TY 2015 Form 990

(A) Name and Title	(B) Average hours per week (list any hours for related organizations below dotted line)	(C) Position (do not check more than one box, unless person is both an officer and a director/trustee)	(E) Reportable compensation from related organizations (W- 2/1099-MISC)
(1) Robert Reich...................................................................... Chair	1.00 ................. 1.00	X	X
(2) Martha Tierney...................................................................... Acting Chair	1.00 ................. 1.00	X	X
(3) Olena Berg Lacy...................................................................... Treasurer	1.00 ................. 1.00	X	X
(4) Gracia Hillman...................................................................... Secretary	1.00 ................. 1.00	X	X
(5) Ric Bainter...................................................................... boARD MEMBER	1.00 ................. 1.00	X
(6) Emmet J Bondurant...................................................................... BOARD MEMBER	1.00 ................. 1.00	X
(7) Cornell W Brooks Esq...................................................................... boARD MEMBER	1.00 ................. 1.00	X
(8) Dan Conley...................................................................... bOARD MEMBER	1.00 ................. 1.00	X
(9) Greg Diskant...................................................................... bOARD MEMBER	1.00 ................. 1.00	X
(10) Archon Fung...................................................................... bOARD MEMBER	1.00 ................. 1.00	X
(11) Olga Kauffman...................................................................... boARD MEMBER	1.00 ................. 1.00	X
(12) William Hubbard...................................................................... BOARD MEMBER	1.00 ................. 1.00	X
(13) Marilyn Melkonian...................................................................... BOARD MEMBER	1.00 ................. 1.00	X
(14) Lenny Mendonca...................................................................... boARD MEMBER	1.00 ................. 1.00	X
(15) Chang K Park...................................................................... boARD MEMBER	1.00 ................. 1.00	X
(16) Nancy Ratzan...................................................................... boARD MEMBER	1.00 ................. 1.00	X
(17) Susan Rubinstein...................................................................... boARD MEMBER	1.00 ................. 1.00	X

(A) Name and Title	(B) Average hours per week (list any hours for related organizations below dotted line)	(C) Position (do not check more than one box, unless person is both an officer and a director/trustee)	(E) Reportable compensation from related organizations (W- 2/1099-MISC)	(F) Estimated amount of other compensation from the organization and related organizations
(18) Richard Stanley........................................................................ boARD MEMBER	1.00 .......................1.00	X				0	0	0
(19) Wes Tomer........................................................................ boARD MEMBER	1.00 .......................1.00	X				0	0	0
(20) Tracy Westen........................................................................ boARD MEMBER	1.00 .......................1.00	X				0	0	0
(21) Alan Wiersba........................................................................ boARD MEMBER	1.00 .......................1.00	X				0	0	0
(22) Miles Rapoport........................................................................ PRESIDENT AND CEO (to June 2016)	21.00 .......................16.50	X	X			182,000	143,000	8,994
(23) Karen Hobert Flynn........................................................................ President (from June 2016)	32.25 .......................5.25	X	X			166,991	27,185	37,916
(24) Elizabeth Marchant........................................................................ CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER	18.75 .......................18.75		X			96,905	96,905	21,808
(25) Wendy Fields........................................................................ Sr. VP Strategy & Campaigns	18.75 .......................18.75			X		79,583	79,583	3,600
(26) Randy Brett........................................................................ Sr. Advisor to the President	18.75 .......................18.75				X	52,141	52,141	27,290
(27) Susan Schreiber........................................................................ Associate VP, Foundation Relations	37.50 .......................0.00				X	108,670	0	17,457
(28) Amy Conroy........................................................................ VP Operations	0.00 .......................37.50				X	0	120,167	5,635
(29) Jenny Flanagan........................................................................ VP State Operations	33.00 .......................4.50				X	102,506	13,978	36,216
(30) Marc Caplan........................................................................ Sr. Advisor	18.75 .......................18.75				X	55,400	55,400	13,808

- TIN:

SCHEDULE A
(Form 990 or 990EZ)

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.
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Attach to Form 990 or Form 990-EZ.
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Information about Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) and its instructions is at www.irs.gov/form990.

OMB No. 1545-0047

2015

Open to Public
Inspection

Name of the organization

COMMON CAUSE EDUCATION FUND

Employer identification number

31-1705370

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.)

A church, convention of churches, or association of churches described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(i).

A school described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(ii). (Attach Schedule E (Form 990 or 990-EZ))

A hospital or a cooperative hospital service organization described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(iii).

A medical research organization operated in conjunction with a hospital described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(iii). Enter the hospital's name, city, and state:

An organization operated for the benefit of a college or university owned or operated by a governmental unit described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(iv). (Complete Part II.)

A federal, state, or local government or governmental unit described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(v).

An organization that normally receives a substantial part of its support from a governmental unit or from the general public described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(vi). (Complete Part II.)

A community trust described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(vi). (Complete Part II.)

An organization that normally receives: (1) more than 331/3% of its support from contributions, membership fees, and gross 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.)

An organization organized and operated exclusively to test for public safety. See section 509(a)(4).

An organization organized and operated exclusively for the benefit of, to perform the functions of, or to carry out the purposes of one or more publicly supported organizations described in section 509(a)(1) or section 509(a)(2). See section 509(a)(3). Check the box in lines 11a through 11d that describes the type of supporting organization and complete lines 11e, 11f, and 11g.

Type I. A supporting organization operated, supervised, or controlled by its supported organization(s), typically by giving the supported organization(s) the power to regularly appoint or elect a majority of the directors or trustees of the supporting organization. You must complete Part IV, Sections A and B.

Type II. A supporting organization supervised or controlled in connection with its supported organization(s), by having control or management of the supporting organization vested in the same persons that control or manage the supported organization(s). You must complete Part IV, Sections A and C.

Type III functionally integrated. A supporting organization operated in connection with, and functionally integrated with, its supported organization(s) (see instructions). You must complete Part IV, Sections A, D, and E.

Type III non-functionally integrated. A supporting organization operated in connection with its supported organization(s) that is not functionally integrated. The organization generally must satisfy a distribution requirement and an attentiveness requirement (see instructions). You must complete Part IV, Sections A and D, and Part V.

Check this box if the organization received a written determination from the IRS that it is a Type I, Type II, Type III functionally integrated, or Type III non-functionally integrated supporting organization.

Enter the number of supported organizations ..............

Provide the following information about the supported organization(s).

(i)Name of supported organization	(ii) EIN	(iv) Is the organization listed in your governing document?		(v) Amount of monetary support (see instructions)	(vi) Amount of other support (see instructions)
(i)Name of supported organization	(ii) EIN	Yes	No	(v) Amount of monetary support (see instructions)	(vi) Amount of other support (see instructions)


Total

For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for
Form 990 or 990-EZ.

Cat. No. 11285F

Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015

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) 2011	(b) 2012	(c) 2013	(d) 2014	(e) 2015	(f) Total
1	Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any unusual grants.) ....	4,716,201	5,508,097	5,432,491	6,983,087	8,462,235	31,102,111
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	4,716,201	5,508,097	5,432,491	6,983,087	8,462,235	31,102,111
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)..						3,073,318
6	Public support. Subtract line 5 from line 4.						28,028,793

Section B. Total Support

Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in)		(a) 2011	(b) 2012	(c) 2013	(d) 2014	(e) 2015	(f) Total
7	Amounts from line 4..	4,716,201	5,508,097	5,432,491	6,983,087	8,462,235	31,102,111
8	Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources...	1,411	3,055	35,356	23,361	1,646	64,829
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 VI.)..		977				977
11	Total support. Add lines 7 through 10.						31,167,917

Gross receipts from related activities, etc. (see instructions) ..................

649,772

First five years. If the Form 990 is for the organization's first, second, third, fourth, or fifth tax year as a section 501(c)(3) organization, check this box and stop here........................................ right arrow

Section C. Computation of Public Support Percentage

Public support percentage for 2015 (line 6, column (f) divided by line 11, column (f)) .........

89.930 %

Public support percentage for 2014 Schedule A, Part II, line 14 ...............

92.980 %

16a

33 1/3% support test—2015. 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 ....................... right arrow

33 1/3% support test—2014. 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 ..................... right arrow

17a

10%-facts-and-circumstances test—2015. 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 VI how the organization meets the "facts-and-circumstances" test. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported
organization ..................................................... right arrow

10%-facts-and-circumstances test—2014. 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 VI how the organization meets the "facts-and-circumstances" test. The organization qualifies as a publicly
supported organization ................................................ right arrow

Private foundation. If the organization did not check a box on line 13, 16a, 16b, 17a, or 17b, check this box and see
instructions ..................................................... right arrow

Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015

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) 2011	(b) 2012	(c) 2013	(d) 2014	(e) 2015	(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) 2011	(b) 2012	(c) 2013	(d) 2014	(e) 2015	(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 VI.) ..
13	Total support. (Add lines 9, 10c, 11, and 12.)..

First five years. If the Form 990 is for the organization's first, second, third, fourth, or fifth tax year as a section 501(c)(3) organization,
check this box and stop here............................................. right arrow

Section C. Computation of Public Support Percentage

Public support percentage for 2015 (line 8, column (f) divided by line 13, column (f)) .........

Public support percentage from 2014 Schedule A, Part III, line 15 ...............

Section D. Computation of Investment Income Percentage

Investment income percentage for 2015 (line 10c, column (f) divided by line 13, column (f)) ......

Investment income percentage from 2014 Schedule A, Part III, line 17 .............

19a

331/3% support tests—2015. 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 ....... right arrow

33 1/3% support tests—2014. 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 .... right arrow

Private foundation. If the organization did not check a box on line 14, 19a, or 19b, check this box and see instructions .... right arrow

Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015

Page 4

Part IV

Supporting Organizations

(Complete only if you checked a box on line 11 of Part I. If you checked 11a of Part I, complete Sections A and B. If you checked 11b of Part I, complete Sections A and C. If you checked 11c of Part I, complete Sections A, D, and E. If you checked 11d of Part I, complete Sections A and D, and complete Part V.)

Section A. All Supporting Organizations

Yes

Are all of the organization’s supported organizations listed by name in the organization’s governing documents?
If "No," describe in Part VI how the supported organizations are designated. If designated by class or purpose,
describe the designation. If historic and continuing relationship, explain.

Did the organization have any supported organization that does not have an IRS determination of status under section 509(a)(1) or (2)? If "Yes," explain in Part VI how the organization determined that the supported organization was described in section 509(a)(1) or (2).

Did the organization have a supported organization described in section 501(c)(4), (5), or (6)? If "Yes," answer (b) and (c) below.

Did the organization confirm that each supported organization qualified under section 501(c)(4), (5), or (6) and satisfied the public support tests under section 509(a)(2)? If "Yes," describe in Part VI when and how the organization made the determination.

Did the organization ensure that all support to such organizations was used exclusively for section 170(c)(2)(B) purposes? If "Yes," explain in Part VI what controls the organization put in place to ensure such use.

Was any supported organization not organized in the United States ("foreign supported organization")? If “Yes” and if you checked 11a or 11b in Part I, answer (b) and (c) below.

Did the organization have ultimate control and discretion in deciding whether to make grants to the foreign supported organization? If “Yes,” describe in Part VI how the organization had such control and discretion despite being controlled or supervised by or in connection with its supported organizations.

Did the organization support any foreign supported organization that does not have an IRS determination under sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a)(1) or (2)? If “Yes,” explain in Part VI what controls the organization used to ensure that all support to the foreign supported organization was used exclusively for section 170(c)(2)(B) purposes.

Did the organization add, substitute, or remove any supported organizations during the tax year? If “Yes,” answer (b) and (c) below (if applicable). Also, provide detail in Part VI, including (i) the names and EIN numbers of the supported organizations added, substituted, or removed; (ii) the reasons for each such action; (iii) the authority under the organization's organizing document authorizing such action; and (iv) how the action was accomplished (such as by amendment to the organizing document).

Type I or Type II only. Was any added or substituted supported organization part of a class already designated in the organization's organizing document?

Substitutions only. Was the substitution the result of an event beyond the organization's control?

Did the organization provide support (whether in the form of grants or the provision of services or facilities) to anyone other than (i) its supported organizations, (ii) individuals that are part of the charitable class benefited by one or more of its supported organizations, or (iii) other supporting organizations that also support or benefit one or more of the filing organization’s supported organizations? If “Yes,” provide detail in Part VI.

Did the organization provide a grant, loan, compensation, or other similar payment to a substantial contributor (defined in section 4958(c)(3)(C)), a family member of a substantial contributor, or a 35% controlled entity with regard to a substantial contributor? If “Yes,” complete Part I of Schedule L (Form 990 or 990-EZ) .

Did the organization make a loan to a disqualified person (as defined in section 4958) not described in line 7? If “Yes,” complete Part I of Schedule L (Form 990 or 990-EZ).

Was the organization controlled directly or indirectly at any time during the tax year by one or more disqualified persons as defined in section 4946 (other than foundation managers and organizations described in section 509(a)(1) or (2))? If “Yes,” provide detail in Part VI.

Did one or more disqualified persons (as defined in line 9a) hold a controlling interest in any entity in which the supporting organization had an interest? If “Yes,” provide detail in Part VI.

Did a disqualified person (as defined in line 9a) have an ownership interest in, or derive any personal benefit from, assets in which the supporting organization also had an interest? If “Yes,” provide detail in Part VI.

10a

Was the organization subject to the excess business holdings rules of section 4943 because of section 4943(f) (regarding certain Type II supporting organizations, and all Type III non-functionally integrated supporting organizations)? If “Yes,” answer line 10b below.

10a

Did the organization have any excess business holdings in the tax year? (Use Schedule C, Form 4720, to determine whether the organization had excess business holdings).

10b

Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015

Page 5

Part IV

Supporting Organizations (continued)

Yes

Has the organization accepted a gift or contribution from any of the following persons?

A person who directly or indirectly controls, either alone or together with persons described in (b) and (c) below, the governing body of a supported organization?

11a

A family member of a person described in (a) above?

11b

A 35% controlled entity of a person described in (a) or (b) above? If “Yes” to a, b, or c, provide detail in Part VI.

11c

Section B. Type I Supporting Organizations

Yes

Did the directors, trustees, or membership of one or more supported organizations have the power to regularly appoint or elect at least a majority of the organization’s directors or trustees at all times during the tax year? If “No,” describe in Part VI how the supported organization(s) effectively operated, supervised, or controlled the organization’s activities. If the organization had more than one supported organization, describe how the powers to appoint and/or remove directors or trustees were allocated among the supported organizations and what conditions or restrictions, if any, applied to such powers during the tax year.

Did the organization operate for the benefit of any supported organization other than the supported organization(s) that operated, supervised, or controlled the supporting organization? If “Yes,” explain in Part VI how providing such benefit carried out the purposes of the supported organization(s) that operated, supervised or controlled the supporting organization.

Section C. Type II Supporting Organizations

Yes

Were a majority of the organization’s directors or trustees during the tax year also a majority of the directors or trustees of each of the organization’s supported organization(s)? If “No,” describe in Part VI how control or management of the supporting organization was vested in the same persons that controlled or managed the supported organization(s).

Section D. All Type III Supporting Organizations

Yes

Did the organization provide to each of its supported organizations, by the last day of the fifth month of the organization’s tax year, (i) a written notice describing the type and amount of support provided during the prior tax year, (ii) a copy of the Form 990 that was most recently filed as of the date of notification, and (iii) copies of the organization’s governing documents in effect on the date of notification, to the extent not previously provided?

Were any of the organization’s officers, directors, or trustees either (i) appointed or elected by the supported organization(s) or (ii) serving on the governing body of a supported organization? If "No," explain in Part VI how the organization maintained a close and continuous working relationship with the supported organization(s).

By reason of the relationship described in (2), did the organization’s supported organizations have a significant voice in the organization’s investment policies and in directing the use of the organization’s income or assets at all times during the tax year? If "Yes," describe in Part VI the role the organization’s supported organizations played in this regard.

Section E. Type III Functionally-Integrated Supporting Organizations

Check the box next to the method that the organization used to satisfy the Integral Part Test during the year (see instructions):

The organization satisfied the Activities Test. Complete line 2 below.

The organization is the parent of each of its supported organizations. Complete line 3 below.

The organization supported a governmental entity. Describe in Part VI how you supported a government entity (see instructions)

Activities Test. Answer (a) and (b) below.

Yes

Did substantially all of the organization’s activities during the tax year directly further the exempt purposes of the supported organization(s) to which the organization was responsive? If "Yes," then in Part VI identify those supported organizations and explain how these activities directly furthered their exempt purposes, how the organization was responsive to those supported organizations, and how the organization determined that these activities constituted substantially all of its activities.

Did the activities described in (a) constitute activities that, but for the organization’s involvement, one or more of the organization’s supported organization(s) would have been engaged in? If "Yes," explain in Part VI the reasons for the organization’s position that its supported organization(s) would have engaged in these activities but for the organization’s involvement.

Parent of Supported Organizations. Answer (a) and (b) below.

Did the organization have the power to regularly appoint or elect a majority of the officers, directors, or trustees of each of the supported organizations? Provide details in Part VI.

Did the organization exercise a substantial degree of direction over the policies, programs and activities of each of its supported organizations? If "Yes," describe in Part VI. the role played by the organization in this regard.

Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015

Page 6

Part V

Type III Non-Functionally Integrated 509(a)(3) Supporting Organizations

Check here if the organization satisfied the Integral Part Test as a qualifying trust on Nov. 20, 1970. See instructions. All other Type III non-functionally integrated supporting organizations must complete Sections A through E.

	Section A - Adjusted Net Income		(A) Prior Year	(B) Current Year (optional)
1	Net short-term capital gain	1
2	Recoveries of prior-year distributions	2
3	Other gross income (see instructions)	3
4	Add lines 1 through 3	4
5	Depreciation and depletion	5
6	Portion of operating expenses paid or incurred for production or collection of gross income or for management, conservation, or maintenance of property held for production of income (see instructions)	6
7	Other expenses (see instructions)	7
8	Adjusted Net Income (subtract lines 5, 6 and 7 from line 4)	8

	Section B - Minimum Asset Amount		(A) Prior Year	(B) Current Year (optional)
1	Aggregate fair market value of all non-exempt-use assets (see instructions for short tax year or assets held for part of year):	1
a	Average monthly value of securities	1a
b	Average monthly cash balances	1b
c	Fair market value of other non-exempt-use assets	1c
d	Total (add lines 1a, 1b, and 1c)	1d
e	Discount claimed for blockage or other factors (explain in detail in Part VI):
2	Acquisition indebtedness applicable to non-exempt use assets	2
3	Subtract line 2 from line 1d	3
4	Cash deemed held for exempt use. Enter 1-1/2% of line 3 (for greater amount, see instructions).	4
5	Net value of non-exempt-use assets (subtract line 4 from line 3)	5
6	Multiply line 5 by .035	6
7	Recoveries of prior-year distributions	7
8	Minimum Asset Amount (add line 7 to line 6)	8

	Section C - Distributable Amount		Current Year
1	Adjusted net income for prior year (from Section A, line 8, Column A)	1
2	Enter 85% of line 1	2
3	Minimum asset amount for prior year (from Section B, line 8, Column A)	3
4	Enter greater of line 2 or line 3	4
5	Income tax imposed in prior year	5
6	Distributable Amount. Subtract line 5 from line 4, unless subject to emergency temporary reduction (see instructions)	6

Check here if the current year is the organization's first as a non-functionally-integrated Type III supporting organization (see instructions)

Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015

Page 7

Part V

Type III Non-Functionally Integrated 509(a)(3) Supporting Organizations (continued)

Section D - Distributions		Current Year
1 Amounts paid to supported organizations to accomplish exempt purposes
2 Amounts paid to perform activity that directly furthers exempt purposes of supported organizations, in excess of income from activity
3 Administrative expenses paid to accomplish exempt purposes of supported organizations
4 Amounts paid to acquire exempt-use assets
5 Qualified set-aside amounts (prior IRS approval required)
6 Other distributions (describe in Part VI). See instructions
7Total annual distributions. Add lines 1 through 6.
8 Distributions to attentive supported organizations to which the organization is responsive (provide details in Part VI). See instructions
9 Distributable amount for 2015 from Section C, line 6
10 Line 8 amount divided by Line 9 amount

Section E - Distribution Allocations (see instructions)		(i) Excess Distributions	(ii) Underdistributions Pre-2015	(iii) Distributable Amount for 2015
1 Distributable amount for 2015 from Section C, line 6
2 Underdistributions, if any, for years prior to 2015 (reasonable cause required--see instructions)
3 Excess distributions carryover, if any, to 2015:
a
b
c
d From 2013.......
e From 2014.......
fTotal of lines 3a through e
g Applied to underdistributions of prior years
h Applied to 2015 distributable amount
i Carryover from 2010 not applied (see instructions)
j Remainder. Subtract lines 3g, 3h, and 3i from 3f.
4Distributions for 2015 from Section D, line 7:
$
a Applied to underdistributions of prior years
b Applied to 2015 distributable amount
c Remainder. Subtract lines 4a and 4b from 4.
5 Remaining underdistributions for years prior to 2015, if any. Subtract lines 3g and 4a from line 2 (if amount greater than zero, see instructions)
6 Remaining underdistributions for 2015. Subtract lines 3h and 4b from line 1 (if amount greater than zero, see instructions)
7 Excess distributions carryover to 2016. Add lines 3j and 4c.
8 Breakdown of line 7:
a
b
c Excess from 2013.......
d From 2014.......
e From 2015.......

Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) (2015)

Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015

Page 8

Part VI

Supplemental Information. Provide the explanations required by Part II, line 10; Part II, line 17a or 17b; Part III, line 12; Part IV, Section A, lines 1, 2, 3b, 3c, 4b, 4c, 5a, 6, 9a, 9b, 9c, 11a, 11b, and 11c; Part IV, Section B, lines 1 and 2; Part IV, Section C, line 1; Part IV, Section D, lines 2 and 3; Part IV, Section E, lines 1c, 2a, 2b, 3a and 3b; Part V, line 1; Part V, Section B, line 1e; Part V Section D, lines 5, 6, and 8; and Part V, Section E, lines 2, 5, and 6. Also complete this part for any additional information. (See instructions).

Facts And Circumstances Test

Return Reference	Explanation
Schedule A, Part II, Line 10, Explanation of Other Income:	MISCELLANEOUS

Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015

Additional Data

Software ID:
Software Version:

- TIN:

Schedule B
(Form 990, 990-EZ,
or 990-PF)

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service

Schedule of Contributors

Attach to Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF.

Information about Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) and its instructions is at www.irs.gov/form990.

OMB No. 1545-0047

2015

Name of the organization

COMMON CAUSE EDUCATION FUND

Employer identification number

31-1705370

Organization type (check one):

Filers of:

Section:

Form 990 or 990-EZ

501(c)( ) (enter number) organization

4947(a)(1) nonexempt charitable trust not treated as a private foundation

527 political organization

Form 990-PF

501(c)(3) exempt private foundation

4947(a)(1) nonexempt charitable trust treated as a private foundation

501(c)(3) taxable private foundation

Check if your organization is covered by the General Rule or a Special Rule.
Note. Only a section 501(c)(7), (8), or (10) organization can check boxes for both the General Rule and a Special Rule. See instructions.

General Rule

For an organization filing Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF that received, during the year, contributions totaling $5,000 or more (in money or other property) from any one contributor. Complete Parts I and II. See instructions for determining a contributor's total contributions.

Special Rules

For an organization described in section 501(c)(3) filing Form 990 or 990-EZ that met the 33¹/3% support test of the regulations
under sections 509(a)(1) and 170(b)(1)(A)(vi), that checked Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ), Part II, line 13, 16a, or 16b, and that received from any one contributor, during the year, total contributions of the greater of (1) $5,000 or (2) 2% of the amount on (i) Form 990, Part VIII, line 1h, or (ii) Form 990-EZ, line 1. Complete Parts I and II.

For an organization described in section 501(c)(7), (8), or (10) filing Form 990 or 990-EZ that received from any one contributor,
during the year, total contributions of more than $1,000 exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purposes, or for the prevention of cruelty to children or animals. Complete Parts I, II, and III.

For an organization described in section 501(c)(7), (8), or (10) filing Form 990 or 990-EZ that received from any one contributor,
during the year, contributions exclusively for religious, charitable, etc., purposes, but no such contributions totaled more than $1,000. If this box is checked, enter here the total contributions that were received during the year for an exclusively religious, charitable, etc., purpose. Do not complete any of the parts unless the General Rule applies to this organization because it received nonexclusively religious, charitable, etc., contributions totaling $5,000 or more during the year ......... Arrow Bullet

Caution. An organization that is not covered by the General Rule and/or the Special Rules does not file Schedule B (Form 990,
990-EZ, or 990-PF), but it must answer “No” on Part IV, line 2, of its Form 990; or check the box on line H of its
Form 990-EZ or on its Form 990PF, Part I, line 2, to certify that it does not meet the filing requirements of Schedule B (Form 990,
990-EZ, or 990-PF).

For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions
for Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF.

Cat. No. 30613XSchedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2015)

Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2015) Page 2

Name of organization COMMON CAUSE EDUCATION FUND

Part I	Contributors (see instructions). Use duplicate copies of Part I if additional space is needed.
(a) No.	(b) Name, address, and ZIP + 4	(c) Total contributions	(d) Type of contribution
RESTRICTED	,	$ RESTRICTED	Person Payroll Noncash (Complete Part II for noncash contributions.)
(a) No.	(b) Name, address, and ZIP + 4	(c) Total contributions	(d) Type of contribution
		$	Person Payroll Noncash (Complete Part II for noncash contributions.)
(a) No.	(b) Name, address, and ZIP + 4	(c) Total contributions	(d) Type of contribution
		$	Person Payroll Noncash (Complete Part II for noncash contributions.)
(a) No.	(b) Name, address, and ZIP + 4	(c) Total contributions	(d) Type of contribution
		$	Person Payroll Noncash (Complete Part II for noncash contributions.)
(a) No.	(b) Name, address, and ZIP + 4	(c) Total contributions	(d) Type of contribution
		$	Person Payroll Noncash (Complete Part II for noncash contributions.)
(a) No.	(b) Name, address, and ZIP + 4	(c) Total contributions	(d) Type of contribution
		$	Person Payroll Noncash (Complete Part II for noncash contributions.)
Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2015)

Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2015)

Page 3

Name of organization COMMON CAUSE EDUCATION FUND		Employer identification number 31-1705370

Part II	Noncash Property (see instructions). Use duplicate copies of Part II if additional space is needed.
(a) No.from Part I	(b) Description of noncash property given	(c) FMV (or estimate) (see instructions)	(d) Date received
		$
(a) No.from Part I	(b) Description of noncash property given	(c) FMV (or estimate) (see instructions)	(d) Date received
		$
(a) No.from Part I	(b) Description of noncash property given	(c) FMV (or estimate) (see instructions)	(d) Date received
		$
(a) No.from Part I	(b) Description of noncash property given	(c) FMV (or estimate) (see instructions)	(d) Date received
		$
(a) No.from Part I	(b) Description of noncash property given	(c) FMV (or estimate) (see instructions)	(d) Date received
		$
(a) No.from Part I	(b) Description of noncash property given	(c) FMV (or estimate) (see instructions)	(d) Date received
		$
Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2015)

Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2015)

Page 4


Name of organization COMMON CAUSE EDUCATION FUND			Employer identification number 31-1705370
Part III Exclusively religious, charitable, etc., contributions to organizations described in section 501(c)(7), (8), or (10) that total more than $1,000 for the year from any one contributor. Complete columns (a) through (e) and the following line entry. For organizations completing Part III, enter the total of exclusively religious, charitable, etc., contributions of $1,000 or less for the year. (Enter this information once. See instructions.) $ Use duplicate copies of Part III if additional space is needed.

(a)
No.from Part I

(b) Purpose of gift

(d) Description of how gift is held

(e) Transfer of gift
Transferee's name, address, and ZIP 4	Relationship of transferor to transferee

(a)
No.from Part I

(b) Purpose of gift

(d) Description of how gift is held

(e) Transfer of gift
Transferee's name, address, and ZIP 4	Relationship of transferor to transferee

(a)
No.from Part I

(b) Purpose of gift

(d) Description of how gift is held

(e) Transfer of gift
Transferee's name, address, and ZIP 4	Relationship of transferor to transferee

(a)
No.from Part I

(b) Purpose of gift

(d) Description of how gift is held

(e) Transfer of gift
Transferee's name, address, and ZIP 4	Relationship of transferor to transferee

Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2015)

Additional Data

Software ID:
Software Version:

- TIN:

SCHEDULE C
(Form 990 or 990-EZ)

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service

Political Campaign and Lobbying Activities

For Organizations Exempt From Income Tax Under section 501(c) and section 527
SchCMd Bullet

Complete if the organization is described below. SchCMd Bullet

Attach to Form 990 or Form 990-EZ.
SchCMd Bullet

Information about Schedule C (Form 990 or 990-EZ) and its instructions is at www.irs.gov/form990.

OMB No. 1545-0047

2015

Open to Public
Inspection

If the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, Line 3, or Form 990-EZ, Part V, line 46 (Political Campaign Activities), then
Round Bullet

Section 501(c)(3) organizations: Complete Parts I-A and B. Do not complete Part I-C.
Round Bullet

Section 501(c) (other than section 501(c)(3)) organizations: Complete Parts I-A and C below. Do not complete Part I-B.
Round Bullet

Section 527 organizations: Complete Part I-A only.
If the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, Line 4, or Form 990-EZ, Part VI, line 47 (Lobbying Activities), then
Round Bullet

Section 501(c)(3) organizations that have filed Form 5768 (election under section 501(h)): Complete Part II-A. Do not complete Part II-B.
Round Bullet

Section 501(c)(3) organizations that have NOT filed Form 5768 (election under section 501(h)): Complete Part II-B. Do not complete Part II-A.
If the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, Line 5 (Proxy Tax) (see separate instructions) or Form 990-EZ, Part V, line 35c (Proxy Tax) (see separate instructions), then
Round Bullet

Section 501(c)(4), (5), or (6) organizations: Complete Part III.

Name of the organization

COMMON CAUSE EDUCATION FUND

Employer identification number

31-1705370

Part I-A

Complete if the organization is exempt under section 501(c) or is a section 527 organization.

Provide a description of the organization’s direct and indirect political campaign activities in Part IV.

Political expenditures ...................................................................................................................... SchCMd Bullet

Volunteer hours .............................................................................................................................

Part I-B

Complete if the organization is exempt under section 501(c)(3).

Enter the amount of any excise tax incurred by the organization under section 4955 ................................ SchCMd Bullet

Enter the amount of any excise tax incurred by organization managers under section 4955 ....................... SchCMd Bullet

If the organization incurred a section 4955 tax, did it file Form 4720 for this year? .........................................

Yes No

Was a correction made? ......................................................................................................................

Yes No

If "Yes," describe in Part IV.

Part I-C

Complete if the organization is exempt under section 501(c), except section 501(c)(3).

Enter the amount directly expended by the filing organization for section 527 exempt function activities ..... SchCMd Bullet

Enter the amount of the filing organization's funds contributed to other organizations for section 527 exempt function activities ............................................................................................................................ SchCMd Bullet

Total exempt function expenditures. Add lines 1 and 2. Enter here and on Form 1120-POL, line 17b........... SchCMd Bullet

Did the filing organization file Form 1120-POL for this year? ...................................................................

Yes No

Enter the names, addresses and employer identification number (EIN) of all section 527 political organizations to which the filing
organization made payments. For each organization listed, enter the amount paid from the filing organization’s funds. Also enter the amount of political contributions received that were promptly and directly delivered to a separate political organization, such as a separate segregated fund or a political action committee (PAC). If additional space is needed, provide information in Part IV.

(a) Name	(b) Address	(c) EIN	(d) Amount paid from filing organization's funds. If none, enter -0-.	(e) Amount of political contributions received and promptly and directly delivered to a separate political organization. If none, enter -0-.
1
2
3
4
5
6

For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the instructions for Form 990 or 990-EZ.

Cat. No. 50084S

Schedule C (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015

Page 2

Part II-A

Complete if the organization is exempt under section 501(c)(3) and filed Form 5768 (election under section 501(h)).

A Check SchCMd Bullet

if the filing organization belongs to an affiliated group (and list in Part IV each affiliated group member's name, address, EIN, expenses, and share of excess lobbying expenditures).
B Check SchCMd Bullet

if the filing organization checked box A and "limited control" provisions apply.

Limits on Lobbying Expenditures (The term "expenditures" means amounts paid or incurred.)		(a) Filing organization's totals	(b) Affiliated group totals
1a	Total lobbying expenditures to influence public opinion (grass roots lobbying) ...............................................
b	Total lobbying expenditures to influence a legislative body (direct lobbying) ...........................................
c	Total lobbying expenditures (add lines 1a and 1b) .......................................................................
d	Other exempt purpose expenditures .........................................................................................	7,281,745
e	Total exempt purpose expenditures (add lines 1c and 1d) ....................................................................	7,281,745
f	Lobbying nontaxable amount. Enter the amount from the following table in both columns.	514,087
	If the amount on line 1e, column (a) or (b) is:The lobbying nontaxable amount is:
	Not over $500,00020% of the amount on line 1e.
	Over $500,000 but not over $1,000,000$100,000 plus 15% of the excess over $500,000.
	Over $1,000,000 but not over $1,500,000$175,000 plus 10% of the excess over $1,000,000.
	Over $1,500,000 but not over $17,000,000$225,000 plus 5% of the excess over $1,500,000.
	Over $17,000,000$1,000,000.

g	Grassroots nontaxable amount (enter 25% of line 1f) ..........................................................................	128,522
h	Subtract line 1g from line 1a. If zero or less, enter -0-. ..........................................................................	0
i	Subtract line 1f from line 1c. If zero or less, enter -0-. ...........................................................................	0
j	If there is an amount other than zero on either line 1h or line 1i, did the organization file Form 4720 reporting section 4911 tax for this year? ..............................................................................................................		Yes No

4-Year Averaging Period Under section 501(h) (Some organizations that made a section 501(h) election do not have to complete all of the five columns below. See the separate instructions for lines 2a through 2f.)
Lobbying Expenditures During 4-Year Averaging Period
	Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in)	(a) 2012	(b) 2013	(c) 2014	(d) 2015	(e) Total

2a	Lobbying nontaxable amount	417,587	424,469	511,483	514,087	1,867,626

b	Lobbying ceiling amount (150% of line 2a, column(e))					2,801,439

c	Total lobbying expenditures			40,350		40,350

d	Grassroots nontaxable amount	104,397	106,117	127,871	128,522	466,907

e	Grassroots ceiling amount (150% of line 2d, column (e))					700,361

f	Grassroots lobbying expenditures

Schedule C (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015

Page 3

Part II-B

Complete if the organization is exempt under section 501(c)(3) and has NOT filed Form 5768 (election under section 501(h)).

For each "Yes" response on lines 1a through 1i below, provide in Part IV a detailed description of the lobbying activity.

(a)

Yes

(b)

Amount

During the year, did the filing organization attempt to influence foreign, national, state or local legislation, including any attempt to influence public opinion on a legislative matter or referendum, through the use of:

Volunteers? ...........................................................................................................

Paid staff or management (include compensation in expenses reported on lines 1c through 1i)? ........

Media advertisements? ...................................................................................................

Mailings to members, legislators, or the public? .............................................................................

Publications, or published or broadcast statements? ...........................................................

Grants to other organizations for lobbying purposes? ..........................................................

Direct contact with legislators, their staffs, government officials, or a legislative body? .......................

Rallies, demonstrations, seminars, conventions, speeches, lectures, or any similar means? ..................

Other activities? ...................................................................................................................

Total. Add lines 1c through 1i ....................................................................................................

Did the activities in line 1 cause the organization to be not described in section 501(c)(3)? .....

If "Yes," enter the amount of any tax incurred under section 4912 ...........................................

If "Yes," enter the amount of any tax incurred by organization managers under section 4912 ...................

If the filing organization incurred a section 4912 tax, did it file Form 4720 for this year? ........................

Part III-A

Complete if the organization is exempt under section 501(c)(4), section 501(c)(5), or section 501(c)(6).

Yes

Were substantially all (90% or more) dues received nondeductible by members? ...............................................

Did the organization make only in-house lobbying expenditures of $2,000 or less? ............................................

Did the organization agree to carry over lobbying and political expenditures from the prior year? .................................

Part III-B

Complete if the organization is exempt under section 501(c)(4), section 501(c)(5), or section 501(c)(6) and if either (a) BOTH Part III-A, lines 1 and 2, are answered "No" OR (b) Part III-A, line 3, is answered “Yes."

Dues, assessments and similar amounts from members ......................................................................

Section 162(e) nondeductible lobbying and political expenditures (do not include amounts of political expenses for which the section 527(f) tax was paid).

Current year .............................................................................................................................

Carryover from last year ............................................................................................................

Total ...........................................................................................................................................

Aggregate amount reported in section 6033(e)(1)(A) notices of nondeductible section 162(e) dues .

If notices were sent and the amount on line 2c exceeds the amount on line 3, what portion of the excess does the organization agree to carryover to the reasonable estimate of nondeductible lobbying and political expenditure next year? ......................................................................................................................

Taxable amount of lobbying and political expenditures (see instructions) .........................................

Part IV

Supplemental Information

Provide the descriptions required for Part l-A, line 1; Part l-B, line 4; Part l-C, line 5; Part II-A (affiliated group list); Part II-A, lines 1 and 2 (see instructions), and Part ll-B, line 1. Also, complete this part for any additional information.

Return Reference	Explanation

Schedule C (Form 990 or 990EZ) 2015

Additional Data

Software ID:
Software Version:

- TIN:

SCHEDULE D
(Form 990)

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service

Supplemental Financial Statements

Complete if the organization answered "Yes," on Form 990,
Part IV, line 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, 11f, 12a, or 12b.
SchDMd Bullet

Attach to Form 990.
Information about Schedule D (Form 990) and its instructions is at www.irs.gov/form990.

OMB No. 1545-0047

2015

Open to Public Inspection

Name of the organization

COMMON CAUSE EDUCATION FUND

Employer identification number

31-1705370

Part I

Organizations Maintaining Donor Advised Funds or Other Similar Funds or Accounts. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 6.

			(a) Donor advised funds	(b) Funds and other accounts

1	Total number at end of year ....
2	Aggregate value of contributions to (during year)
3	Aggregate value of grants from (during year)
4	Aggregate value at end of year ....

Did the organization inform all donors and donor advisors in writing that the assets held in donor advised
funds are the organization's property, subject to the organization's exclusive legal control? ...........

Yes No

Did the organization inform all grantees, donors, and donor advisors in writing that grant funds can be
used only for charitable purposes and not for the benefit of the donor or donor advisor, or for any other purpose conferring impermissible private benefit? ............................

Yes No

Part II

Conservation Easements. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 7.

Purpose(s) of conservation easements held by the organization (check all that apply).

Preservation of land for public use (e.g., recreation or education) Preservation of an historically important land area

Protection of natural habitat Preservation of a certified historic structure

Preservation of open space

Complete lines 2a through 2d if the organization held a qualified conservation contribution in the form of a conservation easement on the last day of the tax year.


a	Total number of conservation easements ......................	2a
b	Total acreage restricted by conservation easements ....................	2b
c	Number of conservation easements on a certified historic structure included in (a) .....	2c
d	Number of conservation easements included in (c) acquired after 8/17/06, and not on a historic structure listed in the National Register ...	2d

Number of conservation easements modified, transferred, released, extinguished, or terminated by the organization during the
tax year SchDMd Bullet

Number of states where property subject to conservation easement is located SchDMd Bullet

Does the organization have a written policy regarding the periodic monitoring, inspection, handling of violations, and enforcement of the conservation easements it holds? ............

Yes No

Staff and volunteer hours devoted to monitoring, inspecting, handling of violations, and enforcing conservation easements during the year
SchDMd Bullet

Amount of expenses incurred in monitoring, inspecting, handling of violations, and enforcing conservation easements during the year
SchDMd Bullet

Does each conservation easement reported on line 2(d) above satisfy the requirements of section 170(h)(4)(B)(i) and section 170(h)(4)(B)(ii)? .............................

Yes No

In Part XIII, describe how the organization reports conservation easements in its revenue and expense statement, and
balance sheet, and include, if applicable, the text of the footnote to the organization’s financial statements that describes
the organization’s accounting for conservation easements.

Part III

Organizations Maintaining Collections of Art, Historical Treasures, or Other Similar Assets.
Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 8.

If the organization elected, as permitted under SFAS 116 (ASC 958), not to report in its revenue statement and balance sheet works of art, historical treasures, or other similar assets held for public exhibition, education, or research in furtherance of public service, provide, in Part XIII, the text of the footnote to its financial statements that describes these items.

If the organization elected, as permitted under SFAS 116 (ASC 958), to report in its revenue statement and balance sheet works of art, historical treasures, or other similar assets held for public exhibition, education, or research in furtherance of public service, provide the following amounts relating to these items:

(i)

Revenue included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 1 ......................... SchDMd Bullet

(ii)

Assets included in Form 990, Part X ............................... SchDMd Bullet

If the organization received or held works of art, historical treasures, or other similar assets for financial gain, provide the
following amounts required to be reported under SFAS 116 (ASC 958) relating to these items:

Revenue included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 1 .......................... SchDMd Bullet

Assets included in Form 990, Part X ............................... SchDMd Bullet

For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990.

Cat. No. 52283D

Schedule D (Form 990) 2015

Page 2

Part III

Organizations Maintaining Collections of Art, Historical Treasures, or Other Similar Assets (continued)

Using the organization’s acquisition, accession, and other records, check any of the following that are a significant use of its collection items (check all that apply):

Public exhibition

Loan or exchange programs

Scholarly research

Other

Preservation for future generations

Provide a description of the organization’s collections and explain how they further the organization’s exempt purpose in
Part XIII.

During the year, did the organization solicit or receive donations of art, historical treasures or other similar
assets to be sold to raise funds rather than to be maintained as part of the organization’s collection?...

Yes No

Part IV

Escrow and Custodial Arrangements. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 9, or reported an amount on Form 990, Part X, line 21.

Is the organization an agent, trustee, custodian or other intermediary for contributions or other assets not
included on Form 990, Part X? ....................................

Yes No


b	If "Yes," explain the arrangement in Part XIII and complete the following table:		Amount
c	Beginning balance .............................	1c
d	Additions during the year ............................	1d
e	Distributions during the year ..........................	1e
f	Ending balance ................................	1f

Did the organization include an amount on Form 990, Part X, line 21, for escrow or custodial account liability?

Yes No

If "Yes," explain the arrangement in Part XIII. Check here if the explanation has been provided in Part XIII ........

Part V

Endowment Funds. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 10.

		(a)Current year	(b)Prior year	(c)Two years back	(d)Three years back	(e)Four years back

1a	Beginning of year balance ....
b	Contributions ...
c	Net investment earnings, gains, and losses
d	Grants or scholarships ...
e	Other expenditures for facilities and programs ...
f	Administrative expenses ....
g	End of year balance ......

Provide the estimated percentage of the current year end balance (line 1g, column (a)) held as:

Board designated or quasi-endowment SchDMd Bullet

Permanent endowment SchDMd Bullet

Temporarily restricted endowment SchDMd Bullet

The percentages on lines 2a, 2b, and 2c should equal 100%.

Are there endowment funds not in the possession of the organization that are held and administered for the
organization by:

Yes

(i) unrelated organizations .................

3a(i)

(ii) related organizations .................

3a(ii)

If "Yes" on 3a(ii), are the related organizations listed as required on Schedule R? .........

Describe in Part XIII the intended uses of the organization's endowment funds.

Part VI

Land, Buildings, and Equipment.
Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' on Form 990, Part IV, line 11a. See Form 990, Part X, line 10.

Description of property		(a) Cost or other basis (investment)	(b)Cost or other basis (other)	(c) Accumulated depreciation	(d) Book value

1a	Land ...
b	Buildings
c	Leasehold improvements
d	Equipment ...
e	Other ...
Total. Add lines 1a through 1e. (Column (d) must equal Form 990, Part X, column (B), line 10(c).)..		0

Schedule D (Form 990) 2015

Page 3

Part VII

InvestmentsOther Securities. Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' on Form 990, Part IV, line 11b. See Form 990, Part X, line 12.

(a) Description of security or category (including name of security)	(b)Book value	(c)Method of valuation: Cost or end-of-year market value
(1)Financial derivatives
(2)Closely-held equity interests
(3)Other
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)
(F)
(G)
(H)
Total. (Column (b) must equal Form 990, Part X, col. (B) line 12.)

Part VIII

InvestmentsProgram Related. Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' on Form 990, Part IV, line 11c. See Form 990, Part X, line 13.

(a) Description of investment	(b) Book value	(c) Method of valuation: Cost or end-of-year market value

(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
Total. (Column (b) must equal Form 990, Part X, col.(B) line 13.)

Part IX

Other Assets. Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' on Form 990, Part IV, line 11d. See Form 990, Part X, line 15.

(a) Description				(b) Book value
(1) Due from Common Cause				197,133
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
Total. (Column (b) must equal Form 990, Part X, col.(B) line 15.)...........				197,133

Part X

Other Liabilities. Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' on Form 990, Part IV, line 11e or 11f. See Form 990, Part X, line 25.

1.(a) Description of liability	(b) Book value
(1) Federal income taxes

(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
Total. (Column (b) must equal Form 990, Part X, col.(B) line 25.)
2. Liability for uncertain tax positions. In Part XIII, provide the text of the footnote to the organization's financial statements that reports the organization's liability for uncertain tax positions under FIN 48 (ASC 740). Check here if the text of the footnote has been provided in Part XIII

Schedule D (Form 990) 2015

Page 4

Part XI Reconciliation of Revenue per Audited Financial Statements With Revenue per Return Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' on Form 990, Part IV, line 12a.
1	Total revenue, gains, and other support per audited financial statements .......			1	8,569,686
2	Amounts included on line 1 but not on Form 990, Part VIII, line 12:
a	Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments ....	2a	-87,113
b	Donated services and use of facilities .........	2b
c	Recoveries of prior year grants ...........	2c
d	Other (Describe in Part XIII.) ............	2d
e	Add lines 2a through 2d .....................			2e	-87,113
3	Subtract line 2e from line 1..................			3	8,656,799
4	Amounts included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 12, but not on line 1:
a	Investment expenses not included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 7b .	4a
b	Other (Describe in Part XIII.) ...........	4b
c	Add lines 4a and 4b....................			4c	0
5	Total revenue. Add lines 3 and 4c. (This must equal Form 990, Part I, line 12.) ......			5	8,656,799

Part XII Reconciliation of Expenses per Audited Financial Statements With Expenses per Return. Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' on Form 990, Part IV, line 12a.
1	Total expenses and losses per audited financial statements ...........		1	7,281,745
2	Amounts included on line 1 but not on Form 990, Part IX, line 25:
a	Donated services and use of facilities .........	2a
b	Prior year adjustments ............	2b
c	Other losses ................	2c
d	Other (Describe in Part XIII.) ............	2d
e	Add lines 2a through 2d....................		2e	0
3	Subtract line 2e from line 1...................		3	7,281,745
4	Amounts included on Form 990, Part IX, line 25, but not on line 1:
a	Investment expenses not included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 7b ..	4a
b	Other (Describe in Part XIII.) ............	4b
c	Add lines 4a and 4b.....................		4c	0
5	Total expenses. Add lines 3 and 4c. (This must equal Form 990, Part I, line 18.) ......		5	7,281,745

Part XIII

Supplemental Information

Provide the descriptions required for Part II, lines 3, 5, and 9; Part III, lines 1a and 4; Part lV, lines 1b and 2b;
Part V, line 4; Part X, line 2; Part XI, lines 2d and 4b; and Part XII, lines 2d and 4b. Also complete this part to provide any additional information.

Return Reference	Explanation

Schedule D (Form 990) 2015

Additional Data

Software ID:
Software Version:

- TIN:

Schedule J
(Form 990)

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service

Compensation Information

For certain Officers, Directors, Trustees, Key Employees, and Highest
Compensated Employees
SchJMediumBullet

Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 23.
SchJMediumBullet

Attach to Form 990.
SchJMediumBullet

Information about Schedule J (Form 990) and its instructions is at www.irs.gov/form990.

OMB No. 1545-0047

2015

Open to Public Inspection

Name of the organization

COMMON CAUSE EDUCATION FUND

Employer identification number

31-1705370

Part I

Questions Regarding Compensation

Yes

Check the appropiate box(es) if the organization provided any of the following to or for a person listed on Form
990, Part VII, Section A, line 1a. Complete Part III to provide any relevant information regarding these items.

First-class or charter travel Housing allowance or residence for personal use

Travel for companions Payments for business use of personal residence

Tax idemnification and gross-up payments Health or social club dues or initiation fees

Discretionary spending account Personal services (e.g., maid, chauffeur, chef)

If any of the boxes in line 1a are checked, did the organization follow a written policy regarding payment or reimbursement or provision of all of the expenses described above? If "No," complete Part III to explain .........

Did the organization require substantiation prior to reimbursing or allowing expenses incurred by all
directors, trustees, officers, including the CEO/Executive Director, regarding the items checked in line 1a? ..

Yes

Indicate which, if any, of the following the filing organization used to establish the compensation of the
organization's CEO/Executive Director. Check all that apply. Do not check any boxes for methods
used by a related organization to establish compensation of the CEO/Executive Director, but explain in Part III.

Compensation committee Written employment contract

Independent compensation consultant Compensation survey or study

Form 990 of other organizations Approval by the board or compensation committee

During the year, did any person listed on Form 990, Part VII, Section A, line 1a with respect to the filing organization or a related organization:

Receive a severance payment or change-of-control payment? ................

Participate in, or receive payment from, a supplemental nonqualified retirement plan? .........

Participate in, or receive payment from, an equity-based compensation arrangement? .........

If "Yes" to any of lines 4a-c, list the persons and provide the applicable amounts for each item in Part III.

Only 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(29) organizations must complete lines 5-9.

For persons listed on Form 990, Part VII, Section A, line 1a, did the organization pay or accrue any
compensation contingent on the revenues of:

The organization? ...........................

Any related organization?

If "Yes," on line 5a or 5b, describe in Part III.

For persons listed on Form 990, Part VII, Section A, line 1a, did the organization pay or accrue any
compensation contingent on the net earnings of:

The organization?

Any related organization? .........................

If "Yes," on line 6a or 6b, describe in Part III.

For persons listed on Form 990, Part VII, Section A, line 1a, did the organization provide any non-fixed
payments not described in lines 5 and 6? If "Yes," describe in Part III ............

Were any amounts reported on Form 990, Part VII, paid or accured pursuant to a contract that was
subject to the initial contract exception described in Regulations section 53.4958-4(a)(3)? If "Yes," describe
in Part III .............................

If "Yes" on line 8, did the organization also follow the rebuttable presumption procedure described in Regulations section 53.4958-6(c)? .........................

For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990.

Cat. No. 50053T

Schedule J (Form 990) 2015

Page 2

Part II

Officers, Directors, Trustees, Key Employees, and Highest Compensated Employees. Use duplicate copies if additional space is needed.

For each individual whose compensation must be reported on Schedule J, report compensation from the organization on row (i) and from related organizations, described in the
instructions, on row (ii). Do not list any individuals that are not listed on Form 990, Part VII.
Note. The sum of columns (B)(i)-(iii) for each listed individual must equal the total amount of Form 990, Part VII, Section A, line 1a, applicable column (D) and (E) amounts for that individual.

(A) Name and Title		(B) Breakdown of W-2 and/or 1099-MISC compensation			(C) Retirement and other deferred compensation	(D) Nontaxable benefits	(E) Total of columns (B)(i)-(D)	(F) Compensation in column(B) reported as deferred on prior Form 990
(A) Name and Title		(i) Base compensation	(ii) Bonus & incentive compensation	(iii) Other reportable compensation	(C) Retirement and other deferred compensation	(D) Nontaxable benefits	(E) Total of columns (B)(i)-(D)
1Miles RapoportPRESIDENT AND CEO (to June 2016)	(i) (ii)	182,000 ------------- 143,000	0 ------------- 0	0 ------------- 0	5,037 ------------- 3,957	371 ------------- 291	187,408 ------------- 147,248	0 ------------- 0
2Karen Hobert FlynnPresident (from June 2016)	(i) (ii)	166,991 ------------- 27,185	0 ------------- 0	0 ------------- 0	10,320 ------------- 1,680	22,888 ------------- 3,726	200,199 ------------- 32,591	0 ------------- 0
3Elizabeth MarchantCHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER	(i) (ii)	96,905 ------------- 96,905	0 ------------- 0	0 ------------- 0	6,000 ------------- 6,000	7,130 ------------- 7,130	110,035 ------------- 110,035	0 ------------- 0
4Wendy FieldsSr. VP Strategy & Campaigns	(i) (ii)	79,583 ------------- 79,583	0 ------------- 0	0 ------------- 0	1,800 ------------- 1,800	700 ------------- 700	82,083 ------------- 82,083	0 ------------- 0
5Jenny FlanaganVP State Operations	(i) (ii)	102,506 ------------- 13,978	0 ------------- 0	0 ------------- 0	6,864 ------------- 936	30,154 ------------- 4,112	139,524 ------------- 19,026	0 ------------- 0

Schedule J (Form 990) 2015

Page 3

Part III

Supplemental Information

Provide the information, explanation, or descriptions required for Part I, lines 1a, 1b, 3, 4a, 4b, 4c, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7, and 8, and for Part II. Also complete this part for any additional information.

Return Reference	Explanation

Schedule J (Form 990) 2015

Additional Data

Software ID:
Software Version:

- TIN:

SCHEDULE M
(Form 990)

Department of the Treasury

Internal Revenue Service

Noncash Contributions

Complete if the organizations answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, lines 29 or 30.
Right pointing arrow large image

Attach to Form 990.
Right pointing arrow large image

Information about Schedule M (Form 990) and its instructions is at www.irs.gov/form990

OMB No. 1545-0047

2015

Open to Public Inspection

Name of the organization

COMMON CAUSE EDUCATION FUND

Employer identification number

31-1705370

Part I

Types of Property

	(a) Check if applicable	(b) Number of contributions or items contributed	(c) Noncash contribution amounts reported on Form 990, Part VIII, line 1g	(d) Method of determining noncash contribution amounts
1 Art—Works of art ....
2 Art—Historical treasures .
3 Art—Fractional interests ..
4 Books and publications ..
5 Clothing and household goods .......
6 Cars and other vehicles ..
7 Boats and planes ....
8 Intellectual property ...
9 Securities—Publicly traded .	X	12	103,422	FMV
10 Securities—Closely held stock .
11 Securities—Partnership, LLC, or trust interests ....
12 Securities—Miscellaneous ..
13 Qualified conservation contribution—Historic structures .....
14 Qualified conservation contribution—Other ...
15 Real estate—Residential .
16 Real estate—Commercial ..
17 Real estate—Other ...
18 Collectibles .....
19 Food inventory ...
20 Drugs and medical supplies .
21 Taxidermy ......
22 Historical artifacts ....
23 Scientific specimens ..
24 Archeological artifacts ...
25 Other ( )
26 Other ( )
27 Other ( )
28 Other ( )

Number of Forms 8283 received by the organization during the tax year for contributions
for which the organization completed Form 8283, Part IV, Donee Acknowledgement

Yes

30a

During the year, did the organization receive by contribution any property reported in Part I, lines 1 through 28, that

it must hold for at least three years from the date of the initial contribution, and which is not required to be used

for exempt purposes for the entire holding period? ..................

30a

If "Yes," describe the arrangement in Part II.

Does the organization have a gift acceptance policy that requires the review of any non-standard contributions?

32a

Does the organization hire or use third parties or related organizations to solicit, process, or sell noncash

contributions? ..........................

32a

If "Yes," describe in Part II.

If the organization did not report an amount in column (c) for a type of property for which column (a) is checked,

describe in Part II.

For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990.

Cat. No. 51227J

Schedule M (Form 990) (2015)

Page 2

Part II

Supplemental Information. Provide the information required by Part I, lines 30b, 32b, and 33, and whether the organization is reporting in Part I, column (b), the number of contributions, the number of items received, or a combination of both. Also complete this part for any additional information.

Return Reference	Explanation
Part I, Column (b):	There were 12 separate contributions of stock during FY2016, some of which were contributed by the same contributors.

Schedule M (Form 990) (2015)

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 990-EZ or to provide any additional information.
MediumBullet

Attach to Form 990 or 990-EZ.
MediumBullet

Information about Schedule O (Form 990 or 990-EZ) and its instructions is at
www.irs.gov/form990.

OMB No. 1545-0047

2015

Open to Public
Inspection

Name of the organization

COMMON CAUSE EDUCATION FUND

Employer identification number

31-1705370

Return Reference	Explanation
Form 990, Part VI, Section A, line 1	The Executive Committee, and any other duly appointed committee, shall have and exercise the authority and act on behalf of the Board of Directors in the management of the Corporation, to the extent allowable by law; provided, however, that no such committee shall have power to amend the Corporation's Certificate of Incorporation, adopt an agreement of merger or consolidation, or amend the Bylaws of the Corporation.
Form 990, Part VI, Section B, line 11	The chief financial Officer provides the Form 990 to the audit committee for review. Once that committee has approved the document it is sent to the full board for review. The board members have two (2) days to respond with any comments they might have before the document is filed.
Form 990, Part VI, Section B, line 12c	Procedure for monitoring and enforcing compliance with conflict of interest policy: Board -- Whenever a director, officer, or committee member becomes aware of a potential conflict of interest, whether financial or otherwise, he or she shall make the situation known to the board or governance committee (as the case might be) and provide all facts material to understanding the nature and scope of the conflict, including whether the interested person believes his or her ability to make an independent decision based solely on the best interest of the corporation has been compromised. If the interested person involved does not make this disclosure, another director or committee member with knowledge of the potential conflict should draw it to the body's attention. The interested person with the potential conflict must retire from the meeting and not participate in final discussion and voting on the existence of the conflict. If a conflict is found to exist, the interested person may be invited to provide any relevant information that could be of use to the board in making its decision, but shall again retire and not participate in the final discussion and voting regarding the transaction. The board or committee's decision shall be based on consideration of whether the transaction: a) is in the organization's best interest and for its own benefit; b) is fair and reasonable to the organization; and c) is the most advantageous transaction or arrangement the organization can obtain with reasonable efforts under the circumstances. Staff: Whenever a staff member becomes aware of a potential conflict of interest in an area where he or she exercises any discretion in carrying out his or her duties for The Fund, he or she shall promptly disclose the potential conflict to an immediate supervisor or to the President. If the President has a potential conflict, he or she shall disclose it to the board or an executive committee. The person or body to whom disclosure is made (hereinafter "supervisor") shall determine whether there is a conflict that requires recusal of the interested person. When a conflict is found to exist, the interested person shall provide the supervisor with all information he or she has relevant to any decision to be made in which he or she has an interest, and the final decision shall be made by the supervisor.
Form 990, Part VI, Section B, line 15a	PERSONS PROVIDING SERVICES TO THE EDUCATION FUND ARE EMPLOYED BY COMMON CAUSE, A SISTER ORGANIZATION. THE NARRATIVE BELOW DESCRIBES COMMON CAUSE'S DECISION-MAKING PROCESS. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER: THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE NATIONAL GOVERNING BOARD CONDUCTS A 360 DEGREE REVIEW OF THE CEO PRIOR TO DETERMINING THE ANNUAL COMPENSATION. THE COMMITTEE INTERVIEWS THE SENIOR STAFF, REVIEWs A COMPARABILITY STUDY, AND THEN CONFERS AS A COMMITTEE. THE COMMITTEE BRINGS ITS RECOMMENDATION TO THE FULL BOARD AT THE LAST BOARD MEETING OF THE YEAR. MINUTES ARE TAKEN OF THE SALARY DELIBERATIONS. OTHER OFFICERS OR KEY EMPLOYEES: THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CONDUCTS A REVIEW OF THE CFO, REVIEWS A COMPARABILITY STUDY, AND THEN CONFERS AS A COMMITTEE. THE COMMITTEE BRINGS ITS RECOMMENDATION TO THE FULL BOARD AT THE LAST BOARD MEETING OF THE YEAR. MINUTES ARE TAKEN OF THE SALARY DELIBERATIONS. THE COMMITTEE DOES NOT REVIEW COMPENSATION OF KEY EMPLOYEES; THAT IS PERFORMED BY MANAGEMENT.
Form 990, Part VI, Section C, line 19	Common Cause Education Fund seeks to be faithful to its mission by being open and accountable to our members and supporters. We will make our governance documents, conflict of interest policy, and financial statements available for public inspection upon request. Our financial statements are also part of our annual report which is available on our website.
Form 990, Part XII, Line 2C	There was no change to the review and selection process during the year.

For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990 or 990-EZ.

Cat. No. 51056K

Schedule O (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015

Additional Data

Software ID:
Software Version:

- TIN:

SCHEDULE R
(Form 990)

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service

Related Organizations and Unrelated Partnerships

Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 33, 34, 35b, 36, or 37.
MediumBullet

Attach to Form 990.
MediumBullet

Information about Schedule R (Form 990) and its instructions is at www.irs.gov/form990.

OMB No. 1545-0047

2015

Open to Public Inspection

Name of the organization

COMMON CAUSE EDUCATION FUND

Employer identification number

31-1705370

Part I

Identification of Disregarded Entities Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 33.

(a) Name, address, and EIN (if applicable) of disregarded entity	(b) Primary activity	(c) Legal domicile (state or foreign country)	(d) Total income	(e) End-of-year assets	(f) Direct controlling entity

Part II

Identification of Related Tax-Exempt Organizations Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 34 because it had one or more related tax-exempt organizations during the tax year.

(a) Name, address, and EIN of related organization	(b) Primary activity	(c) Legal domicile (state or foreign country)	(d) Exempt Code section	(e) Public charity status (if section 501(c)(3))	(f) Direct controlling entity	(g) Section 512(b)(13) controlled entity?
(a) Name, address, and EIN of related organization	(b) Primary activity	(c) Legal domicile (state or foreign country)	(d) Exempt Code section	(e) Public charity status (if section 501(c)(3))	(f) Direct controlling entity	Yes	No
(1)COMMON CAUSE 805 15th Street Suite 800 WASHINGTON,DC20005 52-6078441	ADVOCACY ORGANIZATION RELATED TO CITIZEN PARTICIPATION IN THE NAT'L PROCESS	DC	501(c)(4)				No

For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990.

Cat. No. 50135Y

Schedule R (Form 990) 2015

Page 2

Part III

Identification of Related Organizations Taxable as a Partnership Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 34 because it had one or more related organizations treated as a partnership during the tax year.

(a) Name, address, and EIN of related organization	(b) Primary activity	(c) Legal domicile (state or foreign country)	(d) Direct controlling entity	(f) Share of total income	(g) Share of end-of-year assets	(h) Disproprtionate allocations?		(i) Code V-UBI amount in box 20 of Schedule K-1 (Form 1065)	(j) General or managing partner?
(a) Name, address, and EIN of related organization	(b) Primary activity	(c) Legal domicile (state or foreign country)	(d) Direct controlling entity	(f) Share of total income	(g) Share of end-of-year assets	Yes	No	(i) Code V-UBI amount in box 20 of Schedule K-1 (Form 1065)	Yes	No

Part IV

Identification of Related Organizations Taxable as a Corporation or Trust Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 34 because it had one or more related organizations treated as a corporation or trust during the tax year.

(a) Name, address, and EIN of related organization	(b) Primary activity	(c) Legal domicile (state or foreign country)	(d) Direct controlling entity	(e) Type of entity (C corp, S corp, or trust)	(f) Share of total income	(g) Share of end-of-year assets	(i) Section 512(b)(13) controlled entity?
(a) Name, address, and EIN of related organization	(b) Primary activity	(c) Legal domicile (state or foreign country)	(d) Direct controlling entity	(e) Type of entity (C corp, S corp, or trust)	(f) Share of total income	(g) Share of end-of-year assets	Yes	No

Schedule R (Form 990) 2015

Page 3

Part V

Transactions With Related Organizations Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 34, 35b, or 36.

Note. Complete line 1 if any entity is listed in Parts II, III, or IV of this schedule.

Yes

1 During the tax year, did the orgranization engage in any of the following transactions with one or more related organizations listed in Parts II-IV?

a Receipt of (i) interest, (ii) annuities, (iii) royalties, or (iv) rent from a controlled entity .....................

b Gift, grant, or capital contribution to related organization(s) ............................

c Gift, grant, or capital contribution from related organization(s) ............................

d Loans or loan guarantees to or for related organization(s) ............................

e Loans or loan guarantees by related organization(s) ............................

f Dividends from related organization(s) ............................

g Sale of assets to related organization(s) ............................

h Purchase of assets from related organization(s) ............................

i Exchange of assets with related organization(s) ............................

j Lease of facilities, equipment, or other assets to related organization(s) .......................

k Lease of facilities, equipment, or other assets from related organization(s) ......................

l Performance of services or membership or fundraising solicitations for related organization(s) .....................

m Performance of services or membership or fundraising solicitations by related organization(s) .................

n Sharing of facilities, equipment, mailing lists, or other assets with related organization(s) ...................

Yes

o Sharing of paid employees with related organization(s) ............................

Yes

p Reimbursement paid to related organization(s) for expenses ............................

Yes

q Reimbursement paid by related organization(s) for expenses ............................

r Other transfer of cash or property to related organization(s) ............................

s Other transfer of cash or property from related organization(s) ............................

If the answer to any of the above is "Yes," see the instructions for information on who must complete this line, including covered relationships and transaction thresholds.

(a) Name of related organization	(b) Transaction type (a-s)	(c) Amount involved	(d) Method of determining amount involved
(1) Common Cause	N	476,326	actual cost
(2) Common Cause	O	5,266,027	actual cost
(3) Common Cause	P	458,722	actual cost

Schedule R (Form 990) 2015

Page 4

Part VI

Unrelated Organizations Taxable as a Partnership Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 37.

Provide the following information for each entity taxed as a partnership through which the organization conducted more than five percent of its activities (measured by total assets or gross revenue) that was not a related organization. See instructions regarding exclusion for certain investment partnerships.

(a) Name, address, and EIN of entity	(b) Primary activity	(c) Legal domicile (state or foreign country)	(e) Are all partners section 501(c)(3) organizations?		(f) Share of total income	(g) Share of end-of-year assets	(h) Disproprtionate allocations?		(i) Code V-UBI amount in box 20 of Schedule K-1 (Form 1065)	(j) General or managing partner?
(a) Name, address, and EIN of entity	(b) Primary activity	(c) Legal domicile (state or foreign country)	Yes	No	(f) Share of total income	(g) Share of end-of-year assets	Yes	No	(i) Code V-UBI amount in box 20 of Schedule K-1 (Form 1065)	Yes	No

Schedule R (Form 990) 2015

Page 5

Part VII

Supplemental Information

Provide additional information for responses to questions on Schedule R (see instructions).

Return Reference	Explanation

Schedule R (Form 990) 2015

Additional Data

Software ID:
Software Version:

1	Briefly describe the organization’s mission or most significant activities: The Common Cause Education Fund works with Common Cause, a nonpartisan, grassroots organization dedicated to upholding the core values of American democracy, with the goals of ensuring open, honest, and accountable government; promoting equal rights, opportunity and representation for all; and empowering all people to make their voices heard as equals in the political process. CCEF works across four major issue areas: Voting and Elections; Money and Politics; Ethics, Transparency and Government Accountability; and Media and Democracy.
2	Check this box
3	Number of voting members of the governing body (Part VI, line 1a) ........	3	22
4	Number of independent voting members of the governing body (Part VI, line 1b) .....	4	21
5	Total number of individuals employed in calendar year 2015 (Part V, line 2a) ......	5	0
6	Total number of volunteers (estimate if necessary) .............	6	866
7a	Total unrelated business revenue from Part VIII, column (C), line 12 ........	7a	0
b	Net unrelated business taxable income from Form 990-T, line 34 .........	7b	0

		Prior Year	Current Year
8	Contributions and grants (Part VIII, line 1h) .........	6,983,087	8,462,235
9	Program service revenue (Part VIII, line 2g) .........	27,597	98,000
10	Investment income (Part VIII, column (A), lines 3, 4, and 7d ) ....	84,817	96,564
11	Other revenue (Part VIII, column (A), lines 5, 6d, 8c, 9c, 10c, and 11e)	-32,707	0
12	Total revenue—add lines 8 through 11 (must equal Part VIII, column (A), line 12)	7,062,794	8,656,799
13	Grants and similar amounts paid (Part IX, column (A), lines 1–3 )...	0	0
14	Benefits paid to or for members (Part IX, column (A), line 4).....	0	0
15	Salaries, other compensation, employee benefits (Part IX, column (A), lines 5–10)	4,804,566	5,268,941
16a	Professional fundraising fees (Part IX, column (A), line 11e) .....	0	0
b	Total fundraising expenses (Part IX, column (D), line 25) 546,788
17	Other expenses (Part IX, column (A), lines 11a–11d, 11f–24e)....	2,307,968	2,012,804
18	Total expenses. Add lines 13–17 (must equal Part IX, column (A), line 25)	7,112,534	7,281,745
19	Revenue less expenses. Subtract line 18 from line 12.......	-49,740	1,375,054
		Beginning of Current Year	End of Year
20	Total assets (Part X, line 16).............	2,691,047	3,607,086
21	Total liabilities (Part X, line 26).............	510,653	138,751
22	Net assets or fund balances. Subtract line 21 from line 20.....	2,180,394	3,468,335

Sign Here

	Signature of officer	Date

	Type or print name and title


4a	(Code: ) (Expenses $ 2,377,396 including grants of $ ) (Revenue $ 98,000 )
	Money and politicsBlueprint for a Great Democracy. Common Cause hosted its third "Blueprint for a Great Democracy" Conference in March 2016. The two-day meeting brought together more than 100 democracy activists from across the country to examine the progress of and prospects for efforts to reduce the power of big money in politics, limit corporate power, reform the criminal justice system, strengthen voting rights, and examine the threat to democracy posed by "big data."California initiative on money in politics. Joined with allied groups in an amicus brief to the California Supreme Court in litigation over a voter initiative to instruct the state's members of Congress to support a constitutional amendment overturning the U.S. Supreme Court decision in the Citizens United case. The California court ruled in January that the initiative can be placed on a future ballot; it will appear in November as Prop. 59."Our Voices, Our Democracy." Joined with other democracy reform groups to publish "Our Voices, Our Democracy," a report detailing successful money in politics campaigns since the Citizens United decision in 2010.Fighting Big Money Agenda. Worked with other reform organizations to develop the "Fighting Big Money Agenda," setting out reform principles tor U.S. Senate and House candidates. The principles of the document include advocating for contribution limits; public financing; Super PAC anti-coordination rules; Federal Election Commission reform; and a constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United.

4b	(Code: ) (Expenses $ 2,057,406 including grants of $ ) (Revenue $ )
	Voting and ElectionsImproving election administration. Partial sponsor of the August 2015 conference of the National Association of County Recorders, Election Officials and Clerks. Attended by 80 elections officials and clerks from around the country, the conference highlighted how government officials work in coalition to better the elections system and experience for everyone.Restoring voting rights for ex-offenders. As part of the annual "Netroots Nation" gathering in July 2015, hosted a panel discussion on "Voter Rights Restoration and the Move Toward Greater Democracy."Removing barriers to voter registration. Initiated a multi-organization letter to the director of the federal Election Assistance Commission, challenging his decision to give state election officials permission to require documentary proof of citizenship on voter registration forms. A subsequent lawsuit overturned the director's decision.Preserving voting rights in Georgia. Joined with the NAACP in a lawsuit against the Georgia Secretary of State's effort to purge voters from the rolls solely because they chose not to vote in previous elections.Fighting North Carolina's attempt to erect barriers to voting. Served as a plaintiff in a lawsuit challenging a state law that made voting more difficult for tens of thousands of North Carolinians. The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled for Common Cause, finding that the state discriminated against African-American voters.Educating Americans about partisan gerrymandering. Nationally and in multiple states, continued working to educate Americans about the dangers posed by partisan gerrymandering. Common Cause is in its second year sponsoring a national "Gerrymander Standard" writing competition inviting legal and social science practitioners, scholars, and students to submit papers defining partisan gerrymandering, with finalists presenting at a national symposium on redistricting reform held by Common Cause at George Washington University in Washington, DC and attended by legal scholars, election law practitioners and advocates, law students, and state legislators. In February, Common Cause launched the Gerrymander Gazette, an e-newsletter to update allies, reporters, and funders on redistricting reform efforts around the country. Common Cause partnered with Duke University's Center for Political Leadership, Innovation, and Service to present a simulation showing how an independent commission might draw legislative districts.Legal challenges to gerrymandering.Joined in two amicus briefs submitted to the Supreme Court in Evenwel v. Abbott, opposing efforts to change reapportionment so that only voters, rather than the total population, are counted. We coordinated efforts to develop additional amicus briefs and hosted a press briefing to highlight the potential ramifications of the case. The high court's unanimous ruling sustained Common Cause's position. Joined the Campaign Legal Center in filing an amicus brief in Shapiro v. McManus, a first amendment suit brought by Common Cause Maryland member Steve Shapiro challenging Maryland's congressional district map. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Shapiro is entitled to have the case heard by special three-judge panel, overturning a lower court's dismissal of the suit. In Florida, partnered with the League of Women Voters in a long and ultimately successful battle to enforce the state constitution's ban on partisan gerrymandering. Congressional and state Senate district maps developed by Common Cause were adopted by the Florida Supreme Court and the Leon County Circuit Court.

4c	(Code: ) (Expenses $ 1,605,254 including grants of $ ) (Revenue $ )
	Ethics, Transparency and Accountability in Government Accountability in the Flint water crisis. More than 70,000 Americans have signed a Common Cause online petition calling on Gov. Rick Snyder to release all state records related to the water crisis in Flint, Michigan.Lobbying disclosure in Nebraska. An annual report compiled by Common Cause found that over $15 million was spent lobbying state government, listing the biggest spenders and lobbying firms. The report also broke down ways that lobbyists gain influence over legislators, including campaign contributions, gifts, and future employment.Holding New York legislators accountable. Produced an exhaustive and detailed analysis of outside income for all 213 members of the New York State Legislature. The review provides the clearest picture of the type of outside work lawmakers get paid for. Strengthened ethical standards for New York City lawmakers. Helped persuade New York City Mayor de Blasio to sign a compensation package that banned outside income for Councilmembers and eliminated stipends for committee chairs and other administrative duties other than for the Speaker.Strengthened public meetings requirement in Ohio. Joined allies in filing an amicus brief in case pushing for a stronger definition of "public meeting." The Ohio Supreme Court ruled 5-2 in our favor.Exposing ALEC. Common Cause continued its activism to focus public attention on the activities of the American Legislative Exchange Council. As ALEC member state legislators and corporate representatives convened in San Diego in July 2015, Common Cause hosted an educational panel at a nearby hotel to educate local activists about ALEC's involvement in tax fraud and work to advance private interests at public expense. Common Cause also continued efforts to persuade corporations to reconsider their ALEC memberships; in response, at least 108 corporations and 19 non-profit groups have severed their ALEC ties.Tracking congressional travel. As news accounts spotlighted privately-funded congressional junkets, Common Cause organized a coalition letter calling on House Speaker Paul Ryan to create a task force examining rules for congressional travel and enact a moratorium on all privately-financed, foreign congressional travel. Financial disclosure for presidential candidates. As Donald Trump secured the Republican nomination for President in the Spring of 2016, Common Cause sent a letter urging him to release his tax returns, a step taken by every major party candidate since Richard Nixon.Clinton Foundation Audit. Amid questions about potential conflicts of interest and the potential exchange of access to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in return for contributions to the Clinton Foundation, Common Cause called on the Clinton Foundation to commission a comprehensive, independent audit and publicly release the results.

	(Code: ) (Expenses $ 264,480 including grants of $ ) (Revenue $ )
	Media and DemocracyProtecting the open internet. As the telecommunications industry fought in a federal appeals court to overturn the Federal Communications Commission's open internet rules, Common Cause joined an amicus brief to defend the rules; the court ultimately ruled in our favor.Broadband for all. Led a successful national campaign to persuade the FCC to extend its "Lifeline" program to subsidize broadband connectivity for low-income Americans. Lifeline is a long-running program that provides financial support to allow low-income families to obtain telephone service.Political ad transparency. Continued "Accountable Ads" campaign to pressure the Federal Communications Commission to enforce Section 317 of the Communications Act, which requires broadcasters to disclose the true sources of funds used to pay for political advertising.Charter- Time Warner Merger Took a leadership role in a coalition of organizations that pressed the FCC to block the proposed merger of Charter and Time Warner Cable. While the merger was approved, the commission partially addressed our concerns by imposing a series of conditions aimed at enhancing media diversity.

4d	Other program services (Describe in Schedule O.)
	(Expenses $ 264,480 including grants of $ ) (Revenue $ )
4e	Total program service expenses6,304,536

1b	Sub-Total................
c	Total from continuation sheets to Part VII, Section A....
d	Total (add lines 1b and 1c)...........	844,196	588,359	172,724

(A) Name and business address	(B) Description of services	(C) Compensation





2 Total number of independent contractors (including but not limited to those listed above) who received more than $100,000 of compensation from the organization 0

1a	Federated campaigns..		1a
b	Membership dues..		1b
c	Fundraising events..		1c
d	Related organizations		1d
e	Government grants (contributions)		1e

f	All other contributions, gifts, grants, and similar amounts not included above		1f	8,462,235

g	Noncash contributions included in lines 1a-1f:$ 103,422
h Total.Add lines 1a-1f.......		8,462,235

			Business Code
2a	Program Fees	900099	98,000	98,000
b
c
d
e
f	All other program service revenue.
g Total.Add lines 2a–2f.....			98,000

3 Investment income (including dividends, interest, and othersimilar amounts) ..........			1,646			1,646
4 Income from investment of tax-exempt bond proceeds
5 Royalties...........
		(ii) Personal	(i) Real
6a	Gross rents
b	Less: rental expenses
c	Rental income or (loss)
d	Net rental income or (loss)......
		(ii) Other	(i) Securities
7a	Gross amount from sales of assets other than inventory		198,670
b	Less: cost or other basis and sales expenses		103,752
c	Gain or (loss)		94,918
d	Net gain or (loss).....			94,918			94,918
8a	Gross income from fundraising events (not including $ of contributions reported on line 1c). See Part IV, line 18 ....
	a
b	Less: direct expenses ...b
c	Net income or (loss) from fundraising events..
9a	Gross income from gaming activities. See Part IV, line 19 ...
	a
b	Less: direct expenses ...b
c	Net income or (loss) from gaming activities..
10a	Gross sales of inventory, less returns and allowances ..
	a
b	Less: cost of goods sold ..b
c	Net income or (loss) from sales of inventory..
Business Code			Miscellaneous Revenue
11a
b
c
d	All other revenue ....
e	Total. Add lines 11a–11d ......
12	Total revenue. See Instructions......			8,656,799	98,000	0	96,564

1	Grants and other assistance to domestic organizations and domestic governments. See Part IV, line 21
2	Grants and other assistance to individuals in the United States. See Part IV, line 22
3	Grants and other assistance to governments, organizations, and individuals outside the United States. See Part IV, lines 15 and 16
4	Benefits paid to or for members
5	Compensation of current officers, directors, trustees, and key employees ....	864,097	512,426	106,076	245,595
6	Compensation not included above, to disqualified persons (as defined under section 4958(f)(1)) and persons described in section 4958(c)(3)(B) ....
7	Other salaries and wages	3,358,677	3,125,842	124,858	107,977
8	Pension plan accruals and contributions (include section 401(k) and 403(b) employer contributions) ....	177,159	152,339	9,784	15,036
9	Other employee benefits .......	480,931	413,552	26,561	40,818
10	Payroll taxes ...........	388,077	333,707	21,433	32,937
11	Fees for services (non-employees):
a	Management ......	193,125	193,125
b	Legal .........	8,000		8,000
c	Accounting ...........	18,332		18,332
d	Lobbying ...........
e	Professional fundraising services. See Part IV, line 17
f	Investment management fees ......	1,378	157	1,221
g	Other (If line 11g amount exceeds 10% of line 25, column (A) amount, list line 11g expenses on Schedule O)	53,327	53,327
12	Advertising and promotion ....	134,856	54,253		80,603
13	Office expenses .......	130,662	110,126	7,520	13,016
14	Information technology ......	238,400	175,261	63,139
15	Royalties ..
16	Occupancy ...........	538,584	506,256	31,728	600
17	Travel ............	259,926	256,575		3,351
18	Payments of travel or entertainment expenses for any federal, state, or local public officials .
19	Conferences, conventions, and meetings ....	274,777	270,872		3,905
20	Interest ...........
21	Payments to affiliates .......	143,346	143,346
22	Depreciation, depletion, and amortization ..
23	Insurance ...
24	Other expenses. Itemize expenses not covered above (List miscellaneous expenses in line 24e. If line 24e amount exceeds 10% of line 25, column (A) amount, list line 24e expenses on Schedule O.)
a	Taxes, Licenses, Fees	10,781	1,565	9,216
b	Financial Services and	4,360	1,807	2,553
c	Miscellaneous Expense	2,950			2,950
d
e	All other expenses
25	Total functional expenses. Add lines 1 through 24e	7,281,745	6,304,536	430,421	546,788
26	Joint costs. Complete this line only if the organization reported in column (B) joint costs from a combined educational campaign and fundraising solicitation. Check here if following SOP 98-2 (ASC 958-720).

1	Cash–non-interest-bearing ........		328,821	1	154,936
2	Savings and temporary cash investments .........			2
3	Pledges and grants receivable, net ......		1,230,622	3	2,080,364
4	Accounts receivable, net .............			4
5	Loans and other receivables from current and former officers, directors, trustees, key employees, and highest compensated employees. Complete Part II of Schedule L
				5
6	Loans and other receivables from other disqualified persons (as defined under section 4958(f)(1)), persons described in section 4958(c)(3)(B), and contributing employers and sponsoring organizations of section 501(c)(9) voluntary employees' beneficiary organizations (see instructions) Complete Part II of Schedule L
				6
7	Notes and loans receivable, net ....			7
8	Inventories for sale or use ........			8
9	Prepaid expenses and deferred charges ......		3,425	9	2,766
10a	Land, buildings, and equipment: cost or other basis. Complete Part VI of Schedule D	10a
b	Less: accumulated depreciation	10b		10c
11	Investments—publicly traded securities .		1,128,179	11	1,171,887
12	Investments—other securities. See Part IV, line 11 .....			12
13	Investments—program-related. See Part IV, line 11 ..			13
14	Intangible assets ...............			14
15	Other assets. See Part IV, line 11 ...........		0	15	197,133
16	Total assets. Add lines 1 through 15 (must equal line 34)...		2,691,047	16	3,607,086

17	Accounts payable and accrued expenses .....	64,951	17	138,751
18	Grants payable ...		18
19	Deferred revenue .........		19
20	Tax-exempt bond liabilities .........		20
21	Escrow or custodial account liability. Complete Part IV of Schedule D		21
22	Loans and other payables to current and former officers, directors, trustees, key employees, highest compensated employees, and disqualified
	persons. Complete Part II of Schedule L..		22
23	Secured mortgages and notes payable to unrelated third parties ..		23
24	Unsecured notes and loans payable to unrelated third parties ..		24
25	Other liabilities (including federal income tax, payables to related third parties, and other liabilities not included on lines 17-24). Complete Part X of Schedule D	445,702	25	0
26	Total liabilities. Add lines 17 through 25..	510,653	26	138,751

	Organizations that follow SFAS 117 (ASC 958), check here and complete lines 27 through 29, and lines 33 and 34.
27	Unrestricted net assets	-611,879	27	-55,231
28	Temporarily restricted net assets ...........	2,792,273	28	3,523,566
29	Permanently restricted net assets		29
	Organizations that do not follow SFAS 117 (ASC 958), check here and complete lines 30 through 34.
30	Capital stock or trust principal, or current funds .....		30
31	Paid-in or capital surplus, or land, building or equipment fund ...		31
32	Retained earnings, endowment, accumulated income, or other funds		32
33	Total net assets or fund balances ...........	2,180,394	33	3,468,335
34	Total liabilities and net assets/fund balances ........	2,691,047	34	3,607,086