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
2011
Open to Public Inspection
Name of the organization
ASPEN CENTER FOR PHYSICS
Employer identification number
84-6059504
Part I
Reason for Public Charity Status
(All organizations must complete this part.) See instructions
The organization is not a private foundation because it is: (For lines 1 through 11, check only one box.)
1
2
3
4
5
section 170(b)(1)(A)(iv). (Complete Part II.)
6
7
8
9
receipts from activities related to its exempt functions—subject to certain exceptions, and (2) no more than 331/3% of
its support from gross investment income and unrelated business taxable income (less section 511 tax) from businesses
acquired by the organization after June 30, 1975. See section 509(a)(2). (Complete Part III.)
10
11
e
By checking this box, I certify that the organization is not controlled directly or indirectly by one or more disqualified persons other than foundation managers and other than one or more publicly supported organizations described in section 509(a)(1) or section 509(a)(2).
f
If the organization received a written determination from the IRS that it is a Type I, Type II or Type III supporting organization, check this box
..................................................
g
Since August 17, 2006, has the organization accepted any gift or contribution from any of the following persons?
(i) a person who directly or indirectly controls, either alone or together with persons described in (ii)
Yes
No
and (iii) below, the governing body of the the supported organization?
................
11g(i)
(ii)
a family member of a person described in (i) above?
......................
11g(ii)
(iii)
a 35% controlled entity of a person described in (i) or (ii) above?
................
11g(iii)
h
Provide the following information about the supported organization(s).
(i) Name of supported organization
(ii) EIN
(iii) Type of organization (described on lines 1- 9 above or IRC section (see instructions))
(iv) Is the organization in col. (i) listed in your governing document?
(v) Did you notify the organization in col. (i) of your support?
(vi) Is the organization in col. (i) organized in the U.S.?
(vii) Amount of support?
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Total
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990.
Cat. No. 11285F
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 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.") ....
567,199
596,595
554,305
572,223
541,050
2,831,372
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..
567,199
596,595
554,305
572,223
541,050
2,831,372
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)..
144,645
6
Public Support. Subtract line 5 from line 4.
2,686,727
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..
567,199
596,595
554,305
572,223
541,050
2,831,372
8
Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources..
31,348
57,409
32,974
46,449
36,948
205,128
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).
3,036,500
12
Gross receipts from related activities, etc. (See instructions.)
..................
12
5,367,847
13
First Five Years
If the Form 990 is for the organization's first, second, third, fourth, or fifth tax year as a 501(c)(3) organization,
check this box and stop here..........................................
Section C. Computation of Public Support Percentage
14
Public Support Percentage for 2010 (line 6 column (f) divided by line 11 column (f))
.........
14
88.480 %
15
Public Support Percentage for 2009 Schedule A, Part II, line 14
...............
15
89.500 %
16a
33 1/3% support test—2011.
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—2010.
If the organization did not check the box on line 13 or 16a, and line 15 is 33 1/3% or more, check this
box and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization
.....................
17a
10%-facts-and-circumstances test—2011.
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—2010.
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) 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
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 2011 (line 8 column (f) divided by line 13 column (f))
.........
15
16
Public support percentage from 2010 Schedule A, Part III, line 15
...............
16
Section D. Computation of Investment Income Percentage
17
Investment income percentage for 2011 (line 10c column (f) divided by line 13 column (f))
......
17
18
Investment income percentage from 2010 Schedule A, Part III, line 17
.............
18
19a
33 1/3% support tests—2011.
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—2010.
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) 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:
-
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
2011
Open to Public Inspection
Name of the organization
ASPEN CENTER FOR PHYSICS
Employer identification number
84-6059504
Identifier
Return Reference
Explanation
ORGANIZATION'S MISSION
FORM 990 - ORGANIZATION'S MISSION
THE ASPEN CENTER FOR PHYSICS IS A SCIENTIFIC ORGANIZATION WHICH PROMOTES ORGANIZED RESEARCH IN PHYSICS, ASTROPHYSICS, AND RELATED FIELDS THROUGH PROGRAMS OF INDIVIDUAL AND COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH, WORKSHOPS, AND CONFERENCES, AS WELL AS PROMOTES THE EDUCATION OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC THROUGH PUBLIC LECTURES AND OTHER ACTIVITIES.
EXPLANATION ON VOLUNTEERS AND TYPES OF SERVICES OR BENEFITS
FORM 990, PAGE 1, PART I, LINE 6
BOARD MEMBERS PERFORM ALL OF THE SCIENTIFIC MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION OF THE CENTER. THEY ALSO MAKE DECISIONS ON THE NON-SCIENTIFIC MANAGEMENT OF THE CENTER. LECTURERS, DIALOGUE SPEAKERS, AND SUMMER AND WINTER KIDS SPEAKERS DELIVER FREE-OF-CHARGE PUBLIC LECTURES TO LOCAL AND VISITING ASPEN AUDIENCES. COLLOQUIUM SPEAKERS DELIVER TALKS ABOUT THEIR FIELDS FOR ALL PHYSICISTS IN RESIDENCE, PARTICULARLY FOR THOSE WHO WORK IN FIELDS OTHER THAN THE SPEAKER'S. HIGH SCHOOL MENTORS MEET WITH ACP'S HIGH SCHOOL INTERNS TO ANSWER THE STUDENTS' QUESTIONS ABOUT COLLEGE AND CAREERS. SUMMER AND WINTER ORGANIZERS PROPOSE WORKSHOP OR CONFERENCE TOPICS, THEN MANAGE THAT EVENT. COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS ASSIST WITH THE MAINTENANCE OF THE ACP CAMPUS.
FIRST ACCOMPLISHMENT DESCRIPTION
FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4A
DESIGNED TO MAXIMIZE INFORMAL INTERACTIONS WITHIN EACH AREA AND CROSS- FERTILIZATION BETWEEN DIFFERENT AREAS. WHILE CONTINUING TO PROVIDE LEADERSHIP IN THE CENTRAL AREAS OF PHYSICS (PARTICLE PHYSICS, ASTROPHYSICS, AND CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS), THE ASPEN CENTER FOR PHYSICS HAS BEEN OPEN TO NEW DIRECTIONS IN PHYSICS AS WELL AS TO SCIENCE AT THE INTERFACE BETWEEN PHYSICS AND OTHER DISCIPLINES (BIOLOGY, CHEMISTRY, ENGINEERING, MATERIAL SCIENCE, AND MATHEMATICS). IN ADDITION, 4 TO 7 ONE-WEEK WINTER CONFERENCES BRING TOGETHER 35 TO 100 RESEARCHERS IN AREAS OF CURRENT INTEREST IN PHYSICS AND INTER-DISCIPLINARY PHYSICS RESEARCH. THE CENTER PROVIDES OFFICE SPACE, OFFICE SUPPLIES, MEETING SPACE, LIBRARY FACILITIES, AND NETWORK ACCESS TO ITS PARTICIPANTS. SUPPORT IS PROVIDED TO ALL INDIVIDUALS DURING THE SUMMER SESSION FOR WHOM LODGING IS ARRANGED BY ACP. PHYSICISTS' SUMMER BILLS ARE REDUCED BY THE AMOUNT OF SUPPORT; OVERPAYMENTS ARE REFUNDED BY CHECK. WINTER SUPPORT IS USUALLY AWARDED TO JUNIOR SCIENTISTS AND THOSE WITH A DEMONSTRATED NEED IN ORDER TO ATTEND. THIS SUPPORT IS USED TO REDUCE THE PHYSICIST'S WINTER BILL OR IS REFUNDED BY CHECK. DURING THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2012, THERE WERE 538 SUMMER PARTICIPANTS (SUMMER 2011) AND 502 WINTER PARTICIPANTS (IN JANUARY AND FEBRUARY, 2012).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
FORM 990, PART VI
GENERAL MEMBERS-- THE GENERAL MEMBERS SHALL DETERMINE THE GENERAL POLICIES OF THE CENTER, INCLUDING ITS SCIENTIFIC PROGRAM AND ADMISSIONS POLICY. THEY SHALL NOMINATE AND ELECT THE TRUSTEES. GENERAL MEMBERS MUST APPROVE FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS GREATER THAN 250,000, THE SALE OF BUILDINGS OR PROPERTY, CHANGES IN THE MODE OF OPERATIONS OF THE CORPORATION THAT AFFECT ITS PROGRAM, AND CHANGES IN ITS OVERALL POLICIES OR PURPOSE. FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS INCLUDE: (A) SALE OR PURCHASE OF PROPERTY OR BUILDINGS; (B) ENCUMBRANCES ON PROPERTY OR BUILDINGS; (C) CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS, LOANS FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION; (D) LONG-TERM LEASES; (E) COMMITMENTS WHICH WOULD MATERIALLY CHANGE THE PROGRAM OR OPERATIONS. FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS WHICH ARE EXCLUDED FROM THIS PROVISION INCLUDE SHORT-TERM LEASES FOR PARTICIPANTS' HOUSING MADE BY THE ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE PRESIDENT AND TREASURER AND ROUTINE, REVOCABLE TRANSFERS OF FUNDS BETWEEN ACCOUNTS. TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS-- THE AFFAIRS OF THE CORPORATION SHALL BE MANAGED BY ITS BOARD OF TRUSTEES WHO NEED NOT BE RESIDENTS OF THE STATE OF COLORADO. THE MANAGEMENT OF THE AFFAIRS OF THE CORPORATION SHALL BE WITHIN THE GENERAL GUIDELINES SET BY THE GENERAL MEMBERS AND SHALL BE CONSISTENT WITH THE BYLAWS AND ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION. CONVEYANCES OF ENCUMBRANCES OF THE PROPERTY OF THE CORPORATION SHALL BE AUTHORIZED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND EXECUTED BY THOSE PERSONS DESIGNATED BY THE BOARD SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE GENERAL MEMBERS WHEN SO REQUIRED BY THE BYLAWS.
MATERIAL DIFFERENCES IN VOTING RIGHTS EXPLANATION
FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI
THE GENERAL MEMBERS SHALL DETERMINE THE GENERAL POLICIES OF THE CENTER, INCLUDING ITS SCIENTIFIC PROGRAM AND ADMISSIONS POLICY. THEY SHALL NOMINATE AND ELECT THE TRUSTEES. GENERAL MEMBERS MUST APPROVE FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS GREATER THAN 250,000, THE SALE OF BUILDINGS OR PROPERTY, CHANGES IN THE MODE OF OPERATION OF THE CORPORATION THAT AFFECT ITS PROGRAM, AND CHANGES IN ITS OVERALL POLICIES OR PURPOSE. FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS AS USED HERE AND ELSEWHERE IN THESE BYLAWS SHALL MEAN: (A) SALE OR PURCHASE OF PROPERTY OR BUILDINGS, (B) ENCUMBRANCES ON PROPERTY OR BUILDINGS, (C) CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS, LOANS FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION, (D) LONG-TERM LEASES, (E) COMMITMENTS WHICH WOULD MATERIALLY CHANGE THE PROGRAM OR OPERATIONS. FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS WHICH ARE EXCLUDED FROM THIS PROVISION INCLUDE SHORT-TERM LEASES FOR PARTICIPANTS HOUSING MADE BY THE ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE PRESIDENT AND TREASURER, AND ROUTINE, REVOCABLE TRANSFERS OF FUNDS BETWEEN ACCOUNTS.
AUTHORITY DELEGATED TO COMMITTEE EXPLANATION
FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 1A
THE AFFAIRS OF THE CORPORATION SHALL BE MANAGED BY ITS BOARD OF TRUSTEES, WHO NEED NOT BE RESIDENTS OF THE STATE OF COLORADO. THE MANAGEMENT OF THE AFFAIRS OF THE CORPORATION SHALL BE WITHIN THE GENERAL GUIDELINES SET BY THE GENERAL MEMBERS AND SHALL BE CONSISTENT WITH THESE BYLAWS AND THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION. CONVEYANCES OR ENCUMBRANCES OF THE PROPERTY OF THE CORPORATION SHALL BE AUTHORIZED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND EXECUTED BY THOSE PERSONS DESIGNATED BY THE BOARD, SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE GENERAL MEMBERS WHEN SO REQUIRED BY THE BYLAWS.
ORGANIZATION'S PROCESS USED TO REVIEW FORM 990
FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 11B
APPROXIMATELY A WEEK PRIOR TO FILING THE FORM 990, A DRAFT IN PDF FORMAT IS EMAILED TO OFFICERS AND TRUSTEES. COMMENTS AND CORRECTIONS ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED. IN ADDITION, THE ADMINISTRATIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND FINANCE MANAGER DISCUSS THE ENTIRE DRAFT FORM WITH THE PREPARER IN DETAIL IN ADVANCE OF FILING.
COMPENSATION PROCESS FOR TOP OFFICIAL
FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 15A
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES REVIEWS AND APPROVES THE ADMINISTRATIVE VICE PRESIDENT'S ANNUAL SALARY AND BENEFITS, WITH NO PARTICIPATION BY THE ADMINISTRATIVE VICE PRESIDENT OR OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS. THE SALARY AND BENEFITS ARE ESTABLISHED USING COMPARABLE DATA FOR SIMILARLY QUALIFIED PERSONS IN FUNCTIONALLY COMPARABLE POSITIONS AT SIMILAR NONPROFITS; CONSIDERATION OF ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE VICE PRESIDENT; AND COST OF LIVING DATA. COMPARABLE MARKET DATA IS OBTAINED FROM SALARY SURVEYS AND FORM 990S FILED BY COMPARABLE NOT -FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS. THE CENTER HAS A TRAVEL POLICY THAT CAPS REIMBURSEMENT LEVELS AND REQUIRES LOW-BUDGET TRAVEL.
COMPENSATION PROCESS FOR OFFICERS
FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 15B
A LINE ITEM BUDGET IS APPROVED BY THE GENERAL MEMBERS ANNUALLY. THEY APPROVE THE OVERALL SALARIES AND BENEFITS EXPENSES. DISCUSSIONS AND DECISIONS REGARDING THE BUDGET ARE DOCUMENTED IN BOARD MEETING MINUTES. THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES REVIEW AND APPROVE THE SALARIES AND BENEFITS OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND THE FINANCIAL MANAGER, WITH NO PARTICIPATION BY THE INTERESTED PERSONS, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ANNUAL BUDGET. SALARIES AND BENEFITS ARE ESTABLISHED USING COMPARABLE DATA FOR SIMILARLY QUALIFIED PERSONS IN FUNCTIONALLY COMPARABLE POSITIONS AT SIMILAR NONPROFITS; CONSIDERATION OF ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE OFFICER OR KEY EMPLOYEE; AND COST OF LIVING DATA. COMPARABLE MARKET DATA IS OBTAINED FROM SALARY SURVEYS AND FORM 990S FILED BY COMPARABLE NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS. PAULA JOHNSON IS LISTED AS AN OFFICER DUE TO THE FORM 990 DEFINITION OF AN OFFICER AS THE SENIOR FINANCIAL STAFFPERSON BUT IS NOT AN OFFICER UNDER COLORADO STATE LAW.
GOVERNING DOCUMENTS DISCLOSURE EXPLANATION
FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 19
WE CONSIDER REQUESTS ON A CASE-BY-CASE BASIS.
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990 or 990-EZ.