Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service
Public Charity Status and Public Support
Complete if the organization is a section 501(c)(3) organization or a section
4947(a)(1) nonexempt charitable trust.
Attach to Form 990 or Form 990-EZ. See separate instructions.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2012
Open to Public Inspection
Name of the organization
THORNE ECOLOGICAL INSTITUTE
Employer identification number
84-6029250
Part I
Reason for Public Charity Status
(All organizations must complete this part.) See instructions.
The organization is not a private foundation because it is: (For lines 1 through 11, check only one box.)
1
2
3
4
5
section 170(b)(1)(A)(iv). (Complete Part II.)
6
7
8
9
receipts from activities related to its exempt functions—subject to certain exceptions, and (2) no more than 331/3% of
its support from gross investment income and unrelated business taxable income (less section 511 tax) from businesses
acquired by the organization after June 30, 1975. See section 509(a)(2). (Complete Part III.)
10
11
e
By checking this box, I certify that the organization is not controlled directly or indirectly by one or more disqualified persons other than foundation managers and other than one or more publicly supported organizations described in section 509(a)(1) or section 509(a)(2).
f
If the organization received a written determination from the IRS that it is a Type I, Type II, or Type III supporting organization, check this box
..................................................
g
Since August 17, 2006, has the organization accepted any gift or contribution from any of the following persons?
(i) A person who directly or indirectly controls, either alone or together with persons described in (ii)
Yes
No
and (iii) below, the governing body of the supported organization?
................
11g(i)
(ii)
A family member of a person described in (i) above?
......................
11g(ii)
(iii)
A 35% controlled entity of a person described in (i) or (ii) above?
................
11g(iii)
h
Provide the following information about the supported organization(s).
(i) Name of supported organization
(ii) EIN
(iii) Type of organization (described on lines 1- 9 above or IRC section (see instructions))
(iv) Is the organization in col. (i) listed in your governing document?
(v) Did you notify the organization in col. (i) of your support?
(vi) Is the organization in col. (i) organized in the U.S.?
(vii) Amount of monetary support
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Total
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990 or 990EZ.
Cat. No. 11285F
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2012
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2012
Page 2
Part II
Support Schedule for Organizations Described in Sections 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) 2008
(b) 2009
(c) 2010
(d) 2011
(e) 2012
(f) Total
1
Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grants.") ....
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
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)..
6
Public support. Subtract line 5 from line 4.
Section B. Total Support
Calendar year
(or fiscal year beginning in)
(a) 2008
(b) 2009
(c) 2010
(d) 2011
(e) 2012
(f) Total
7
Amounts from line 4..
8
Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources...
9
Net income from unrelated business activities, whether or not the business is regularly carried on..
10
Other income. Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets (Explain in Part IV.)..
11
Total support (Add lines 7 through 10).
12
Gross receipts from related activities, etc. (see instructions)
..................
12
13
First five years.
If the Form 990 is for the organization's first, second, third, fourth, or fifth tax year as a 501(c)(3) organization,
check this box and stop here........................................
Section C. Computation of Public Support Percentage
14
Public support percentage for 2012 (line 6, column (f) divided by line 11, column (f))
.........
14
15
Public support percentage for 2011 Schedule A, Part II, line 14
...............
15
16a
33 1/3% support test—2012.
If the organization did not check the box on line 13, and line 14 is 33 1/3% or more, check this box
and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization
.......................
b
33 1/3% support test—2011.
If the organization did not check a box on line 13 or 16a, and line 15 is 33 1/3% or more, check this
box and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization
.....................
17a
10%-facts-and-circumstances test—2012.
If the organization did not check a box on line 13, 16a, or 16b, and line 14
is 10% or more, and if the organization meets the "facts-and-circumstances" test, check this box and stop here. Explain
in Part IV how the organization meets the "facts-and-circumstances" test. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported
organization
.....................................................
b
10%-facts-and-circumstances test—2011.
If the organization did not check a box on line 13, 16a, 16b, or 17a, and line
15 is 10% or more, and if the organization meets the "facts-and-circumstances" test, check this box and stop here.
Explain in Part IV how the organization meets the "facts-and-circumstances" test. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization
................................................
18
Private foundation.
If the organization did not check a box on line 13, 16a, 16b, 17a, or 17b, check this box and see
instructions
.....................................................
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2012
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2012
Page 3
Part III
Support Schedule for Organizations Described in Section 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) 2008
(b) 2009
(c) 2010
(d) 2011
(e) 2012
(f) Total
1
Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grants.") .
204,972
160,467
236,403
236,389
274,174
1,112,405
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......
183,629
163,931
191,852
240,943
377,359
1,157,714
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.
388,601
324,398
428,255
477,332
651,533
2,270,119
7a
Amounts included on lines 1, 2, and 3 received from disqualified persons...
4,810
4,810
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..
4,810
4,810
8
Public support (Subtract line 7c from line 6.)
2,265,309
Section B. Total Support
Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in)
(a) 2008
(b) 2009
(c) 2010
(d) 2011
(e) 2012
(f) Total
9
Amounts from line 6...
388,601
324,398
428,255
477,332
651,533
2,270,119
10a
Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources..
2,466
21,187
1,352
-1,850
17,450
40,605
b
Unrelated business taxable income (less section 511 taxes) from businesses acquired after June 30, 1975.
c
Add lines 10a and 10b.
2,466
21,187
1,352
-1,850
17,450
40,605
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.)..
391,067
345,585
429,607
475,482
668,983
2,310,724
14
First five years.
If the Form 990 is for the organization's first, second, third, fourth, or fifth tax year as a 501(c)(3) organization,
check this box and stop here.............................................
Section C. Computation of Public Support Percentage
15
Public support percentage for 2012 (line 8, column (f) divided by line 13, column (f))
.........
15
98.030 %
16
Public support percentage from 2011 Schedule A, Part III, line 15
...............
16
98.460 %
Section D. Computation of Investment Income Percentage
17
Investment income percentage for 2012 (line 10c, column (f) divided by line 13, column (f))
......
17
2.000 %
18
Investment income percentage from 2011 Schedule A, Part III, line 17
.............
18
1.000 %
19a
33 1/3% support tests—2012.
If the organization did not check the box on line 14, and line 15 is more than 33 1/3%, and line 17 is not more than 33 1/3%, check this box and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization
........
b
33 1/3% support tests—2011.
If the organization did not check a box on line 14 or line 19a, and line 16 is more than 33 1/3% and line 18 is not more than 33 1/3%, check this box and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization
.....
20
Private foundation.
If the organization did not check a box on line 14, 19a, or 19b, check this box and see instructions
.....
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2012
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2012
Page 4
Part IV
Supplemental Information.
Complete this part to provide the explanations required by Part II, line 10; Part II, line 17a or 17b; and 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) 2012
Additional Data
Software ID:
Software Version:
-
TIN:
SCHEDULE O (Form 990 or 990-EZ)
Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service
Supplemental Information to Form 990 or 990-EZ
Complete to provide information for responses to specific questions on
Form 990 or to provide any additional information.
Attach to Form 990 or 990-EZ.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2012
Open to Public Inspection
Name of the organization
THORNE ECOLOGICAL INSTITUTE
Employer identification number
84-6029250
Identifier
Return Reference
Explanation
EXPLANATION ON VOLUNTEERS AND TYPES OF SERVICES OR BENEFITS
FORM 990, PAGE 1, PART I, LINE 6
DURING 2012, THORNE NATURE EXPERIENCE UTILIZED 88 VOLUNTEERS AND INTERNS WHO CONTRIBUTED MORE THAN 2,530 VOLUNTEER HOURS. THORNE IS GOVERNED BY A VOLUNTEER BOARD OF TRUSTEES WHO OVERSEE POLICY LEVEL DECISIONS FOR THE ORGANIZATION, HIRE AND MANAGE THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, AND ENSURE THORNE'S FINANCIAL HEALTH AND WELL BEING. ADDITIONAL VOLUNTEERS AND INTERNS PROVIDED SUPPORT BOTH IN THE OFFICE AND THORNE PROGRAMS. THORNE HAS A SUCCESSFUL INTERNSHIP PROGRAM FOR UNDERGRADUATE AND GRADUATE STUDENTS TO GAIN HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE WITH TEACHING OUTDOORS IN NATURE. TYPICAL VOLUNTEER TASKS AT THORNE INCLUDE: ASSEMBLING EBOOKS AND CREATING TEACHING PROPS FOR THORNE'S IN-SCHOOL PROGRAM, SERVING AS TEACHING ASSISTANTS FOR SUMMER CAMP, IDENTIFYING AND ERADICATING INVASIVE PLANT SPECIES AT SOMBRERO MARSH, AND PROCURING AUCTION ITEMS FOR THORNE'S ANNUAL FUNDRAISER NATURAL NIGHT OUT.
FIRST ACCOMPLISHMENT DESCRIPTION
FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4A
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER. AT THE MARSH, STUDENTS LEARN ABOUT WETLAND ECOLOGY WHILE HIKING ON BOARDWALKS, VIEWING BIRDS FROM A BIRD BLIND, AND UNDERTAKING EXPERIMENTS IN A LABORATORY. THE MARSH IS ALSO HOME TO A 30 FT. WIND TURBINE, ORGANIC GARDENS, AND A PHOTOVOLTAIC SOLAR SYSTEM WHICH ARE USED AS EDUCATIONAL TOOLS TO DEMONSTRATE THE CONCEPT OF CONSERVING NATURAL RESOURCES AS A MEANS OF PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT. IN SCHOOL PROGRAM - INITIATED IN 2005, IN SCHOOL PROGRAM REACHES NEARLY 7,000 ELEMENTARY STUDENTS EACH YEAR THROUGH CLASSROOM VISITS. THE PROGRAM AND FIELD TRIPS TO THORNE'S SOMBRERO MARSH AND WATERTON CANYON CAMPUSES. THE IN SCHOOL PROGRAM EXPANDS STUDENTS' KNOWLEDGE IN THE AREAS OF SCIENCE AND LITERACY THROUGH A THREE CLASS SERIES OF LESSONS THAT INVOLVE INTERACTIVE EXPLORATIONS, INQUIRY BASED EXPERIMENTS, SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS AND SPECIMENS, AND WRITING A PICTURE BOOK. EMPHASIS IS PLACED ON WORKING WITH SCHOOLS NEIGHBORING THORNE'S ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTERS AND LOW-INCOME, LOW-SCORING, AND CULTURALLY DIVERSE SCHOOLS THROUGHOUT THE DENVER AND BOULDER METRO AREA.
ORGANIZATION'S PROCESS USED TO REVIEW FORM 990
FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 11B
THE 990 WILL BE REVIEWED THROUGH E-MAIL.
ENFORCEMENT OF CONFLICTS POLICY
FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 12C
SECTION 1. PURPOSE THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONFLICTS OF INTEREST POLICY IS TO PROTECT THE ORGANIZATION'S INTEREST WHEN IT IS CONTEMPLATING ENTERING INTO A TRANSACTION OR ARRANGEMENT THAT MIGHT BENEFIT THE PRIVATE INTEREST OF AN OFFICER, DIRECTOR, COMMITTEE MEMBER, OR EMPLOYEE OF THE ORGANIZATION. THIS POLICY IS INTENDED TO SUPPLEMENT BUT NOT TO REPLACE ANY APPLICABLE STATE LAWS GOVERNING CONFLICTS OF INTEREST APPLICABLE TO NONPROFIT AND CHARITABLE CORPORATIONS. SECTION 2. DEFINITIONS 1.INTERESTED PERSON: ANY DIRECTOR, PRINCIPAL OFFICER, MEMBER OF A COMMITTEE WITH BOARD-DELEGATED POWERS, OR EMPLOYEE WHO HAS A DIRECT OR INDIRECT FINANCIAL INTEREST, AS DEFINED BELOW, IS AN INTERESTED PERSON. 2.FINANCIAL INTEREST: A PERSON HAS A FINANCIAL INTEREST IF THE PERSON HAS, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, THROUGH BUSINESS, INVESTMENT, OR FAMILY: A)AN OWNERSHIP OR INVESTMENT INTEREST IN ANY ENTITY WITH WHICH THE CORPORATION HAS A TRANSACTION OR ARRANGEMENT, OR B)A COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENT WITH THE CORPORATION OR WITH ANY ENTITY OR INDIVIDUAL WITH WHICH THE CORPORATION HAS A TRANSACTION OR ARRANGEMENT, OR C)A POTENTIAL OWNERSHIP OR INVESTMENT INTEREST IN, OR COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENT WITH, ANY ENTITY OR INDIVIDUAL WITH WHICH THE CORPORATION IS NEGOTIATING A TRANSACTION OR ARRANGEMENT. COMPENSATION INCLUDES DIRECT AND INDIRECT REMUNERATION AS WELL AS GIFTS OR FAVORS THAT ARE SUBSTANTIAL IN NATURE. SECTION 3. PROCEDURES 1.DUTY TO DISCLOSE: IN CONNECTION WITH ANY ACTUAL OR POSSIBLE CONFLICTS OF INTEREST, AN INTERESTED PERSON MUST DISCLOSE THE EXISTENCE AND NATURE OF HIS OR HER FINANCIAL INTEREST TO THE DIRECTORS, OFFICERS AND/OR MEMBERS OF COMMITTEES WITH BOARD-DELEGATED POWERS CONSIDERING THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION OR ARRANGEMENT. 2.DETERMINING WHETHER A CONFLICT OF INTEREST EXISTS: AFTER DISCLOSURE OF THE FINANCIAL INTEREST, THE INTERESTED PERSON SHALL LEAVE THE BOARD OR COMMITTEE MEETING WHILE THE FINANCIAL INTEREST IS DISCUSSED AND VOTED UPON. THE REMAINING BOARD OR COMMITTEE MEMBERS SHALL DECIDE IF A CONFLICT OF INTEREST EXISTS. 3.PROCEDURES FOR ADDRESSING THE CONFLICT OF INTEREST: A)THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE BOARD OR COMMITTEE SHALL, IF APPROPRIATE, APPOINT A DISINTERESTED PERSON OR COMMITTEE TO INVESTIGATE ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION OR ARRANGEMENT. B)AFTER EXERCISING DUE DILIGENCE, THE BOARD OR COMMITTEE SHALL DETERMINE WHETHER THE CORPORATION CAN OBTAIN A MORE ADVANTAGEOUS TRANSACTION OR ARRANGEMENT WITH REASONABLE EFFORTS FROM A PERSON OR ENTITY THAT WOULD NOT GIVE RISE TO A CONFLICT OF INTEREST. C)IF A MORE ADVANTAGEOUS TRANSACTION OR ARRANGEMENT IS NOT REASONABLY ATTAINABLE UNDER CIRCUMSTANCES THAT WOULD NOT GIVE RISE TO A CONFLICT OF INTEREST, THE BOARD OR COMMITTEE SHALL DETERMINE BY A MAJORITY VOTE OF THE DISINTERESTED DIRECTORS WHETHER THE TRANSACTION OR ARRANGEMENT IS IN THE CORPORATION'S BEST INTERESTS AND FOR ITS OWN BENEFIT AND WHETHER THE TRANSACTION IS FAIR AND REASONABLE TO THE CORPORATION AND SHALL MAKE ITS DECISION AS TO WHETHER TO ENTER INTO THE TRANSACTION OR ARRANGEMENT IN CONFORMITY WITH SUCH DETERMINATION. 4.VIOLATIONS OF THE CONFLICTS OF INTEREST POLICY: A)IF THE BOARD OR COMMITTEE HAS REASONABLE CAUSE TO BELIEVE THAT A MEMBER HAS FAILED TO DISCLOSE ACTUAL OR POSSIBLE CONFLICTS OF INTEREST, IT SHALL INFORM THE MEMBER OF THE BASIS FOR SUCH BELIEF AND AFFORD THE MEMBER AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXPLAIN THE ALLEGED FAILURE TO DISCLOSE. B)IF, AFTER HEARING THE RESPONSE OF THE MEMBER AND MAKING SUCH FURTHER INQUIRY AND INVESTIGATION AS MAY BE WARRANTED IN THE CIRCUMSTANCES, THE BOARD OR COMMITTEE DETERMINES THAT THE MEMBER HAS IN FACT FAILED TO DISCLOSE AN ACTUAL OR POSSIBLE CONFLICT OF INTEREST, IT SHALL TAKE APPROPRIATE DISCIPLINARY AND CORRECTIVE ACTION. SECTION 4. RECORDS OF PROCEEDINGS THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD AND ALL COMMITTEES WITH BOARD-DELEGATED POWERS SHALL CONTAIN: A)THE NAMES OF THE PERSONS WHO DISCLOSED OR OTHERWISE WERE FOUND TO HAVE A FINANCIAL INTEREST IN CONNECTION WITH AN ACTUAL OR POSSIBLE CONFLICT OF INTEREST, THE NATURE OF THE FINANCIAL INTEREST, ANY ACTION TAKEN TO DETERMINE WHETHER A CONFLICT OF INTEREST WAS PRESENT, AND THE BOARD'S OR COMMITTEE'S DECISION AS TO WHETHER A CONFLICT OF INTEREST IN FACT EXISTED. B)THE NAMES OF THE PERSONS WHO WERE PRESENT FOR DISCUSSIONS AND VOTES RELATING TO THE TRANSACTION OR ARRANGEMENT, THE CONTENT OF THE DISCUSSION, INCLUDING ANY ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION OR ARRANGEMENT THAT WERE CONSIDERED, AND A RECORD OF ANY VOTES TAKEN IN CONNECTION THEREWITH. SECTION 5. COMPENSATION COMMITTEES A)A VOTING MEMBER OF ANY COMMITTEE WHOSE JURISDICTION INCLUDES COMPENSATION MATTERS AND WHO RECEIVES COMPENSATION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, FROM THE CORPORATION FOR SERVICES IS PRECLUDED FROM VOTING ON MATTERS PERTAINING TO THAT MEMBER'S COMPENSATION. B)A VOTING MEMBER OF ANY COMMITTEE WHOSE JURISDICTION INCLUDES COMPENSATION MATTERS IS PRECLUDED FROM VOTING ON MATTERS PERTAINING TO THE COMPENSATION OF ANY INDIVIDUAL WITH WHOM THE VOTING MEMBER IN QUESTION HAS A FAMILY RELATIONSHIP. SECTION 6. ANNUAL STATEMENTS EACH DIRECTOR, PRINCIPAL OFFICER, AND MEMBER OF A COMMITTEE WITH BOARD-DELEGATED POWERS SHALL AT THE ONSET OF THEIR SERVICE SIGN A STATEMENT WHICH AFFIRMS THAT SUCH PERSON: A)HAS RECEIVED A COPY OF THE CONFLICTS OF INTEREST POLICY, B)HAS READ AND UNDERSTANDS THE POLICY, C)HAS AGREED TO COMPLY WITH THE POLICY, AND D)UNDERSTANDS THAT THE CORPORATION IS A CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION AND THAT IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN ITS FEDERAL TAX EXEMPTION IT MUST ENGAGE PRIMARILY IN ACTIVITIES WHICH ACCOMPLISH ONE OR MORE OF ITS TAX-EXEMPT PURPOSES.
COMPENSATION PROCESS FOR TOP OFFICIAL
FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 15A
THE ORGANIZATION HAS REVIEWED THE COLORADO NONPROFIT SALARY SURVEY AND COMPLETED A SALARY ANALYSIS OF LIKE ORGANIZATIONS AND BASES ITS SALARY ON HOW IT CHOOSES TO PAY STAFF COMPARATIVELY WITH APPROVAL DONE BY BOARD.
GOVERNING DOCUMENTS DISCLOSURE EXPLANATION
FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 19
UPON REQUEST
RECONCILIATION OF CHANGES - OTHER
FORM 990, PART XI, LINE 9
COST OF GOODS SOLD 1,762 COST OF GOODS SOLD -1,762
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990 or 990-EZ.