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 Beacon Institute Inc
Employer identification number
14-1883215
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.") ....
3,589,266
2,251,968
3,184,293
3,878,047
2,609,523
15,513,097
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
3,589,266
2,251,968
3,184,293
3,878,047
2,609,523
15,513,097
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)..
0
6
Public support. Subtract line 5 from line 4.
15,513,097
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..
3,589,266
2,251,968
3,184,293
3,878,047
2,609,523
15,513,097
8
Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources...
404
6
410
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.)..
14,946
23,189
13,960
11,852
132,906
196,853
11
Total support (Add lines 7 through 10).
15,710,360
12
Gross receipts from related activities, etc. (see instructions)
..................
12
652,352
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
98.744 %
15
Public support percentage for 2012 Schedule A, Part II, line 14
...............
15
99.722 %
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
The Beacon Institute Inc
Employer identification number
14-1883215
Return Reference
Explanation
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION A, LINE 6
THE SOLE MEMBER OF THE CORPORATION SHALL BE CLARKSON UNIVERSITY.
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION A, LINE 7A
THE TRUSTEES SHALL BE ELECTED AT EACH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE MEMBER, AND EACH TRUSTEE ELECTED SHALL SERVE UNTIL THE NEXT SUCCEEDING ANNUAL MEETING OF THE MEMBER AND UNTIL HIS OR HER SUCCESSOR SHALL HAVE BEEN ELECTED AND QUALIFIED. NEWLY CREATED TRUSTEESHIPS RESULTING FROM AN INCREASE IN THE AUTHORIZED NUMBER OF TRUSTEES AND VACANCIES OCCURRING IN THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR ANY CAUSE, INCLUDING ANY SUCH VACANCY OCCURRING BY REASON OF THE REMOVAL OF ANY TRUSTEE FROM OFFICE WITH OR WITHOUT CASE, SHALL BE FILLED BY THE VOTE OF THE MEMBER. EACH TRUSTEE SO ELECTED SHALL SERVE UNTIL THE NEXT ANNUAL MEETING AND UNTIL THE EARLIEST OF SUCH TRUSTEE'S SUCCESSOR BEING ELECTED OR APPOINTED AND QUALIFIED OR UNTIL SUCH TRUSTEE'S DEATH, RESIGNATION, OR REMOVAL.
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION A, LINE 7B
A TRUSTEE MAY BE REMOVED WITH OR WITHOUT CAUSE BY VOTE OF THE MEMBER. ANY OFFICER ELECTED OR APPOINTED BY THE MEMBER MAY BE REMOVED BY THE MEMBER, EITHER WITH OR WITHOUT CAUSE. THE BY-LAWS MAY BE AMENDED OR REPEALED OR NEW BY LAWS MAY BE ADOPTED BY THE MEMBER.
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION A, LINE 8B
THE BOARD HAS NOT ESTABLISHED ANY COMMITTEES; ALL DECISION MAKING AUTHORITY TO ACT ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD IS RESERVED FOR THE FULL BOARD.
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 11A
THE BEACON INSTITUTE HAS ITS FORM 990 PREPARED BY AN OUTSIDE ACCOUNTING FIRM AND HAS ESTABLISHED THE FOLLOWING PROCESS TO ENSURE THAT THE INFORMATION REPORTED IS COMPLETE AND ACCURATE. THE FULL BOARD RECEIVES AN ELECTRONIC COPY OF THE DRAFT 990 WHEN AVAILABLE, AND REVIEWS AND MAKES COMMENTS. A REVISED DRAFT IS THEN ELECTRONICALLY DISTRIBUTED TO ALL TRUSTEES FOR REVIEW. AFTER THE BOARD HAS REVIEWED THE RETURN, IT IS FILED WITH THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE.
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 12C
ANNUALLY, ALL EMPLOYEES AND BOARD MEMBERS ARE REMINDED OF THE ORGANIZATION'S CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY, WHICH STATES THAT THEY ARE REQUIRED TO DISCLOSE ANY POTENTIAL OR ACTUAL CONFLICTS. EMPLOYEES MUST DISCLOSE, IN WRITING, ALL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST, AS WELL AS POTENTIAL OR APPARENT CONFLICTS, AS SOON AS SUCH CONFLICTS BECOME KNOWN TO THE EMPLOYEE. ALL CONFLICTS AND POTENTIAL CONFLICTS WILL BE REVIEWED BY THE CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER OR CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, AND SPECIFIC RESOLUTIONS MAY BE SUGGESTED TO OR REQUIRED OF THE EMPLOYEE. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH REQUIRED ACTIONS MAY RESULT IN THE EMPLOYEE'S TERMINATION. BEHAVIOR WHICH RESULTS IN REPEATED CONFLICTS OF INTEREST, OR THE REPEATED APPEARANCE OF CONFLICTS, MAY ALSO BE THE BASIS OF ANY EMPLOYEE'S TERMINATION. TRUSTEES WILL DISCLOSE, IN WRITING OR AT A MEETING OF TRUSTEES AT WHICH MINUTES ARE RECORDED, ALL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST, AS WELL AS POTENTIAL OR APPARENT CONFLICTS, AS SOON AS SUCH CONFLICTS BECOME KNOWN TO THE TRUSTEE. IF A CONFLICT REGARDS A MATTER THAT IS OR WILL COME BEFORE THE BOARD, THE TRUSTEE WILL NOT PARTICIPATE IN ANY DISCUSSION OR VOTE REGARDING THE MATTER OR IN ANY WAY INFLUENCE THE DISCUSSION OR VOTE OF THE BOARD. ALL OTHER CONFLICTS AND POTENTIAL CONFLICTS WILL BE REVIEWED BY THE CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OR HIS/HER DESIGNEE, AND SPECIFIC RESOLUTIONS MAY BE SUGGESTED TO OR REQUIRED OF THE TRUSTEE. THE CHAIR WILL SUBMIT A CONFLICT INVOLVING HIM/HERSELF TO THE VICE CHAIR OR OTHER OFFICER OF THE BOARD FOR REVIEW. FAILURE OF ANY TRUSTEE TO DISCLOSE A CONFLICT OR TO TAKE SUGGESTED OR REQUIRED ACTION TO RESOLVE A CONFLICT MAY CONSTITUTE CAUSE FOR REMOVAL FROM THE BOARD, AS SET FORTH IN ARTICLE III, SECTION 4 OF THE BY-LAWS.
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 15B
UPON CLARKSON UNIVERSITY BECOMING THE SOLE MEMBER OF BEACON INSTITUTE IN LATE 2011, A NEW PRESIDENT AND CEO WAS NAMED. THIS INDIVIDUAL WAS ALSO DEAN OF CLARKSON'S SCHOOL OF BUSINESS, AND CONTINUED IN THAT POSITION FOR SEVERAL MONTHS AND CONTINUED TO RECEIVE A SALARY FROM CLARKSON UNIVERSITY SUBJECT TO THE COMPENSATION APPROVAL PROCESS OF CLARKSON UNIVERSITY. THIS INDIVIDUAL CONTINUES AS PRESIDENT & CEO OF BEACON INSTITUTE, BUT HAS NOT RECEIVED A SALARY FROM BEACON INSTITUTE. STAFF SALARIES, INCLUDING THOSE OF KEY EMPLOYEES, WERE GENERALLY NEGOTIATED AT THE TIME OF HIRING, BY THE CEO IN CONSULTATION WITH THE BOARD CHAIR. ALL STAFF SALARIES IN 2013-14 GENERALLY REFLECTED THE PREVIOUS YEAR WITH MODEST INCREASES. EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2014, ALL BEACON INSTITUTE STAFF BECAME EMPLOYEES OF CLARKSON UNIVERSITY AND TRANSFERRED TO CLARKSON UNIVERSITY'S PAYROLL.
FORM 990, PART XI, LINE 2C
THE ORGANIZATION'S OVERSIGHT OF THE AUDIT OF ITS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SELECTION OF AN INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANT IS CONDUCTED BY THE BOARD, KEY EMPLOYEES, AND THE ORGANIZATION'S OFFICERS, INCLUDING THE SECRETARY/TREASURER. DURING THIS PERIOD THIS INDIVIDUAL WAS ALSO THE CONTROLLER OF CLARKSON UNIVERSITY.
PART X, LINES 17 AND 25
FOR TAX YEAR 2013 ACCOUNTS PAYABLE TO CLARKSON UNIVERSITY, THE SOLE MEMBER OF BEACON INSTITUTE, HAVE BEEN INCLUDED ON PART X, LINE 25 "OTHER LIABILITIES." THIS IS A PRESENTATIONAL CHANGE FROM TAX YEAR 2012, WHEN THE AMOUNT OF INTERCOMPANY ACCOUNTS PAYABLE WAS INCLUDED ON PART X, LINE 17 "ACCOUNTS PAYABLE." FOR COMPARATIVE PURPOSES, THE 2012 BALANCE SHEET HAS BEEN RESTATED TO REFLECT THE CHANGE IN PRESENTATION OF THE INTERCOMPANY ACCOUNTS PAYABLE.
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990 or 990-EZ.