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
THE ADVERTISING COUNCIL INC
Employer identification number
13-0417693
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.") ....
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) 2009
(b) 2010
(c) 2011
(d) 2012
(e) 2013
(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 2013 (line 6, column (f) divided by line 11, column (f))
.........
14
15
Public support percentage for 2012 Schedule A, Part II, line 14
...............
15
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.") .
8,784,479
9,415,045
9,864,057
10,441,895
11,273,172
49,778,648
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......
31,269,874
31,654,964
29,242,235
31,435,217
33,019,771
156,622,061
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.
40,054,353
41,070,009
39,106,292
41,877,112
44,292,943
206,400,709
7a
Amounts included on lines 1, 2, and 3 received from disqualified persons...
132,007
93,300
141,775
145,629
157,699
670,410
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.
12,262,580
14,390,436
12,735,465
13,036,243
8,784,639
61,209,363
c
Add lines 7a and 7b..
12,394,587
14,483,736
12,877,240
13,181,872
8,942,338
61,879,773
8
Public support (Subtract line 7c from line 6.)
144,520,936
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...
40,054,353
41,070,009
39,106,292
41,877,112
44,292,943
206,400,709
10a
Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources..
292,954
305,133
297,173
329,465
349,913
1,574,638
b
Unrelated business taxable income (less section 511 taxes) from businesses acquired after June 30, 1975.
c
Add lines 10a and 10b.
292,954
305,133
297,173
329,465
349,913
1,574,638
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.)
..
66,698
189,244
27,584
283,526
13
Total support. (Add lines 9, 10c, 11, and 12.)..
40,347,307
41,375,142
39,470,163
42,395,821
44,670,440
208,258,873
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
69.390 %
16
Public support percentage from 2012 Schedule A, Part III, line 15
...............
16
65.950 %
Section D. Computation of Investment Income Percentage
17
Investment income percentage for 2013 (line 10c, column (f) divided by line 13, column (f))
......
17
0.760 %
18
Investment income percentage from 2012 Schedule A, Part III, line 17
.............
18
0.810 %
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
THE ADVERTISING COUNCIL INC
Employer identification number
13-0417693
Return Reference
Explanation
FORM 990, PART I, LINE 1
DURING THE COURSE OF THE YEAR, THE AD COUNCIL CONDUCTED OVER 40 NATIONAL MULTIMEDIA PUBLIC SERVICE CAMPAIGNS ON BEHALF OF BOTH NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS AND GOVERNMENT AGENCIES ADDRESSING ISSUE AREAS SUCH AS IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR CHILDREN, PREVENTIVE HEALTH, EDUCATION, COMMUNITY WELL-BEING, AND STRENGTHENING FAMILIES.
FORM 990, PART III, LINE 1
THE ADVERTISING COUNCIL'S MISSION IS TO IDENTIFY A SELECT NUMBER OF SIGNIFICANT PUBLIC ISSUES AND STIMULATE ACTION ON THOSE ISSUES THROUGH COMMUNICATIONS PROGRAMS THAT MAKE A MEASURABLE DIFFERENCE IN OUR SOCIETY. TO THAT END, THE AD COUNCIL MARSHALS VOLUNTEER TALENT FROM THE ADVERTISING AND COMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRIES, THE FACILITIES OF THE MEDIA, AND THE RESOURCES OF THE BUSINESS AND NON-PROFIT COMMUNITIES TO CREATE AWARENESS, FOSTER UNDERSTANDING AND MOTIVATE ACTION.
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION A, LINE 4
REVISED BY-LAWS: ON APRIL 10, 2014 THE AD COUNCIL REVISED THEIR BY-LAWS AS FOLLOWS: THE NUMBER OF MEMBERS WAS INCREASED FROM 100 TO 125; THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE WILL REVIEW EACH BOARD MEMBER AFTER EACH 3 YEAR TERM, AND THE 6 PERMANENT MEMBERS ARE NO LONGER PERMANENT AND ARE NOW PART OF THE BOARD NOMINATION PROCESS.
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 11
I) A COPY WAS PROVIDED TO THE AUDIT COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS; II) THE 990 WAS PROVIDED ELECTRONICALLY; III) THE AD COUNCIL HAS ITS FORM 990 PREPARED BY AN OUTSIDE ACCOUNTING FIRM AND HAS ESTABLISHED THE FOLLOWING REVIEW PROCESS TO ENSURE THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IS COMPREHENSIVE AND TRUTHFUL. THROUGHOUT THE COURSE OF THE YEAR, THE FORM 990 WAS ADDRESSED DURING AUDIT COMMITTEE MEETINGS AND THERE WERE SEVERAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR DISCUSSION AND COMMENT. THEN, ONCE A FINAL DRAFT OF THE FORM 990 IS COMPLETED, REVIEWED BY MANAGEMENT, AND READY FOR FILING, IT IS PROVIDED IN ITS ENTIRETY TO THE AUDIT COMMITTEE MEMBERS IN ELECTRONIC FORM PRIOR TO FILING.
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 12C
ALL BOARD MEMBERS, EMPLOYEES AND VOLUNTEERS RECEIVE THE CODE OF CONDUCT AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY AND ARE REQUIRED TO SIGN THE POLICY. A LOG IS MAINTAINED BOTH WITHIN THE DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT (FOR BOARD MEMBERS/VOLUNTEERS) AND WITHIN THE HR DEPARTMENT (FOR EMPLOYEES). AD COUNCIL REQUIRES THAT ANY MEMBER REPORT IN WRITING ANY CONFLICT OF INTEREST THAT ARISES IN THE FOLLOWING MANNER: (1) MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS SHALL DISCLOSE ANY CONFLICT OF INTEREST TO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD; (2) EMPLOYEES SHALL DISCLOSE ANY CONFLICT OF INTEREST TO THE SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES; AND (3) VOLUNTEERS SHALL DISCLOSE ANY CONFLICT OF INTEREST TO THE AD COUNCIL'S CEO OR CFO. THE EXISTENCE OF A POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST DOES NOT NECESSARILY CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY. THE POLICY REQUIRES DISCLOSURE AND REVIEW OF POTENTIAL CONFLICTS AND PROHIBITION OF ACTUAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST. IN SOME CASES, DISCLOSURE MAY BE ALL THAT IS REQUIRED. IN OTHER CASES, THE SITUATION MAY REQUIRE ADDITIONAL ACTION TO AVOID AN ACTUAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST OR TO REMEDY ONE. WHERE A CONFLICT OF INTEREST ARISES, AN INTERESTED COVERED PARTY SHALL ABSTAIN FROM DELIBERATIONS AND REFRAIN FROM PARTICIPATING IN ANY DECISIONS OR VOTING IN CONNECTION WITH THE MATTER. THE CODE OF CONDUCT AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY IS REVIEWED ANNUALLY. THE POLICY WAS UPDATED APRIL 2014. THE UPDATED POLICY WAS DISTRIBUTED TO ALL EMPLOYEES AND BOARD MEMBERS/VOLUNTEERS TO BE REVIEWED AND SIGNED.
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 15
APPROXIMATELY EVERY TWO TO FOUR YEARS, THE AD COUNCIL HIRES AN INDEPENDENT CONSULTING FIRM TO CONDUCT A COMPREHENSIVE COMPENSATION STUDY. THE STUDY IS CONDUCTED TO ASSESS THE EXTERNAL COMPETITIVENESS OF THE AD COUNCIL'S CURRENT TOTAL PAY, DEVELOP COMPARABLE MARKET BASE SALARY AND TOTAL PAY SUMMARY STATISTICS AND AUDIT & RECOMMEND CHANGES TO THE AD COUNCIL'S EMPLOYEE INCENTIVE PLAN. THE MOST RECENT STUDY WAS PERFORMED IN AUGUST 2014. THE INFORMATION GATHERED FROM THESE STUDIES IS USED TO HELP INFORM THE DECISION MAKING PROCESS OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE. THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE IS COMPRISED OF THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, THE TWO VICE CHAIRS AND THE HEAD OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE. THE COMMITTEE MEETS AT LEAST ANNUALLY TO REVIEW AND ESTABLISH THE TOTAL COMPENSATION PACKAGE (BASE SALARY AND INCENTIVE GOALS) FOR THE PRESIDENT & CEO AND EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENTS. THE COMMITTEE ALSO REVIEWS AND APPROVES THE TOTAL INCENTIVE PAYOUT FOR THE ENTIRE ORGANIZATION. THIS ENTIRE PROCESS IS CONTEMPORANEOUSLY DOCUMENTED IN MEETING MINUTES. FISCAL YEAR 2013 COMPENSATION REVIEW WAS PERFORMED ON SEPTEMBER 20, 2012. FISCAL YEAR 2014 COMPENSATION REVIEW WAS PERFORMED ON SEPTEMBER 17, 2013. FISCAL YEAR 2015 REVIEW WAS PERFORMED ON SEPTEMBER 23, 2014. OTHER KEY EMPLOYEES ARE ADDRESSED IN THE COMPENSATION STUDY AND THIS COMPARATIVE DATA IS USED AS A PART OF THE PROCESS WHERE THE CEO, CFO, HR AND DEPARTMENT HEAD REVIEW AND APPROVE THE COMPENSATION PACKAGE FOR EACH EMPLOYEE ANNUALLY.
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION C, LINE 19
GOVERNING DOCUMENTS (BY-LAWS) AND/OR CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CAN BE FOUND ON THE AD COUNCIL'S WEBSITE WWW.ADCOUNCIL.ORG.
FORM 990, PART VII, SECTION A, LINE 1
THE AMOUNT LISTED FOR PEGGY CONLON IN "REPORTABLE COMPENSATION" (COLUMN D) INCLUDES THE PAYOUT OF PEGGY'S VESTED SERP ACCOUNT. MS. CONLON VESTED IN THE SERP PLAN ON JULY 1, 2013 AND RECEIVED HER ACCOUNT BALANCE (LESS TAX WITHHOLDING) IN OCTOBER 2013. THE AMOUNT OF $1,408,221.67 REFLECTS 9 YEARS OF SERP CONTRIBUTIONS (PLUS INVESTMENT EARNINGS) FROM FY 2005 THROUGH FY 2013.
FORM 990, PART XI, LINE 9:
ACTUARIAL CHANGE IN POST RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS 960.
FORM 990, PART XI, LINE 2C:
THE ADVERTISING COUNCIL, INC. HAS A COMMITTEE THAT ASSUMES RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE OVERSIGHT OF THE AUDIT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND FOR THE SELECTION OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS. THIS PROCESS HAS NOT CHANGED FORM THE PRIOR YEAR.
FORM 990, PART VIII, LINE 8C AND FORM 990, SCHEDULE G, PART II, LINE 11:
EACH NOVEMBER THE AD COUNCIL HOLDS THE PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD DINNER. CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THIS EVENT ARE REPORTED ON PART VIII, LINE 1C OF THE FORM 990 AS $3,093,370. AS MANY EVENT ATTENDEES PAY MORE THAN THE RETAIL VALUE OF THE ACTUAL DINNER AN OVERALL GAIN OF $2,810,680 IS REALIZED VS. THE EVENT LOSS OF $282,690 AS REPORTED ON SCHEDULE G PART II. ALSO IN FISCAL 2014 THE AD COUNCIL HELD AN ONLINE AUCTION. TOTAL CONTRIBUTIONS WERE $64,549 WHICH WERE ALSO INCLUDED ON PART VIII, LINE 1C OF FORM 990. AUCTION EXPENSES TOTALED $12,910.
FORM 990, PART IV, LINE 28B AND FORM 990, PART VI, LINE 2:
THE AD COUNCIL IS UNAWARE OF ANY FAMILY MEMBER WHO HAD A DIRECT OR INDIRECT BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP WITH THE ORGANIZATION. THIS RESPONSE IS BASED ON BOTH THE AD COUNCIL'S CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY AND RELATED DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS, AS WELL AS INTERNAL KNOWLEDGE OF CURRENT AD COUNCIL PRACTICES.
FORM 990, PART IV, LINE 28C AND FORM 990, PART VI, LINE 2:
THE ADVERTISING COUNCIL'S ("AD COUNCIL") BUSINESS MODEL INCLUDES THE SERVICES OF A PRO BONO ADVERTISING AGENCY FOR EACH OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT CAMPAIGNS ("CAMPAIGNS") THAT THE AD COUNCIL CREATES AND DISTRIBUTES FOR ITS GOVERNMENT AND NON-PROFIT CLIENTS. AMONGST THESE VOLUNTEER AD AGENCIES INCLUDE SEVERAL AGENCIES THAT HAVE OFFICERS WHO ALSO SIT ON THE AD COUNCIL BOARD. THE PRO BONO ADVERTISING AGENCIES ARE APPROVED BY THE CLIENT PRIOR TO THEIR SELECTION. THESE AGENCIES DONATE THEIR LABOR TO THE CAMPAIGN; WITH THE EXCEPTION OF CERTAIN PRE-AUTHORIZED SPECIALIZED TASKS WHICH ARE OFFERED AT SIGNIFICANTLY DISCOUNTED RATES. THE AD COUNCIL AND ITS CLIENTS PAY FOR PRE-APPROVED OUT OF POCKET COSTS INCURRED IN THE COURSE OF PERFORMANCE FOR THESE SPECIFIC CAMPAIGNS. THESE REIMBURSED COSTS INCLUDE PHYSICAL PRODUCTION, TRAVEL, THIRD PARTY RESEARCH, TELEPHONE, POSTAGE AND CERTAIN OTHER COSTS OF CREATING, PRODUCING, AND DISTRIBUTING THESE CAMPAIGNS. ADDITIONALLY, THE AD COUNCIL UTILIZES THE SERVICES OF SPECIALIZED VENDORS FOR THE CAMPAIGNS WHO OFTEN PROVIDE DISCOUNTED AND NONPROFIT RATES TO THE AD COUNCIL. AMONGST THESE SPECIALIZED VENDORS INCLUDE SEVERAL BUSINESSES THAT HAVE OFFICERS WHO ALSO SIT ON THE AD COUNCIL BOARD. THE AD COUNCIL ALSO HAS SEVERAL REGIONAL EMPLOYEES WHO WORK OUT OF DONATED OFFICE SPACE FROM COMPANIES THAT HAVE OFFICERS WHO SIT ON THE AD COUNCIL BOARD. THESE COSTS ARE ACCOUNTED FOR AS DONATED USE OF FACILITIES.
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990 or 990-EZ.