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. Information about Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) and its instructions is at www.irs.gov/form990.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2013
Open to Public Inspection
Name of the organization
SOUTHERN EDUCATION FOUNDATION INC
Employer identification number
13-5562388
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) 2013
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2013
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) 2009
(b) 2010
(c) 2011
(d) 2012
(e) 2013
(f) Total
1
Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grants.") ....
3,849,664
1,740,538
2,074,069
615,125
566,209
8,845,605
2
Tax revenues levied for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf.......
0
3
The value of services or facilities furnished by a governmental unit to the organization without charge..
0
4
Total. Add lines 1 through 3
3,849,664
1,740,538
2,074,069
615,125
566,209
8,845,605
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)..
5,206,592
6
Public support. Subtract line 5 from line 4.
3,639,013
Section B. Total Support
Calendar year
(or fiscal year beginning in)
(a) 2009
(b) 2010
(c) 2011
(d) 2012
(e) 2013
(f) Total
7
Amounts from line 4..
3,849,664
1,740,538
2,074,069
615,125
566,209
8,845,605
8
Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources...
422,992
651,100
831,459
713,751
558,548
3,177,850
9
Net income from unrelated business activities, whether or not the business is regularly carried on..
0
10
Other income. Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets (Explain in Part IV.)..
531
42
70
12,163
1,061
13,867
11
Total support (Add lines 7 through 10).
12,037,322
12
Gross receipts from related activities, etc. (see instructions)
..................
12
27,092
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 2013 (line 6, column (f) divided by line 11, column (f))
.........
14
30.231 %
15
Public support percentage for 2012 Schedule A, Part II, line 14
...............
15
27.068 %
16a
33 1/3% support test—2013.
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—2012.
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—2013.
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—2012.
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) 2013
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2013
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) 2009
(b) 2010
(c) 2011
(d) 2012
(e) 2013
(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) 2009
(b) 2010
(c) 2011
(d) 2012
(e) 2013
(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 2013 (line 8, column (f) divided by line 13, column (f))
.........
15
16
Public support percentage from 2012 Schedule A, Part III, line 15
...............
16
Section D. Computation of Investment Income Percentage
17
Investment income percentage for 2013 (line 10c, column (f) divided by line 13, column (f))
......
17
18
Investment income percentage from 2012 Schedule A, Part III, line 17
.............
18
19a
33 1/3% support tests—2013.
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—2012.
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) 2013
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2013
Page 4
Part IV
Supplemental Information.
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) 2013
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.
Information about Schedule O (Form 990 or 990-EZ) and its instructions is at
www.irs.gov/form990.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2013
Open to Public Inspection
Name of the organization
SOUTHERN EDUCATION FOUNDATION INC
Employer identification number
13-5562388
Return Reference
Explanation
PART III, LINE 4A
Continued from Form 990, Part III, Line 4a 1. Community leaders are struggling to work on a number of issues and need help in a variety of ways that are specific to their state's demographic, political, and economic environments; 2. Advocates and policymakers are encouraged by SEF's willingness to support them in building not just defensive strategies, but offensive ones on a variety of educational issues; and 3. Stakeholders appreciate the opportunity to develop more long-term campaigns and partnerships and find the concept of a regional task force on poverty to be especially helpful in lifting up and reframing education as a key strategy for addressing issues of access, poverty and societal inequities. SEF staff have strategically engaged with state leadership from across the region to identify tipping points for improving poverty and education, where the most progress is needed and the largest potential outcomes that can be realized with additional resources and support. In result of these reconnaissance efforts, we see a number of opportunities to assist leaders in the advocacy community with activities that we think will promote more equitable educational systems in the region. Early Education in the American South: We learned in 2013 that the need for expanded early education in the South is arguably more important than ever. Through a regional scan conducted in the year we found early education system leaders were under tremendous pressure to show policymakers they were making the most of public monies and putting funds toward high quality centers with proven strategies for increasing student outcomes. A number of states have in response implemented higher credentialing standards for their workforce, instituted systems for evaluating and ranking center quality in both public and for-profit spaces, and developed systems for creating state curriculum standards. In some states this takes the form of voluntary and/or mandated center participation in Quality Rated Improvements Systems to receive public funds. And in even more advanced states, kindergarten entry assessments have been instituted to better inform these accountability efforts as well as make adjustments to K-12 curriculum. Speaking to these new challenges and needs of the region, SEF partnered with the Schott Foundation for Public Education and the BUILD Initiative to develop a regional convening for early childhood policymakers. The three organizations successfully convened six Southern states (AL, AR, GA, LA, MS, SC) in January, 2013 to focus on developing strategies for building more equitable early education systems and learn in greater detail what challenges were of greatest concern to stakeholders in the region. Southern early education leaders from policymakers to early care providers were given a forum to share ideas for improving data systems, strengthening their workforce, and sharing best practices across-region for increasing enrollment and high-quality service to all vulnerable children. In the latter half of the year, SEF and BUILD continued to facilitate activities where network leadership could stay engaged and learn from one another on key early childhood issues. SEF created a storehouse of information for early education leaders to stay updated with data, policy and best practices in the birth-to-eight space. Information from the convening was also shared on this web portal. In addition, SEF made a special effort to improve the Southern states presence in the national discourse on early learning issues and connected Southern leadership with national advocacy organizations leading these efforts. In the summer of 2013, SEF and BUILD facilitated Southern leaders' participation on a call with Linda K. Smith, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Administration for Children and Families, who discussed with national stakeholders early childhood workforce challenges and opportunities for developing a national birth-to-five strategy. SEF and BUILD also organized multiple calls with the First Five Years Fund to provide feedback to the President's Early Learning Proposal and discuss challenges they foresaw with its adoption in the region. SEF also led the network in drafting and submitting a letter with signatures from all six states to Secretary Arne Duncan and the US Department of Education that summarized the political, messaging, and implementation opportunities and concerns these key regional partners foresaw with the President's plan. Advancing Public Education Efforts: In September 2013, SEF and the Leadership Center for the Common Good convened over 100 advocates for public education from 11 Southern states to compare notes and lay the ground work for a regional strategy to improve public education and push back against the movement to privatize public education. Teacher's union state affiliates, community organizers, advocates, funders, school board association representatives, and elected officials shared information and strategies for advancing public education during this three day conference held in Atlanta, Georgia. States reported out on what they were facing in terms of vouchers, tax credit scholarships, rising standards and expectations with reduced funding, charter school expansion, and the growing presence of ALEC and other national organizations in their states pushing anti-public education agendas. Strategy sessions were held on messaging, research, litigation, community organizing, and coalition building to support and improve public education. Attendees who work mostly at the local and state level were able to see that the push to privatize public education is happening on a regional and national level - they are not alone, and we must collaborate our efforts to be effective. And attendees worked across states and within states to identify common challenges, opportunities, strategies, and first steps to move forward before the upcoming legislative sessions. We surveyed attendees about the value of the resources from the convening and about the assistance that might be useful in the coming month and year. This provided useful information to SEF on ways we might support advocates across the South. One result was that we created a Google group where advocates were able to better share information and resources with each other. We also held a webinar on messaging where attendees were able to interact and update each other on their work. This regional network continues to grow and we will continue supporting and developing it. New Majority Report In late 2013, SEF released the report- A New Majority Update- Low Income Students in the South and Nation which found that low income children had become a majority of students in the public schools of 17 states across the nation - and 13 of those states were in the South. The report received local, regional and national media coverage, with the Washington Post, and The Atlantic covering the study in 2013. The report continues to draw media coverage one year later, with the New York Times recently citing the report findings just this month. The report warns that this continued trend in both the South and the nation raised the prospect of "entrenched, inadequately funded educational systems that enlarge the division in America between the haves and have-nots." In addition, the SEF report finds: 1. Half or more of the public school children in two regions --the South and West-- are low income, and a near majority of all students across the nation are low income (48 percent); 2. Over the last ten years, the number of low income students have grown 3-4 times greater than the growth of per pupil expenditures in three of the four regions of the country; 3. During the last decade, while achievement scores have increased for most student groups, huge gaps still remain between low income and higher income students-- particularly in regions where less is spent on students; and 4. The achievement gap between low income and higher income students is as large or larger in private schools as in public schools. These findings update a 2007 report released by SEF, A New Majority: Low Income Students in the South's Public Schools. It documented how low income students had become a majority in the South's public schools for the first time in more than four decades. Improving School Climate and Discipline practices across the Region: A third arena of activity in 2013 for SEF was focused on engaging organizations around out-of-school suspension and discipline practices. SEF focused on raising awareness about the importance of school climate, believing it is a critical strategy for closing the achievement gap for low income and minority students across the South. In 2013, SEF devoted a considerable amount of time to collecting and analyzing data on out-of-school suspensions for the South on a school, district and state-level for all racial groups using federal and state agency sourced data sets. The South continues to le
PART VI, LINE 11A
The 990 is reviewed by the Finance, Audit, and Administration Committee, the CEO and the CFO. After all questions and concerns are addressed a copy of the 990 is presented to each Board member and the 990 is then filed.
PART VI, LINE 12C
Annually, each Trustee and SEF staff member execute a disclosure form identifying any relationships, positions or circumstances in which he/she is involved that could contribute to a real or perceived conflict of interest. Any information regarding business interest of a Trustee is treated as confidential and is generally made available to the Chair, the President, and any committee appointed to address conflicts of interest, except to the extent additional disclosure is necessary in connection with the implementation of this policy. Trustees do not vote on any matter in which they believe there is duality of interest and may, if asked, be called upon to share with fellow Trustees such information related to the duality of interest as may be necessary and appropriate. The minutes of Board meetings will show that the Trustee having a duality of interest disclosed same and abstained from voting on related matters. A copy of this policy is furnished to each person who is or becomes a member of the Board of Trustees or staff. Each such person is required to review a copy of this policy and acknowledge in writing that he or she has done so.
PART VI, LINE 15
IN ORDER TO DETERMINE STAFF COMPENSATION LEVELS FOR ITS SMALL STAFF AND CONSERVATIVE MODEST RESOURCES, SEF CONSULTS SOURCES SUCH AS THE ANNUALLY COMPENSATION SURVEY PUBLISHED BY THE COUNCIL ON FOUNDATIONS, REPORTS IN THE CHRONICLE OF PHILANTHROPY, AND THE CHRONICLE OF HIGHER EDUCATION, RATHER THAN HIRING INDEPENDENT CONSULTANTS TO CONDUCT DETAILED COMPENSATION SURVEYS AND AUDITS. SEF BOARD MEMBERS AND STAFF, AS APPROPRIATE, ALSO CONSULT WITH PEER ORGANIZATIONS TO ASCERTAIN APPROPRIATE COMPENSATION RANGES FOR STAFF. MANY SEF BOARD MEMBERS SERVE, AS WELL, ON OTHER NON -PROFIT ORGANIZATIONAL BOARDS AND BRING THAT KNOWLEDGE AND PERSPECTIVE TO BEAR IN SETTING COMPENSATION FOR SEF STAFF. SEF'S FINANCE, AUDIT AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE REVIEWS COMPENSATION AS PART OF THE ANNUAL BUDGET-SETTING CYCLE AND DETERMINES COMPENSATION OF THE PRESIDENT BASED UPON AN ANNUAL APPRAISAL OF PERFORMANCE. THAT APPRAISAL CONSIDERS ALL ASPECTS OF THE PRESIDENT'S WORK INCLUDING FUNDRAISING, MANAGEMENT, PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION, GOVERNANCE AND COMMUNICATIONS. SEF'S PRESIDENT APPRAISES THE PERFORMANCE OF OTHER SUBORDINATE SEF STAFF ANNUALLY. ALL SEF STAFF ARE PART OF A MERIT PAY PROGRAM IN WHICH THERE ARE NO AUTOMATIC OR COST OF LIVING INCREASES.
PART VI, LINE 19
All SEF public documents are available upon request. Once a request is received the documents can be sent either electronically or through the US postal system. The 2011 CPA audit, conflict of interest policy and whistleblower policy can also be found on the SEF web site in the "Public Documents Listing"
PART XI, LINE 5
NET UNREALIZED GAINS ON INVESTMENTS - $807,732.
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990 or 990-EZ.