Form990
Click to see attachment
Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue Service
Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax
Under section 501(c), 527, or 4947(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code (except private
foundations)
MediumBullet Do not enter social security numbers on this form as it may be made public.
MediumBullet Information about Form 990 and its instructions is at www.IRS.gov/form990.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2015
Open to Public Inspection
A For the 2015 calendar year, or tax year beginning 01-01-2015 , and ending 12-31-2015
BCheck if applicable:
CName of organization
PRO PUBLICA INC
 
 
Doing business as
 
 
Number and street (or P.O. box if mail is not delivered to street address)
155 AVE OF THE AMERICAS NO 13 FL
 
Room/suite
City or town, state or province, country, and ZIP or foreign postal code
NEW YORK, NY10013
D Employer identification number

14-2007220
E Telephone number

G Gross receipts $ 17,112,241
F Name and address of principal officer:
RICHARD J TOFEL
155 AVE OF THE AMERICAS NO 13 FL
NEW YORK,NY10013
I
Tax-exempt status: (   ) LeftBullet (insert no.) or
J
Website:MediumBullet
WWW.PROPUBLICA.ORG
H(a)
Is this a group return for
subordinates?
H(b)
Are all subordinates
included?
If "No," attach a list. (see instructions)
H(c)
Group exemption number MediumBullet  
K Form of organization:  
L Year of formation: 2007
M State of legal domicile: DE
Part I
Summary
Activities  & Governance 1 Briefly describe the organization’s mission or most significant activities: TO EXPOSE ABUSES OF POWER AND BETRAYALS OF THE PUBLIC TRUST - SEE "SCHEDULE O" FOR CONTINUATIONBY GOVERNMENT, BUSINESS, AND OTHER INSTITUTIONS, USING THE MORAL FORCE OF INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM TO SPUR REFORM THROUGH THE SUSTAINED SPOTLIGHTING OF WRONGDOING.
2 Check this box MediumBullet
3 Number of voting members of the governing body (Part VI, line 1a) ........ 3 10
4 Number of independent voting members of the governing body (Part VI, line 1b) ..... 4 9
5 Total number of individuals employed in calendar year 2015 (Part V, line 2a) ...... 5 76
6 Total number of volunteers (estimate if necessary) ............. 6 9
7a Total unrelated business revenue from Part VIII, column (C), line 12 ........ 7a 19,799
b Net unrelated business taxable income from Form 990-T, line 34 ......... 7b 9,360
Revenues Prior Year Current Year
8 Contributions and grants (Part VIII, line 1h) ......... 10,169,976 16,882,164
9 Program service revenue (Part VIII, line 2g) ......... 0 60,000
10 Investment income (Part VIII, column (A), lines 3, 4, and 7d ) .... 4,176 3,919
11 Other revenue (Part VIII, column (A), lines 5, 6d, 8c, 9c, 10c, and 11e) 150,123 100,847
12 Total revenue—add lines 8 through 11 (must equal Part VIII, column (A), line 12) 10,324,275 17,046,930
Expenses; 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) 8,589,013 9,360,011
16a Professional fundraising fees (Part IX, column (A), line 11e) ..... 0 0
b Total fundraising expenses (Part IX, column (D), line 25) MediumBullet465,121    
17 Other expenses (Part IX, column (A), lines 11a–11d, 11f–24e).... 2,897,439 3,101,138
18 Total expenses. Add lines 13–17 (must equal Part IX, column (A), line 25) 11,486,452 12,461,149
19 Revenue less expenses. Subtract line 18 from line 12....... -1,162,177 4,585,781
Net Assets or Fund Balances; Beginning of Current Year End of Year
20 Total assets (Part X, line 16)............. 6,865,118 11,552,064
21 Total liabilities (Part X, line 26)............. 184,272 285,437
22 Net assets or fund balances. Subtract line 21 from line 20..... 6,680,846 11,266,627
Part II
Signature Block
Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have examined this return, including accompanying schedules and statements, and to the best of my knowledge and belief, it is true, correct, and complete. Declaration of preparer (other than officer) is based on all information of which preparer has any knowledge.
Sign Here
JumboBullet
Signature of officer Date
JumboBullet
Type or print name and title
Paid Preparer Use Only
Print/Type preparer's name
Preparer's signature
Date
PTIN
Firm's name MediumBullet
Firm's EIN MediumBullet
Firm's address MediumBullet



Phone no.
May the IRS discuss this return with the preparer shown above? (see instructions) ..........
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the separate instructions.
Cat. No. 11282Y Form 990 (2015)
Form 990 (2015)
Page 2
Part III
Statement of Program Service Accomplishments
Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part III ..............
1
Briefly describe the organization’s mission: PRO PUBLICA IS AN INDEPENDENT, NON-PROFIT, PULITZER PRIZE-WINNING NEWSROOM THAT PRODUCES INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST. OUR WORK FOCUSES EXCLUSIVELY ON TRULY IMPORTANT STORIES. SEE "SCHEDULE O" FOR CONTINUATION.WE PRODUCE JOURNALISM THAT SHINES A LIGHT ON EXPLOITATION OF THE WEAK BY THE STRONG AND ON THE FAILURES OF THOSE WITH POWER TO VINDICATE THE TRUST PLACED IN THEM. IN THE BEST TRADITIONS OF AMERICAN JOURNALISM IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE, WE AIM TO STIMULATE POSITIVE CHANGE, UNCOVERING UNSAVORY PRACTICES AND ABUSES OF POWER IN ORDER TO PROD REFORM. WE DO THIS IN AN ENTIRELY NON-PARTISAN AND NON-IDEOLOGICAL MANNER, ADHERING TO THE STRICTEST STANDARDS OF JOURNALISTIC IMPARTIALITY.OUR STATED MISSION IS "TO EXPOSE ABUSES OF POWER AND BETRAYALS OF THE PUBLIC TRUST BY GOVERNMENT, BUSINESS, AND OTHER INSTITUTIONS, USING THE MORAL FORCE OF INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM TO SPUR REFORM THROUGH THE SUSTAINED SPOTLIGHTING OF WRONGDOING."
2
Did the organization undertake any significant program services during the year which were not listed on
the prior Form 990 or 990-EZ? .....................
If "Yes," describe these new services on Schedule O.
3
Did the organization cease conducting, or make significant changes in how it conducts, any program
services? ...........................
If "Yes," describe these changes on Schedule O.
4
Describe the organization’s program service accomplishments for each of its three largest program services, as measured by expenses. Section 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations are required to report the amount of grants and allocations to others, the total expenses, and revenue, if any, for each program service reported.
4a (Code:   ) (Expenses $ 10,716,533 including grants of $   ) (Revenue $ 111,000 )
INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST - SEE SCHEDULE O FOR DETAILS
4b (Code:   ) (Expenses $   including grants of $   ) (Revenue $   )
4c (Code:   ) (Expenses $   including grants of $   ) (Revenue $   )
4d Other program services (Describe in Schedule O.)
(Expenses $   including grants of $   ) (Revenue $   )
4e Total program service expensesMediumBullet10,716,533
Form 990 (2015)
Form 990 (2015)
Page 3
Part IV
Checklist of Required Schedules
Yes
No
1
Is the organization described in section 501(c)(3) or 4947(a)(1) (other than a private foundation)? If "Yes," complete Schedule AClick to see attachment.....................
1
Yes
 
2
Is the organization required to complete Schedule B, Schedule of Contributors (see instructions)? Click to see attachment...
2
Yes
 
3
Did the organization engage in direct or indirect political campaign activities on behalf of or in opposition to candidates for public office? If "Yes," complete Schedule C, Part I.............
3
 
No
4
Section 501(c)(3) organizations. Did the organization engage in lobbying activities, or have a section 501(h) election in effect during the tax year? If "Yes," complete Schedule C, Part II..............
4
 
No
5
Is the organization a section 501(c)(4), 501(c)(5), or 501(c)(6) organization that receives membership dues, assessments, or similar amounts as defined in Revenue Procedure 98-19? If "Yes," complete Schedule C, Part III.................
5
 
No
6
Did the organization maintain any donor advised funds or any similar funds or accounts for which donors have the right to provide advice on the distribution or investment of amounts in such funds or accounts? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part IClick to see attachment..................
6
 
No
7
Did the organization receive or hold a conservation easement, including easements to preserve open space,
the environment, historic land areas, or historic structures? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part IIClick to see attachment...
7
 
No
8
Did the organization maintain collections of works of art, historical treasures, or other similar assets? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part III Click to see attachment.............
8
 
No
9
Did the organization report an amount in Part X, line 21 for escrow or custodial account liability; serve as a custodian for amounts not listed in Part X; or provide credit counseling, debt management, credit repair, or debt negotiation services? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part IVClick to see attachment..............
9
 
No
10
Did the organization, directly or through a related organization, hold assets in temporarily restricted endowments, permanent endowments, or quasi-endowments? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part VClick to see attachment......
10
 
No
11
If the organization’s answer to any of the following questions is "Yes," then complete Schedule D, Parts VI, VII, VIII, IX, or X as applicable.
a
Did the organization report an amount for land, buildings, and equipment in Part X, line 10?
If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part VI.Click to see attachment...................
11a
Yes
 
b
Did the organization report an amount for investments—other securities in Part X, line 12 that is 5% or more of its total assets reported in Part X, line 16? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part VIIClick to see attachment.......
11b
 
No
c
Did the organization report an amount for investments—program related in Part X, line 13 that is 5% or more of its total assets reported in Part X, line 16? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part VIIIClick to see attachment.......
11c
 
No
d
Did the organization report an amount for other assets in Part X, line 15 that is 5% or more of its total assets reported in Part X, line 16? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part IXClick to see attachment............
11d
 
No
e
Did the organization report an amount for other liabilities in Part X, line 25? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part XClick to see attachment
11e
 
No
f
Did the organization’s separate or consolidated financial statements for the tax year include a footnote that addresses the organization’s liability for uncertain tax positions under FIN 48 (ASC 740)? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part XClick to see attachment
11f
Yes
 
12a
Did the organization obtain separate, independent audited financial statements for the tax year?
If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Parts XI and XII Click to see attachment.................
12a
Yes
 
b
Was the organization included in consolidated, independent audited financial statements for the tax year? If "Yes," and if the organization answered "No" to line 12a, then completing Schedule D, Parts XI and XII is optional Click to see attachment
12b
 
No
13
Is the organization a school described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(ii)? If "Yes," complete Schedule E
13
 
No
14a
Did the organization maintain an office, employees, or agents outside of the United States? .....
14a
 
No
b
Did the organization have aggregate revenues or expenses of more than $10,000 from grantmaking, fundraising, business, investment, and program service activities outside the United States, or aggregate foreign investments valued at $100,000 or more? If "Yes," complete Schedule F, Parts I and IV.........
14b
 
No
15
Did the organization report on Part IX, column (A), line 3, more than $5,000 of grants or other assistance to or for any foreign organization? If “Yes,” complete Schedule F, Parts II and IV.....
15
 
No
16
Did the organization report on Part IX, column (A), line 3, more than $5,000 of aggregate grants or other assistance to or for foreign individuals? If “Yes,” complete Schedule F, Parts III and IV...
16
 
No
17
Did the organization report a total of more than $15,000 of expenses for professional fundraising services on Part IX, column (A), lines 6 and 11e? If "Yes," complete Schedule G, Part I (see instructions) ....
17
 
No
18
Did the organization report more than $15,000 total of fundraising event gross income and contributions on Part VIII, lines 1c and 8a? If "Yes," complete Schedule G, Part II............
18
 
No
19
Did the organization report more than $15,000 of gross income from gaming activities on Part VIII, line 9a? If "Yes," complete Schedule G, Part III...................
19
 
No
20a
Did the organization operate one or more hospital facilities? If "Yes," complete Schedule H....
20a
 
No
b
If "Yes" to line 20a, did the organization attach a copy of its audited financial statements to this return?
20b
 
 
Form 990 (2015)
Form 990 (2015)
Page 4
Part IV
Checklist of Required Schedules (continued)
21
Did the organization report more than $5,000 of grants or other assistance to any domestic organization or domestic government on Part IX, column (A), line 1? If “Yes,” complete Schedule I, Parts I and II.....
21
 
No
22
Did the organization report more than $5,000 of grants or other assistance to or for domestic individuals on Part IX, column (A), line 2? If “Yes,” complete Schedule I, Parts I and III........
22
 
No
23
Did the organization answer "Yes" to Part VII, Section A, line 3, 4, or 5 about compensation of the organization’s current and former officers, directors, trustees, key employees, and highest compensated employees? If "Yes," complete Schedule J....................... Click to see attachment
23
Yes
 
24a
Did the organization have a tax-exempt bond issue with an outstanding principal amount of more than $100,000 as of the last day of the year, that was issued after December 31, 2002? If “Yes,” answer lines 24b through 24d and complete Schedule K. If “No,” go to line 25a...............
24a
 
No
b
Did the organization invest any proceeds of tax-exempt bonds beyond a temporary period exception?...
24b
 
 
c
Did the organization maintain an escrow account other than a refunding escrow at any time during the year
to defease any tax-exempt bonds? ...............
24c
 
 
d
Did the organization act as an "on behalf of" issuer for bonds outstanding at any time during the year?...
24d
 
 
25a
Section 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(29) organizations. Did the organization engage in an excess benefit transaction with a disqualified person during the year? If "Yes," complete Schedule L, Part I............
25a
 
No
b
Is the organization aware that it engaged in an excess benefit transaction with a disqualified person in a prior year, and that the transaction has not been reported on any of the organization’s prior Forms 990 or 990-EZ? If "Yes," complete Schedule L, Part I ...................
25b
 
No
26
Did the organization report any amount on Part X, line 5, 6, or 22 for receivables from or payables to any current or former officers, directors, trustees, key employees, highest compensated employees, or disqualified persons? If "Yes," complete Schedule L, Part II ................
26
 
No
27
Did the organization provide a grant or other assistance to an officer, director, trustee, key employee, substantial contributor or employee thereof, a grant selection committee member, or to a 35% controlled entity or family member of any of these persons? If "Yes," complete Schedule L, Part III.........
27
 
No
28
Was the organization a party to a business transaction with one of the following parties (see Schedule L, Part IV instructions for applicable filing thresholds, conditions, and exceptions):
a
A current or former officer, director, trustee, or key employee? If "Yes," complete Schedule L,
Part IV
........................
28a
 
No
b
A family member of a current or former officer, director, trustee, or key employee? If "Yes," complete Schedule L, Part IV.....................
28b
 
No
c
An entity of which a current or former officer, director, trustee, or key employee (or a family member thereof) was an officer, director, trustee, or direct or indirect owner? If "Yes," complete Schedule L, Part IV...
28c
 
No
29
Did the organization receive more than $25,000 in non-cash contributions? If "Yes," complete Schedule M..Click to see attachment
29
Yes
 
30
Did the organization receive contributions of art, historical treasures, or other similar assets, or qualified conservation contributions? If "Yes," complete Schedule M .............Click to see attachment
30
 
No
31
Did the organization liquidate, terminate, or dissolve and cease operations? If "Yes," complete Schedule N, Part I.
31
 
No
32
Did the organization sell, exchange, dispose of, or transfer more than 25% of its net assets? If "Yes," complete Schedule N, Part II ...........
32
 
No
33
Did the organization own 100% of an entity disregarded as separate from the organization under Regulations sections 301.7701-2 and 301.7701-3? If "Yes," complete Schedule R, Part I ........
33
 
No
34
Was the organization related to any tax-exempt or taxable entity? If "Yes," complete Schedule R, Part II, III, or IV, and Part V, line 1.........................
34
 
No
35a
Did the organization have a controlled entity within the meaning of section 512(b)(13)?
35a
 
No
b
If ‘Yes’ to line 35a, did the organization receive any payment from or engage in any transaction with a controlled entity within the meaning of section 512(b)(13)? If "Yes," complete Schedule R, Part V, line 2 ...
35b
 
 
36
Section 501(c)(3) organizations. Did the organization make any transfers to an exempt non-charitable related organization? If "Yes," complete Schedule R, Part V, line 2.............
36
 
No
37
Did the organization conduct more than 5% of its activities through an entity that is not a related organization and that is treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes? If "Yes," complete Schedule R, Part VI
37
 
No
38
Did the organization complete Schedule O and provide explanations in Schedule O for Part VI, lines 11b and 19? Note. All Form 990 filers are required to complete Schedule O. ............
38
Yes
 
Form 990 (2015)
Form 990 (2015)
Page 5
Part V
Statements Regarding Other IRS Filings and Tax Compliance
Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part V...........
Yes
No
1a
Enter the number reported in Box 3 of Form 1096 Enter -0- if not applicable ..
1a
56
b
Enter the number of Forms W-2G included in line 1a. Enter -0- if not applicable .
1b
0
c
Did the organization comply with backup withholding rules for reportable payments to vendors and reportable gaming (gambling) winnings to prize winners? ..................
1c
 
 
2a
Enter the number of employees reported on Form W-3, Transmittal of Wage and
Tax Statements, filed for the calendar year ending with or within the year covered by this return ..................
2a
76
b
If at least one is reported on line 2a, did the organization file all required federal employment tax returns?
Note. If the sum of lines 1a and 2a is greater than 250, you may be required to e-file (see instructions)
2b
Yes
 
3a
Did the organization have unrelated business gross income of $1,000 or more during the year?...
3a
Yes
 
b
If “Yes,” has it filed a Form 990-T for this year? If “No” to line 3b, provide an explanation in Schedule O...
3b
Yes
 
4a
At any time during the calendar year, did the organization have an interest in, or a signature or other authority over, a financial account in a foreign country (such as a bank account, securities account, or other financial account)? ..
4a
 
No
b
If "Yes," enter the name of the foreign country: MediumBullet
See instructions for filing requirements for FinCEN Form 114, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR).
5a
Was the organization a party to a prohibited tax shelter transaction at any time during the tax year? ..
5a
 
No
b
Did any taxable party notify the organization that it was or is a party to a prohibited tax shelter transaction?
5b
 
No
c
If "Yes," to line 5a or 5b, did the organization file Form 8886-T? ............
5c
 
 
6a
Does the organization have annual gross receipts that are normally greater than $100,000, and did the organization solicit any contributions that were not tax deductible as charitable contributions? ...
6a
 
No
b
If "Yes," did the organization include with every solicitation an express statement that such contributions or gifts were not tax deductible? ......................
6b
 
 
7
Organizations that may receive deductible contributions under section 170(c).
a
Did the organization receive a payment in excess of $75 made partly as a contribution and partly for goods and services provided to the payor? ....................
7a
 
No
b
If "Yes," did the organization notify the donor of the value of the goods or services provided? .....
7b
 
 
c
Did the organization sell, exchange, or otherwise dispose of tangible personal property for which it was required to file Form 8282? .........................
7c
 
No
d
If "Yes," indicate the number of Forms 8282 filed during the year ....
7d
 
e
Did the organization receive any funds, directly or indirectly, to pay premiums on a personal benefit contract?
7e
 
No
f
Did the organization, during the year, pay premiums, directly or indirectly, on a personal benefit contract? ..
7f
 
No
g
If the organization received a contribution of qualified intellectual property, did the organization file Form 8899 as required? ......................
7g
 
 
h
If the organization received a contribution of cars, boats, airplanes, or other vehicles, did the organization file a Form 1098-C? ..........................
7h
 
 
8
Sponsoring organizations maintaining donor advised funds.
Did a donor advised fund maintained by the sponsoring organization have excess business holdings at any time during the year? .........................
8
 
 
9a
Did the sponsoring organization make any taxable distributions under section 4966?...
9a
 
 
b
Did the sponsoring organization make a distribution to a donor, donor advisor, or related person?...
9b
 
 
10
Section 501(c)(7) organizations. Enter:
a
Initiation fees and capital contributions included on Part VIII, line 12 ...
10a
 
b
Gross receipts, included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 12, for public use of club facilities
10b
 
11
Section 501(c)(12) organizations. Enter:
a
Gross income from members or shareholders .........
11a
 
b
Gross income from other sources (Do not net amounts due or paid to other sources against amounts due or received from them.) ..........
11b
 
12a
Section 4947(a)(1) non-exempt charitable trusts. Is the organization filing Form 990 in lieu of Form 1041?
12a
 
 
b
If "Yes," enter the amount of tax-exempt interest received or accrued during the year.
12b
 
13
Section 501(c)(29) qualified nonprofit health insurance issuers.
a
Is the organization licensed to issue qualified health plans in more than one state?
Note.
See the instructions for additional information the organization must report on Schedule O.
13a
 
 
b
Enter the amount of reserves the organization is required to maintain by the states in which the organization is licensed to issue qualified health plans ....
13b
 
c
Enter the amount of reserves on hand ............
13c
 
14a
Did the organization receive any payments for indoor tanning services during the tax year?.....
14a
 
No
b
If "Yes," has it filed a Form 720 to report these payments? If "No," provide an explanation in Schedule O..
14b
 
 
Form 990 (2015)
Form 990 (2015)
Page 6
Part VI
Governance, Management, and Disclosure For each "Yes" response to lines 2 through 7b below, and for a "No" response to lines 8a, 8b, or 10b below, describe the circumstances, processes, or changes in Schedule O. See instructions.
Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part VI ..............
Section A. Governing Body and Management
Yes
No
1a
Enter the number of voting members of the governing body at the end of the tax year
1a
10
If there are material differences in voting rights among members of the governing body, or if the governing body delegated broad authority to an executive committee or similar committee, explain in Schedule O.
b
Enter the number of voting members included in line 1a, above, who are independent
1b
9
2
Did any officer, director, trustee, or key employee have a family relationship or a business relationship with any other officer, director, trustee, or key employee? .................
2
 
No
3
Did the organization delegate control over management duties customarily performed by or under the direct supervision of officers, directors or trustees, or key employees to a management company or other person? .
3
Yes
 
4
Did the organization make any significant changes to its governing documents since the prior Form 990 was filed? ...........................
4
 
No
5
Did the organization become aware during the year of a significant diversion of the organization’s assets? .
5
 
No
6
Did the organization have members or stockholders? ................
6
 
No
7a
Did the organization have members, stockholders, or other persons who had the power to elect or appoint one or more members of the governing body? ....................
7a
 
No
b
Are any governance decisions of the organization reserved to (or subject to approval by) members, stockholders, or persons other than the governing body? ...................
7b
 
No
8
Did the organization contemporaneously document the meetings held or written actions undertaken during the year by the following:
a
The governing body? .......................
8a
Yes
 
b
Each committee with authority to act on behalf of the governing body? ............
8b
Yes
 
9
Is there any officer, director, trustee, or key employee listed in Part VII, Section A, who cannot be reached at the organization’s mailing address? If "Yes," provide the names and addresses in Schedule O.......
9
 
No
Section B. Policies (This Section B requests information about policies not required by the Internal Revenue Code.)
Yes
No
10a
Did the organization have local chapters, branches, or affiliates? ............
10a
 
No
b
If "Yes," did the organization have written policies and procedures governing the activities of such chapters, affiliates, and branches to ensure their operations are consistent with the organization's exempt purposes?
10b
 
 
11a
Has the organization provided a complete copy of this Form 990 to all members of its governing body before filing the form? ............................
11a
Yes
 
b
Describe in Schedule O the process, if any, used by the organization to review this Form 990. .....
12a
Did the organization have a written conflict of interest policy? If "No," go to line 13.......
12a
Yes
 
b
Were officers, directors, or trustees, and key employees required to disclose annually interests that could give rise to conflicts? ..........................
12b
Yes
 
c
Did the organization regularly and consistently monitor and enforce compliance with the policy? If "Yes," describe in Schedule O how this was done...................
12c
Yes
 
13
Did the organization have a written whistleblower policy? ...............
13
Yes
 
14
Did the organization have a written document retention and destruction policy? .........
14
Yes
 
15
Did the process for determining compensation of the following persons include a review and approval by independent persons, comparability data, and contemporaneous substantiation of the deliberation and decision?
a
The organization’s CEO, Executive Director, or top management official ...........
15a
Yes
 
b
Other officers or key employees of the organization ................
15b
Yes
 
If "Yes" to line 15a or 15b, describe the process in Schedule O (see instructions).
16a
Did the organization invest in, contribute assets to, or participate in a joint venture or similar arrangement with a taxable entity during the year? ......................
16a
 
No
b
If "Yes," did the organization follow a written policy or procedure requiring the organization to evaluate its participation in joint venture arrangements under applicable federal tax law, and take steps to safeguard the organization’s exempt status with respect to such arrangements? ............
16b
 
 
Section C. Disclosure
17
List the States with which a copy of this Form 990 is required to be filedMediumBullet
DC , AL , AK , AZ , AR , CA , CT , FL , GA , HI , IL , KS , KY , LA , ME , MD , MA , MI , MN , MS , MS , NH , NJ , NM , NY , NC , ND , OH , OK , OR , PA , RI , SC , TN , UT , VA , WA , WV , WI
18
Section 6104 requires an organization to make its Form 1023 (or 1024 if applicable), 990, and 990-T (501(c)(3)s only) available for public inspection. Indicate how you made these available. Check all that apply.
19
Describe in Schedule O whether (and if so, how) the organization made its governing documents, conflict of interest policy, and financial statements available to the public during the tax year.
20
State the name, address, and telephone number of the person who possesses the organization's books and records:
MediumBulletSTEPHANIE N LITTLE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE & HUMAN RESOURCES155 AVE OF THE AMERICAS NO 13 FL   NEW YORK,NY10013 (212) 514-5250
Form 990 (2015)
Form 990 (2015)
Page 7
Part VII
Compensation of Officers, Directors,Trustees, Key Employees, Highest Compensated Employees, and Independent Contractors
Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part VII ..............
Section A. Officers, Directors, Trustees, Key Employees, and Highest Compensated Employees
1a Complete this table for all persons required to be listed. Report compensation for the calendar year ending with or within the organization’s tax year.
RoundBullet List all of the organization’s current officers, directors, trustees (whether individuals or organizations), regardless of amount
of compensation. Enter -0- in columns (D), (E), and (F) if no compensation was paid.

RoundBullet List all of the organization’s current key employees, if any. See instructions for definition of "key employee."
RoundBullet List the organization’s five current highest compensated employees (other than an officer, director, trustee or key employee)
who received reportable compensation (Box 5 of Form W-2 and/or Box 7 of Form 1099-MISC) of more than $100,000 from the
organization and any related organizations.

RoundBullet List all of the organization’s former officers, key employees, or highest compensated employees who received more than $100,000
of reportable compensation from the organization and any related organizations.

RoundBullet List all of the organization’s former directors or trustees that received, in the capacity as a former director or trustee of the
organization, more than $10,000 of reportable compensation from the organization and any related organizations.

List persons in the following order: individual trustees or directors; institutional trustees; officers; key employees; highest
compensated employees; and former such persons.
Check this box if neither the organization nor any related organization compensated any current officer, director, or trustee.
(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)
(D)
Reportable compensation from the organization (W- 2/1099-MISC)
(E)
Reportable compensation from related organizations (W- 2/1099-MISC)
(F)
Estimated amount of other compensation from the organization and related organizations
Individual Trustee or Director; Institutional Trustee; OfficerInd; Key Employee; Highest compensated employee; FormerOfcrDirectorTrusteeInd;
(1) HERBERT M SANDLER......................................................................
FOUNDING CHAIRMAN
3.00
.................
 
X   X       0 0 0
(2) PAUL E STEIGER......................................................................
EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN
30.00
.................
 
X   X       200,482 0 14,274
(3) MARK COLODNY......................................................................
DIRECTOR
1.00
.................
 
X           0 0 0
(4) HENRY LOUIS GATES JR......................................................................
DIRECTOR
1.00
.................
 
X           0 0 0
(5) CLAIRE HOFFMAN......................................................................
DIRECTOR
1.00
.................
 
X           0 0 0
(6) ROBERT CS MONKS......................................................................
DIRECTOR
1.00
.................
 
X           0 0 0
(7) RON OLSON......................................................................
DIRECTOR
1.00
.................
 
X           0 0 0
(8) PAUL SAGAN......................................................................
DIRECTOR
1.00
.................
 
X           0 0 0
(9) KAT TAYLOR......................................................................
DIRECTOR
1.00
.................
 
X           0 0 0
(10) TOM UNTERMAN......................................................................
DIRECTOR
1.00
.................
 
X           0 0 0
(11) RICHARD TOFEL......................................................................
PRESIDENT AND CO-EXECUTIVE
40.00
.................
 
    X       385,186 0 36,796
(12) STEPHEN ENGELBERG......................................................................
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & CO-EXECUTIVE
40.00
.................
 
    X       381,030 0 49,259
(13) DEBRA GOLDBERG VICE PRESIDENT......................................................................
DEVELOPMENT UNTIL SEPT. 2015
40.00
.................
 
      X     183,138 0 22,268
(14) ROBIN FIELDS......................................................................
MANAGING EDITOR
40.00
.................
 
        X   239,517 0 15,735
(15) TRACY WEBER......................................................................
SENIOR EDITOR
40.00
.................
 
        X   202,698 0 30,639
(16) JOSEPH SEXTON......................................................................
SENIOR EDITOR
40.00
.................
 
        X   199,799 0 28,707
(17) CHARLES ORNSTEIN......................................................................
SENIOR REPORTER
40.00
.................
 
        X   198,761 0 40,184
Form 990 (2015)
Form 990 (2015)
Page 8
Part VII
Section A. Officers, Directors, Trustees, Key Employees, and Highest Compensated Employees (continued)
(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)
(D)
Reportable compensation from the organization (W- 2/1099-MISC)
(E)
Reportable compensation from related organizations (W- 2/1099-MISC)
(F)
Estimated amount of other compensation from the organization and related organizations
Individual Trustee or Director; Institutional Trustee; OfficerInd; Key Employee; Highest compensated employee; FormerOfcrDirectorTrusteeInd;
(18) THOMAS C MILLER........................................................................
SENIOR REPORTER
40.00
.......................  
        X   188,291 0 43,447
























1b Sub-Total................MediumBullet
c Total from continuation sheets to Part VII, Section A....MediumBullet
d Total (add lines 1b and 1c)...........MediumBullet 2,178,902 0 281,309
2
Total number of individuals (including but not limited to those listed above) who received more than $100,000 of reportable compensation from the organization MediumBullet32
Yes
No
3
Did the organization list any former officer, director or trustee, key employee, or highest compensated employee on line 1a? If "Yes," complete Schedule J for such individual ..............
3
 
No
4
For any individual listed on line 1a, is the sum of reportable compensation and other compensation from the organization and related organizations greater than $150,000? If "Yes," complete Schedule J for such
individual
...........................
4
Yes
 
5
Did any person listed on line 1a receive or accrue compensation from any unrelated organization or individual for services rendered to the organization? If "Yes," complete Schedule J for such person ........
5
 
No
Section B. Independent Contractors
1
Complete this table for your five highest compensated independent contractors that received more than $100,000 of compensation from the organization. Report compensation for the calendar year ending with or within the organization’s tax year.
(A)
Name and business address
(B)
Description of services
(C)
Compensation
PREININGER CONTRUCTION GROUP

79 CARROLL AVE
BRIDGEPORT,CT06607
CONSTRUCTION 472,511
ADP TOTALSOURCE

5800 WINDWARD PARKWAY
ALPHARETTA,GA30005
PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYER ORGANIZATION 124,347
2
Total number of independent contractors (including but not limited to those listed above) who received more than $100,000 of compensation from the organization MediumBullet2
Form 990 (2015)
Form 990 (2015)
Page 9
Part VIII
Statement of Revenue
Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part VIII .............
(A)
Total revenue
(B)
Related or
exempt
function
revenue
(C)
Unrelated
business
revenue
(D)
Revenue
excluded from
tax under sections
512-514
Contributions, Gifts, GrantAmt and OtherAmt Similar Amounts 1a Federated campaigns..1a  
b Membership dues..1b  
c Fundraising events..1c  
d Related organizations1d  
e Government grants (contributions)1e  
f All other contributions, gifts, grants, and similar amounts not included above1f 16,882,164
g Noncash contributions included in lines 1a-1f:$ 46,666
h Total.Add lines 1a-1f.......MediumBullet 16,882,164
 Program Service RevenueAmt Business Code
2a PROGRAM SERVICE FEES 519130 60,000 60,000    
b
c
d
e
f All other program service revenue.        
g Total.Add lines 2a–2f.....MediumBullet 60,000
 OtherAmt RevenueAmt 3 Investment income (including dividends, interest, and othersimilar amounts) ..........MediumBullet 3,919     3,919
4 Income from investment of tax-exempt bond proceedsMediumBullet        
5 Royalties...........MediumBullet 70,956 51,000   19,956
(ii) Personal (i) Real
6a Gross rents    
b Less: rental expenses    
c Rental income or (loss)    
d Net rental income or (loss)......MediumBullet        
(ii) Other (i) Securities
7a Gross amount from sales of assets other than inventory   65,311
b Less: cost or other basis and sales expenses   65,311
c Gain or (loss)   0
d Net gain or (loss).....MediumBullet        
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..MediumBullet      
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..MediumBullet        
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..MediumBullet        
Business Code Miscellaneous Revenue
11a ADVERTISING REVENUE 541800 19,799   19,799  
b HONORARIUMS REVENUE 900099 10,092     10,092
c            
d All other revenue ....        
e Total. Add lines 11a–11d ...... MediumBullet 29,891
12 Total revenue. See Instructions......MediumBullet 17,046,930 111,000 19,799 33,967
Form 990 (2015)
Form 990 (2015)
Page 10
Part IX
Statement of Functional Expenses
Section 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations must complete all columns. All other organizations must complete column (A).Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part IX ..............
Do not include amounts reported on lines 6b,
7b, 8b, 9b, and 10b of Part VIII.
(A)
Total expenses
(B)
Program service expenses
(C)
Management and general expenses
(D)
Fundraising expenses
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 .... 1,272,433 645,045 424,384 203,004
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 6,628,192 6,088,828 396,471 142,893
8 Pension plan accruals and contributions (include section 401(k) and 403(b) employer contributions) .... 263,737 252,539 11,198  
9 Other employee benefits ....... 655,147 593,886 45,351 15,910
10 Payroll taxes ........... 540,502 460,271 57,456 22,775
11 Fees for services (non-employees):        
a Management ......        
b Legal ......... 13,042   489 12,553
c Accounting ........... 29,750 23,800 2,975 2,975
d Lobbying ...........        
e Professional fundraising services. See Part IV, line 17    
f Investment management fees ......        
g Other (If line 11g amount exceeds 10% of line 25, column (A) amount, list line 11g expenses on Schedule O) 346,103 321,885 18,978 5,240
12 Advertising and promotion .... 46,297 45,446   851
13 Office expenses ....... 172,469 145,802 18,573 8,094
14 Information technology ...... 429,973 362,213 31,609 36,151
15 Royalties ..        
16 Occupancy ........... 1,036,179 851,354 184,825  
17 Travel ............ 476,409 459,732 3,677 13,000
18 Payments of travel or entertainment expenses for any federal, state, or local public officials .        
19 Conferences, conventions, and meetings .... 50,571 41,940 8,195 436
20 Interest ...........        
21 Payments to affiliates .......        
22 Depreciation, depletion, and amortization .. 160,102 148,398 11,704  
23 Insurance ... 10,302 9,029 1,273  
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 PUBLIC REC. COP. & SUBS 197,502 149,030 47,816 656
b REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE 75,179 67,187 7,992  
c RECRUITMENT & PROF DEVE 51,399 50,148 668 583
d UBIT TAX EXPENSE 5,861   5,861  
e All other expenses        
25 Total functional expenses. Add lines 1 through 24e 12,461,149 10,716,533 1,279,495 465,121
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 MediumBullet if following SOP 98-2 (ASC 958-720).        
Form 990 (2015)
Form 990 (2015)
Page 11
Part X
Balance Sheet
Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part IX ..............
(A)
Beginning of year
(B)
End of year
Assets 1 Cash–non-interest-bearing ........ 1,144,084 1 1,733,727
2 Savings and temporary cash investments ......... 3,854,329 2 3,408,243
3 Pledges and grants receivable, net ...... 1,435,405 3 5,821,936
4 Accounts receivable, net ............. 5,817 4 1,108
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 ...... 147,817 9 171,397
10a Land, buildings, and equipment: cost or other basis. Complete Part VI of Schedule D 10a 2,087,196
b Less: accumulated depreciation 10b 1,678,325 252,239 10c 408,871
11 Investments—publicly traded securities . 21,167 11 2,522
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 ........... 4,260 15 4,260
16 Total assets. Add lines 1 through 15 (must equal line 34)... 6,865,118 16 11,552,064
Liabilities 17 Accounts payable and accrued expenses ..... 184,272 17 136,734
18 Grants payable ...   18  
19 Deferred revenue .........   19 148,703
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   25  
26 Total liabilities. Add lines 17 through 25.. 184,272 26 285,437
Net Assets or Fund Balance Organizations that follow SFAS 117 (ASC 958), check here MediumBullet and complete lines 27 through 29, and lines 33 and 34.
27 Unrestricted net assets 3,442,914 27 2,792,399
28 Temporarily restricted net assets ........... 3,237,932 28 8,474,228
29 Permanently restricted net assets   29  
Organizations that do not follow SFAS 117 (ASC 958), check here MediumBullet 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 ........... 6,680,846 33 11,266,627
34 Total liabilities and net assets/fund balances ........ 6,865,118 34 11,552,064
Form 990 (2015)
Form 990 (2015)
Page 12
Part XI
Reconcilliation of Net Assets
Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part XI ..............
1
Total revenue (must equal Part VIII, column (A), line 12) ............
1
17,046,930
2
Total expenses (must equal Part IX, column (A), line 25) ............
2
12,461,149
3
Revenue less expenses. Subtract line 2 from line 1 ..............
3
4,585,781
4
Net assets or fund balances at beginning of year (must equal Part X, line 33, column (A)) ..
4
6,680,846
5
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments ...............
5
 
6
Donated services and use of facilities .................
6
 
7
Investment expenses .....................
7
 
8
Prior period adjustments .....................
8
 
9
Other changes in net assets or fund balances (explain in Schedule O) ........
9
0
10
Net assets or fund balances at end of year. Combine lines 3 through 9 (must equal Part X, line 33, column (B))
10
11,266,627
Part XII
Financial Statements and Reporting
Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part XII .............
Yes
No
1
Accounting method used to prepare the Form 990:  
If the organization changed its method of accounting from a prior year or checked "Other," explain in
Schedule O.
2a
Were the organization’s financial statements compiled or reviewed by an independent accountant?
2a
 
No
If ‘Yes,’ check a box below to indicate whether the financial statements for the year were compiled or reviewed on a separate basis, consolidated basis, or both:
b
Were the organization’s financial statements audited by an independent accountant?
2b
Yes
 
If ‘Yes,’ check a box below to indicate whether the financial statements for the year were audited on a separate basis, consolidated basis, or both:
c
If "Yes," to line 2a or 2b, does the organization have a committee that assumes responsibility for oversight of the audit, review, or compilation of its financial statements and selection of an independent accountant?
2c
Yes
 
If the organization changed either its oversight process or selection process during the tax year, explain in Schedule O.
3a
As a result of a federal award, was the organization required to undergo an audit or audits as set forth in the Single Audit Act and OMB Circular A-133?
3a
 
No
b
If "Yes," did the organization undergo the required audit or audits? If the organization did not undergo the required audit or audits, explain why in Schedule O and describe any steps taken to undergo such audits.
3b
 
 
Form 990 (2015)
Form 990 (2015)
Additional Data


Software ID:  
Software Version:  
Form 990, Special Condition Description:
Special Condition Description
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.
right arrow Attach to Form 990 or Form 990-EZ.
right arrow 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
PRO PUBLICA INC
 
Employer identification number

14-2007220
Part I
Reason for Public Charity Status (All organizations must complete this part.) See instructions.
The organization is not a private foundation because it is: (For lines 1 through 11, check only one box.)
1
2
3
4


5
6
7
8
9
10
11
a
b
c
d
e
f
Enter the number of supported organizations ..............  

g
Provide the following information about the supported organization(s).
(i)Name of supported organization (ii) EIN (iii) Type of organization (described on lines 1- 9 above (see instructions)) (iv) Is the organization listed in your governing document? (v) Amount of monetary support (see instructions) (vi) Amount of other support (see instructions)
Yes No
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

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) right arrow (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.) .... 10,115,367 10,920,019 13,678,241 10,169,976 16,882,164 61,765,767
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 10,115,367 10,920,019 13,678,241 10,169,976 16,882,164 61,765,767
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).. 25,511,962
6 Public support. Subtract line 5 from line 4. 36,253,805
Section B. Total Support
Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in) right arrow (a) 2011 (b) 2012 (c) 2013 (d) 2014 (e) 2015 (f) Total
7 Amounts from line 4.. 10,115,367 10,920,019 13,678,241 10,169,976 16,882,164 61,765,767
8 Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources... 16,263 17,146 51,381 47,898 23,875 156,563
9 Net income from unrelated business activities, whether or not the business is regularly carried on.. 2,401 8,465 11,842 12,775 10,286 45,769
10 Other income. Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets (Explain in Part VI.).. 7,103 2,927 10,100 23,379 10,092 53,601
11 Total support. Add lines 7 through 10. 62,021,700
12
12
171,500
13
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
14
14
58.450 %
15
15
54.900 %
16a
b
17a
b
18
Private foundation. If the organization did not check a box on line 13, 16a, 16b, 17a, or 17b, check this box and see
instructions ..................................................... right arrow
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015

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) right arrow (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) right arrow (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.)..            
14
Section C. Computation of Public Support Percentage
15
15
 
16
16
 
Section D. Computation of Investment Income Percentage
17
17
 
18
18
 
19a
b
20
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015

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
No
1
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.
1
 
 
2
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).
2
 
 
3a
Did the organization have a supported organization described in section 501(c)(4), (5), or (6)? If "Yes," answer (b) and (c) below.
3a
 
 
b
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.
3b
 
 
c
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.
3c
 
 
4a
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.
4a
 
 
b
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.
4b
 
 
c
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.
4c
 
 
5a
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).
5a
 
 
b
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?
5b
 
 
c
Substitutions only. Was the substitution the result of an event beyond the organization's control?
5c
 
 
6
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.
6
 
 
7
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) .
7
 
 
8
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).
8
 
 
9a
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.
9a
 
 
b
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.
9b
 
 
c
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.
9c
 
 
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
 
 
b
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

Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015
Page 5
Part IV
Supporting Organizations (continued)
Yes
No
11
Has the organization accepted a gift or contribution from any of the following persons?
a
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
 
 
b
A family member of a person described in (a) above?
11b
 
 
c
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
No
1
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.
1
 
 
2
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.
2
 
 
Section C. Type II Supporting Organizations
Yes
No
1
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).
1
 
 
Section D. All Type III Supporting Organizations
Yes
No
1
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?
1
 
 
2
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).
2
 
 
3
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.
3
 
 
Section E. Type III Functionally-Integrated Supporting Organizations
1
Check the box next to the method that the organization used to satisfy the Integral Part Test during the year (see instructions):
a
b
c
2
Activities Test. Answer (a) and (b) below.
Yes
No
a
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.
2a
 
 
b
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.
2b
 
 
3
Parent of Supported Organizations. Answer (a) and (b) below.
a
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.
3a
 
 
b
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.
3b
 
 
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015

Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015
Page 6
Part V
Type III Non-Functionally Integrated 509(a)(3) Supporting Organizations
1
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  
7
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015

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: HONORARIUMS REVENUE - 2011 AMOUNT: $ 7,103. 2012 AMOUNT: $ 2,827. 2013 AMOUNT: $ 10,100. 2014 AMOUNT: $ 23,379. 2015 AMOUNT: $ 10,092. OTHER REVENUE - 2012 AMOUNT: $ 100.
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015


Additional Data


Software ID:  
Software Version:  
Schedule B
(Form 990, 990-EZ,
or 990-PF)
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Schedule of Contributors
Arrow Bullet Attach to Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF.
Arrow Bullet 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
PRO PUBLICA INC
 
Employer identification number

14-2007220
Organization type (check one):
Filers of:
Section:
Form 990 or 990-EZ





Form 990-PF




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
Special Rules
......... 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
PRO PUBLICA INC
 
Employer identification number
14-2007220
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


(Complete Part II for noncash contributions.)
(a)
No.
(b)
Name, address, and ZIP + 4
(c)
Total contributions
(d)
Type of contribution
 
 
 

   
 
 

$  


(Complete Part II for noncash contributions.)
(a)
No.
(b)
Name, address, and ZIP + 4
(c)
Total contributions
(d)
Type of contribution
 
 
 

   
 
 

$  


(Complete Part II for noncash contributions.)
(a)
No.
(b)
Name, address, and ZIP + 4
(c)
Total contributions
(d)
Type of contribution
 
 
 

   
 
 

$  


(Complete Part II for noncash contributions.)
(a)
No.
(b)
Name, address, and ZIP + 4
(c)
Total contributions
(d)
Type of contribution
 
 
 

   
 
 

$  


(Complete Part II for noncash contributions.)
(a)
No.
(b)
Name, address, and ZIP + 4
(c)
Total contributions
(d)
Type of contribution
 
 
 

   
 
 

$  


(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
PRO PUBLICA INC
 
Employer identification number

14-2007220
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
PRO PUBLICA INC
 
Employer identification number

14-2007220
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 $1,000 or less for the year. (Enter this information once. See instructions.) Arrow Bullet$  
Use duplicate copies of Part III if additional space is needed.
(a)
No.from Part I
(b) Purpose of gift (c) Use 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 (c) Use 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 (c) Use 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 (c) Use 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:  
SCHEDULE D
(Form 990)
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Supplemental Financial Statements
SchDMd Bullet 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
PRO PUBLICA INC
 
Employer identification number

14-2007220
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 ....    
5
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? ...........
6
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? ............................
Part II
Conservation Easements. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 7.
1
Purpose(s) of conservation easements held by the organization (check all that apply).
2
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.
Held at the End of the 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  
3
Number of conservation easements modified, transferred, released, extinguished, or terminated by the organization during the
tax year SchDMd Bullet  
4
Number of states where property subject to conservation easement is located SchDMd Bullet  
5
Does the organization have a written policy regarding the periodic monitoring, inspection, handling of violations, and enforcement of the conservation easements it holds? ............
6
Staff and volunteer hours devoted to monitoring, inspecting, handling of violations, and enforcing conservation easements during the year
SchDMd Bullet  
7
Amount of expenses incurred in monitoring, inspecting, handling of violations, and enforcing conservation easements during the year
SchDMd Bullet $  
8
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)? .............................
9
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.
1a
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.
b
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 $  
2
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:
a
Revenue included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 1 ..........................SchDMd Bullet $  
b
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

Schedule D (Form 990) 2015
Page 2
Part III
Organizations Maintaining Collections of Art, Historical Treasures, or Other Similar Assets (continued)
3
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):
a
d
b
e
 
c
4
Provide a description of the organization’s collections and explain how they further the organization’s exempt purpose in
Part XIII.
5
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?...
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.
1a
Is the organization an agent, trustee, custodian or other intermediary for contributions or other assets not
included on Form 990, Part X? ....................................
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  
2a
Did the organization include an amount on Form 990, Part X, line 21, for escrow or custodial account liability?
b
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 ......          
2
Provide the estimated percentage of the current year end balance (line 1g, column (a)) held as:
a
Board designated or quasi-endowment SchDMd Bullet  
b
Permanent endowment SchDMd Bullet  
c
Temporarily restricted endowment SchDMd Bullet  
The percentages on lines 2a, 2b, and 2c should equal 100%.
3a
Are there endowment funds not in the possession of the organization that are held and administered for the
organization by:

Yes
No
(i) unrelated organizations .................
3a(i)
 
 
(ii) related organizations .................
3a(ii)
 
 
b
If "Yes" on 3a(ii), are the related organizations listed as required on Schedule R? .........
3b
 
 
4
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   140,403 15,768 124,635
d Equipment ...   770,393 623,559 146,834
e Other ...   1,176,400 1,038,998 137,402
Total. Add lines 1a through 1e. (Column (d) must equal Form 990, Part X, column (B), line 10(c).)..SchDMdBullet 408,871
Schedule D (Form 990) 2015

Schedule D (Form 990) 2015
Page 3
Part VII
Investments—Other 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.)Small Bullet  
Part VIII
Investments—Program 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.)Small Bullet  
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)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
Total. (Column (b) must equal Form 990, Part X, col.(B) line 15.)...........Small Bullet  
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.)Small Bullet  
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

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 17,046,930
2 Amounts included on line 1 but not on Form 990, Part VIII, line 12:
a Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments .... 2a  
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 0
3 Subtract line 2e from line 1.................. 3 17,046,930
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 17,046,930
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 12,461,149
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 12,461,149
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 12,461,149

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
PART X, LINE 2: THE ORGANIZATION RECOGNIZES THE EFFECT OF INCOME TAX POSITIONS ONLY IF THOSE POSITIONS ARE MORE LIKELY THAN NOT OF BEING SUSTAINED. MANAGEMENT HAS DETERMINED THAT THE ORGANIZATION HAD NO UNCERTAIN TAX POSITIONS THAT WOULD REQUIRE FINANCIAL STATEMENT RECOGNITION OR DISCLOSURE. THE ORGANIZATION IS NO LONGER SUBJECT TO AUDITS BY THE APPLICABLE TAXING JURISDICTIONS FOR PERIODS PRIOR TO 2012.
Schedule D (Form 990) 2015


Additional Data


Software ID:  
Software Version:  




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
PRO PUBLICA INC
 
Employer identification number

14-2007220
Part I
Questions Regarding Compensation
Yes
No
1a
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.
b
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 .........
1b
 
 
2
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? ..
2
 
 
3
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.
4
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:
a
Receive a severance payment or change-of-control payment? ................
4a
 
No
b
Participate in, or receive payment from, a supplemental nonqualified retirement plan? .........
4b
 
No
c
Participate in, or receive payment from, an equity-based compensation arrangement? .........
4c
 
No
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.
5
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:
a
The organization? ...........................
5a
 
No
b
Any related organization?
5b
 
No
If "Yes," on line 5a or 5b, describe in Part III.
6
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:
a
The organization?
6a
 
No
b
Any related organization? .........................
6b
 
No
If "Yes," on line 6a or 6b, describe in Part III.
7
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 ............
7
 
No
8
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 .............................
8
 
No
9
If "Yes" on line 8, did the organization also follow the rebuttable presumption procedure described in Regulations section 53.4958-6(c)? .........................
9
 
 
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990.
Cat. No. 50053T
Schedule J (Form 990) 2015

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
(i) Base compensation (ii) Bonus & incentive compensation (iii) Other reportable compensation
1PAUL E STEIGEREXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN (i)

(ii)
196,774
-------------
0
0
-------------
0
3,708
-------------
0
10,000
-------------
0
4,274
-------------
0
214,756
-------------
0
0
-------------
0
2RICHARD TOFELPRESIDENT AND CO-EXECUTIVE (i)

(ii)
381,574
-------------
0
0
-------------
0
3,612
-------------
0
13,250
-------------
0
23,546
-------------
0
421,982
-------------
0
0
-------------
0
3STEPHEN ENGELBERGEDITOR-IN-CHIEF & CO-EXECUTIVE (i)

(ii)
377,418
-------------
0
0
-------------
0
3,612
-------------
0
13,250
-------------
0
36,009
-------------
0
430,289
-------------
0
0
-------------
0
4DEBRA GOLDBERG VICE PRESIDENTDEVELOPMENT UNTIL SEPT. 2015 (i)

(ii)
182,184
-------------
0
0
-------------
0
954
-------------
0
12,393
-------------
0
9,875
-------------
0
205,406
-------------
0
0
-------------
0
5ROBIN FIELDSMANAGING EDITOR (i)

(ii)
238,744
-------------
0
0
-------------
0
773
-------------
0
5,994
-------------
0
9,741
-------------
0
255,252
-------------
0
0
-------------
0
6TRACY WEBERSENIOR EDITOR (i)

(ii)
201,685
-------------
0
0
-------------
0
1,013
-------------
0
10,450
-------------
0
20,189
-------------
0
233,337
-------------
0
0
-------------
0
7JOSEPH SEXTONSENIOR EDITOR (i)

(ii)
197,950
-------------
0
0
-------------
0
1,849
-------------
0
10,225
-------------
0
18,482
-------------
0
228,506
-------------
0
0
-------------
0
8CHARLES ORNSTEINSENIOR REPORTER (i)

(ii)
198,319
-------------
0
0
-------------
0
442
-------------
0
10,027
-------------
0
30,157
-------------
0
238,945
-------------
0
0
-------------
0
9THOMAS C MILLERSENIOR REPORTER (i)

(ii)
187,680
-------------
0
0
-------------
0
611
-------------
0
9,863
-------------
0
33,584
-------------
0
231,738
-------------
0
0
-------------
0
Schedule J (Form 990) 2015

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:  
SCHEDULE M
(Form 990)


Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Noncash Contributions
Right pointing arrow large imageComplete 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 imageInformation 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
PRO PUBLICA INC
 
Employer identification number

14-2007220
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 7 46,666 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 Right pointing arrow large image ( )
26 Other Right pointing arrow large image ( )
27 Other Right pointing arrow large image ( )
28 Other Right pointing arrow large image ( )
29
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
29
0
Yes
No
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
 
No
b
If "Yes," describe the arrangement in Part II.
31
Does the organization have a gift acceptance policy that requires the review of any non-standard contributions?
31
 
No
32a
Does the organization hire or use third parties or related organizations to solicit, process, or sell noncash
contributions? ..........................
32a
 
No
b
If "Yes," describe in Part II.
33
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)
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): THE ORGANIZATION IS REPORTING THE NUMBER OF CONTRIBUTORS IN PART 1, COLUMN (B) OF SCHEDULE M.
Schedule M (Form 990) (2015)

Additional Data


Software ID:  
Software Version:  
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
PRO PUBLICA INC
 
Employer identification number

14-2007220
Return Reference Explanation
FORM 990, PART III, LINE 4A INNOVATIVE APPROACHES ARE ESSENTIAL FOR PROPUBLICA TO SUCCEED IN OUR MISSION OF PRODUCING STORIES THAT EXPOSE ABUSES OF POWER AND BETRAYALS OF PUBLIC TRUST. OUR NEWSROOM'S USE OF DATA - FROM ANALYZING AND FILTERING RAW RECORDS TO CREATING CUTTING-EDGE VISUALIZATIONS AND NEWS APPLICATIONS THAT HELP READERS MAKE SENSE OF IT ALL - IS ONE CRITICAL WAY WE'RE EXPANDING THE FRONTIERS OF CONTEMPORARY JOURNALISM. OUR DATA RESEARCH GENERATED SOME OF 2015'S MOST GAME-CHANGING INVESTIGATIONS. PROPUBLICA'S INVESTIGATION OF THE NATION'S DEBT COLLECTION SYSTEM IS A POWERFUL EXAMPLE. REPORTER PAUL KIEL HAD ALREADY BEEN EXPLORING THIS ISSUE FOR MORE THAN A YEAR, PRODUCING AWARD-WINNING WORK THAT GENERATED THE FIRST EVER NATIONAL STUDY OF WAGE GARNISHMENT RATES. BUT HE WANTED TO DIG DEEPER INTO THE DATA. KIEL SUSPECTED THERE WAS A DIFFERENCE IN DEBT COLLECTION PATTERNS BETWEEN BLACK AND WHITE COMMUNITIES. TO TEST THIS THEORY, HE AND FELLOW ANNIE WALDMAN REQUESTED COURT RECORDS ON CIVIL JUDGMENTS FROM THE HIGHLY SEGREGATED CITIES OF ST. LOUIS, CHICAGO AND NEWARK. THEY WENT THROUGH MORE THAN HALF A MILLION CASES, GEOCODED EVERY ADDRESS AND ASSIGNED EACH TO A CENSUS TRACT. IN ALL THREE REGIONS, THE CORRELATION WAS CLEAR: THE HEAVIEST USE OF COLLECTION LAWSUITS CONSISTENTLY OVERLAPPED WITH MAJORITY BLACK NEIGHBORHOODS. EVEN WHEN ADJUSTING FOR INCOME, THE RATE OF LAWSUITS WAS NEARLY DOUBLE IN PREDOMINATELY BLACK AREAS THAN THAT OF MOSTLY WHITE COMMUNITIES. AFTER JUDGMENTS, DEBTORS IN BLACK NEIGHBORHOODS WERE SIGNIFICANTLY MORE LIKELY TO HAVE THEIR WAGES GARNISHED. OUR JOURNALISTS PUT THESE FINDINGS IN INTERACTIVE DATABASES OF THE THREE CITIES, ILLUSTRATING THE DISPARITIES. WHEN KIEL SPOKE WITH THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN MAYOR OF THE ST. LOUIS SUBURB OF JENNINGS (A SINGLE MOTHER WHO HAD BEEN SUED OVER DEBT HERSELF, AND HAD HER PAYCHECK GARNISHED), HE SHOWED HER PROPUBLICA'S DATABASE. IN MAYOR YOLANDA FOUNTAIN HENDERSON'S SMALL SUBURB, MORE THAN 4,500 COLLECTION LAWSUITS HAD BEEN FILED OVER THE COURSE OF FIVE YEARS. OUT OF 16 HOMES ON HER OWN BLOCK, EIGHT HOUSEHOLDS HAD BEEN SUED. "THEY'RE JUST SUING ALL OF US," HENDERSON SAID IN DISBELIEF. PROPUBLICA DIDN'T ONLY HIGHLIGHT THE PROBLEM; WE OFFERED POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS. IN AN ACCOMPANYING SIDEBAR TO THE STORY AND DATABASE, WE IDENTIFIED SIX WAYS THE DEBT COLLECTION SYSTEM MIGHT BE REFORMED. TWO MONTHS LATER, MISSOURI ATTORNEY GENERAL CHRIS KOSTER PROPOSED A SERIES OF CHANGES TO STATE COURT RULES, INCLUDING A REQUIREMENT FOR DEBT-BUYING COMPANIES TO PROVIDE PROOF THAT THEY OWN A DEBT BEFORE THEY CAN SUE A DEBTOR, AND MEASURES TO PREVENT COMPANIES FROM WINNING JUDGMENTS WHEN THE STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS ON A DEBT HAS EXPIRED. "EARLIER THIS YEAR, PROPUBLICA RELEASED A REPORT THAT CONFIRMS WHAT MANY CONSUMER PROTECTION ADVOCATES HAVE LONG SUSPECTED," KOSTER SAID IN A LETTER TO THE MISSOURI SUPREME COURT'S COMMISSION ON RACIAL AND ETHNIC FAIRNESS. "THE SCOPE OF THIS PROBLEM IS VAST, AND THERE IS A GROWING CONSENSUS THAT REFORM IS DESPERATELY NEEDED FOR OUR STATE COURT SYSTEM." PROPUBLICA'S DATA JOURNALISM IN 2015 ALSO IGNITED A NATIONAL CONVERSATION ON PATIENT SAFETY FOLLOWING OUR PUBLICATION OF SURGEON SCORECARD IN JULY. SPEARHEADED BY REPORTER MARSHALL ALLEN AND DEPUTY DATA EDITOR OLGA PIERCE, THIS GROUNDBREAKING TOOL COMPARES THE PERFORMANCE OF NEARLY 17,000 SURGEONS BY ANALYZING MILLIONS OF MEDICARE CLAIMS RECORDS. IT LETS PATIENTS, FOR THE FIRST TIME, WEIGH THE PAST PERFORMANCE OF SURGEONS ON EIGHT COMMON ELECTIVE PROCEDURES, ALLOWING THEM TO MAKE BETTER DECISIONS ABOUT THEIR HEALTHCARE. OUR METHODOLOGY, WHICH ACCOUNTS FOR FACTORS SUCH AS PATIENTS' HEALTH AND AGE, WAS CAREFULLY DESIGNED IN CLOSE CONSULTATION WITH SURGEONS AND OTHER LEADING EXPERTS. AS WE CREATED SURGEON SCORECARD, THEY REPEATEDLY TOLD US THAT MEDICAL ERRORS - IDENTIFIED BY ONE RECENT STUDY AS THE THIRD-LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH IN THE U.S. - CAN AND SHOULD HAPPEN FAR LESS FREQUENTLY. THEY ALSO TOLD US THAT GREATER TRANSPARENCY ABOUT SURGEONS' PERFORMANCE COULD HELP BRING ABOUT THAT GOAL. YET ALMOST UNIVERSALLY, HOSPITALS FAIL TO PUBLICLY REPORT SUCH DATA. TAKING THE POSITION THAT SURGEONS ARE ULTIMATELY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FULL RANGE OF CARE IN AN OPERATION, AND THAT PATIENTS WOULD WANT TO USE DATA ABOUT A DECISION AS CONSEQUENTIAL AS CHOOSING A SURGEON, WE DISCLOSED WHAT HOSPITALS WOULD NOT. IMPORTANT STORIES EMERGED FROM THE DATA. A SMALL SHARE OF DOCTORS, 11 PERCENT, ACCOUNTED FOR ABOUT A QUARTER OF COMPLICATIONS. HUNDREDS OF SURGEONS ACROSS THE COUNTRY HAD RATES DOUBLE AND TRIPLE THE NATIONAL AVERAGE. AND WE FOUND THAT IT'S NOT THE REPUTATION OR STATUS OF A HOSPITAL THAT MATTERS MOST - WHEN IT COMES TO ELECTIVE OPERATIONS, IT IS MUCH MORE IMPORTANT TO PICK THE RIGHT SURGEON. WHILE SOME IN THE SURGICAL COMMUNITY HAVE BEEN CRITICAL OF THIS TOOL, QUESTIONING THE METHODOLOGY AND ALLEGING THAT IT UNFAIRLY TARNISHES SOME DOCTORS' REPUTATIONS, MANY OTHERS HAVE PRAISED IT AS A TRANSFORMATIVE STEP THAT WILL PROTECT PATIENTS. "A KEY VALUE OF THE PROPUBLICA EFFORT IS THAT IT HAS LAUNCHED AN IMPORTANT DEBATE ABOUT HOW WE ASSESS AND REPORT SURGICAL QUALITY," SAID DR. ASHISH JHA, PROFESSOR AT HARVARD SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH. "THE OLD WAY - WHERE ALL THE INFORMATION WAS PRIVILEGED AND KNOWN ONLY AMONG PHYSICIANS - IS GONE. AND IT IS NOT COMING BACK." IN COLLABORATION WITH NPR'S HOWARD BERKES, REPORTER MICHAEL GRABELL INVESTIGATED HOW OUR NATION'S WORKERS' COMPENSATION SYSTEM IS BEING DISMANTLED, OFTEN AT THE BEHEST OF BIG BUSINESS AND INSURANCE COMPANIES. SINCE 2013, 33 STATES HAVE CUT BENEFITS TO INJURED WORKERS, CREATED HURDLES TO GETTING CARE, OR MADE IT HARDER FOR WORKERS WITH CERTAIN INJURIES TO QUALIFY FOR WORKERS' COMP AT ALL. REPORTING ON THE GROUND IN 16 STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, GRABELL AND BERKES INTERVIEWED MORE THAN 200 INJURED WORKERS, WORKERS' COMP LAWYERS, EMPLOYERS, LAWMAKERS AND OTHERS. THE SCOPE OF THESE CHANGES HAD ATTRACTED ALMOST NO NATIONAL ATTENTION, AS POLITICIANS PASSED LAWS UNDER THE BANNER OF "REFORMS" THAT WOULD PROVIDE COST SAVINGS WHILE INJURED WORKERS OSTENSIBLY REMAINED PROTECTED. PROVIDING A MUCH-NEEDED FACT CHECK, PROPUBLICA COMBED THROUGH LAWS IN ALL 50 STATES SINCE 2003 AND BUILT A FIRST-EVER DATABASE OF THE CHANGES. WE PRESENTED OUR FINDINGS IN A NEWS APPLICATION SHOWING THE MAXIMUM COMPENSATION WORKERS COULD RECEIVE FOR EACH BODY PART IN EACH JURISDICTION. THIS REVEALED DRAMATIC DISCREPANCIES BETWEEN STATES IN THE BENEFITS PAID. FOR EXAMPLE, A LOST ARM IS WORTH $45,000 IN WORKERS' COMP IN ALABAMA, BUT MORE THAN $740,000 OVER A LIFETIME IN NEIGHBORING GEORGIA. A FURTHER STORY DEMONSTRATED THAT A MOVE IN SOME STATES TO PERMIT EMPLOYERS TO OPT-OUT OF LOCAL SYSTEMS WAS FURTHER HURTING THE VERY WORKERS THE SYSTEM IS SUPPOSEDLY DESIGNED TO PROTECT. THE STORIES PROMPTED NEW LEGISLATION TO RAISE BENEFITS IN ALABAMA. TEN MEMBERS OF CONGRESS, CITING PROPUBLICA'S INVESTIGATION, URGED THE U.S. LABOR SECRETARY TO DEVISE AN OVERSIGHT PLAN FOR STATE WORKERS' COMP PROGRAMS. "THE RACE TO THE BOTTOM NOW APPEARS TO BE NEARLY BOTTOMLESS," THE MEMBERS OF CONGRESS WROTE. OVER AND OVER AGAIN IN 2015, PROPUBLICA REPORTERS AND EDITORS EXAMINED AND DISTILLED MASSIVE DATA SETS TO HELP READERS MAKE SENSE OF IMPORTANT ISSUES. WE WORKED WITH DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION DATA, WHICH INVOLVED 2,000 VARIABLES FOR EACH OF ABOUT 7,800 COLLEGES, TO BUILD AN INTERACTIVE DATABASE SHOWING READERS THE DISCOUNTS COLLEGES GIVE TO THEIR LEAST WEALTHY STUDENTS AND HOW MUCH DEBT AVERAGE STUDENTS TAKE ON. IN OUR INVESTIGATION WITH AL.COM OF AN ALABAMA "CHEMICAL ENDANGERMENT" STATUTE THAT MAKES PRENATAL DRUG USE A FELONY, REPORTERS OBTAINED RECORDS ON EVERY PERSON PROSECUTED UNDER THE MEASURE SINCE 2006, SIFTING THROUGH MORE THAN 6,000 CASES TO IDENTIFY NEARLY 500 WOMEN WHOSE PROSECUTIONS WERE PREGNANCY RELATED, IN ADDITION TO POLLING EVERY HOSPITAL IN THE STATE THAT DELIVERS BABIES ABOUT THEIR DRUG-TESTING POLICIES. WE WERE ALSO GUIDED BY SHOE-LEATHER REPORTING, KNOCKING ON DOORS TO REPORT ON THE MISHANDLING OF HORRIFYING SERIAL RAPE CASES, ABUSE AND NEGLECT AT A CALIFORNIA GROUP HOME FOR TROUBLED CHILDREN, THE UNSOLVED MURDER CASES OF FIVE VIETNAMESE-AMERICAN JOURNALISTS, THE FAILURES OF GUN CONTROL ADVOCATES TO ADDRESS THE CAUSES OF URBAN GUN VIOLENCE, AND THE WILLINGNESS OF NEW YORK CITY LANDLORDS TO FLOUT A LAW THAT GAVE THEM LUCRATIVE TAX BREAKS IN EXCHANGE FOR LIMITS ON RENT INCREASES AND GUARANTEES IN WORKER PAY. SUCH STORIES HAVE REAL POWER, AND CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN A DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY. PROPUBLICA'S WORK IN 2015 DEMONSTRATED AGAIN THAT SOME OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT OPPORTUNITIES FOR TELLING SUCH STORIES LIE AT THE INTERSECTION OF DATA AND REPORTING. WE LOOK FORWARD TO ANOTHER YEAR OF FINDING IMPORTANT BUT HIDDEN STORIES, AND BRINGING THEM TO LIGHT. THE MOST IMPORTANT TEST OF PROPUBLICA IS WHETHER OUR WORK IS HAVING IMPACT. BY THIS, WE MEAN NOT AUDIENCE SIZE OR PRIZES, BUT REAL-WORLD CHANGE. EXAMPLES OF WHAT WE MEAN, AND DISCUSSIONS OF HOW WE THINK AB
FORM 990, PART III, LINE 4A, DESCRIPTION OF PROGRAM SERVICE CON'T: ANOTHER SIGNIFICANT TEST IS RECOGNITION FROM PEERS IN JOURNALISM. PROPUBLICA WAS THE FIRST ONLINE NEWS ORGANIZATION TO WIN A PULITZER PRIZE (2010) AND THE FIRST TO WIN A PULITZER FOR STORIES NOT PUBLISHED IN PRINT (2011). OUR WORK WAS HONORED IN 2015 AS FOLLOWS: PROPUBLICA'S PROJECT WITH PBS FRONTLINE, "FIRESTONE AND THE WARLORD," ABOUT THE AMERICAN TIRE COMPANY'S ACTIVITIES IN LIBERIA DURING THE COUNTRY'S CIVIL WAR, WON TWO NEWS & DOCUMENTARY EMMY AWARDS IN THE CATEGORIES OF OUTSTANDING INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM AND OUTSTANDING RESEARCH. T. CHRISTIAN MILLER AND JONATHAN JONES' REPORTING ON THIS STORY ALSO RECEIVED THE ROBERT F. KENNEDY JOURNALISM AWARD FOR NEW MEDIA, THE INVESTIGATIVE REPORTERS AND EDITORS AWARD FOR MULTIPLATFORM PROJECTS FOR LARGE ORGANIZATIONS, AND HUNTER COLLEGE'S ARONSON AWARD FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE JOURNALISM. OUR ARTICLE "SEGREGATION NOW," ON THE RE-SEGREGATION OF AMERICA'S SCHOOLS, PUBLISHED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE ATLANTIC, RECEIVED THE HECHINGER GRAND PRIZE FOR DISTINGUISHED EDUCATION REPORTING, THE HIGHEST HONOR IN EDUCATION JOURNALISM; THE NATIONAL AWARD FOR EDUCATION REPORTING FOR BEAT REPORTING; THE SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISTS' SIGMA DELTA CHI AWARD FOR PUBLIC SERVICE IN ONLINE JOURNALISM; THE DEADLINE CLUB AWARD FOR DIGITAL BEAT REPORTING; THE SOCIETY FOR NEWS DESIGN AWARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR FEATURES, SINGLE-SUBJECT PROJECT; HONORABLE MENTION FROM THE AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION'S SILVER GAVEL AWARDS; AND RECOGNITION AS A FINALIST FOR THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MAGAZINE EDITORS' NATIONAL MAGAZINE AWARD FOR PUBLIC INTEREST. THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLACK JOURNALISTS NAMED NIKOLE HANNAH-JONES, THE REPORTER ON THIS PROJECT, ITS JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR. JESSE EISINGER'S COLUMN, "THE TRADE," FOCUSED ON WALL STREET ACCOUNTABILITY, WON THE GEORGE LOEB AWARD FOR DISTINGUISHED BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL JOURNALISM FOR COMMENTARY AND THE SOCIETY OF AMERICAN BUSINESS EDITORS AND WRITERS BEST IN BUSINESS AWARD FOR DIGITAL COMMENTARY. OUR REPORTING WITH THE LENS ON THE RAPID LOSS OF LAND ON THE LOUISIANA COAST WON A GOLD MEDAL FROM THE SOCIETY FOR NEWS DESIGN; THE INVESTIGATIVE REPORTERS AND EDITORS GANNETT AWARD FOR INNOVATION IN WATCHDOG JOURNALISM; THE NATIONAL HEADLINER AWARD FOR WRITING FOR A WEBSITE; A NATIONAL EDWARD R. MURROW AWARD IN THE WEBSITE CATEGORY; AN EDWARD R. MURROW REGIONAL AWARD; AND A SILVER MEDAL IN THE ENVIRONMENTAL CATEGORY OF THE MALOFIEJ INTERNATIONAL INFOGRAPHICS AWARDS. THIS PROJECT, REPORTED FOR PROPUBLICA BY AL SHAW AND BRIAN JACOBS, ALSO RECEIVED THREE AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE FROM THE SOCIETY FOR NEWS DESIGN FOR FEATURES, INFOGRAPHICS AND MULTIMEDIA. OUR COVERAGE OF THE DISMANTLING OF WORKERS' COMP, PUBLISHED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NPR NEWS AND REPORTED FOR PROPUBLICA BY MICHAEL GRABELL, RECEIVED THE ONLINE NEWS ASSOCIATION'S AL NEUHARTH INNOVATION IN INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM AWARD. OUR COVERAGE OF THE RED CROSS AND ITS MISHANDLING OF SUPERSTORM SANDY, IN COLLABORATION WITH NPR NEWS AND REPORTED FOR PROPUBLICA BY JESSE EISINGER AND JUSTIN ELLIOT, WON THE SOCIETY OF SILURIANS EXCELLENCE IN JOURNALISM AWARD FOR PUBLIC SERVICE AND WAS SELECTED AS A FINALIST FOR THE GOLDSMITH PRIZE FOR INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING. OUR ARTICLE ON GUN VIOLENCE IN OUR CITIES AND POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER, REPORTED BY LOIS BECKETT AND PUBLISHED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ESSENCE, WON THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLACK JOURNALISTS SALUTE TO EXCELLENCE AWARD FOR MAGAZINE INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM AND THE DEADLINE CLUB AWARD FOR PUBLIC SERVICE. A RELATED INFOGRAPHIC RECEIVED A SOCIETY FOR NEWS DESIGN AWARD OF EXCELLENCE. OUR INVESTIGATION ON THE U.S. GOVERNMENT'S PROGRAM TO IDENTIFY AND REPATRIATE THE BODIES OF MISSING SOLDIERS, REPORTED BY MEGAN MCCLOSKEY WITH NPR NEWS, RECEIVED THE ALLIANCE FOR WOMEN IN MEDIA "GRACIE" AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING INVESTIGATIVE PROGRAM OR FEATURE AND A SOCIETY FOR NEWS DESIGN AWARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR FEATURES. MCCLOSKEY WAS ALSO CHOSEN AS A FINALIST FOR THE LIVINGSTON AWARD FOR YOUNG JOURNALISTS IN NATIONAL REPORTING. OUR COVERAGE ON THE MAGNITUDE OF WAGE GARNISHMENT, PUBLISHED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NPR NEWS AND REPORTED FOR PROPUBLICA BY PAUL KIEL, WON THE NATIONAL PRESS CLUB JOURNALISM CONTEST AWARD FOR CONSUMER JOURNALISM-BROADCAST. THE SERIES WAS ALSO NAMED A GERALD LOEB AWARD FINALIST FOR VIDEO/AUDIO, AND A FINALIST FOR A SCRIPPS HOWARD AWARD IN THE BUSINESS/ECONOMICS REPORTING CATEGORY. PROPUBLICA'S REPORTING ON THE EXCESSIVE USE OF RESTRAINTS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS, BY HEATHER VOGELL AND ANNIE WALDMAN, RECEIVED THE NATIONAL AWARD FOR EDUCATION REPORTING FOR SINGLE-TOPIC NEWS OR FEATURE AND THE KATHERINE SCHNEIDER JOURNALISM AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN REPORTING ON DISABILITY. OUR REPORTING ON TOBACCO BONDS COSTING STATES BILLIONS WON THE SOCIETY OF SILURIANS EXCELLENCE IN JOURNALISM AWARD FOR ONLINE INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING, AND THE NEW YORK STATE SOCIETY OF CPAS EXCELLENCE IN FINANCIAL JOURNALISM AWARD FOR EXPLANATORY REPORTING, WHILE REPORTER CEZARY PODKUL RECEIVED THE SOCIETY OF AMERICAN BUSINESS EDITORS AND WRITERS' LARRY BIRGER AWARD, WHICH HONORS BUSINESS JOURNALISTS UNDER THE AGE OF 30. REPORTING ON DOPING IN TRACK AND FIELD BY REPORTER DAVID EPSTEIN IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE BBC WON THE BRITISH JOURNALISM AWARD FOR SPORTS JOURNALISM. PROPUBLICA WAS A FINALIST FOR THE ONLINE NEWS ASSOCIATION'S GENERAL EXCELLENCE IN ONLINE JOURNALISM AWARD. THE NEWS APPLICATION "INSIDE THE FIREWALL: TRACKING THE NEWS THAT CHINA BLOCKS," BY SISI WEI, WON THREE AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE FROM THE SOCIETY FOR NEWS DESIGN FOR FEATURES, INFOGRAPHICS AND CONTINUOUS USE, AND WAS SELECTED FOR "BEST AMERICAN INFOGRAPHICS." OUR TREATMENT TRACKER NEWS APPLICATION ON PAYMENTS UNDER MEDICARE PART B WON A DATA JOURNALISM AWARD, AND THE SOCIETY FOR NEWS DESIGN AWARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR PLANNED COVERAGE AND SINGLE-SUBJECT FEATURE. OUR NEWS APPLICATIONS WON SEVERAL AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE FROM THE SOCIETY FOR NEWS DESIGN, INCLUDING HONORS FOR PROPUBLICA'S ORGANIZATIONAL PORTFOLIO AND THE INDIVIDUAL PORTFOLIOS OF DEVELOPERS LENA GROEGER AND SISI WEI; AN APP COMPARING INSURANCE PLANS UNDER THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT; AN APP DETAILING THE MILLIONS THAT NEW YORK COUNTIES LOST IN TOBACCO BONDS; AN APP SHOWING THE SOURCES OF TRACED GUNS; AND AN INFOGRAPHIC TRACKING EXTINCTIONS. ARTICLES ON ALABAMA'S CRIMINALIZATION OF DRUG USE DURING PREGNANCY, PUBLISHED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH AL.COM, WON THE SIDNEY HILLMAN FOUNDATION'S OCTOBER SIDNEY AWARD. EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN OF PROPUBLICA PAUL STEIGER WAS INDUCTED INTO THE DEADLINE CLUB HALL OF FAME, AN HONOR BESTOWED TO JOURNALISTS AND MEDIA EXECUTIVES WHOSE WORK HAS MADE A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO AMERICAN JOURNALISM. FOR THE ROLE OUR INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING PLAYS IN THE BROADER MEDIA INDUSTRY, PROPUBLICA RECEIVED PEN CENTER USA'S AWARD OF HONOR.
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION A, LINE 3 BEGINNING IN 2012, THE ORGANIZATION BEGAN USING ADP TOTALSOURCE, A PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYER ORGANIZATION ("PEO"). AS A PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYER ORGANIZATION, TOTALSOURCE PROVIDES PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYER SERVICES TO PRO PUBLICA. IN THE PEO RELATIONSHIP TOTALSOURCE AND PRO PUBLICA SHARE CERTAIN RESPONSIBILITIES AND ALLOCATE OTHER EMPLOYER RESPONSIBILITIES BETWEEN EACH OTHER. PRO PUBLICA REMAINS AN EMPLOYER OF THE WORKSITE EMPLOYEES AND TOTALSOURCE IS A CO-EMPLOYER OF PRO PUBLICA'S EMPLOYEES. PRO PUBLICA HAS: DIRECTION AND CONTROL OVER EMPLOYEES AS IS NECESSARY TO CONDUCT ITS BUSINESS, DISCHARGE AND FIDUCIARY RESPONSIBILITY IT MAY HAVE, OR COMPLY WITH ANY APPLICABLE LICENSURE, REGULATORY OR STATUTORY REQUIREMENT OF PRO PUBLICA. CONTROL OVER THE DAY TO DAY JOB DUTIES OF EMPLOYEES AND OVER THE JOB SITES AT WHICH, OR FROM WHICH EMPLOYEES PERFORM SERVICES RESPONSIBILITY OVER THE PROFESSIONAL AND LICENSED ACTIVITIES OF EMPLOYEES INCLUDING ENSURING THAT EMPLOYEES ARE SUPERVISED BY LICENSED INDIVIDUALS AS REQUIRED BY LAW AND FOR DETERMINING WHETHER AN APPLICANT OR EMPLOYEE MEETS PRO PUBLICA'S HIRING CRITERIA AND IS QUALIFIED TO SAFELY AND COMPLETELY PERFORM HIS OR HER JOB TOTALSOURCE RESERVES A RIGHT OF DIRECTION AND CONTROL OVER EMPLOYEES AS IS NECESSARY TO FULFILL ITS OBLIGATIONS AND PROVIDE ITS SERVICES UNDER AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN PRO PUBLICA, INC. AND TOTALSOURCE. TOTALSOURCE AND PRO PUBLICA, INC. HAVE A RIGHT TO HIRE, DISCIPLINE, AND TERMINATE EMPLOYEES AS TO EACH ONE'S EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP WITH EMPLOYEES.
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 11 PRO PUBLICA HAS ITS FORM 990 PREPARED BY AN OUTSIDE ACCOUNTING FIRM AND HAS ESTABLISHED THE FOLLOWING REVIEW PROCESS TO ENSURE THAT THE INFORMATION REPORTED IS COMPLETE AND ACCURATE. WHEN THE FORM 990 HAS BEEN PREPARED, REVIEWED BY MANAGEMENT AND IS READY TO BE FILED WITH THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, IT'S SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY TO MEMBERS OF PRO PUBLICA'S GOVERNING BODY FOR ANY COMMENTS PRIOR TO ITS SUBMISSION. THE GOVERNING BODY IS PROVIDED WITH AT LEAST ONE WEEK TO REVIEW THE PREPARED FORM 990 AND PROVIDE THEIR COMMENTS. ANY COMMENTS ARE THEN GROUPED, SUMMARIZED AND PROVIDED TO THE AUDIT COMMITTEE FOR THEIR REVIEW. EACH ISSUE IS DOCUMENTED AND ADDRESSED UNTIL THE RETURN IS FINALIZED AND APPROVED FOR FILING.
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 12C PRO PUBLICA HAS A CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY, WHICH APPLIES TO ALL BOARD MEMBERS, OFFICERS, AND EMPLOYEES. EACH OF THE BOARD MEMBERS AND OFFICERS ARE REQUIRED SIGN TO A CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY ANNUALLY. AN INTERESTED PERSON MUST DISCLOSE AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE TO THE SECRETARY THE EXISTENCE OF A POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST AND ALL MATERIAL FACTS RELATED TO THE CONFLICT. IF A BOARD MEMBER OR OFFICER IS UNCERTAIN ABOUT WHETHER A CONFLICT EXISTS, HE/SHE SHOULD REPORT THE POSSIBLE CONFLICT IN ALL CASES IN WHICH A CRITICAL EXTERNAL OBSERVER MIGHT REASONABLE PERCEIVE A CONFLICT TO EXIST. THE BOARD COMMITTEE WILL DETERMINE IF A CONFLICT OF INTEREST EXISTS. IN THE EVENT THAT A CONFLICT OF INTEREST ARISES, THE BOARD MEMBER OR OFFICER WITH WHOM THE CONFLICT PERTAINS TO IS EXCLUDED FROM VOTING ON THE ISSUE. HE/SHE WILL LEAVE THE ROOM AND THE OTHER BOARD MEMBERS VOTE ON THE ISSUE PERTAINING TO THAT SPECIFIC TRANSACTION. WITH RESPECT TO ANY BOARD COMMITTEE'S DISCUSSION, DECISION, OR ACTIONS INVOLVING TRANSACTIONS IN WHICH A BOARD MEMBER OR OFFICER HAS A CONFLICT OF INTEREST, THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD COMMITTEE MEETING WILL REFLECT THE BOARD'S DELIBERATIONS AND VOTING PROCESS. IN CASE OF AN INTEREST PARTY WHO IS NOT A BOARD MEMBER OR OFFICER, THE PRESIDENT MONITORS AND ENFORCES THE ORGANIZATION'S COMPLIANCE WITH ITS CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY. IF AN EMPLOYEE HAS A CONFLICT OF INTEREST, HE/SHE EMPLOYEE COULD NOT PARTICIPATE IN THE DECISION MAKING THE CONFLICTED TRANSACTION.
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 15 SALARIES FOR THE CEOS, OFFICERS AND KEY EMPLOYEES ARE SET BY THE BOARD. THE BOARD USES THE SERVICES OF A LAW FIRM (CAPLIN & DRYSDALE, WHO SPECIALIZE IN NOT FOR PROFIT ISSUES) FOR GUIDANCE ON ALL MATTERS OF COMPENSATION. IN 2012 CAPLIN & DRYSDALE UPDATED THE COMPENSATION STUDY FOR THREE KEY EMPLOYEES. CAPLIN & DRYSDALE STUDIED COMPENSATION OF SELECT NATIONAL NEWSPAPERS AND RELIED ON THEIR UNDERSTANDING OF PRO PUBLICA'S OPERATIONS AND STATUS IN THE FIELD OF JOURNALISM. THE BOARD ESTABLISHED COMPENSATION FOR THE CEO, OFFICERS AND KEY EMPLOYEES USING COMPARABLE DATA AND DETERMINED THAT THE SALARY IS REASONABLE. COMPARABLE DATA INCLUDES VARIETY OF INFORMATION FROM JOURNALISM OUTLETS AND OTHER NOT FOR PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS. MINUTES OF THE BOARD MEETINGS ARE KEPT IN FILE. THIS PROCESS WAS LAST COMPLETED IN 2014.
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION C, LINE 19 THE ORGANIZATION MAKES ITS FORM 990 AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION AS REQUIRED UNDER SECTION 6104 OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE. THE RETURN IS POSTED ON GUIDESTAR.ORG AND OTHER SIMILAR TYPES OF WEBSITES. IN ADDITION, THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY, ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION, FORM 990, FORM 1023, AND BY-LAWS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE UPON WRITTEN REQUEST, AND ON THE ORGANIZATION'S WEBSITE (WWW.PROPUBLICA.ORG).
FORM 990, PART XII, LINE 2C: PRO PUBLICA HAS AN AUDIT COMMITTEE THAT ASSUMES RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE OVERSIGHT OF THE AUDIT OF ITS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND FOR THE SELECTION OF AN INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANT. THE PROCESS HAS NOT CHANGED FROM THE PRIOR 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


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