Form990
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
Chicago Zoological Society
 
 
Doing business as
Brookfield Zoo
 
Number and street (or P.O. box if mail is not delivered to street address)
3300 Golf Road
 
Room/suite
City or town, state or province, country, and ZIP or foreign postal code
Brookfield, IL60513
D Employer identification number

36-2167016
E Telephone number

G Gross receipts $ 89,597,788
F Name and address of principal officer:
Stuart D Strahl PhD
3300 Golf Road
Brookfield,IL60513
I
Tax-exempt status: (   ) LeftBullet (insert no.) or
J
Website:MediumBullet
www.czs.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: 1921
M State of legal domicile: IL
Part I
Summary
Activities & Governance 1 Briefly describe the organization’s mission or most significant activities: To inspire conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife and nature.
2 Check this box MediumBullet
3 Number of voting members of the governing body (Part VI, line 1a) ........ 3 48
4 Number of independent voting members of the governing body (Part VI, line 1b) ..... 4 44
5 Total number of individuals employed in calendar year 2015 (Part V, line 2a) ...... 5 1,747
6 Total number of volunteers (estimate if necessary) ............. 6 1,135
7a Total unrelated business revenue from Part VIII, column (C), line 12 ........ 7a 1,462,132
b Net unrelated business taxable income from Form 990-T, line 34 ......... 7b -44,319
Revenues Prior Year Current Year
8 Contributions and grants (Part VIII, line 1h) ......... 44,467,893 41,209,491
9 Program service revenue (Part VIII, line 2g) ......... 18,799,764 19,666,467
10 Investment income (Part VIII, column (A), lines 3, 4, and 7d ) .... 3,677,107 2,213,864
11 Other revenue (Part VIII, column (A), lines 5, 6d, 8c, 9c, 10c, and 11e) 9,027,671 9,427,561
12 Total revenue—add lines 8 through 11 (must equal Part VIII, column (A), line 12) 75,972,435 72,517,383
Expenses; 13 Grants and similar amounts paid (Part IX, column (A), lines 1–3 )... 518,875 187,349
14 Benefits paid to or for members (Part IX, column (A), line 4).....   0
15 Salaries, other compensation, employee benefits (Part IX, column (A), lines 5–10) 40,055,437 40,589,788
16a Professional fundraising fees (Part IX, column (A), line 11e) ..... 120,823 118,431
b Total fundraising expenses (Part IX, column (D), line 25) MediumBullet3,151,575    
17 Other expenses (Part IX, column (A), lines 11a–11d, 11f–24e).... 29,210,300 30,070,569
18 Total expenses. Add lines 13–17 (must equal Part IX, column (A), line 25) 69,905,435 70,966,137
19 Revenue less expenses. Subtract line 18 from line 12....... 6,067,000 1,551,246
Net Assets or Fund Balances; Beginning of Current Year End of Year
20 Total assets (Part X, line 16)............. 225,946,000 218,583,000
21 Total liabilities (Part X, line 26)............. 58,309,000 54,438,000
22 Net assets or fund balances. Subtract line 21 from line 20..... 167,637,000 164,145,000
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: To inspire conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife and nature.
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 $ 15,980,260 including grants of $   ) (Revenue $ 2,346,517 )
Center for Science and Animal Well-Being CSAW More than 2500 ambassadors of the animal kingdom provide our visitors with a rare opportunity to see species from around the globe. Expert care of these ambassadors is a time-honored tradition at CZS, where innovations in husbandry techniques and pioneering breeding programs are part of the cuttting edge culture of excellence. Staff in the CSAW integrate disciplines such as endocrinology, population biology, behavioral science, nutrition and veterinary science to determine the best ways to provide and continuously care for the animals. They also incorporate models and practices from around the world, and from an array of animal care professionals, to develop the best possible zoo-based animal care and management practices.
4b (Code:   ) (Expenses $ 11,571,000 including grants of $   ) (Revenue $   )
Care of Buildings and Grounds The CZS maintains over 214 acres of land and 75 buildings to exhibit over 2,500 animals. Guests see examples of our environmentally sound policies throughout the Zoo grounds including energy efficient cooling systems, plentiful recycling containers and clean burning natural gas vehicles.
4c (Code:   ) (Expenses $ 9,131,000 including grants of $   ) (Revenue $ 6,776,764 )
Visitor Services Brookfield Zoo served over 2.1 million visitors in 2015, providing them with transportation, shops and restaurants. In addition to motorized, narrated educational tours throughout the park, the Zoo offers strollers, wheelchairs, wagons, etc. to help visitors have a more enjoyable visit. The shops make available goods which promote an interest in and understanding of the natural world and an awareness of how people around the world co-exist with the animals and the ecosystems where they live, and how choices made by humans impact the animals and the environment. The restaurants allow our visitors to stay in the park for lunch and expand the time they can enjoy the park. Visitor Services works closely with educators and designers to develop food packaging programs and select products which convey education and conservation related messages. Visitor Services also provides opportunities for families, businesses, senior groups, social clubs, etc. to hold special outings at the park where they receive admission, special tours and interaction with zoo staff.
4d Other program services (Describe in Schedule O.)
(Expenses $ 24,429,000 including grants of $ 187,349 ) (Revenue $ 11,311,488 )
4e Total program service expensesMediumBullet61,111,260
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 IIClick to see attachment..............
4
Yes
 
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
Yes
 
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 II...
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
Yes
 
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 IV..............
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
Yes
 
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 VII.......
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 VIII.......
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 IX............
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
Yes
 
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
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
Yes
 
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.........Click to see attachment
14b
Yes
 
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.....Click to see attachment
15
Yes
 
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...Click to see attachment
16
Yes
 
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) ....Click to see attachment
17
Yes
 
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............ Click to see attachment
18
Yes
 
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...................Click to see attachment
19
Yes
 
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.....Click to see attachment
21
Yes
 
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........Click to see attachment
22
Yes
 
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...............Click to see attachment
24a
Yes
 
b
Did the organization invest any proceeds of tax-exempt bonds beyond a temporary period exception?...
24b
 
No
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
 
No
d
Did the organization act as an "on behalf of" issuer for bonds outstanding at any time during the year?...
24d
 
No
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.....................Click to see attachment
28b
Yes
 
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... Click to see attachment
28c
Yes
 
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
Yes
 
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
98
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
Yes
 
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
1,747
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
Yes
 
b
If "Yes," did the organization notify the donor of the value of the goods or services provided? .....
7b
Yes
 
c
Did the organization sell, exchange, or otherwise dispose of tangible personal property for which it was required to file Form 8282? .........................
7c
Yes
 
d
If "Yes," indicate the number of Forms 8282 filed during the year ....
7d
1
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
48
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
44
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
Yes
 
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
 
No
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
Yes
 
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
Yes
 
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
 
No
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
FL , IL , 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:
MediumBulletRobert P Galick Jr3300 Golf Road   Brookfield,IL60513 (708) 688-8315
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) John P Grube......................................................................
Chairman of the Board May-Dec/DepChr Jan-May
 2.00
.................
  		X   X       0 0 0
(2) Fred A Krehbiel......................................................................
Honorary Chairman of the Board
 2.00
.................
  		X   X       0 0 0
(3) William C Kunkler III......................................................................
Deputy Chrmn of Brd May-Dec/Chrmn of Brd Jan-May
 2.00
.................
  		X   X       0 0 0
(4) Elizabeth Hamill Bramsen......................................................................
Vice-Chairman of the Board
 2.00
.................
  		X   X       0 0 0
(5) Merrick M Elfman......................................................................
Vice-Chairman of the Board
 2.00
.................
  		X   X       0 0 0
(6) Bert A Getz Jr......................................................................
Vice-Chairman of the Board
 2.00
.................
  		X   X       0 0 0
(7) Sakeba Issa M D......................................................................
Vice-Chairman of the Board
 2.00
.................
  		X   X       0 0 0
(8) Anil Kumar......................................................................
Vice-Chairman of the Board
 2.00
.................
  		X   X       0 0 0
(9) Cherryl T Thomas......................................................................
Vice-Chairman of the Board
 2.00
.................
  		X   X       0 0 0
(10) Michael P Emmert......................................................................
Treasurer
 2.00
.................
  		X   X       0 0 0
(11) Randall G Vickery......................................................................
Secretary
 2.00
.................
  		X   X       0 0 0
(12) Stuart D Strahl PhD......................................................................
President and CEO
 40.00
.................
  		X   X       532,008 0 68,828
(13) Stuart B Abelson......................................................................
Trustee
 2.00
.................
  		X           0 0 0
(14) Mrs LW Alberts......................................................................
Trustee
 2.00
.................
  		X           0 0 0
(15) Robert M Beavers......................................................................
Trustee through 8/2015
 2.00
.................
  		X           0 0 0
(16) Stephen P Bent......................................................................
Trustee
 2.00
.................
  		X           0 0 0
(17) Jay D Bergman......................................................................
Trustee
 2.00
.................
  		X           0 0 0
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) Edward McCormick Blair Jr........................................................................
Trustree
 2.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(19) Barbara J Bradford........................................................................
Trustee
 2.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(20) John A Carpenter........................................................................
Trustee
 2.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(21) Kevin M Carmody........................................................................
Trustee as of 5/2015
 2.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(22) Jon C Creyts PhD........................................................................
Trustee through 5/2015
 2.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(23) Dawn M Davis........................................................................
Trustee
 2.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(24) Lawrence E DeMar........................................................................
Trustee
 2.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(25) Michael F DeSantiago........................................................................
Trustee
 2.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(26) Diane V Dygert........................................................................
Trustee through 5/2015
 2.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(27) Arthur J Fogel........................................................................
Trustee
 2.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(28) Graham C Grady........................................................................
Trustee
 2.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(29) Kay Guyette........................................................................
Trustee
 2.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(30) Philip Lee Harris........................................................................
Trustee
 2.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(31) Christine E Holden........................................................................
Trustee
 2.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(32) William L Hood Jr........................................................................
Trustee
 2.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(33) Heidi A Huizenga........................................................................
Trustee
 2.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(34) Timothy Hurd........................................................................
Trustee
 2.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(35) Jill V Javors........................................................................
Trustee
 2.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(36) Lisa N Johnson........................................................................
Trustee
 2.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(37) Barbara Levy Kipper........................................................................
Trustee
 2.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(38) Kevin W Kirby........................................................................
Trustee
 2.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(39) Angelo C Kleronomos........................................................................
Trustee
 2.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(40) William O Lipinski........................................................................
Trustee
 2.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(41) Jerry Manne........................................................................
Trustee
 2.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(42) Christian B McGrath........................................................................
Trustee
 2.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(43) Andrew J McKenna Jr........................................................................
Trustee through 2/2015
 2.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(44) Toni Reed Preckwinkle........................................................................
Trustee
 2.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(45) Thomas J Sabatino........................................................................
Trustee
 2.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(46) Mark G Sander........................................................................
Trustee
 2.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(47) Kelley C Schueler........................................................................
Trustee
 2.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(48) Kathryn Babcock Shaffer........................................................................
Trustee
 2.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(49) John W Taylor III........................................................................
Trustee
 2.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(50) Kenneth N Thompson........................................................................
Trustee
 2.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(51) William E Thonn........................................................................
Trustee
 2.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(52) Christopher D Traut........................................................................
Trustee
 2.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(53) Cynthia W Zeigler........................................................................
Chief Advancement Officer
 40.00
.......................   		      X     290,323 0 29,037
(54) Richard G Gamble........................................................................
Sr. VP Operations
 40.00
.......................   		      X     276,894 0 19,779
(55) Christopher Jabin........................................................................
Sr. VP Development
 40.00
.......................   		      X     251,735 0 25,663
(56) Kenneth Kaduk........................................................................
Sr. VP Finance and Admin.
 40.00
.......................   		      X     251,600 0 21,691
(57) Dr Alejandro Grajal........................................................................
Sr. VP Conservation, Educ. and Training
 40.00
.......................   		      X     205,733 0 25,341
(58) Frank W Zeigler........................................................................
Sr. VP Animal Programs
 40.00
.......................   		      X     195,280 0 8,997
(59) Sarah Breen-Bartecki........................................................................
VP Conservation Funding Initiatives
 40.00
.......................   		        X   184,621 0 12,017
(60) Matthew Mayer........................................................................
VP Public Affairs
 40.00
.......................   		        X   174,003 0 99,647
(61) Jerome E Johnston........................................................................
VP Guest Service Operations
 40.00
.......................   		        X   162,705 0 11,182
(62) Sandra L Dornhecker........................................................................
VP Human Resources
 40.00
.......................   		        X   156,968 0 16,674
(63) Robert A Dulski........................................................................
Director of Information Services
 40.00
.......................   		        X   142,224 0 3,091
1b Sub-Total................MediumBullet
c Total from continuation sheets to Part VII, Section A....MediumBullet
d Total (add lines 1b and 1c)...........MediumBullet 2,824,094   341,947
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 MediumBullet33
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
Featherstone Inc

4610 Roslyn Rd
Downers Grove,IL60515 		Construction Management 978,463
Paymentech LLC

14221 Dallas Parkway
Dallas,TX75254 		Payment Card Processing 477,677
PBA Inc

PO Box 2023
Carol Stream,IL60132 		Benefits Administration 418,930
Outdoor Advertising GroupRapport

PO Box 7247-6591
Philadelphia,PA19170 		Advertising 400,553
Steve Martin's Natural Encounters Inc

127 Conservation Way
Winter Haven,FL33884 		Bird Show 386,887
2
Total number of independent contractors (including but not limited to those listed above) who received more than $100,000 of compensation from the organization MediumBullet63
Form 990 (2015)
Form 990 (2015)
Page 9
Part VIII
Statement of Revenue
Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part VIII .............
(A)
Total revenue 		(B)
Related or
exempt
function
revenue 		(C)
Unrelated
business
revenue 		(D)
Revenue
excluded from
tax under sections
512-514
Contributions, Gifts, GrantAmt and OtherAmt Similar Amounts 1a Federated campaigns..1a  
b Membership dues..1b 9,128,830
c Fundraising events..1c 1,804,552
d Related organizations1d  
e Government grants (contributions)1e 19,705,972
f All other contributions, gifts, grants, and similar amounts not included above1f 10,570,137
g Noncash contributions included in lines 1a-1f:$ 3,142,582
h Total.Add lines 1a-1f.......MediumBullet 41,209,491
Program Service RevenueAmt Business Code
2a General Admissions 900099 5,770,747 5,770,747    
b Memberships 900099 3,760,141 3,760,141    
c Visitor Services 900099 3,360,059 1,897,927 1,462,132  
d Admissions-Internal Attractions 900099 1,984,074 1,984,074    
e Visitor Parking 900099 2,352,490     2,352,490
f All other program service revenue. 2,438,956 2,171,497   267,459
g Total.Add lines 2a–2f.....MediumBullet 19,666,467
OtherAmt RevenueAmt 3 Investment income (including dividends, interest, and othersimilar amounts) ..........MediumBullet 1,130,173     1,130,173
4 Income from investment of tax-exempt bond proceedsMediumBullet        
5 Royalties...........MediumBullet        
(ii) Personal (i) Real
6a Gross rents   20,400
b Less: rental expenses    
c Rental income or (loss)   20,400
d Net rental income or (loss)......MediumBullet 20,400     20,400
(ii) Other (i) Securities
7a Gross amount from sales of assets other than inventory   13,770,202
b Less: cost or other basis and sales expenses   12,686,511
c Gain or (loss)   1,083,691
d Net gain or (loss).....MediumBullet 1,083,691     1,083,691
8a Gross income from fundraising events (not including $ 1,804,553of contributions reported on line 1c). See Part IV, line 18 ....
a 385,976
b Less: direct expenses ...b 741,464
c Net income or (loss) from fundraising events..MediumBullet -355,488   -355,488
9a Gross income from gaming activities.
See Part IV, line 19 ...
a 38,750
b Less: direct expenses ...b 4,650
c Net income or (loss) from gaming activities..MediumBullet 34,100     34,100
10a Gross sales of inventory, less
returns and allowances ..
a 13,376,329
b Less: cost of goods sold ..b 3,647,780
c Net income or (loss) from sales of inventory..MediumBullet 9,728,549 3,388,251   6,340,298
Business Code Miscellaneous Revenue
11a            
b            
c            
d All other revenue ....        
e Total. Add lines 11a–11d ...... MediumBullet  
12 Total revenue. See Instructions......MediumBullet 72,517,383 18,972,637 1,462,132 10,873,123
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 76,063 76,063
2 Grants and other assistance to individuals in the United States. See Part IV, line 22 15,000 15,000
3 Grants and other assistance to governments, organizations, and individuals outside the United States. See Part IV, lines 15 and 16 96,286 96,286
4 Benefits paid to or for members 0  
5 Compensation of current officers, directors, trustees, and key employees .... 2,202,912 704,605 649,570 848,737
6 Compensation not included above, to disqualified persons (as defined under section 4958(f)(1)) and persons described in section 4958(c)(3)(B) .... 0      
7 Other salaries and wages 29,814,130 26,184,771 2,419,048 1,210,311
8 Pension plan accruals and contributions (include section 401(k) and 403(b) employer contributions) .... 724,641 637,684 57,971 28,986
9 Other employee benefits ....... 5,337,563 4,034,391 821,600 481,572
10 Payroll taxes ........... 2,510,542 2,209,277 200,843 100,422
11 Fees for services (non-employees):        
a Management ...... 0      
b Legal ......... 387,352   387,352  
c Accounting ........... 71,150   71,150  
d Lobbying ........... 55,326 10,326 45,000  
e Professional fundraising services. See Part IV, line 17 118,431 118,431
f Investment management fees ...... 111,029   111,029  
g Other (If line 11g amount exceeds 10% of line 25, column (A) amount, list line 11g expenses on Schedule O) 6,190,641 5,957,761 155,190 77,690
12 Advertising and promotion .... 2,591,240 2,591,240    
13 Office expenses ....... 6,040,941 5,773,800 177,596 89,545
14 Information technology ...... 1,002,567 258,330 723,047 21,190
15 Royalties .. 32,892 32,892    
16 Occupancy ........... 3,004,905 2,639,439 338,533 26,933
17 Travel ............ 173,746 133,622 6,538 33,586
18 Payments of travel or entertainment expenses for any federal, state, or local public officials . 0      
19 Conferences, conventions, and meetings .... 289,609 157,445 41,849 90,315
20 Interest ........... 753,582 753,582    
21 Payments to affiliates ....... 0      
22 Depreciation, depletion, and amortization .. 8,296,261 8,296,261    
23 Insurance ... 528,483 79,341 449,142  
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 Revenue Bond Maintenance Fees 271,278 271,278    
b Gain/Loss on Retirement of Fixed Assets -33,514 -33,514    
c
d
e All other expenses 303,081 231,380 47,844 23,857
25 Total functional expenses. Add lines 1 through 24e 70,966,137 61,111,260 6,703,302 3,151,575
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 ........ 126,247 1 659,988
2 Savings and temporary cash investments ......... 25,648,710 2 15,695,427
3 Pledges and grants receivable, net ...... 6,460,942 3 6,687,897
4 Accounts receivable, net ............. 2,825,606 4 1,177,273
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 ........ 935,934 8 899,260
9 Prepaid expenses and deferred charges ...... 353,001 9 425,855
10a Land, buildings, and equipment: cost or other basis. Complete Part VI of Schedule D 10a 271,721,154
b Less: accumulated depreciation 10b 125,680,384 141,719,806 10c 146,040,770
11 Investments—publicly traded securities . 47,534,000 11 46,662,000
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 ........... 341,754 15 334,530
16 Total assets. Add lines 1 through 15 (must equal line 34)... 225,946,000 16 218,583,000
Liabilities 17 Accounts payable and accrued expenses ..... 9,083,576 17 5,774,244
18 Grants payable ...   18  
19 Deferred revenue ......... 7,127,277 19 7,482,753
20 Tax-exempt bond liabilities ......... 36,380,000 20 35,990,000
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 5,718,147 25 5,191,003
26 Total liabilities. Add lines 17 through 25.. 58,309,000 26 54,438,000
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 146,245,000 27 142,950,000
28 Temporarily restricted net assets ........... 13,808,000 28 13,435,000
29 Permanently restricted net assets 7,584,000 29 7,760,000
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 ........... 167,637,000 33 164,145,000
34 Total liabilities and net assets/fund balances ........ 225,946,000 34 218,583,000
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
72,517,383
2
Total expenses (must equal Part IX, column (A), line 25) ............
2
70,966,137
3
Revenue less expenses. Subtract line 2 from line 1 ..............
3
1,551,246
4
Net assets or fund balances at beginning of year (must equal Part X, line 33, column (A)) ..
4
167,637,000
5
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments ...............
5
-5,022,587
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
-20,659
10
Net assets or fund balances at end of year. Combine lines 3 through 9 (must equal Part X, line 33, column (B))
10
164,145,000
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
Yes
 
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
Yes
 
Form 990 (2015)
Form 990 (2015)
Additional Data


Software ID: 15000290
Software Version: 15.3.0.0
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
Chicago Zoological Society
 
Employer identification number

36-2167016
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.) .... 16,910,890 17,512,055 25,975,460 25,793,456 22,337,974 108,529,835
2 Tax revenues levied for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf....... 15,738,921 15,640,153 16,582,929 18,674,437 18,871,517 85,507,957
3 The value of services or facilities furnished by a governmental unit to the organization without charge..            
4 Total. Add lines 1 through 3 32,649,811 33,152,208 42,558,389 44,467,893 41,209,491 194,037,792
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).. 1,087,708
6 Public support. Subtract line 5 from line 4. 192,950,084
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.. 32,649,811 33,152,208 42,558,389 44,467,893 41,209,491 194,037,792
8 Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources... 1,089,974 1,114,237 1,347,792 1,248,409 1,130,173 5,930,585
9 Net income from unrelated business activities, whether or not the business is regularly carried on.. 74,240 121,431 55,173     250,844
10 Other income. Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets (Explain in Part VI.)..            
11 Total support. Add lines 7 through 10. 200,219,221
12
12
149,116,371
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
96.370 %
15
15
96.190 %
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
0 %
16
16
 
Section D. Computation of Investment Income Percentage
17
17
0 %
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 (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015


Additional Data


Software ID: 15000290
Software Version: 15.3.0.0
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
Chicago Zoological Society
 
Employer identification number

36-2167016
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
Chicago Zoological Society
  		Employer identification number
36-2167016
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
Chicago Zoological Society
  		Employer identification number

36-2167016
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
Chicago Zoological Society
  		Employer identification number

36-2167016
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: 15000290
Software Version: 15.3.0.0
SCHEDULE C
(Form 990 or 990-EZ)

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Political Campaign and Lobbying Activities

For Organizations Exempt From Income Tax Under section 501(c) and section 527
SchCMd Bullet Complete if the organization is described below. SchCMd Bullet Attach to Form 990 or Form 990-EZ.
SchCMd BulletInformation about Schedule C (Form 990 or 990-EZ) and its instructions is at www.irs.gov/form990.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2015
Open to Public
Inspection
If the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, Line 3, or Form 990-EZ, Part V, line 46 (Political Campaign Activities), then
Round Bullet Section 501(c)(3) organizations: Complete Parts I-A and B. Do not complete Part I-C.
Round Bullet Section 501(c) (other than section 501(c)(3)) organizations: Complete Parts I-A and C below. Do not complete Part I-B.
Round Bullet Section 527 organizations: Complete Part I-A only.
If the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, Line 4, or Form 990-EZ, Part VI, line 47 (Lobbying Activities), then
Round Bullet Section 501(c)(3) organizations that have filed Form 5768 (election under section 501(h)): Complete Part II-A. Do not complete Part II-B.
Round Bullet Section 501(c)(3) organizations that have NOT filed Form 5768 (election under section 501(h)): Complete Part II-B. Do not complete Part II-A.
If the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, Line 5 (Proxy Tax) (see separate instructions) or Form 990-EZ, Part V, line 35c (Proxy Tax) (see separate instructions), then
Round Bullet Section 501(c)(4), (5), or (6) organizations: Complete Part III.
Name of the organization
Chicago Zoological Society
 
Employer identification number

36-2167016
Part I-A
Complete if the organization is exempt under section 501(c) or is a section 527 organization.

1
Provide a description of the organization’s direct and indirect political campaign activities in Part IV.
2
Political expenditures ......................................................................................................................SchCMd Bullet
$  
3
Volunteer hours .............................................................................................................................
 

Part I-B
Complete if the organization is exempt under section 501(c)(3).
1
Enter the amount of any excise tax incurred by the organization under section 4955 ................................SchCMd Bullet
$  
2
Enter the amount of any excise tax incurred by organization managers under section 4955 .......................SchCMd Bullet
$  
3
If the organization incurred a section 4955 tax, did it file Form 4720 for this year? .........................................
4a
Was a correction made? ......................................................................................................................
b
If "Yes," describe in Part IV.
Part I-C
Complete if the organization is exempt under section 501(c), except section 501(c)(3).
1
Enter the amount directly expended by the filing organization for section 527 exempt function activities ..... SchCMd Bullet
$  
2
Enter the amount of the filing organization's funds contributed to other organizations for section 527 exempt function activities ............................................................................................................................SchCMd Bullet

$  
3
Total exempt function expenditures. Add lines 1 and 2. Enter here and on Form 1120-POL, line 17b...........SchCMd Bullet

$  
4
Did the filing organization file Form 1120-POL for this year? ...................................................................
5
Enter the names, addresses and employer identification number (EIN) of all section 527 political organizations to which the filing
organization made payments. For each organization listed, enter the amount paid from the filing organization’s funds. Also enter the amount of political contributions received that were promptly and directly delivered to a separate political organization, such as a separate segregated fund or a political action committee (PAC). If additional space is needed, provide information in Part IV.
(a) Name (b) Address (c) EIN (d) Amount paid from filing organization's funds. If none, enter -0-. (e) Amount of political contributions received and promptly and directly delivered to a separate political organization. If none, enter -0-.
1
2
3
4
5
6
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the instructions for Form 990 or 990-EZ.
Cat. No. 50084S
Schedule C (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015

Schedule C (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015
Page 2
Part II-A
Complete if the organization is exempt under section 501(c)(3) and filed Form 5768 (election under section 501(h)).
A Check SchCMd Bulletexpenses, and share of excess lobbying expenditures).
B Check SchCMd Bullet
Limits on Lobbying Expenditures
(The term "expenditures" means amounts paid or incurred.) 		(a) Filing
organization's
totals 		(b) Affiliated group totals
1a Total lobbying expenditures to influence public opinion (grass roots lobbying) ...............................................    
b Total lobbying expenditures to influence a legislative body (direct lobbying) ...........................................    
c Total lobbying expenditures (add lines 1a and 1b) .......................................................................    
d Other exempt purpose expenditures .........................................................................................    
e Total exempt purpose expenditures (add lines 1c and 1d) ....................................................................    
f Lobbying nontaxable amount. Enter the amount from the following table in both
columns.		    
If the amount on line 1e, column (a) or (b) is:The lobbying nontaxable amount is:
Not over $500,00020% of the amount on line 1e.
Over $500,000 but not over $1,000,000$100,000 plus 15% of the excess over $500,000.
Over $1,000,000 but not over $1,500,000$175,000 plus 10% of the excess over $1,000,000.
Over $1,500,000 but not over $17,000,000$225,000 plus 5% of the excess over $1,500,000.
Over $17,000,000$1,000,000.
g Grassroots nontaxable amount (enter 25% of line 1f) ..........................................................................    
h Subtract line 1g from line 1a. If zero or less, enter -0-. ..........................................................................    
i Subtract line 1f from line 1c. If zero or less, enter -0-. ...........................................................................    
j If there is an amount other than zero on either line 1h or line 1i, did the organization file Form 4720 reporting
section 4911 tax for this year? ..............................................................................................................

4-Year Averaging Period Under section 501(h)
(Some organizations that made a section 501(h) election do not have to complete all of the five
columns below. See the separate instructions for lines 2a through 2f.)
Lobbying Expenditures During 4-Year Averaging Period
Calendar year (or fiscal year
beginning in) 		(a) 2012 (b) 2013 (c) 2014 (d) 2015 (e) Total
2a Lobbying nontaxable amount          
b Lobbying ceiling amount
(150% of line 2a, column(e)) 		 
c Total lobbying expenditures          
d Grassroots nontaxable amount          
e Grassroots ceiling amount
(150% of line 2d, column (e))		  
f Grassroots lobbying expenditures          
Schedule C (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015


Schedule C (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015
Page 3
Part II-B
Complete if the organization is exempt under section 501(c)(3) and has NOT filed Form 5768 (election under section 501(h)).
For each "Yes" response on lines 1a through 1i below, provide in Part IV a detailed description of the lobbying activity.
(a)
No
Yes
(b)
Amount
1
During the year, did the filing organization attempt to influence foreign, national, state or local legislation, including any attempt to influence public opinion on a legislative matter or referendum, through the use of:
a
Volunteers? ...........................................................................................................
 
No
b
Paid staff or management (include compensation in expenses reported on lines 1c through 1i)? ........
Yes
 
c
Media advertisements? ...................................................................................................
 
No
 
d
Mailings to members, legislators, or the public? .............................................................................
 
No
 
e
Publications, or published or broadcast statements? ...........................................................
 
No
 
f
Grants to other organizations for lobbying purposes? ..........................................................
 
No
 
g
Direct contact with legislators, their staffs, government officials, or a legislative body? .......................
Yes
 
72,357
h
Rallies, demonstrations, seminars, conventions, speeches, lectures, or any similar means? ..................
 
No
 
i
Other activities? ...................................................................................................................
 
No
 
j
Total. Add lines 1c through 1i ....................................................................................................
72,357
2a
Did the activities in line 1 cause the organization to be not described in section 501(c)(3)? .....
 
No
b
If "Yes," enter the amount of any tax incurred under section 4912 ...........................................
 
c
If "Yes," enter the amount of any tax incurred by organization managers under section 4912 ...................
 
d
If the filing organization incurred a section 4912 tax, did it file Form 4720 for this year? ........................
 
 
Part III-A
Complete if the organization is exempt under section 501(c)(4), section 501(c)(5), or section 501(c)(6).
Yes
No
1
Were substantially all (90% or more) dues received nondeductible by members? ...............................................
1
 
 
2
Did the organization make only in-house lobbying expenditures of $2,000 or less? ............................................
2
 
 
3
Did the organization agree to carry over lobbying and political expenditures from the prior year? .................................
3
 
 
Part III-B
Complete if the organization is exempt under section 501(c)(4), section 501(c)(5), or section 501(c)(6) and if either (a) BOTH Part III-A, lines 1 and 2, are answered "No" OR (b) Part III-A, line 3, is answered “Yes."
1
Dues, assessments and similar amounts from members ......................................................................
1
 
2
Section 162(e) nondeductible lobbying and political expenditures (do not include amounts of political expenses for which the section 527(f) tax was paid).
a
Current year .............................................................................................................................
2a
 
b
Carryover from last year ............................................................................................................
2b
 
c
Total ...........................................................................................................................................
2c
 
3
Aggregate amount reported in section 6033(e)(1)(A) notices of nondeductible section 162(e) dues .
3
 
4
If notices were sent and the amount on line 2c exceeds the amount on line 3, what portion of the excess does the organization agree to carryover to the reasonable estimate of nondeductible lobbying and political expenditure next year? ......................................................................................................................
4
 
5
Taxable amount of lobbying and political expenditures (see instructions) .........................................
5
 
Part IV
Supplemental Information
Provide the descriptions required for Part l-A, line 1; Part l-B, line 4; Part l-C, line 5; Part II-A (affiliated group list); Part II-A, lines 1 and 2 (see instructions), and Part ll-B, line 1. Also, complete this part for any additional information.
Return Reference Explanation
II-B 1A-J The Chicago Zoological Society is a private non profit organization that operates Brookfield Zoo on land owned by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County. Brookfield Zoo was created through an act of the Illinois Legislature and the Society annually receives partial funding from Cook County to maintain and operate the Zoo. Occasionally, the laws and regulations under which the Society was organized and is funded and operated require updating. The Society may advise and assist appropriate legislative bodies in this activity. It may also advocate the adoption or rejection of legislation. By virtue of a management agreement with the District, the Society is periodically called upon to advise on matters of public policy. The Society also employs certain staff and consultants to communicate with the State of Illinois, federal officials, county commissioners and other government officials, to inform those parties of the activities of the Society. Additionally, as required during the year, the Societys President and designated staff attend national and international professional group meetings and otherwise communicate with those groups on various matters, including the expression of opinions to appropriate congressional representatives, congressional committees or other deliberative bodies that influence public policy concerning species in danger of extinction, environmental management, the biological sciences and kindred subject, and federal regulatory agency activities affecting wildlife and its management. Also, as needed from time to time, the Society may contact its members, staff and volunteers to encourage them to express their views on pending legislation that may have a direct impact on the Society and its conservation programs.
Schedule C (Form 990 or 990EZ) 2015


Additional Data


Software ID: 15000290
Software Version: 15.3.0.0

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
Chicago Zoological Society
 
Employer identification number

36-2167016
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
2 Aggregate value of contributions to (during year)   213,698
3 Aggregate value of grants from (during year)   213,275
4 Aggregate value at end of year ....   2,121,701
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 .... 18,533,000 18,663,000 17,011,000 15,199,000 15,750,000
b Contributions ... 301,000 169,000 345,000 316,000 325,000
c Net investment earnings, gains, and losses -1,252,000 514,000 2,120,000 2,193,000 -390,000
d Grants or scholarships ...          
e Other expenditures for facilities
and programs ... 		847,000 774,000 776,000 664,000 454,000
f Administrative expenses .... 36,000 39,000 37,000 33,000 32,000
g End of year balance ...... 16,699,000 18,533,000 18,663,000 17,011,000 15,199,000
2
Provide the estimated percentage of the current year end balance (line 1g, column (a)) held as:
a
Board designated or quasi-endowment SchDMd Bullet26.000 %
b
Permanent endowment SchDMd Bullet46.000 %
c
Temporarily restricted endowment SchDMd Bullet28.000 %
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)
Yes
 
(ii) related organizations .................
3a(ii)
 
No
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   263,257,031 119,925,171 143,331,860
d Equipment ...   8,291,008 5,755,213 2,535,795
e Other ...   173,115   173,115
Total. Add lines 1a through 1e. (Column (d) must equal Form 990, Part X, column (B), line 10(c).)..SchDMdBullet 146,040,770
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) Financial derivatives and other financial products 		   

(B) Closely-held equity interests 		   
(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  
Federal income taxes  
Accrued Post Retirment Benefit Obligation 2,224,697
Accrued Sick Pay Benefit Obligation 1,848,168
Charitable Gift Annuity Obligation 284,326
Market Value of Swap Agreements 678,638
Other 155,174
(7)
(8)
(9)
Total. (Column (b) must equal Form 990, Part X, col.(B) line 25.)Small Bullet 5,191,003
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 71,874,000
2 Amounts included on line 1 but not on Form 990, Part VIII, line 12:
a Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments .... 2a -5,022,587
b Donated services and use of facilities ......... 2b 94,588
c Recoveries of prior year grants ........... 2c  
d Other (Describe in Part XIII.) ............ 2d  
e Add lines 2a through 2d ..................... 2e -4,927,999
3 Subtract line 2e from line 1.................. 3 76,801,999
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 19,869
b Other (Describe in Part XIII.) ........... 4b -4,304,485
c Add lines 4a and 4b.................... 4c -4,284,616
5 Total revenue. Add lines 3 and 4c. (This must equal Form 990, Part I, line 12.) ...... 5 72,517,383
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 75,170,000
2 Amounts included on line 1 but not on Form 990, Part IX, line 25:
a Donated services and use of facilities ......... 2a 94,588
b Prior year adjustments ............ 2b  
c Other losses ................ 2c  
d Other (Describe in Part XIII.) ............ 2d 4,129,144
e Add lines 2a through 2d.................... 2e 4,223,732
3 Subtract line 2e from line 1................... 3 70,946,268
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 19,869
b Other (Describe in Part XIII.) ............ 4b  
c Add lines 4a and 4b..................... 4c 19,869
5 Total expenses. Add lines 3 and 4c. (This must equal Form 990, Part I, line 18.) ...... 5 70,966,137

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
I 5 and 6 The Society does not maintain any donor advised funds. Other Funds consist of the Chicago Board of Trade Endangered Species Fund and the CZS Womens Board Fund. Contributions to these funds come from donors as well as proceeds from fundraising events and investment income. Grants are decided by committees as described in Schedule I. At times, donors who have given money to the fund may also sit on the granting committee but no one donor may decide on the grant awards. All grants awarded must follow the guidelines and processes established by CZS. CZS Board of Trustees has final approval of all Chicago Board of Trade Endangered Species Fund Committee recommended grant awards. CZS Management has final approval of all CZS Womens Board recommended grant awards.
III 1A Animal Collections, which were acquired through breeding loans, purchases and contributions, are not recognized as assets on the Statement of Financial Position. Costs to acquire collection items are recorded as decreases in unrestricted net assets in the year in which the animals are acquired. Proceeds from deaccessions are reflected as increases in the appropriate net asset class. The Societys animal collection consists of specimens with numerous attributes including taxonomic group, age, sex, relationship and value to other animals, endangered status and breeding potential. The Society retains a record of every animal in a permanent file. An inventory of the collection is prepared annually. Professionally trained keeper staff and population managers provide daily care for the collection and determine population needs.
III 4 The more than 2500 ambassadors of the animal kingdom which make up the CZS collection provide our visitors a rare opportunity to see species from around the globe. The collection, in connection with our education programs, provides CZS the opportunity to teach guests about animals and nature, conservation and other related topics.
V 4 The Societys endowment consists of 11 different funds established to support a variety of CZS programs including conservation and research, education and outreach, care of the animal collection and grounds, and general operations. Additionally, the Society is the designated beneficiary of the interest income on a 1 million endowment established and maintained by the Chicago Community Trust. The CCT maintains variance power over this endowment and, accordingly, the Society has not included it in its financial statements.
VI 1A-E The Society operates a zoological park on land owned by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, IL which is provided to the Society at no charge. The land site of the Zoo, accordingly, is not recorded on the Societys financial statements. All park improvements acquired by the Society are legally owned by the District. All park improvements acquired by the Society, including those acquired with District funds, are recorded as park improvements on the Societys financial statements. The amount in Other represents construction in progress on capital assets. Once a capital asset is complete and in use, the total amount for that project is closed out of construction in progress and transferred to park improvements.
X 2 The Societys application of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America GAAP regarding uncertain tax positions had no effect on its financial position as management believes the Society has no material unrecognized income tax benefits, including any potential risk of loss of its not-for-profit status. The Society would account for any potential interest or penalties related to possible future liabilities for unrecognized income tax benefits as income tax expense. Management believes the Society is no longer subject to examination by federal, state, or local tax authorities for periods before 2012.
XI 4b Other Adjustments - Cost of Sales of Inventory -3,647,780, fundraising event expense -657,173, raffle expense -50, Rounding and Misc adjustments 518
XII 2d Other Adjustments - Cost of Sales of Inventory 3,647,780, change in market value of swap agreements -176,710, fundraising event expense 657,173, raffle expense 50, Rounding and Misc adjustments 851
Schedule D (Form 990) 2015


Additional Data


Software ID: 15000290
Software Version: 15.3.0.0




SCHEDULE F(Form 990)
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Statement of Activities Outside the United States
Right pointing arrow large image Complete if the organization answered "Yes" to Form 990,Part IV, line 14b, 15, or 16.Right pointing arrow large image Attach to Form 990. Right pointing arrow large image See separate instructions.Right pointing arrow large image Information about Schedule F (Form 990) and its instructions is at www.irs.gov/form990.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2015
Open to Public Inspection
Name of the organization
Chicago Zoological Society
 
Employer identification number

36-2167016
Part I
General Information on Activities Outside the United States. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" to Form 990, Part IV, line 14b.
1
For grantmakers.Does the organization maintain records to substantiate the amount of its grants and
other assistance, the grantees’ eligibility for the grants or assistance, and the selection criteria used
to award the grants or assistance? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2
For grantmakers. Describe in Part V the organization’s procedures for monitoring the use of its grants and other assistance outside the United States.
3
Activites per Region. (The following Part I, line 3 table can be duplicated if additional space is needed.)
(a) Region (b) Number of offices in the region (c) Number of employees, agents, and independent contractors in region (d) Activities conducted in region (by type) (e.g., fundraising, program services, investments, grants to recipients located in the region) (e) If activity listed in (d) is a program service, describe specific type of
service(s) in region		 (f) Total expenditures
for and investments
in region
Central America and the Caribbean     program services conservation research fieldwork 3,070
Central America and the Caribbean     program services attend conservation related conferences 6,760
East Asia and the Pacific     program services attend conservation related conferences 4,391
East Asia and the Pacific     program services conservation education fieldwork 1,183
East Asia and the Pacific     grants to recipients for fieldwork in region   4,850
Europe Including Iceland and Greenland     program services attend conservation related conferences 1,800
Europe Including Iceland and Greenland     grants to recipients for fieldwork in region   12,000
Europe Including Iceland and Greenland     program services membership in conservation related organizations 13,628
Middle East and North Africa     program services attend conservation related conferences 7,336
North America     program services attend conservation related conferences 1,239
South America   1 program services conservation research fieldwork 129,496
South America     program services membership in conservation related organization 500
South America     program services attend conservation related conference 315
South America     grants to recipients for fieldwork in region   23,333
South Asia     grants to recipients for fieldwork in region   7,450
Sub-Saharan Africa     fundraising accompany members on trip 11,460
Sub-Saharan Africa     program services conservation education fieldwork 3,366
Sub-Saharan Africa     program services attend conservation related conference 1,587
Sub-Saharan Africa     grants to recipients for fieldwork in region   48,653
3a Sub-total .....   1 232,177
b Total from continuation sheets to Part I ...     50,240
c Totals (add lines 3a and 3b)   1 282,417
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990.Cat. No. 50082W Schedule F (Form 990) 2015
Schedule F (Form 990) 2015
Page 2
Part II
Grants and Other Assistance to Organizations or Entities Outside the United States. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" to Form 990, Part IV, line 15, for any recipient who received more than $5,000. Part II can be duplicated if additional space is needed.
1 (a) Name of organization (b) IRS code section
and EIN (if applicable)		 (a)(c) Region (b)(d) Purpose of
grant 		(e) Amount of
cash grant 		(f) Manner of
cash
disbursement 		(g) Amount
of non-cash
assistance 		(h) Description
of non-cash
assistance 		(i) Method of
valuation
(book, FMV,
appraisal, other)
Sub-Saharan Africa conservation research fieldwork 23,500 wire transfer      
Europe Including Iceland and Greenland spt for conservation organization 10,000 wire transfer      
South America conservation research fieldwork 13,333 check      
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
2 Enter total number of recipient organizations listed above that are recognized as charities by the foreign country, recognized as tax-exempt by the IRS, or for which the grantee or counsel has provided a section 501(c)(3) equivalency letter .......MediumBullet
3
3 Enter total number of other organizations or entities .......................MediumBullet
 
Schedule F (Form 990) 2015
Schedule F (Form 990) 2015Page 3
Part III
Grants and Other Assistance to Individuals Outside the United States. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" to Form 990, Part IV, line 16.
Part III can be duplicated if additional space is needed.
(a) Type of grant or assistance (b) Region (c) Number of recipients (d) Amount of
cash grant 		(e) Manner of cash
disbursement 		(f) Amount of
non-cash
assistance 		(g) Description
of non-cash
assistance 		(h) Method of
valuation
(book, FMV,
appraisal, other)
conservation research fieldwork South America 1 5,000 wire transfer      
conservation research fieldwork Sub-Saharan Africa 4 15,753 wire transfers      
conservation research fieldwork South Asia 2 7,450 wire transfers      
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
Schedule F (Form 990) 2015
Schedule F (Form 990) 2015
Page 4
Part IV
Foreign Forms
1 Was the organization a U.S. transferor of property to a foreign corporation during the tax year? If "Yes,"the organization may be required to file Form 926, Return by a U.S. Transferor of Property to a Foreign Corporation (see Instructions for Form 926). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Did the organization have an interest in a foreign trust during the tax year? If "Yes," the organization may be required to separately file Form 3520, Annual Return to Report Transactions with Foreign Trusts and Receipt of Certain Foreign Gifts, and/or Form 3520-A, Annual Information Return of Foreign Trust With a U.S. Owner (see Instructions for Forms 3520 and 3520-A). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3 Did the organization have an ownership interest in a foreign corporation during the tax year? If "Yes," the organization may be required to file Form 5471, Information Return of U.S. Persons with Respect to Certain Foreign Corporations. (see Instructions for Form 5471). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Was the organization a direct or indirect shareholder of a passive foreign investment company or a qualified electing fund during the tax year? If “Yes,” the organization may be required to file Form 8621, Information Return by a Shareholder of a Passive Foreign Investment Company or Qualified Electing Fund. (see Instructions for Form 8621) .
5 Did the organization have an ownership interest in a foreign partnership during the tax year? If "Yes," the organization may be required to file Form 8865, Return of U.S. Persons with Respect to Certain Foreign Partnerships. (see Instructions for Form 8865). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Did the organization have any operations in or related to any boycotting countries during the tax year? If "Yes," the organization may be required to separately file Form 5713, International Boycott Report (see Instructions for Form 5713).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Schedule F (Form 990) 2015
Schedule F (Form 990) 2015
Page 5
Part V
Supplemental Information
Provide the information required by Part I, line 2 (monitoring of funds); Part I, line 3, column (f) (accounting method; amounts of investments vs. expenditures per region); Part II, line 1 (accounting method); Part III (accounting method); and Part III, column (c) (estimated number of recipients), as applicable. Also complete this part to provide any additional information (see instructions).
ReturnReference Explanation
Part I Line 2 The Society awards grants through its Chicago Board of Trade Endangered Species Fund CBT ESF. The grant cycle is 2 times per year. Grant proposals are reviewed by a team of approximately 20 reviewers. All proposals must be endorsed by an IUCN Species Survival Committee or other major, internationally known conservation organization, the AZA/WAZA, or other major zoo organization. For any individuals/organizations who are not US Citizens/entities, the Society checks the most recent OFAC Control List of Specifically Designated and Blocked Persons as well as the Consolidated List established and maintained by the 1267 Committee with respect to Al-Qaida, Osama Bin Laden, and the Taliban and other individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with them. Approximately 50,000 is awarded each cycle, usually in amounts of 2000 to 5000 per grant. Final award recommendations are presented to the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees by the CBT ESF Committee members. Status reports are required from recipients 6 months after the receipt of the funds. Final reports are due 1 year after the receipt of the funds along with a final accounting of the grant funds expended. In addition, other grant funds are given by the Society to major, internationally known conservation organizations in support of their general conservation mission. These contributions are determined by Society management They are approved by the Board either as part of the annual operating budget process or as part of a periodic spending authorization from the Societys Board Designated Conservation Fund.
Part I Line 3, Col F , Part II Line 1, and Part III All expenditures are reported using the accrual method of accounting.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
Schedule F (Form 990) 2015
Additional Data


Software ID: 15000290
Software Version: 15.3.0.0



SCHEDULE G (Form 990 or 990-EZ)
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Supplemental Information Regarding
Fundraising or Gaming Activities
Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, lines 17, 18, or 19, or if the organization entered more than $15,000 on Form 990-EZ, line 6a. right arrowAttach to Form 990 or Form 990-EZ.
right arrowInformation about Schedule G (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
Chicago Zoological Society
 
Employer identification number

36-2167016
Part I
Fundraising Activities. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 17.
Form 990-EZ filers are not required to complete this part.
1
Indicate whether the organization raised funds through any of the following activities. Check all that apply.
a e
b f
c g
d
2a
Did the organization have a written or oral agreement with any individual (including officers, directors, trustees
or key employees listed in Form 990, Part VII) or entity in connection with professional fundraising services?
b
If "Yes," list the ten highest paid individuals or entities (fundraisers) pursuant to agreements under which the fundraiser is
to be compensated at least $5,000 by the organization.


(i) Name and address of individual
or entity (fundraiser) 		(ii) Activity (iii) Did fundraiser have custody or control of contributions? (iv) Gross receipts
from activity 		(v) Amount paid to
(or retained by)
fundraiser listed in
col. (i) 		(vi) Amount paid to
(or retained by)
organization
Yes No
 
Patricia Hurley and Assoc
205 S Wacker Dr Suite 1400
 
Chicago, IL60606 		Consulting-fund raising dinners   No 1,901,085 118,431 1,782,654
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . right arrow 1,901,085 118,431 1,782,654
3
List all states in which the organization is registered or licensed to solicit contributions or has been notified it is exempt from registration or licensing.
FL, IL, IN, WI
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990 or 990-EZ.
Cat. No. 50083H
Schedule G (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015
Schedule G (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015
Page 2
Part II
Fundraising Events. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 18, or reported more than $15,000 of fundraising event contributions and gross income on Form 990-EZ, lines 1 and 6b. List events with gross receipts greater than $5,000.




VerticalRevenue
(a) Event #1

Whirl Gala
(event type) 		(b) Event #2

Conservation Awards Dinner
(event type) 		(c) Other events

3
(total number) 		(d) Total events
(add col. (a) through col. (c))

1
Gross receipts . . . . .
1,483,454
417,631
289,444
2,190,529

2
Less: Contributions . . . .
1,277,454
391,371
135,728
1,804,553
3 Gross income (line 1 minus
line 2) . . . . . .
206,000
26,260
153,716
385,976



VerticalDirectExpenses
4 Cash prizes . . . . .        
5 Noncash prizes . . . .     146 146
6 Rent/facility costs . . . . 209,176 8,017 1,945 219,138
7 Food and beverages . . . 76,863 35,171 31,460 143,494
8 Entertainment . . . . 10,000     10,000
9 Other direct expenses . . . 199,676 56,447 112,563 368,686
10 Direct expense summary. Add lines 4 through 9 in column (d) . . . . . . . . . . right arrow 741,464
11 Net income summary. Subtract line 10 from line 3, column (d). . . . . . . . . . right arrow -355,488
Part III
Gaming. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 19, or reported more than $15,000 on Form 990-EZ, line 6a.
VerticalRevenue
(a) Bingo (b) Pull tabs/Instant
bingo/progressive bingo 		(c) Other gaming (d) Total gaming (add col.(a) through col.(c))

1
Gross revenue . . . . .
 
 
38,750
38,750
VerticalDirectExpenses

2
Cash prizes . . . . .
 
 
 
 

3
Noncash prizes . . . .
 
 
4,600
4,600

4
Rent/facility costs . . . .
 
 
 
 

5
Other direct expenses . . .
199,676
56,447
112,563
368,686


6

Volunteer labor . . . .
%
%
77.000 %


7
Direct expense summary. Add lines 2 through 5 in column (d) . . . . . . . . . . right arrow
4,650

8
Net gaming income summary. Subtract line 7 from line 1, column (d). . . . . . . . . right arrow
34,100

9
Enter the state(s) in which the organization conducts gaming activities: IL
a
Is the organization licensed to conduct gaming activities in each of these states? . . . . . . . .
b
If "No," explain:
 
10a
Were any of the organization's gaming licenses revoked, suspended or terminated during the tax year? . . .
b
If "Yes," explain:
 
Schedule G (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015
Schedule G (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015
Page 3
11
Does the organization conduct gaming activities with nonmembers? . . . . . . . . . . .
12
Is the organization a grantor, beneficiary or trustee of a trust or a member of a partnership or other entity
formed to administer charitable gaming? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13
Indicate the percentage of gaming activity conducted in:
a
The organization's facility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13a
100.000 %
b
An outside facility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13b
%
14
Enter the name and address of the person who prepares the organization's gaming/special events books and records:
Name right arrow
HBilcer Mgr FinOper Analysis
Address right arrow
3300 Golf Rd
Brookfield,IL60513
15a
Does the organization have a contract with a third party from whom the organization receives gaming
revenue? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
b
If "Yes," enter the amount of gaming revenue received by the organization right arrow $   and the
amount of gaming revenue retained by the third party right arrow $   .
c
If "Yes," enter name and address of the third party:
Name right arrow
Address right arrow
 
 
16
Gaming manager information:
Name right arrow
C Jabin
Gaming manager compensation right arrow $ 605
Description of services provided right arrow
As Sr. VP Development, Mr. Jabin spent a small amt of his time supervising the raffle
17
Mandatory distributions:
a
Is the organization required under state law to make charitable distributions from the gaming proceeds to
retain the state gaming license? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
b
Enter the amount of distributions required under state law distributed to other exempt organizations or spent
in the organization's own exempt activities during the tax year right arrow$  
Part IV
Supplemental Information. Provide the explanations required by Part I, line 2b, columns (iii) and (v); and Part III, lines 9, 9b, 10b, 15b, 15c, 16, and 17b, as applicable. Also complete this part to provide any additional information (see instructions).
Return Reference Explanation
Schedule G (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015
Additional Data


Software ID: 15000290
Software Version: 15.3.0.0
Schedule I
(Form 990)
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Grants and Other Assistance to Organizations,
Governments and Individuals in the United States
Complete if the organization answered "Yes," on Form 990, Part IV, line 21 or 22.
lBullet Attach to Form 990.
lBullet Information about Schedule I (Form 990) and its instructions is at www.irs.gov/form990.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2015
Open to Public
Inspection
Name of the organization
Chicago Zoological Society
 
Employer identification number
36-2167016
Part I
General Information on Grants and Assistance
1
Does the organization maintain records to substantiate the amount of the grants or assistance, the grantees' eligibility for the grants or assistance, and
the selection criteria used to award the grants or assistance? ........................
2
Describe in Part IV the organization's procedures for monitoring the use of grant funds in the United States.
Part II
Grants and Other Assistance to Domestic Organizations and Domestic Governments. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 21, for any recipient
that received more than $5,000. Part II can be duplicated if additional space is needed.
(a) Name and address of organization
or government		 (b) EIN (c) IRC section
if applicable		 (d) Amount of cash grant (e) Amount of non-cash
assistance		 (f) Method of valuation
(book, FMV, appraisal,
other)		 (g) Description of
non-cash assistance		 (h) Purpose of grant
or assistance
(1) Chicago Wilderness
8 South Michigan Ave
Chicago,IL60603 		36-4479642 501c3 7,500       general operating support
(2) Conservaton Breeding Specialist Group-Global Conservation Network
12101 Johnny Cake Ridge Rd
Apple Valley,MN55124 		41-1719362 501c3 20,000       general operating support
(3) International Elephant Foundation
PO Box 366
Azle,TX76098 		75-2815706 501c3 10,000       general operating support
(4) Vital Ground Foundation
Bldg 2-T Fort Missoula Rd
Missoula,MT59804 		87-0483446 501c3 15,000       general operating support
2
Enter total number of section 501(c)(3) and government organizations listed in the line 1 table ................. Bullet Image
4
3
Enter total number of other organizations listed in the line 1 table ........................ . Bullet Image
 
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990.
Cat. No. 50055P
Schedule I (Form 990) 2015

Schedule I (Form 990) 2015
Page 2
Part III
Grants and Other Assistance to Domestic Individuals. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 22.
Part III can be duplicated if additional space is needed.
(a) Type of grant or assistance (b) Number of
recipients		 (c) Amount of
cash grant		 (d) Amount of
non-cash assistance		 (e) Method of valuation (book,
FMV, appraisal, other)		 (f) Description of non-cash assistance
(1) Educ. Scholarship for Conservation Education 4 15,000      
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
Part IV
Supplemental Information. Provide the information required in Part I, line 2, Part III, column (b), and any other additional information.
Return Reference Explanation
Part I Line 2 CZS awards grants and assistance through a variety of programs. For awards under the CBT ESF program, as well as general contributions to major conservation organizations, see details in Schedule F, part V. CZS also provides grants and assistance through its educational scholarship programs and bus stipends programs. CZS maintains records to substantiate amounts, elegibility and selection criteria. Procedures are in place to monitor grants to ensure they are used for proper purposes including, where applicable, periodic reporting by the grantee.
Schedule I (Form 990) 2015



Additional Data


Software ID: 15000290
Software Version: 15.3.0.0


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
Chicago Zoological Society
 
Employer identification number

36-2167016
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
Yes
 
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
Yes
 
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
Yes
 
b
Participate in, or receive payment from, a supplemental nonqualified retirement plan? .........
4b
Yes
 
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
Yes
 
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
1Stuart D Strahl PhDPresident and CEO (i)

(ii)		 431,017
-------------
  		 
-------------
  		100,991
-------------
  		48,469
-------------
  		20,359
-------------
  		600,836
-------------
  		50,679
-------------
 
2Cynthia W ZeiglerChief Advancement Officer (i)

(ii)		 280,323
-------------
  		10,000
-------------
  		 
-------------
  		7,714
-------------
  		21,323
-------------
  		319,360
-------------
  		 
-------------
 
3Richard G GambleSr. VP Operations (i)

(ii)		 276,579
-------------
  		 
-------------
  		315
-------------
  		1,234
-------------
  		18,545
-------------
  		296,673
-------------
  		 
-------------
 
4Christopher JabinSr. VP Development (i)

(ii)		 251,186
-------------
  		 
-------------
  		549
-------------
  		5,931
-------------
  		19,732
-------------
  		277,398
-------------
  		 
-------------
 
5Kenneth KadukSr. VP Finance and Admin. (i)

(ii)		 235,071
-------------
  		15,000
-------------
  		1,529
-------------
  		6,750
-------------
  		14,941
-------------
  		273,291
-------------
  		 
-------------
 
6Dr Alejandro GrajalSr. VP Conservation, Educ. and Training (i)

(ii)		 203,359
-------------
  		 
-------------
  		2,374
-------------
  		6,246
-------------
  		19,095
-------------
  		231,074
-------------
  		 
-------------
 
7Frank W ZeiglerSr. VP Animal Programs (i)

(ii)		 191,637
-------------
  		 
-------------
  		3,643
-------------
  		5,684
-------------
  		3,313
-------------
  		204,277
-------------
  		 
-------------
 
8Sarah Breen-BarteckiVP Conservation Funding Initiatives (i)

(ii)		 183,352
-------------
  		 
-------------
  		1,269
-------------
  		5,400
-------------
  		6,617
-------------
  		196,638
-------------
  		 
-------------
 
9Matthew MayerVP Public Affairs (i)

(ii)		 167,252
-------------
  		 
-------------
  		6,751
-------------
  		93,622
-------------
  		6,025
-------------
  		273,650
-------------
  		 
-------------
 
10Jerome E JohnstonVP Guest Service Operations (i)

(ii)		 155,118
-------------
  		 
-------------
  		7,587
-------------
  		4,881
-------------
  		6,301
-------------
  		173,887
-------------
  		 
-------------
 
11Sandra L DornheckerVP Human Resources (i)

(ii)		 148,707
-------------
  		 
-------------
  		8,261
-------------
  		3,118
-------------
  		13,556
-------------
  		173,642
-------------
  		 
-------------
 
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
Part I Line 1a As provided for in the executive employment agreement approved by the Board of Trustees, the President received a housing allowance and a gross up payment equivalent to the tax obligation for the value of the Society provided life insurance. Both were treated as taxable compensation to the President.
Part I Line 4a As provided for in the Severance Agreement with the VP of Public Affairs related to the elimination of the position, he received a severance payment of 88,864. As provided for in the Severance Agreement with the Director of Information Services related to the elimination of the position, he received a severance payment of 34,192.
Part I Line 4B As provided for in the CZS Deferred Compensation Plan and as approved by the Board of Trustees, a deferred contribution plus interest credit was made to the Plan on behalf of the President in the amount of 40,519. Also, as provided for in the CZS Deferred Compensation Plan, a payout was made to the President of previously deferred compensation in the amount of 50,679.
Part I Line 7 As indicated in Schedule J part II, certain individuals received bonuses based on performance and the financial results of the organization. These bonuses are approved by the Board of Trustees.
Schedule J (Form 990) 2015
Additional Data


Software ID: 15000290
Software Version: 15.3.0.0
Schedule K
(Form 990)
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Supplemental Information on Tax Exempt Bonds
SchKMediumBullet Complete if the organization answered "Yes" to Form 990, Part IV, line 24a. Provide descriptions,
explanations, and any additional information in Part VI.
SchKMediumBullet Attach to Form 990.
SchKMediumBulletInformation about Schedule K (Form 990) and its instructions is at www.irs.gov/form990.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2015
Open to Public
Inspection
Name of the organization
Chicago Zoological Society
 
Employer identification number
36-2167016
Part I
Bond Issues
(a) Issuer name (b) Issuer EIN (c) CUSIP # (d) Date issued (e) Issue price (f) Description of purpose (g) Defeased (h) On
behalf of
issuer		 (i) Pool
financing
Yes No Yes No Yes No
A Village of Brookfield Cook County IL
  		36-6005807 112732AAO 06-18-2008 39,850,000 Construction and renovation of certain buildings and exhibits   X   X   X
B Village of Brookfield Cook County IL
  		36-6005807 00000NONE 12-22-2005 3,530,000 Refinance of remaining series 1995A Bonds   X   X   X
Part II
Proceeds
A B C D
1 Amount of bonds retired .................. 9,130,000 3,260,000    
2 Amount of bonds legally defeased ..............        
3 Total proceeds of issue .................. 39,850,000 3,530,000    
4 Gross proceeds in reserve funds .............        
5 Capitalized interest from proceeds ............. 595,445      
6 Proceeds in refunding escrows ...............        
7 Issuance costs from proceeds ............... 296,598 70,600    
8 Credit enhancement from proceeds .............        
9 Working capital expenditures from proceeds .............   875    
10 Capital expenditures from proceeds ............. 30,539,559      
11 Other spent proceeds .............   3,458,528    
12 Other unspent proceeds .............        
13 Year of substantial completion ............. 2010 1998
Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No
14 Were the bonds issued as part of a current refunding issue? ....   X X          
15 Were the bonds issued as part of an advance refunding issue? .....   X   X        
16 Has the final allocation of proceeds been made? .......... X   X          
17 Does the organization maintain adequate books and records to support the final allocation of proceeds? .................. X   X          
Part III
Private Business Use
A B C D
Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No
1 Was the organization a partner in a partnership, or a member of an LLC, which owned property financed by tax-exempt bonds? .............   X            
2 Are there any lease arrangements that may result in private business use of bond-financed property? ...............   X            
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990.
Cat. No. 50193E
Schedule K (Form 990) 2015

Schedule K (Form 990) 2015
Page 2
Part III
Private Business Use (Continued)
A B C D
Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No
3a Are there any management or service contracts that may result in private business use of bond-financed property? .............   X            
b If "Yes" to line 3a, does the organization routinely engage bond counsel or other outside counsel to review any management or service contracts relating to the financed property?                
c Are there any research agreements that may result in private business use of bond-financed property? .............   X            
d If "Yes" to line 3c, does the organization routinely engage bond counsel or other outside counsel to review any research agreements relating to the financed property?                
4 Enter the percentage of financed property used in a private business use by entities other than a section 501(c)(3) organization or a state or local government ....SchKMediumBullet        
5 Enter the percentage of financed property used in a private business use as a result of unrelated trade or business activity carried on by your organization, another section 501(c)(3) organization, or a state or local government ......... SchKMediumBullet 1.290 %      
6 Total of lines 4 and 5 ............. 1.290 %      
7 Does the bond issue meet the private security or payment test? ...   X X          
8a Has there been a sale or disposition of any of the bond-financed property to a nongovernmental person other than a 501(c)(3) organization since the bonds were issued?.............   X            
b If "Yes" to line 8a, enter the percentage of bond-financed property sold or disposed of. ..        
c If "Yes" to line 8a, was any remedial action taken pursuant to Regulations sections 1.141-12 and 1.145-2? .............                
9 Has the organization established written procedures to ensure that all nonqualified bonds of the issue are remediated in accordance with the requirements under
Regulations sections 1.141-12 and 1.145-2? ........ 		X              
Part IV
Arbitrage
A B C D
Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No
1 Has the issuer filed Form 8038-T, Arbitrage Rebate, Yield Reduction and Penalty in Lieu of Arbitrage Rebate? ...   X   X        
2 If "No" to line 1, did the following apply? ....
a Rebate not due yet? .......                
b Exception to rebate? ........     X          
c No rebate due? ......... X              
If "Yes" to line 2c, provide in Part VI the date the rebate
computation was performed ......
3 Is the bond issue a variable rate issue? ..... X   X          
4a Has the organization or the governmental issuer entered into a qualified hedge with respect to the bond issue? X   X          
b Name of provider .......... The Northern Trust Co
  		The Northern Trust Co
  		 
  		 
 
c Term of hedge ......... 1000.0000000000 % 490.0000000000 %    
d Was the hedge superintegrated? ......   X   X        
e Was the hedge terminated? ........   X   X        
Schedule K (Form 990) 2015

Schedule K (Form 990) 2015
Page 3
Part IV
Arbitrage (Continued)
A B C D
Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No
5a Were gross proceeds invested in a guaranteed investment contract (GIC)?   X   X        
b Name of provider ..........  
  		 
  		 
  		 
 
c Term of GIC .........        
d Was the regulatory safe harbor for establishing the fair market value of the GIC satisfied? ........                
6 Were any gross proceeds invested beyond an available temporary period?   X   X        
7 Has the organization established written procedures to monitor the requirements of section 148? ... X   X          
Part V
Procedures To Undertake Corrective Action
A B C D
Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No
Has the organization established written procedures to ensure that violations of federal tax requirements are timely identified and corrected through the voluntary closing agreement program if self-remediation is not available under applicable regulations? X   X          
Part VI
Supplemental Information. Provide additional information for responses to questions on Schedule K (see instructions).
Return Reference Explanation
Part II Line 11A Some proceeds of the bonds were used to retire a portion of the bonds as reported in Part II, Line 1A
Part IV Line 2c, Column A The rebate calculation was performed by an independent rebate consultant in March 2013 indicating no rebate was due.
Part IV Line 2b, Column B This was a current refunding issue in which all proceeds were spent within 6 months.
Part IV Line 4a, Column B This interest rate swap agreement matured in December 2010.
Schedule K (Form 990) 2015

Additional Data


Software ID: 15000290
Software Version: 15.3.0.0

Schedule L
(Form 990 or 990-EZ)
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Transactions with Interested Persons
MediumBullet Complete if the organization answered
"Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, lines 25a, 25b, 26, 27, 28a, 28b, or 28c,
or Form 990-EZ, Part V, line 38a or 40b.
MediumBullet Attach to Form 990 or Form 990-EZ.
MediumBulletInformation about Schedule L (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
Chicago Zoological Society
 
Employer identification number

36-2167016
Part I
Excess Benefit Transactions (section 501(c)(3), section 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(29) organizations only).
Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 25a or 25b, or Form 990-EZ, Part V, line 40b.
1(a) Name of disqualified person (b) Relationship between disqualified person and organization (c) Description of transaction (d) Corrected?
Yes No
2
Enter the amount of tax incurred by organization managers or disqualified persons during the year under section 4958. ........................... Bullet Image$
 
3
Enter the amount of tax, if any, on line 2, above, reimbursed by the organization ........ Bullet Image$
 

Part II
Loans to and/or From Interested Persons.
Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990-EZ, Part V, line 38a, or Form 990, Part IV, line 26; or if the organization reported an amount on Form 990, Part X, line 5, 6, or 22
(a) Name of interested person (b) Relationship with organization (c) Purpose of loan (d) Loan to or from the organization? (e)Original principal amount (f)Balance due (g) In default? (h) Approved by board or committee? (i)Written agreement?
To From Yes No Yes No Yes No
Total ...............Small Bullet $  
Part III
Grants or Assistance Benefiting Interested Persons.
Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 27.
(a) Name of interested person (b) Relationship between interested person and the organization (c) Amount of assistance (d) Type of assistance (e) Purpose of assistance
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990 or 990-EZ.
Cat. No. 50056A
Schedule L (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015
Schedule L (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015
Page 2
Part IV
Business Transactions Involving Interested Persons.
Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 28a, 28b, or 28c.
(a) Name of interested person (b) Relationship between interested person and the organization (c) Amount of transaction (d) Description of transaction (e) Sharing of organization's revenues?
Yes No
(1) Cynthia W Zeigler Family Member of Key Employee 319,360 employment   No
(2) Frank W Zeigler Family Member of Key Employee 204,277 employment   No
(3) Freeborn & Peters
  		Secretary of the Board Randall G. Vickery serves as a Partner 350,158 Legal Services   No
(4) The Northern Trust Co
  		Trustee Arthur J. Fogel serves as Executive VP/Managing Director 341,111 Banking, Investment and LC services   No
(5) Nicor Gas
  		Trustee Kevin W. Kirby serves as an Officer of Nicor Gas 631,141 gas purchases   No
Part V
Supplemental Information
Provide additional information for responses to questions on Schedule L (see instructions).
Return Reference Explanation
Part IV Line 1 During 2015, Cynthia W. Zeigler was employed as Chief Advancement Officer. She is a family member of key employee Frank W. Zeigler. Her employment follows the Societys established recruiting, hiring and compensation policies.
Part IV Line 2 During 2015, Frank W. Zeigler was employed as Sr. VP Animal Programs. He is a family member of key employee Cynthia W. Zeigler. His employment follows the Societys established recruiting, hiring and compensation policies.
Part IV Line 3 During 2015, the Society used Freeborn Peters LLP for legal services. Secretary of the Board Randall G. Vickery serves as a Partner of Freeborn Peters. This transaction followed the Societys established procurement policy and rates are competitive with market rates.
Part IV Line 4 During 2015, the Society used The Northern Trust Company for banking, investment and letter of credit services. Trustee Arthur J. Fogel serves as an Executive VP and Managing Partner at Northern Trust. This transaction followed the Societys established procurement policy and rates are competitive with market rates.
Part IV Line 5 During 2015, the Society used Nicor Gas and Nicor Enerchange for gas purchases. Trustee Kevin W. Kirby is an Officer with Nicor Gas. This transaction followed established procurement policy and rates are competitive with market rates.
Schedule L (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015


Additional Data


Software ID: 15000290
Software Version: 15.3.0.0




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
Chicago Zoological Society
 
Employer identification number

36-2167016
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 .... X 3 6,030 cost or selling price
2 Art—Historical treasures .        
3 Art—Fractional interests ..        
4 Books and publications .. X 2,000 cost or selling price
5 Clothing and household
goods ....... 		     
6 Cars and other vehicles ..        
7 Boats and planes ....        
8 Intellectual property ...        
9 Securities—Publicly traded . X 33 1,724,311 price of stock on gift date
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 ... X 13 79,238 cost or selling price
20 Drugs and medical supplies .        
21 Taxidermy ......        
22 Historical artifacts ....        
23 Scientific specimens .. X 80    
24 Archeological artifacts ...        
25 Other Right pointing arrow large image ( Operating Supplies ) X 71 1,240,112 cost or selling price
26 Other Right pointing arrow large image ( charity fundraising items ) X 2 2,000 cost or selling price
27 Other Right pointing arrow large image ( charity auction items ) X 63 84,291 cost or selling price
28 Other Right pointing arrow large image ( charity raffle items ) X 2 4,600 cost or selling price
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
 
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
Yes
 
32a
Does the organization hire or use third parties or related organizations to solicit, process, or sell noncash
contributions? ..........................
32a
Yes
 
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 Line 32b During 2015, the Society entered into an agreement with IDonate to process certain non cash donations on behalf of the Society. Donors donate their items to IDonate Foundation/Servant Foundation, a 501c3 organization, who sells the items, retains a commission and issues a cash grant to the Society for the remainder.
Part I Line 33 Securities Current year contributions of stock which represent payments on pledges recorded as contribution in a previous year are not included in the revenue shown on Form 990, Part VIII, Line 1g
Part I Line 33 Collection Items/Scientific Specimens A zero dollar amount was reported on Form 990, Part VIII, Line 1g because the Society does not capitalize its collection, as allowed under SFAS 116.
Schedule M (Form 990) (2015)

Additional Data


Software ID: 15000290
Software Version: 15.3.0.0
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
Chicago Zoological Society
 
Employer identification number

36-2167016
Return Reference Explanation
Form 990, Part III, Line 4d Program Service Expenses 7,058,000, Grants and allocations 187,349, Revenue 850,597 Center for Conservation Leadership CCL Through its many conservation and education programs, CZS communicates with others to engender in them a sense of ownership about living harmoniously with nature and helping save endangered species. Education specialists, curators, graphic and exhibit designers, photographers and many others contribute to sharing this information with visitors. As well as reaching the 2.1 million visitors, CZS engages would be conservationists outside of the Zoo including classrooms of school children, teachers and community leaders. Additionally through field programs, CZS supports efforts to protect and restore populations of threatened species in other parts of the world. The CCL strengthens the bridge between education and conservation, between field research and the animals in our care.
Form 990, Part III, Line 4d Program Service Expenses 3,109,000, Grants and allocations 0, Revenue 5,770,747 Admissions and Parking In the course of a year, over 2.1 million visitors enjoy the experience of seeing and learning about the animals of the world. Each individual that enters Brookfield Zoos gates represents an opportunity a chance to introduce representatives of the wild world, to convey our intertwined connections to the animal kingdom, and to encourage positive change in the world. The Brookfield Zoo is open every day of the year. Admission is free to the general public 52 days each year and at all times to Illinois school groups and to military personnel. On certain days throughout the summer extended hours are offered to be more accessible to a more diverse audience.
Form 990, Part III, Line 4d Program Service Expenses 1,416,000, Grants and allocations 0, Revenue 3,844,334 Membership The membership program services our over 105,000 member households, providing them with the opportunity to participate in the conservation and educational efforts of CZS. Member services fulfills new and renewing memberships, answers member questions at locations throughout the park and via telephone and provides educational member Animail updates via email. Members receive unlimited free admission, free or discounted parking and in-park attraction admissions and discounts on food and educational classes.
Form 990, Part III, Line 4d Program Service Expenses 4,550,000, Grants and allocations 0, Revenue 845,810 Marketing and Public Relations CZSs marketing and public relations draws thousands of visitors throughout the year to discover, celebrate and help conserve natures gifts. Through production of seasonal themed events such as Summer Nights, Holiday Magic and Boo at the Zoo, CZS attracts attendance and exposes a wider audience to our mission. Through celebratory events including Freeze Day, Party for the Planet, World Giraffe Day and Ape, Bear and Cat Awareness Weekends, CZS inspires conservation leadership. Through outreach programming to local communities and organizations, CZS reaches out to those who may not have an opportunity to visit the zoo otherwise. Additionally, CZS produces two complementary websites CZS.org is devoted to in-depth discussion of conservation issues designed to inspire conservation leadership in our guests brookfieldzoo.org acquaints future and past visitors with the many exhibits within the Zoo, upcoming special events and visit planning tools.
Form 990, Part III, Line 4d Program Service Expenses 8,296,000, Grants and allocations 0, Revenue 0 Depreciation Depreciation on the Zoos 272 million in buildings and equipment, including animal exhibits, animal care facilities, education spaces, shops and restaurants.
Form 990, Part VI, Section A, Line 1A The fiscal, general oversight, and policies of the Society are vested in a Board of not more than 58 Trustees. As of December 31, 2015, there were 48 voting Trustess. The elected Officers of the Board, the chairs of the standing committees and such other Trustees as may be appointed by the Chairman constitute the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee has the power to transact all regular business of the Society during the period between the regular Board meetings.
Form 990, Part VI, Section A, Line 2 Cindy Zeigler, Key Employee and Frank Zeigler, Key Employee - Family Relationship.
Form 990, Part VI, Section A, Line 6 The membership of the Society is composed of up to 250 Governing Members. Up to 55 of the 58 Board of Trustees are elected by the Governing Members at their annual meeting. Governing Members are also eligible for appointment by the Societys Chairman to serve on Board committees other than the Exectuive Committee. Governing Members are chosen by the Nominating Committee of the Board of Trustees and voted on by the full Board of Trustees.
Form 990, Part VI, Section A, Line 7A The membership of the Society is composed of up to 250 Governing Members. Up to 55 of the 58 Board of Trustees are elected by the Governing Members at their annual meeting. Governing Members are also eligible for appointment by the Societys Chairman to serve on the Board committees other than the Executive Committee. Governing Members are chosen by the Nominating Committee of the Board of Trustees and voted on by the full Board of Trustees.
Form 990, Part VI, Section B, Line 11B The IRS Form 990 is prepared by Societys management and reviewed and signed by the Societys tax advisor. The Form 990, ,excluding Schedule B-Schedule of Contributors, is also reviewed by the Audit Committee of the Board of Trustees. A copy of the entire final version of the form, excluding Schedule B, is also made available to the Board of Trustees prior to filing with the IRS.
Form 990, Part VI, Section B, Line 12C Annually, a conflict of interest form is sent out to all members of the Board of Trustess, Key Employees and any employee with purchasing authority. The form covers potential conflicts through financial interests, use of Society services, priviledged information and representation of Society interests. It also covers specific disclosures required by the IRS Form 990 and the Illinois AG990IL. Board of Trustees responses are reviewed by the Secretary of the Board and the Sr. VP Finance and Admin. who together determine if a conflict exists. Employee responses are reviewed by the VP Human Resources and the Sr. VP Finance and Admin. Any conflicts are addressed to ensure that all internal procedures are followed for any transactions with that individual and that all items requiring disclosure are properly noted. Any Board members with a conflict must abstain from voting on decisions involving the transaction in question. Any transactions entered into with interested parties follow the Societys established procurement policies and are provided at rates competitive with market rates.
Form 990, Part VI, Section B, Line 15A and 15B The Societys policy for approval of compensation arrangements with officers and certain senior employees requires review and approval of the compensation arrangement by the Executive Committee of the Board, excluding anyone who is related to or under the control of the person involved in the arrangement. The Committee relies on appropriate comparability data which indicates the types and levels of similar compensation and benefit packages for similar positions provided by similar organizations. The Committee documents the basis for its determination of the reasonableness of compensation. This process is done annually for the President, Sr. VP of Operatons, Sr. VP of Finance and Admin and the Chief Advancement Officer any year where there is an increase in compensation.
Form 990, Part VI, Section C, Line 19 Governing documents are available through applicable governmental agencies the conflict of interest policy and financial statements are available upon written request to the Society.
Form 990, Part XI, Line 9 Other Changes in net assets or fund balances Changes in Post Retirement Benefits not yet recognized in operations -196,000 change in market value of swap agreements 176,710 rounding and other -1,369.
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990 or 990-EZ.
Cat. No. 51056K
Schedule O (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015


Additional Data


Software ID: 15000290
Software Version: 15.3.0.0