investments ....... 85,702 2 81,513
3 Pledges and grants receivable, net ......... 1,470,541 3 891,840
4 Accounts receivable, net ......... 39,228 4 67,818
5 Receivables from current and former officers, directors, trustees, key employees, and highest compensated employees. Complete Part II of
Schedule L .......... 0 5 0
6 Receivables from other disqualified persons (as defined under section 4958(f)(1)) and persons described in section 4958(c)(3)(B). Complete Part II of
Schedule L .......... 0 6 0
7 Notes and loans receivable, net ............. 0 7 0
8 Inventories for sale or use .............. 206,889 8 241,548
9 Prepaid expenses and deferred charges ............ 48,926 9 70,520
10a Land, buildings, and equipment: cost or other basis. Complete Part VI of Schedule D 10a 43,079,646
b Less: accumulated depreciation. ..... 10b 19,473,078 23,852,640 10c 23,606,568
11 Investments—publicly traded securities .......... 685,322 11 794,238
12 Investments—other securities. See Part IV, line 11 ...... 0 12 0
13 Investments—program-related. See Part IV, line 11 .. 0 13 0
14 Intangible assets ......... 0 14 0
15 Other assets. See Part IV, line 11 ........... 1,069,859 15 1,069,056
16 Total assets. Add lines 1 through 15 (must equal line 34)... 30,048,536 16 29,327,438
Liabilities 17 Accounts payable and accrued expenses . 1,595,138 17 1,583,429
18 Grants payable .......... 0 18 0
19 Deferred revenue .......... 0 19 0
20 Tax-exempt bond liabilities .......... 0 20 0
21 Escrow or custodial account liability. Complete Part IV of Schedule D.. 0 21 0
22 Payables to current and former officers, directors, trustees, key
employees, highest compensated employees, and disqualified
persons. Complete Part II of Schedule L.......... 0 22 0
23 Secured mortgages and notes payable to unrelated third parties .. 0 23 0
24 Unsecured notes and loans payable to unrelated third parties .... 0 24 0
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..... 0 25 465,000
26 Total liabilities. Add lines 17 through 25..... 1,595,138 26 2,048,429
Net Assets or Fund Balance Organizations that follow SFAS 117, check here MediumBullet and complete lines 27 through 29, and lines 33 and 34.
27 Unrestricted net assets ..... 25,199,313 27 25,400,108
28 Temporarily restricted net assets ..... 2,936,155 28 1,497,636
29 Permanently restricted net assets ..... 317,930 29 381,265
Organizations that do not follow SFAS 117, 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 ..... 28,453,398 33 27,279,009
34 Total liabilities and net assets/fund balances ..... 30,048,536 34 29,327,438
Form 990 (2011)
Form 990 (2011)
Page 12
Part XI
Reconcilliation of Net Assets
Check if Schedule O contains a response to any question in this Part XI .........
1
Total revenue (must equal Part VIII, column (A), line 12) ...
1
8,878,282
2
Total expenses (must equal Part IX, column (A), line 25) ....
2
10,039,839
3
Revenue less expenses. Subtract line 2 from line 1 ...
3
-1,161,557
4
Net assets or fund balances at beginning of year (must equal Part X, line 33, column (A)) ..
4
28,453,398
5
Other changes in net assets or fund balances (explain in Schedule O) ...
5
-12,832
6
Net assets or fund balances at end of year. Combine lines 3, 4, and 5 (must equal Part X, line 33, column (B)) ....
6
27,279,009
Part XII
Financial Statements and Reporting
Check if Schedule O contains a response to any question 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
b
Were the organization’s financial statements audited by an independent accountant?........
2b
Yes
 
c
If “Yes,” to 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? If the organization changed either its oversight process or selection process during the tax year, explain in Schedule O. ...........................
2c
Yes
 
d
If “Yes” to line 2a or 2b, check a box below to indicate whether the financial statements for the year were issued on a separate basis, consolidated basis, or both:
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 (2011)
Additional Data


Software ID:  
Software Version:  
Form 990, Special Condition Description:
Special Condition Description
SCHEDULE A
(Form 990 or 990EZ)

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.
right arrow Attach to Form 990 or Form 990-EZ. right arrow See separate instructions.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2011
Open to Public
Inspection
Name of the organization
Fernbank Inc
 
Employer identification number

58-6028607
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
f
g
(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
(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) 2011
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2011
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) 2007 (b) 2008 (c) 2009 (d) 2010 (e) 2011 (f) Total
1 Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grants.") .... 6,484,890 7,299,659 3,898,467 7,407,752 3,411,805 28,502,573
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.. 6,484,890 7,299,659 3,898,467 7,407,752 3,411,805 28,502,573
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)..           4,769,571
6 Public Support. Subtract line 5 from line 4.           23,733,002
Section B. Total Support
Calendar year(or fiscal year beginning in) (a) 2007 (b) 2008 (c) 2009 (d) 2010 (e) 2011 (f) Total
7 Amounts from line 4.. 6,484,890 7,299,659 3,898,467 7,407,752 3,411,805 28,502,573
8 Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources.. 69,517 42,403 8,540 10,577 13,086 144,123
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..            
11 Total support (Add lines 7 through 10).           28,646,696
12
12
23,949,092
13
Section C. Computation of Public Support Percentage
14
14
82.847 %
15
15
82.515 %
16a
b
17a
b
18
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2011
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2011
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) 2007 (b) 2008 (c) 2009 (d) 2010 (e) 2011 (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) 2007 (b) 2008 (c) 2009 (d) 2010 (e) 2011 (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
Section C. Computation of Public Support Percentage
15
15
 
16
16
 
Section D. Computation of Investment Income Percentage
17
17
 
18
18
 
19a
b
20
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2011
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2011
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) 2011

Additional Data


Software ID:  
Software Version:  
Schedule B
(Form 990, 990-EZ,
or 990-PF)
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Schedule of Contributors
Arrow Bullet Attach to Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2011
Name of organization
Fernbank Inc
 
Employer identification number

58-6028607
Organization type (check one):
Filers of:
Section:
Form 990 or 990-EZ





Form 990-PF




Check if your organization is covered by the General Rule or a Special Rule.  
Note. Only a section 501(c)(7), (8), or (10) organization can check boxes for both the General Rule and a Special Rule. See instructions.
General Rule
Special Rules
......................... Arrow Bullet   $    
Caution. An Organization that is not covered by the General Rule and/or the Special Rules does not file Schedule B (Form 990,
990-EZ, or 990-PF), but it must answer “No” on Part IV, line 2, of its Form 990; or check the box on line H of its
Form 990-EZ or on Part I, line 2, of its Form 990-PF, to certify that it does not meet the filing requirements of Schedule B (Form 990,
990-EZ, or 990-PF).
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions
for Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF.
Cat. No. 30613XSchedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2011)

Page 2
Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2011)
Name of organization
Fernbank Inc
  		Employer identification number

58-6028607
Part I
Contributors (see Instructions). Use duplicate copies of Part I if additional space is needed.
     
(a)
No.		 (b)
Name, address, and ZIP + 4		 (c)
Total contributions		 (d)
Type of contribution
RESTRICTED
RESTRICTED
 

     
RESTRICTED
RESTRICTED  
RESTRICTED, RESTRICTED   RESTRICTED

$RESTRICTED




(Complete Part II if there is a noncash contribution.)
(a)
No.		 (b)
Name, address, and ZIP + 4		 (c)
Total contributions		 (d)
Type of contribution
 
 
 

     
 
   

$  




(Complete Part II if there is a noncash contribution.)
(a)
No.		 (b)
Name, address, and ZIP + 4		 (c)
Total contributions		 (d)
Type of contribution
 
 
 

     
 
   

$  




(Complete Part II if there is a noncash contribution.)
(a)
No.		 (b)
Name, address, and ZIP + 4		 (c)
Total contributions		 (d)
Type of contribution
 
 
 

     
 
   

$  




(Complete Part II if there is a noncash contribution.)
(a)
No.		 (b)
Name, address, and ZIP + 4		 (c)
Total contributions		 (d)
Type of contribution
 
 
 

     
 
   

$  




(Complete Part II if there is a noncash contribution.)
(a)
No.		 (b)
Name, address, and ZIP + 4		 (c)
Total contributions		 (d)
Type of contribution
 
 
 

     
 
   

$  




(Complete Part II if there is a noncash contribution.)
Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2011)

Page 3
Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2011)
Name of organization
Fernbank Inc
  		Employer identification number

58-6028607
Part II
Noncash Property (see Instructions). Use duplicate copies of Part II if additional space is needed.
     
(a) No.
from
Part I		 (b)
Description of noncash property given		 (c)
FMV (or estimate)
(see instructions). 		(d)
Date received
 
$    
(a) No.
from
Part I		 (b)
Description of noncash property given		 (c)
FMV (or estimate)
(see instructions). 		(d)
Date received
 
$    
(a) No.
from
Part I		 (b)
Description of noncash property given		 (c)
FMV (or estimate)
(see instructions). 		(d)
Date received
 
$    
(a) No.
from
Part I		 (b)
Description of noncash property given		 (c)
FMV (or estimate)
(see instructions). 		(d)
Date received
 
$    
(a) No.
from
Part I		 (b)
Description of noncash property given		 (c)
FMV (or estimate)
(see instructions). 		(d)
Date received
 
$    
(a) No.
from
Part I		 (b)
Description of noncash property given		 (c)
FMV (or estimate)
(see instructions). 		(d)
Date received
 
$    
Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2011)

Page 4
Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2011)
Name of organization
Fernbank Inc
  		Employer identification number

58-6028607
Part III
Exclusively religious, charitable, etc., individual contributions to section 501(c)(7), (8), or (10) organizations
that total more than $1,000 for the year. Complete columns (a) through (e) and the following line entry.
For organizations completing Part III, enter the total of exclusively religious, charitable, etc.,
contributions of $1,000 or less for the year. (Enter this information once. See instructions.) Arrow Bullet $  
Use duplicate copies of Part III if additional space is needed
(a) No.
from
Part I		 (b)
Purpose of gift		 (c)
Use of gift		 (d)
Description of how gift is held
 
(e)
Transfer of gift
Transferee's name, address, and ZIP 4 Relationship of transferor to transferee
 
 
       
 
(a) No.
from
Part I		 (b)
Purpose of gift		 (c)
Use of gift		 (d)
Description of how gift is held
 
(e)
Transfer of gift
Transferee's name, address, and ZIP 4 Relationship of transferor to transferee
 
 
       
 
(a) No.
from
Part I		 (b)
Purpose of gift		 (c)
Use of gift		 (d)
Description of how gift is held
 
(e)
Transfer of gift
Transferee's name, address, and ZIP 4 Relationship of transferor to transferee
 
 
       
 
(a) No.
from
Part I		 (b)
Purpose of gift		 (c)
Use of gift		 (d)
Description of how gift is held
 
(e)
Transfer of gift
Transferee's name, address, and ZIP 4 Relationship of transferor to transferee
 
 
       
 
Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2011)

Additional Data


Software ID:  
Software Version:  
SCHEDULE D
(Form 990)
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Supplemental Financial Statements
SchDMd Bullet Complete if the organization answered "Yes," to Form 990,
Part IV, line 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, 11f, 12a, or 12b
SchDMd Bullet Attach to Form 990. SchDMd Bullet See separate instructions.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2011
Open to Public Inspection
Name of the organization
Fernbank Inc
 
Employer identification number

58-6028607
Part I
Organizations Maintaining Donor Advised Funds or Other Similar Funds or Accounts. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" to Form 990, Part IV, line 6.
(a) Donor advised funds (b) Funds and other accounts
1 Total number at end of year .......    
2 Aggregate contributions to (during year) ...    
3 Aggregate grants from (during year) ...    
4 Aggregate value at end of year .......    
5
Did the organization inform all donors and donor advisors in writing that the assets held in donor advised
funds are the organization's property, subject to the organization's exclusive legal control? ............
6
Did the organization inform all grantees, donors, and donor advisors in writing that grant funds can be
used only for charitable purposes and not for the benefit of the donor or donor advisor, or for any other purpose conferring impermissible private benefit? ...................................
Part II
Conservation Easements. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" to Form 990, Part IV, line 7.
1
Purpose(s) of conservation easements held by the organization (check all that apply).
2
Complete lines 2a through 2d if the organization held a qualified conservation contribution in the form of a conservation easement on the last day of the tax year.
Held at the End of the Year
a Total number of conservation easements ....................... 2a  
b Total acreage restricted by conservation easements .................. 2b  
c Number of conservation easements on a certified historic structure included in (a) ..... 2c  
d Number of conservation easements included in (c) acquired after 8/17/06, and not on a historic structure listed in the National Register .................... 2d  
3
Number of conservation easements modified, transferred, released, extinguished, or terminated by the organization during
the tax year SchDMd Bullet  
4
Number of states where property subject to conservation easement is located SchDMd Bullet  
5
Does the organization have a written policy regarding the periodic monitoring, inspection, handling of violations, and
enforcement of the conservation easements it holds? .............................
6
Staff and volunteer hours devoted to monitoring, inspecting and enforcing conservation easements during the year SchDMd Bullet  
7
Amount of expenses incurred in monitoring, inspecting, and enforcing conservation easements during the year
SchDMd Bullet $  
8
Does each conservation easement reported on line 2(d) above satisfy the requirements of section
170(h)(4)(B)(i) and 170(h)(4)(B)(ii)? ....................................
9
In Part XIV, describe how the organization reports conservation easements in its revenue and expense statement, and
balance sheet, and include, if applicable, the text of the footnote to the organization’s financial statements that describes
the organization’s accounting for conservation easements.
Part III
Organizations Maintaining Collections of Art, Historical Treasures, or Other Similar Assets.
Complete if the organization answered "Yes" to Form 990, Part IV, line 8.
1a
If the organization elected, as permitted under SFAS 116 (ASC 958), not to report in its revenue statement and balance sheet works of
art, historical treasures, or other similar assets held for public exhibition, education or research in furtherance of public service,
provide, in Part XIV, the text of the footnote to its financial statements that describes these items.
b
If the organization elected, as permitted under SFAS 116 (ASC 958), to report in its revenue statement and balance sheet works of art,
historical treasures, or other similar assets held for public exhibition, education, or research in furtherance of public service,
provide the following amounts relating to these items:
(i)
Revenues included in Form 990, Part VIII, line 1 ........................SchDMd Bullet $  
(ii)
Assets included in Form 990, Part X ..............................SchDMd Bullet $ 1,057,949
2
If the organization received or held works of art, historical treasures, or other similar assets for financial gain, provide the
following amounts required to be reported under SFAS 116 (ASC 958), relating to these items:
a
Revenues included in Form 990, Part VIII, line 1 ..........................SchDMd Bullet $  
b
Assets included in Form 990, Part X ...............................SchDMd Bullet $  
For Privacy Act and Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Intructions for Form 990
Cat. No. 52283D
Schedule D (Form 990) 2011

Schedule D (Form 990) 2011
Page 2
Part III
Organizations Maintaining Collections of Art, Historical Treasures, or Other Similar Assets (continued)
3
Using the organization’s accession and other records, check any of the following that are a significant use of its collection
items (check all that apply):
a
d
b
e
 
c
4
Provide a description of the organization’s collections and explain how they further the organization’s exempt purpose in
Part XIV.
5
During the year, did the organization solicit or receive donations of art, historical treasures or other similar
assets to be sold to raise funds rather than to be maintained as part of the organization’s collection?........
Part IV
Escrow and Custodial Arrangements. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" to Form 990,
Part IV, line 9, or reported an amount on Form 990, Part X, line 21.
1a
Is the organization an agent, trustee, custodian or other intermediary for contributions or other assets not
included on Form 990, Part X? ....................................
b
If "Yes," explain the arrangement in Part XIV and complete the following table:
Amount
c Beginning balance ................................. 1c  
d Additions during the year .............................. 1d  
e Distributions during the year ............................. 1e  
f Ending balance ................................... 1f  
2a
Did the organization include an amount on Form 990, Part X, line 21? .....................
b
If “Yes,” explain the arrangement in Part XIV.
Part V
Endowment Funds. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" to Form 990, Part IV, line 10.
(a)Current Year (b)Prior Year (c)Two Years Back (d)Three Years Back (e)Four Years Back
1a Beginning of year balance .... 317,930 314,550 314,451 310,518
b Contributions ........ 55,374 0 0 0
c Net investment earnings, gains, and losses ... 7,961 3,380 99 3,933
d Grants or scholarships ..... 0 0 0 0
e Other expenditures for facilities
and programs ........ 		0 0 0 0
f Administrative expenses .... 0 0 0 0
g End of year balance ...... 381,265 317,930 314,550 314,451
2
Provide the estimated percentage of the year end balance (line 1g) held as:
a
Board designated or quasi-endowment SchDMd Bullet0 %
b
Permanent endowment SchDMd Bullet100.000 %
c
Temporarily restricted endowment SchDMd Bullet0 %
The percentages in lines 2a, 2b, and 2c should equal 100%.
3a
Are there endowment funds not in the possession of the organization that are held and administered for the
organization by:

Yes
No
(i) unrelated organizations ........................
3a(i)
 
No
(ii) related organizations ........................
3a(ii)
 
No
b
If "Yes" to 3a(ii), are the related organizations listed as required on Schedule R? .........
3b
 
 
4
Describe in Part XIV the intended uses of the organization's endowment funds.
Part VI
Land, Buildings, and Equipment. See Form 990, Part X, line 10.
Description of property (a) Cost or other basis (investment) (b)Cost or other basis (other) (c) Accumulated depreciation (d) Book value
1a Land .................   782,166 782,166
b Buildings ................   645,956 550,751 95,205
c Leasehold improvements ............   39,057,703 17,218,691 21,839,012
d Equipment ................   2,593,821 1,703,634 890,187
e Other .................        
Total. Add lines 1a through 1e. (Column (d) must equal Form 990, Part X, column (B), line 10(c).).......SchDMdBullet 23,606,570
Schedule D (Form 990) 2011

Schedule D (Form 990) 2011
Page 3
Part VII
Investments—Other Securities. See Form 990, Part X, line 12.
(a) Description of security or category
(including name of security)		 (b)Book value (c) Method of valuation:
Cost or end-of-year market value
(1)Financial derivatives    
(2)Closely-held equity interests    
Other








Total. (Column (b) must equal Form 990, Part X, col. (B) line 12.)Small Bullet  
Part VIII
Investments—Program Related. See Form 990, Part X, line 13.
(a) Description of investment type (b) Book value (c) Method of valuation:
Cost or end-of-year market value








Total. (Column (b) must equal Form 990, Part X, col.(B) line 13.)Small Bullet  
Part IX
Other Assets. See Form 990, Part X, line 15.
(a) Description (b) Book value








Total. (Column (b) must equal Form 990, Part X, col.(B) line 15.)...........Small Bullet  
Part X
Other Liabilities. See Form 990, Part X, line 25.
1.(a) Description of Liability (b) Book value
Federal Income Taxes 0
LOC 465,000








Total. (Column (b) must equal Form 990, Part X, col.(B) line 25.)Small Bullet 465,000
2. Fin 48 (ASC 740) Footnote. In Part XIV, provide the text of the footnote to the organization's financial statements that reports the organization's liability for uncertain tax positions under FIN 48 (ASC740).
Schedule D (Form 990) 2011

Schedule D (Form 990) 2011
Page 4
Part XI Reconciliation of Change in Net Assets from Form 990 to Financial Statements
1 Total revenue (Form 990, Part VIII, column (A), line 12) .................... 1 8,878,282
2 Total expenses (Form 990, Part IX, column (A), line 25) ..................... 2 10,039,839
3 Excess or (deficit) for the year. Subtract line 2 from line 1 ............. 3 -1,161,557
4 Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments .......................... 4 198
5 Donated services and use of facilities ............................. 5  
6 Investment expenses ................................... 6  
7 Prior period adjustments .................................. 7 -13,030
8 Other (Describe in Part XIV.) ................................. 8  
9 Total adjustments (net). Add lines 4 through 8 ......................... 9 -12,832
10 Excess or (deficit) for the year per financial statements. Combine lines 3 and 9 ......... 10 -1,174,389
Part XII Reconciliation of Revenue per Audited Financial Statements With Revenue per Return
1 Total revenue, gains, and other support per audited financial statements ....... 1 8,987,113
2 Amounts included on line 1 but not on Form 990, Part VIII, line 12:
a Net unrealized gains on investments .......... 2a 198
b Donated services and use of facilities ......... 2b  
c Recoveries of prior year grants ........... 2c  
d Other (Describe in Part XIV.) ............ 2d 121,663
e Add lines 2a through 2d ..................... 2e 121,861
3 Subtract line 2e from line 1..................... 3 8,865,252
4 Amounts included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 12, but not on line 1:
a Investment expenses not included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 7b . 4a  
b Other (Describe in Part XIV.) ........... 4b 13,030
c Add lines 4a and 4b....................... 4c 13,030
5 Total Revenue. Add lines 3 and 4c. (This must equal Form 990, Part I, line 12.) ...... 5 8,878,282
Part XIII Reconciliation of Expenses per Audited Financial Statements With Expenses per Return
1 Total expenses and losses per audited financial statements ............. 1 10,161,502
2 Amounts included on line 1 but not on Form 990, Part IX, line 25:
a Donated services and use of facilities .......... 2a  
b Prior year adjustments .............. 2b  
c Other losses ................ 2c  
d Other (Describe in Part XIV.) ............ 2d 121,663
e Add lines 2a through 2d...................... 2e 121,663
3 Subtract line 2e from line 1..................... 3 10,039,839
4 Amounts included on Form 990, Part IX, line 25, but not on line 1:
a Investment expenses not included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 7b .. 4a  
b Other (Describe in Part XIV.) ............ 4b  
c Add lines 4a and 4b....................... 4c  
5 Total expenses. Add lines 3 and 4c. (This must equal Form 990, Part I, line 18.) ...... 5 10,039,839
Part XIV
Supplemental Information
Complete this part to provide the descriptions required for Part II, lines 3, 5, and 9; Part III, lines 1a and 4; Part lV, lines 1b and 2b;
Part V, line 4; Part X; Part XI, line 8; Part XII, lines 2d and 4b; and Part XIII, lines 2d and 4b. Also complete this part to provide any additional information.
Identifier Return Reference Explanation
Schedule D, Part III, Question 4   Fernbank Museum was created to encourage and advance the study and understanding of natural history by disseminating knowledge of the Earth and life upon it. We seek to develop a comprehensive collection of value for exhibition and education for students and visitors, and available for research by curators and visiting scholars. As a natural history museum, we will collect and maintain a repository of biological, anthropological, geological and paleontological specimens. We will use these to develop engaging exhibits, educational programs and resources that will provide our visitors opportunities to experience authentic cultural materials, artifacts and specimens representative of the earth's history and its variety of life.
Schedule D, Part V, Question 4   The overall financial objectives of the Endowment are to support the current and future operations of the Museum and to preserve and enhance the purchasing power of the Endowment. The investment objectives are to be achieved through a three-tiered investment strategy. Tiers I & II incorporate endowment growth through reinvested earnings with no principal spending. The endowment is currently in its Tier II phase. In 2011, all earnings were reinvested; no principal or earnings were expended.
Schedule D, Part III, Question 1a   In accordance with GAAP, donated collections are recorded at commercial market value, determined by independent appraisal. Purchased collection items are recorded at cost. Collections are not depreciated. --- The value of collections donated by individuals prior to the current method of recording donated collections, including the gem stone collection and other works of art, are not recorded. However, the Organization's gem stone collection is extensive and has substantial value based upon appraisals of the items at the time of their donation.
Schedule D, Part XII, Question 2d   The $121,663 is due to fundraising expenses.
Schedule D, Part XIII, Question 2d   The $121,663 is due to fundraising expenses.
Schedule D, Part X, Question 2   Fernbank, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization which is exempt from federal income taxes under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Accordingly, no provision for income taxes is reflected in the accompanying financial statements. The Organization annually evaluates all federal and state income tax positions. This process includes an analysis of whether these income tax positions the Organization takes meet the definition of an uncertain tax position under the Income Taxes Topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Codification. The Organization does not have any uncertain tax positions as of December 31, 2011.
Schedule D, Part XII - Question 4b   Bad Debt Expense -- 13,030
Schedule D, Part XI, Line 7   Bad Debt - uncollectible pledges
Schedule D (Form 990) 2011

Additional Data


Software ID:  
Software Version:  




SCHEDULE G (Form 990 or 990-EZ)
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Supplemental Information Regarding
Fundraising or Gaming Activities
Complete if the organization answered "Yes" to Form 990, Part IV, lines 17, 18, or 19,or if the organization entered more than $15,000 on Form 990-EZ, line 6a.right arrowAttach to Form 990 or Form 990-EZ. right arrowSee separate instructions.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2011
Open to Public Inspection
Name of the organization
Fernbank Inc
 
Employer identification number

58-6028607
Part I
Fundraising Activities. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" to Form 990, Part IV, line 17.
1
Indicate whether the organization raised funds through any of the following activities. Check all that apply.
a e
b f
c g
d
2a
Did the organization have a written or oral agreement with any individual (including officers, directors, trustees
or key employees listed in Form 990, Part VII) or entity in connection with professional fundraising services?
b
If “Yes,” list the ten highest paid individuals or entities (fundraisers) pursuant to agreements under which the fundraiser is
to be compensated at least $5,000 by the organization. Form 990-EZ filers are not required to complete this table.
(i) Name and address of individual
or entity (fundraiser) 		(ii) Activity (iii) Did fundraiser have custody or control of contributions? (iv) Gross receipts
from activity 		(v) Amount paid to
(or retained by)
fundraiser listed in
col. (i) 		(vi) Amount paid to
(or retained by)
organization
Yes No
ComNet Membership Phone Camp.   No 35,860 19,780 16,080
Total .................right arrow 35,860 19,780 16,080
3
List all states in which the organization is registered or licensed to solicit funds or has been notified it is exempt from registration or licensing.
AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CT, FL, GA, IL, IN, IA, MA, MI, MN, NH, NJ, NY, NC, ND, OH, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV
For Privacy Act and Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990.
Cat. No. 50083H
Schedule G (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2011
Schedule G (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2011
Page 2
Part II
Fundraising Events. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" to Form 990, Part IV, line 18, or reported more than $15,000 on Form 990-EZ, line 6a. List events with gross receipts greater than $5,000.
(a) Event #1

Lost Oasis
(event type) 		(b) Event #2

Timeless
(event type) 		(c) Other Events

0
(total number) 		(d) Total Events
(Add col. (a) through col. (c))
VerticalRevenue 1 Gross receipts . . . 155,237 506,790   662,027
2 Less: Charitable
contributions . . . 		134,866 413,955   548,821
3 Gross income (line 1
minus line 2) . . . 		20,371 92,835   113,206
VerticalDirectExpenses 4 Cash prizes . . .        
5 Non-cash prizes . .        
6 Rent/facility costs . . 652 36,719   37,371
7 Food and beverages . . 11,476 36,708   48,184
8 Entertainment . . . 5,525 6,225   11,750
9 Other direct expenses . 7,398 16,960   24,358
10 Direct expense summary. Add lines 4 through 9 in column (d) ........... right arrow 121,663
11 Net income summary. Combine lines 3 and 10 in column (d)............ right arrow -8,457
Part III
Gaming. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" to Form 990, Part IV, line 19, or reported more than $15,000 on Form 990-EZ, line 6a.
VerticalRevenue (a) Bingo (b) Pull tabs/Instant
bingo/progressive bingo 		(c) Other gaming (d) Total gaming (Add col. (a) through col. (c))
1 Gross revenue . . . .        
VerticalDirectExpenses 2 Cash prizes . . . .        
3 Non-cash prizes . . .        
4 Rent/facility costs . . .        
5 Other direct expenses . .        
6 Volunteer labor . . .
 
 
 
7 Direct expense summary. Add lines 2 through 5 in column (d) ........... right arrow  
8 Net gaming income summary. Combine lines 1 and 7 in column (d) .......... right arrow  
9
Enter the state(s) in which the organization operates gaming activities:
a
Is the organization licensed to operate gaming activities in each of these states? ............
b
If "No," Explain:
 
10a
Were any of the organization's gaming licenses revoked, suspended or terminated during the tax year? .....
b
If "Yes," Explain:
 
11
Does the organization operate gaming activities with nonmembers? .................
12
Is the organization a grantor, beneficiary or trustee of a trust or a member of a partnership or other entity
formed to administer charitable gaming? ..........................
Schedule G (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2011
Schedule G (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2011
Page 3
13
Indicate the percentage of gaming activity operated in:
a
The organization's facility ......................
13a
 
b
An outside facility ........................
13b
 
14
Provide the name and address of the person who prepares the organization's gaming/special events books and records:
Name right arrow
Address right arrow
15a
Does the organization have a contract with a third party from whom the organization receives gaming
revenue? ......................................
b
If "Yes," enter the amount of gaming revenue received by the organization right arrow $   and the
amount of gaming revenue retained by the third party right arrow $   .
c
If "Yes," enter name and address:
Name right arrow
Address right arrow
 
 
16
Gaming manager information:
Name right arrow
Gaming manager compensation right arrow $  
Description of services provided right arrow
 
17
Mandatory distributions:
a
Is the organization required under state law to make charitable distributions from the gaming proceeds to
retain the state gaming license? ............................
b
Enter the amount of distributions required under state law distributed to other exempt organizations or spent
in the organization's own exempt activities during the tax year right arrow$  
Part IV
Complete this part to provide additional information for responses to quuestion on Schedule G (see instructions.)
Identifier ReturnReference Explanation
Schedule G (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2011
Additional Data


Software ID:  
Software Version:  
Schedule I
(Form 990)
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Grants and Other Assistance to Organizations,
Governments and Individuals in the United States
Complete if the organization answered "Yes," to Form 990, Part IV, line 21 or 22.
lBullet Attach to Form 990
OMB No. 1545-0047
2011
Open to Public
Inspection
Name of the organization
Fernbank Inc
 
Employer identification number
58-6028607
Part I
General Information on Grants and Assistance
1
Does the organization maintain records to substantiate the amount of the grants or assistance, the grantees' eligibility for the grants or assistance, and
the selection criteria used to award the grants or assistance? ....................................
2
Describe in Part IV the organization's procedures for monitoring the use of grant funds in the United States.
Part II
Grants and Other Assistance to Governments and Organizations in the United States. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" to
Form 990, Part IV, line 21 for any recipient that received more than $5,000. Check this box if no one recipient received more than $5,000. Use
Part IV and Schedule I-1 (Form 990) if additional space is needed ......................... lBullet
(a) Name and address of organization
or government		 (b) EIN (c) IRC Code section
if applicable		 (d) Amount of cash grant (e) Amount of non-cash
assistance		 (f) Method of valuation
(book, FMV, appraisal,
other)		 (g) Description of
non-cash assistance		 (h) Purpose of grant
or assistance






















2
Enter total number of section 501(c)(3) and government organizations listed in the line 1 table ................. Bullet Image
 
3
Enter total number of other organizations listed in the line 1 table ......................... . Bullet Image
 
For Privacy Act and Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990.
Cat. No. 50055P
Schedule I (Form 990) 2011

Schedule I (Form 990) 2011
Page 2
Part III
Grants and Other Assistance to Individuals in the United States. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" to Form 990, Part IV, line 22.
Use Schedule I-1 (Form 990) if additional space is needed.
(a)Type of grant or assistance (b)Number of
recipients		 (c)Amount of
cash grant		 (d)Amount of
non-cash assistance		 (e)Method of valuation (book,
FMV, appraisal, other)		 (f)Description of non-cash assistance
(1) Reduced Admission 13649   98,007 FMV Reduced Admission













Part IV
Supplemental Information. Complete this part to provide the information required in Part I, line 2, and any other additional information.
Identifier Return Reference Explanation
Schedule I, Part I, Question 2   The grants reflect the free admission provided to families in need and Title 1 students. For example, when a Title 1 school visits the Museum and the associated school is considered to have 80% Title 1 students, then the school is given an 80% grant of the total admission cost.
Schedule I (Form 990) 2011


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Schedule J
(Form 990)
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Compensation Information
For certain Officers, Directors, Trustees, Key Employees, and Highest
Compensated Employees
SchJMediumBullet Complete if the organization answered "Yes" to Form 990,
Part IV, question 23.
SchJMediumBullet Attach to Form 990. SchJMediumBullet See separate instructions.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2011
Open to Public Inspection
Name of the organization
Fernbank Inc
 
Employer identification number

58-6028607
Part I
Questions Regarding Compensation
Yes
No
1a
Check the appropiate box(es) if the organization provided any of the following to or for a person listed in Form
990, Part VII, Section A, line 1a. Complete Part III to provide any relevant information regarding these items.
b
If any of the boxes in line 1a are checked, did the organization follow a written policy regarding payment or reimbursement or provision of all the expenses described above? If "No," complete Part III to explain....
1b
 
 
2
Did the organization require substantiation prior to reimbursing or allowing expenses incurred by all
officers, directors, trustees, and the CEO/Executive Director, regarding the items checked in line 1a? ....
2
 
 
3
Indicate which, if any, of the following the organization uses to establish the compensation of the
organization's CEO/Executive Director. Check all that apply. Do not check any boxes for methods
used by a related organization to establish compensation of the CEO/Executive Director, but explain in Part III.
4
During the year, did any person listed in Form 990, Part VII, Section A, line 1a with respect to the filing organization or a related organization:
a
Receive a severance payment or change-of-control payment? ...............
4a
 
No
b
Participate in, or receive payment from, a supplemental nonqualified retirement plan? ........
4b
Yes
 
c
Participate in, or receive payment from, an equity-based compensation arrangement? ........
4c
 
No
If "Yes" to any of lines 4a-c, list the persons and provide the applicable amounts for each item in Part III.
Only 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations only must complete lines 5-9.
5
For persons listed in form 990, Part VII, Section A, line 1a, did the organization pay or accrue any
compensation contingent on the revenues of:
a
The organization? ...........................
5a
 
No
b
Any related organization? .........................
5b
 
No
If "Yes," to line 5a or 5b, describe in Part III.
6
For persons listed in form 990, Part VII, Section A, line 1a, did the organization pay or accrue any
compensation contingent on the net earnings of:
a
The organization? ...........................
6a
 
No
b
Any related organization? .........................
6b
 
No
If "Yes," to line 6a or 6b, describe in Part III.
7
For persons listed in Form 990, Part VII, Section A, line 1a, did the organization provide any non-fixed
payments not described in lines 5 and 6? If "Yes," describe in Part III ............
7
 
No
8
Were any amounts reported in Form 990, Part VII, paid or accured pursuant to a contract that was
subject to the initial contract exception described in Regulations section 53.4958-4(a)(3)? If "Yes," describe
in Part III .............................
8
 
No
9
If "Yes" to line 8, did the organization also follow the rebuttable presumption procedure described in Regulations section 53.4958-6(c)? .........................
9
 
 
For Privacy Act and Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Intructions for Form 990
Cat. No. 50053T
Schedule J (Form 990) 2011

Schedule J (Form 990) 2011
Page 2
Part II
Officers, Directors, Trustees, Key Employees, and Highest Compensated Employees. Use duplicate copies if additional space is needed.
For each individual whose compensation must be reported in Schedule J, report compensation from the organization on row (i) and from related organizations, described in the
instructions on row (ii). Do not list any individuals that are not listed on Form 990, Part VII.

Note. The sum of columns (B)(i)-(iii) for each listed individual must equal the total amount of Form 990, Part VII, Section A, line 1a, applicable column (D) and column (E) for that individual.
(A) Name (B) Breakdown of W-2 and/or 1099-MISC compensation (C) Retirement and other deferred compensation (D) Nontaxable
benefits		 (E) Total of columns
(B)(i)-(D) 		(F) Compensation
reported as deferred
in prior Form 990
(i) Base compensation (ii) Bonus & incentive compensation (iii) Other reportable compensation
(1) Susan Neugent (i)
(ii)		 225,250
0 		0
0 		0
0 		17,500
  		466
  		243,216
0 		 
 
(2) Aneli Nugteren (i)
(ii)		 146,358
0 		0
0 		0
0 		0
  		12,285
  		158,643
0 		 
 
(3) Catherine Nowell (i)
(ii)		 145,107
0 		0
0 		0
0 		0
  		9,821
  		154,928
0 		 
 













Schedule J (Form 990) 2011

Schedule J (Form 990) 2011
Page 3
Part III
Supplemental Information
Complete this part to provide the information, explanation, or descriptions required for Part I, lines 1a, 1b, 3, 4c, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7, and 8. Also complete this part for any additional information.
Identifier Return Reference Explanation
Schedule J, Part I, Question 4b   Susan Neugent received $17,500 in Deferred Contributions to a nonqualified plan.
Schedule J (Form 990) 2011

Additional Data


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SCHEDULE M
(Form 990)

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
NonCash Contributions
Right pointing arrow large imageComplete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, lines 29 or 30.
Right pointing arrow large image Attach to Form 990.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2011
Open to Public Inspection
Name of the organization
Fernbank Inc
 
Employer identification number

58-6028607
Part I
Types of Property
(a)
Check if applicable 		(b)
Number of Contributions or items contributed 		(c)
Noncash contribution amounts reported on
Form 990, Part VIII, line 1g 		(d)
Method of determining
noncash contribution amounts
1 Art—Works of art ....        
2 Art—Historical treasures .        
3 Art—Fractional interests ..        
4 Books and publications ..      
5 Clothing and household
goods ....... 		     
6 Cars and other vehicles ..        
7 Boats and planes ....        
8 Intellectual property ...        
9 Securities—Publicly traded . X 7 36,146 FMV ON NOtification
10 Securities—Closely held stock .        
11 Securities—Partnership, LLC,
or trust interests .... 		       
12 Securities—Miscellaneous ..        
13 Qualified conservation
contribution—Historic
structures ..... 		       
14 Qualified conservation
contribution—Other ... 		       
15 Real estate—Residential .        
16 Real estate—Commercial ..        
17 Real estate—Other ...        
18 Collectibles .....        
19 Food inventory ...        
20 Drugs and medical supplies .        
21 Taxidermy ......        
22 Historical artifacts ....        
23 Scientific specimens ..        
24 Archeological artifacts ...        
25 Other Right pointing arrow large image ( )
26 Other Right pointing arrow large image( )
27 Other Right pointing arrow large image( )
28 Other Right pointing arrow large image ( )
29
Number of Forms 8283 received by the organization during the tax year for contributions
for which the organization completed Form 8283, Part IV, Donee Acknowledgement ...
29
 
Yes
No
30a
During the year, did the organization receive by contribution any property reported in Part I, lines 1-28 that it
must hold for at least three years from the date of the initial contribution, and which is not required to be used
for exempt purposes for the entire holding period? ..................
30a
 
No
b
If "Yes," describe the arrangement in Part II.
31
Does the organization have a gift acceptance policy that requires the review of any non-standard contributions?
31
Yes
 
32a
Does the organization hire or use third parties or related organizations to solicit, process, or sell noncash
contributions? ............................
32a
Yes
 
b
If "Yes," describe in Part II.
33
If the organization did not report revenues in column (c) for a type of property for which column (a) is checked,
describe in Part II.
For Privacy Act and Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990.
Cat. No. 51227J
Schedule M (Form 990) 2011
Schedule M (Form 990) 2011
Page 2
Part II
Supplemental Information. Complete this part to provide the information required by Part I, lines 30b,
32b, and 33 and whether the organization is reporting in Part I, column (b) the number of contributions, the number of items received, or a combination of both. Also complete this part for any additional information.
Identifier Return Reference Explanation
Schedule M, Part I, Question 32b   SunTrust Securities receives any stock gifts and sells them immediately upon receipt.
Schedule M, Number of Contributions   The Number of Contributions is determined by the number of contributions received not the number of items received.
Schedule M (Form 990) 2011
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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
Fernbank Inc
 
Employer identification number

58-6028607
Identifier Return Reference Explanation
Part VI, Section A, Question 2   Two trustees are serving as co-directors in an investment company.
Part VI, Section A, Question 11b   As stated in the Finance & Audit Committee Charter adopted on August 3, 2006, the Form 990 is reviewed by the Finance & Audit Committee, a sub-committee of the Board of Trustees prior to filing with the IRS. The review was conducted by the Finance Committee. A complete copy of the Form 990 was made available on the Museum's web site and a link was provided to each Board Trustee.
Part VI, Section B, Question 12c   A full copy of the Conflict of Interest Statement is provided to each Trustee at the first board meeting of the year. Each Trustee is required to sign an acknowledgement of receipt and return it to the Museum. A control list is maintained to ensure all acknowledgements are returned. The Museum recognizes a conflict of interest as occurring when an interested person defined as any trustee, principal officer or member of a committee with board-delegated powers has a direct or indirect financial interest or compensation arrangement through business, investment or family. Compensation includes direct and indirect remuneration as well as gifts or favors that are substantial in nature. All potential conflicts are reviewed by a committee of the board to determine whether the transaction or arrangement is in the Museum's best interest and for its own benefit and whether the transaction is fair and reasonable to the Museum and shall make its decision as to whether to enter into the transaction or arrangement in conformity with such determination. If the board committee determines a conflict of interest does exist, it shall take appropriate disciplinary and corrective action.
Part VI, Section B, Question 15a   Compensation for the President/CEO is determined by the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees. Compensation and benefit information is gathered from human resource consultants pertaining to both museums of comparable size and nature and other regional cultural institutions. The information is reviewed by the Executive Committee and a compensation package is developed and approved. The minutes of the Executive Committee dated January 21, 2010 reflect the process observed in determining the compensation arrangement under signed contract through January 1, 2015.
PART VI, SECTION B, QUESTION 15B   All other officers' compensation is determined in a similar process as to that of the President/CEO; however, the process is performed by Human Resources Staff and all other officers are not under contract.
Part VI, Section C, Question 19   The Museum's governing documents including Fernbank's Charter and Articles of Incorporation, its mission statement and strategic plan, ethics policy, collections policy, privacy policy, gift policy, investment policy, endowment policy, conflict of interest policy, whistle blower policy, and finance committee charter are available upon request through the Finance Department at 767 Clifton Road, NE, Atlanta, Georgia, 30307 for a nominal fee. The Museum's audited financial statements and current Form 990 are available on-line through the Museum's web site.
Part XI, Question 5   $198 is due to unrealized gains. $(13,030) is due to bad debt on prior uncollected pledges.
Form 990, Part III, Question 4a   Exhibitions and Films: In 2011, Fernbank Museum presented six special exhibitions, featuring Mythic Creatures and Darwin. Additionally, the Museum hosted nearly a dozen films in its IMAX Theatre, including the new films Tornado Alley and Hubble. In 2011, Fernbank presented the second annual Winter Wonderland: Traditions Around the World, a festive holiday exhibition which serves as a unique presentation of cross-cultural symbolism bolstered by vibrant enrichment programs on the weekends. Through these interactive exhibits and thought-provoking films, Fernbank introduces visitors to cultures around the globe and highlights important environmental issues facing the world today to encourage a deeper understanding of our planet and the human discourse.
Form 990, Part III, Question 4b   Educational Programs: The Museum is committed to offering the highest quality educational programming designed to complement the visitor's experience at the Museum as well as in-school learning. Programs are designed for a variety of audiences including families, children and schoolchildren. In 2011, Fernbank Museum offered nearly 750 exploratory science classes and delivered enhanced, on-site laboratory and classroom programs to roughly 13,000 of the 65,000 schoolchildren who visited. All Museum programs are designed to meet or exceed state and national standards, enhancing the curriculum and partnering with teachers to bring science to life through hands-on experiences. Additionally, the Museum presented two signature environmental programs, UrbanWatch Atlanta and City Scientists that serve schools, with a focus on students from underserved populations. Fernbank's UrbanWatch program connects middle and high school students with nature and biodiversity through an immersive ecology experience in Fernbank Forest and across the Museum campus. The program focuses on the importance of native plant species, bio-diversity and healthy eco-systems providing Title 1 students the opportunity to actively participate in a restoration project on the Museum campus. City Scientists, an after-school program, serves 300 3rd, 4th and 5th graders attending Atlanta's Title 1 schools. This highly-interactive program introduces underserved students to regional ecology, geology and natural history themes, providing them with meaningful challenges in education and the enhanced foundation to perform well in science. For families and children, the Museum offers Weekend Wonders, Live Animal Encounters, Family Activity Days, Nature Walks and more. These programs provide visitors with new experiences every time they visit, allowing them to delve deeper into themes presented throughout the Museum at age-appropriate levels.
Form 990, Part III, Question 4c   Strategic Initiatives: Fernbank's strategic plan calls for introducing new permanent galleries, programs and exhibitions to ensure the Museum remains exciting and relevant to the next generation of visitors and to meet the growing need to provide meaningful opportunities for children and their families to connect with science and the natural world and enhance science education in Georgia. In 2011, the Museum unveiled Fernbank NatureQuest, a ground-breaking new children's exhibition that is an award-winning immersive experience that turns kids into explorers, scientists and adventurers as they discover the many wonders of the natural world through hundreds of hands-on activities, live animal displays and engaging encounters. Children can explore the nooks and crannies of a multi-level clubhouse, shimmy up the insides of a mighty red oak tree and walk through a virtual waterfall to investigate the rocks and animals within it and more.
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


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