Form990
Click to see attachment
Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue Service
Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax
Under section 501(c), 527, or 4947(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code (except private
foundations)
MediumBullet Do not enter social security numbers on this form as it may be made public.
MediumBullet Information about Form 990 and its instructions is at www.IRS.gov/form990.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2015
Open to Public Inspection
A For the 2015 calendar year, or tax year beginning 07-01-2015 , and ending 06-30-2016
BCheck if applicable:
CName of organization
Natural Resources Defense Council Inc
 
% STEVEN BAGINSKI CFO
Doing business as
 
 
Number and street (or P.O. box if mail is not delivered to street address)
40 West 20th Street
 
Room/suite
City or town, state or province, country, and ZIP or foreign postal code
New York, NY10011
D Employer identification number

13-2654926
E Telephone number

G Gross receipts $ 210,267,389
F Name and address of principal officer:
Rhea Suh President
40 WEST 20TH STREET
NEW YORK,NY10011
I
Tax-exempt status: (   ) LeftBullet (insert no.) or
J
Website:MediumBullet
www.nrdc.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: 1970
M State of legal domicile: NY
Part I
Summary
Activities & Governance 1 Briefly describe the organization’s mission or most significant activities: NRDC's mission is to safeguard the earth: its people, its plants and its people, its plants and animals, and the natural systems on which all life depends.
2 Check this box MediumBullet
3 Number of voting members of the governing body (Part VI, line 1a) ........ 3 38
4 Number of independent voting members of the governing body (Part VI, line 1b) ..... 4 36
5 Total number of individuals employed in calendar year 2015 (Part V, line 2a) ...... 5 677
6 Total number of volunteers (estimate if necessary) ............. 6 0
7a Total unrelated business revenue from Part VIII, column (C), line 12 ........ 7a 12,852
b Net unrelated business taxable income from Form 990-T, line 34 ......... 7b -65,612
Revenues Prior Year Current Year
8 Contributions and grants (Part VIII, line 1h) ......... 134,361,787 127,497,252
9 Program service revenue (Part VIII, line 2g) ......... 701,716 1,089,789
10 Investment income (Part VIII, column (A), lines 3, 4, and 7d ) .... 19,445,143 380,773
11 Other revenue (Part VIII, column (A), lines 5, 6d, 8c, 9c, 10c, and 11e) 683,991 841,447
12 Total revenue—add lines 8 through 11 (must equal Part VIII, column (A), line 12) 155,192,637 129,809,261
Expenses; 13 Grants and similar amounts paid (Part IX, column (A), lines 1–3 )... 3,739,477 4,927,829
14 Benefits paid to or for members (Part IX, column (A), line 4)..... 0 0
15 Salaries, other compensation, employee benefits (Part IX, column (A), lines 5–10) 63,511,162 66,697,751
16a Professional fundraising fees (Part IX, column (A), line 11e) ..... 461,523 930,163
b Total fundraising expenses (Part IX, column (D), line 25) MediumBullet10,109,673    
17 Other expenses (Part IX, column (A), lines 11a–11d, 11f–24e).... 59,037,524 60,879,746
18 Total expenses. Add lines 13–17 (must equal Part IX, column (A), line 25) 126,749,686 133,435,489
19 Revenue less expenses. Subtract line 18 from line 12....... 28,442,951 -3,626,228
Net Assets or Fund Balances; Beginning of Current Year End of Year
20 Total assets (Part X, line 16)............. 306,293,488 301,556,189
21 Total liabilities (Part X, line 26)............. 62,607,924 65,029,561
22 Net assets or fund balances. Subtract line 21 from line 20..... 243,685,564 236,526,628
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: THE NATURAL RESOURCES DEFENSE COUNCIL'S PURPOSE IS TO SAFEGUARD THE EARTH: ITS PEOPLE, ITS PLANTS AND ANIMALS AND THE NATURAL SYSTEMS ON WHICH ALL LIFE DEPENDS. WE WORK TO RESTORE THE INTEGRITY OF THE ELEMENTS THAT SUSTAIN LIFE - AIR, LAND AND WATER - AND TO DEFEND ENDANGERED NATURAL PLACES. WE SEEK TO ESTABLISH SUSTAINABILITY AND GOOD STEWARDSHIP OF THE EARTH AS CENTRAL ETHICAL IMPERATIVES OF HUMAN SOCIETY. NRDC AFFIRMS THE INTEGRAL PLACE OF HUMAN BEINGS IN THE ENVIRONMENT. WE STRIVE TO PROTECT NATURE IN WAYS THAT ADVANCE THE LONG-TERM WELFARE OF PRESENT AND FUTURE GENERATIONS. WE WORK TO FOSTER THE FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT OF ALL PEOPLE TO HAVE A VOICE IN DECISIONS THAT AFFECT THEIR ENVIRONMENT. WE SEEK TO BREAK DOWN THE PATTERN OF DISPROPORTIONATE ENVIRONMENTAL BURDENS BORNE BY PEOPLE OF COLOR AND OTHERS WHO FACE SOCIAL OR ECONOMIC INEQUITIES. ULTIMATELY, NRDC STRIVES TO HELP CREATE A NEW WAY OF LIFE FOR HUMANKIND, ONE THAT CAN BE SUSTAINED INDEFINITELY WITHOUT FOULING OR DEPLETING THE RES
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 $ 112,671,530 including grants of $ 4,927,829 ) (Revenue $ 1,089,789 )
See Schedule O for a detailed description of all of NRDC's various environmental programs.
4b (Code:   ) (Expenses $   including grants of $   ) (Revenue $   )
4c (Code:   ) (Expenses $   including grants of $   ) (Revenue $   )
4d Other program services (Describe in Schedule O.)
(Expenses $   including grants of $   ) (Revenue $   )
4e Total program service expensesMediumBullet112,671,530
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 IClick to see attachment.............
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 IIIClick to see attachment.................
5
 
No
6
Did the organization maintain any donor advised funds or any similar funds or accounts for which donors have the right to provide advice on the distribution or investment of amounts in such funds or accounts? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part IClick to see attachment..................
6
 
No
7
Did the organization receive or hold a conservation easement, including easements to preserve open space,
the environment, historic land areas, or historic structures? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part IIClick to see attachment...
7
 
No
8
Did the organization maintain collections of works of art, historical treasures, or other similar assets? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part III Click to see attachment.............
8
 
No
9
Did the organization report an amount in Part X, line 21 for escrow or custodial account liability; serve as a custodian for amounts not listed in Part X; or provide credit counseling, debt management, credit repair, or debt negotiation services? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part IVClick to see attachment..............
9
 
No
10
Did the organization, directly or through a related organization, hold assets in temporarily restricted endowments, permanent endowments, or quasi-endowments? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part VClick to see attachment......
10
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 VIIClick to see attachment.......
11b
Yes
 
c
Did the organization report an amount for investments—program related in Part X, line 13 that is 5% or more of its total assets reported in Part X, line 16? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part VIIIClick to see attachment.......
11c
 
No
d
Did the organization report an amount for other assets in Part X, line 15 that is 5% or more of its total assets reported in Part X, line 16? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part IXClick to see attachment............
11d
 
No
e
Did the organization report an amount for other liabilities in Part X, line 25? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part XClick to see attachment
11e
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
 
No
b
Was the organization included in consolidated, independent audited financial statements for the tax year? If "Yes," and if the organization answered "No" to line 12a, then completing Schedule D, Parts XI and XII is optional Click to see attachment
12b
Yes
 
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
 
No
17
Did the organization report a total of more than $15,000 of expenses for professional fundraising services on Part IX, column (A), lines 6 and 11e? If "Yes," complete Schedule G, Part I (see instructions) ....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
 
No
20a
Did the organization operate one or more hospital facilities? If "Yes," complete Schedule H....
20a
 
No
b
If "Yes" to line 20a, did the organization attach a copy of its audited financial statements to this return?
20b
 
 
Form 990 (2015)
Form 990 (2015)
Page 4
Part IV
Checklist of Required Schedules (continued)
21
Did the organization report more than $5,000 of grants or other assistance to any domestic organization or domestic government on Part IX, column (A), line 1? If “Yes,” complete Schedule I, Parts I and II.....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
 
No
23
Did the organization answer "Yes" to Part VII, Section A, line 3, 4, or 5 about compensation of the organization’s current and former officers, directors, trustees, key employees, and highest compensated employees? If "Yes," complete Schedule J....................... Click to see attachment
23
Yes
 
24a
Did the organization have a tax-exempt bond issue with an outstanding principal amount of more than $100,000 as of the last day of the year, that was issued after December 31, 2002? If “Yes,” answer lines 24b through 24d and complete Schedule K. If “No,” go to line 25a...............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............ Click to see attachment
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 ...................Click to see attachment
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 ................Click to see attachment
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......... Click to see attachment
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 ........................Click to see attachment
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
 
No
c
An entity of which a current or former officer, director, trustee, or key employee (or a family member thereof) was an officer, director, trustee, or direct or indirect owner? If "Yes," complete Schedule L, Part IV... 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
 
No
31
Did the organization liquidate, terminate, or dissolve and cease operations? If "Yes," complete Schedule N, Part I.
31
 
No
32
Did the organization sell, exchange, dispose of, or transfer more than 25% of its net assets? If "Yes," complete Schedule N, Part II ...........
32
 
No
33
Did the organization own 100% of an entity disregarded as separate from the organization under Regulations sections 301.7701-2 and 301.7701-3? If "Yes," complete Schedule R, Part I ........Click to see attachment
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.........................Click to see attachment
34
Yes
 
35a
Did the organization have a controlled entity within the meaning of section 512(b)(13)?
35a
Yes
 
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 ...Click to see attachment
35b
 
No
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............. Click to see attachment
36
Yes
 
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 VIClick to see attachment
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
386
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
677
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
Yes
 
b
If "Yes," enter the name of the foreign country: MediumBulletCH
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
 
No
d
If "Yes," indicate the number of Forms 8282 filed during the year ....
7d
 
e
Did the organization receive any funds, directly or indirectly, to pay premiums on a personal benefit contract?
7e
 
No
f
Did the organization, during the year, pay premiums, directly or indirectly, on a personal benefit contract? ..
7f
 
No
g
If the organization received a contribution of qualified intellectual property, did the organization file Form 8899 as required? ......................
7g
 
 
h
If the organization received a contribution of cars, boats, airplanes, or other vehicles, did the organization file a Form 1098-C? ..........................
7h
 
 
8
Sponsoring organizations maintaining donor advised funds.
Did a donor advised fund maintained by the sponsoring organization have excess business holdings at any time during the year? .........................
8
 
 
9a
Did the sponsoring organization make any taxable distributions under section 4966?...
9a
 
 
b
Did the sponsoring organization make a distribution to a donor, donor advisor, or related person?...
9b
 
 
10
Section 501(c)(7) organizations. Enter:
a
Initiation fees and capital contributions included on Part VIII, line 12 ...
10a
 
b
Gross receipts, included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 12, for public use of club facilities
10b
 
11
Section 501(c)(12) organizations. Enter:
a
Gross income from members or shareholders .........
11a
 
b
Gross income from other sources (Do not net amounts due or paid to other sources against amounts due or received from them.) ..........
11b
 
12a
Section 4947(a)(1) non-exempt charitable trusts. Is the organization filing Form 990 in lieu of Form 1041?
12a
 
 
b
If "Yes," enter the amount of tax-exempt interest received or accrued during the year.
12b
 
13
Section 501(c)(29) qualified nonprofit health insurance issuers.
a
Is the organization licensed to issue qualified health plans in more than one state?
Note. See the instructions for additional information the organization must report on Schedule O.
13a
 
 
b
Enter the amount of reserves the organization is required to maintain by the states in which the organization is licensed to issue qualified health plans ....
13b
 
c
Enter the amount of reserves on hand ............
13c
 
14a
Did the organization receive any payments for indoor tanning services during the tax year?.....
14a
 
No
b
If "Yes," has it filed a Form 720 to report these payments? If "No," provide an explanation in Schedule O..
14b
 
 
Form 990 (2015)
Form 990 (2015)
Page 6
Part VI
Governance, Management, and Disclosure For each "Yes" response to lines 2 through 7b below, and for a "No" response to lines 8a, 8b, or 10b below, describe the circumstances, processes, or changes in Schedule O. See instructions.
Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part VI ..............
Section A. Governing Body and Management
Yes
No
1a
Enter the number of voting members of the governing body at the end of the tax year
1a
38
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
36
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
Yes
 
4
Did the organization make any significant changes to its governing documents since the prior Form 990 was filed? ...........................
4
 
No
5
Did the organization become aware during the year of a significant diversion of the organization’s assets? .
5
 
No
6
Did the organization have members or stockholders? ................
6
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
Yes
 
8
Did the organization contemporaneously document the meetings held or written actions undertaken during the year by the following:
a
The governing body? .......................
8a
Yes
 
b
Each committee with authority to act on behalf of the governing body? ............
8b
Yes
 
9
Is there any officer, director, trustee, or key employee listed in Part VII, Section A, who cannot be reached at the organization’s mailing address? If "Yes," provide the names and addresses in Schedule O.......
9
 
No
Section B. Policies (This Section B requests information about policies not required by the Internal Revenue Code.)
Yes
No
10a
Did the organization have local chapters, branches, or affiliates? ............
10a
 
No
b
If "Yes," did the organization have written policies and procedures governing the activities of such chapters, affiliates, and branches to ensure their operations are consistent with the organization's exempt purposes?
10b
 
 
11a
Has the organization provided a complete copy of this Form 990 to all members of its governing body before filing the form? ............................
11a
Yes
 
b
Describe in Schedule O the process, if any, used by the organization to review this Form 990. .....
12a
Did the organization have a written conflict of interest policy? If "No," go to line 13.......
12a
Yes
 
b
Were officers, directors, or trustees, and key employees required to disclose annually interests that could give rise to conflicts? ..........................
12b
Yes
 
c
Did the organization regularly and consistently monitor and enforce compliance with the policy? If "Yes," describe in Schedule O how this was done...................
12c
Yes
 
13
Did the organization have a written whistleblower policy? ...............
13
Yes
 
14
Did the organization have a written document retention and destruction policy? .........
14
Yes
 
15
Did the process for determining compensation of the following persons include a review and approval by independent persons, comparability data, and contemporaneous substantiation of the deliberation and decision?
a
The organization’s CEO, Executive Director, or top management official ...........
15a
Yes
 
b
Other officers or key employees of the organization ................
15b
Yes
 
If "Yes" to line 15a or 15b, describe the process in Schedule O (see instructions).
16a
Did the organization invest in, contribute assets to, or participate in a joint venture or similar arrangement with a taxable entity during the year? ......................
16a
 
No
b
If "Yes," did the organization follow a written policy or procedure requiring the organization to evaluate its participation in joint venture arrangements under applicable federal tax law, and take steps to safeguard the organization’s exempt status with respect to such arrangements? ............
16b
 
 
Section C. Disclosure
17
List the States with which a copy of this Form 990 is required to be filedMediumBullet
AL , AK , AR , CA , CO , CT , DC , FL , GA , HI , IL , KS , KY , LA , ME , MD , MA , MI , MN , MS , MO , NH , NJ , NM , NY , NC , ND , OH , OK , OR , PA , RI , SC , TN , UT , VA , WA , WV , WI
18
Section 6104 requires an organization to make its Form 1023 (or 1024 if applicable), 990, and 990-T (501(c)(3)s only) available for public inspection. Indicate how you made these available. Check all that apply.
19
Describe in Schedule O whether (and if so, how) the organization made its governing documents, conflict of interest policy, and financial statements available to the public during the tax year.
20
State the name, address, and telephone number of the person who possesses the organization's books and records:
MediumBulletSTEVEN BAGINSKI CFO40 WEST 20TH STREET   NEW YORK,NY10011 (212) 727-2700
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 H Adams......................................................................
Trustee
 20.0
.................
1.0 		X           189,583 0 77,323
(2) Adam Albright......................................................................
Trustee (Thru 12/2015)
 1.0
.................
0.0 		X           0 0 0
(3) Anne Slaughter Andrew......................................................................
Trustee
 1.0
.................
0.0 		X           0 0 0
(4) Richard E Ayres......................................................................
Trustee
 1.0
.................
1.0 		X           0 0 0
(5) Patricia Bauman......................................................................
V Chair (thru 12/2015)/Trustee
 1.0
.................
1.0 		X   X       0 0 0
(6) Anita Bekenstein......................................................................
Trustee
 1.0
.................
0.0 		X           0 0 0
(7) Claire Bernard......................................................................
Trustee
 1.0
.................
0.0 		X           0 0 0
(8) Anna Scott Carter......................................................................
Trustee
 1.0
.................
0.0 		X           0 0 0
(9) Sarah Cogan......................................................................
Trustee
 1.0
.................
0.0 		X           0 0 0
(10) Laurie David......................................................................
Trustee
 1.0
.................
0.0 		X           0 0 0
(11) Leonardo DiCaprio......................................................................
Trustee
 1.0
.................
0.0 		X           0 0 0
(12) John Echohawk......................................................................
Trustee
 1.0
.................
0.0 		X           0 0 0
(13) Michel Gelobter......................................................................
Trustee (Thru 12/2015)
 1.0
.................
0.0 		X           0 0 0
(14) Kate Greswold......................................................................
Trustee
 1.0
.................
0.0 		X           0 0 0
(15) Arjun Gupta......................................................................
Trustee
 1.0
.................
0.0 		X           0 0 0
(16) Alan Horn......................................................................
Vice Chair
 1.0
.................
0.0 		X   X       0 0 0
(17) Victor Hymes......................................................................
Trustee (As of 12/2015)
 1.0
.................
0.0 		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) Nicole E Lederer........................................................................
Trustee
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(19) Shelly Malkin........................................................................
Trustee
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(20) Josephine A Merck........................................................................
Trustee
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(21) Kelly Chapman Meyer........................................................................
Trustee
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(22) Mary Moran........................................................................
Trustee/Treasurer
 1.0
.......................1.0 		X   X       0 0 0
(23) Peter Morton........................................................................
Trustee
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(24) Wendy Neu........................................................................
Vice Chair
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X   X       0 0 0
(25) Frederica P Perera........................................................................
Trustee
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(26) Robert Redford........................................................................
Trustee
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(27) Laurance Rockefeller........................................................................
Trustee
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(28) Jonathan F P Rose........................................................................
Trustee (Thru 12/2015)
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(29) Thomas Roush........................................................................
Trustee
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(30) William H Schlesinger........................................................................
Trustee
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(31) Wendy Schmidt........................................................................
Trustee
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(32) Frederick A O Schwarz Jr........................................................................
Chair Emeritus/Trustee
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(33) Max Stone........................................................................
Vice Chair (as of 12/2015)
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X   X       0 0 0
(34) James Taylor........................................................................
Trustee
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(35) Daniel R Tishman........................................................................
Chairman
 1.0
.......................1.0 		X   X       0 0 0
(36) Gerald Torres........................................................................
Trustee
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(37) David Vladeck........................................................................
Trustee
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(38) David Welch........................................................................
Trustee
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(39) Kathleen Welch........................................................................
Trustee (as of 12/2015)
 1.0
.......................1.0 		X           0 0 0
(40) Eric Wepsic........................................................................
Trustee
 1.0
.......................1.0 		X           0 0 0
(41) George Woodwell........................................................................
Trustee
 1.0
.......................0.0 		X           0 0 0
(42) Maripat Alpuche........................................................................
Secretary
 1.0
.......................1.0 		    X       0 0 0
(43) Lauren Colasacco........................................................................
Assistant Secretary
 1.0
.......................0.0 		    X       0 0 0
(44) Steven Baginski........................................................................
Chief Financial Officer
 40.0
.......................1.0 		    X       438,404 0 0
(45) Mitchell Bernard........................................................................
COO (as of 11/2015)
 40.0
.......................1.0 		    X       233,965 0 50,714
(46) Peter Lehner Thru 082015........................................................................
Executive Director
 40.0
.......................1.0 		    X       567,053 0 39,448
(47) John Murray thru 122015........................................................................
Director of Development
 40.0
.......................0.0 		    X       238,172 0 33,909
(48) Rhea Suh........................................................................
President
 40.0
.......................1.0 		    X       541,142 0 10,157
(49) Lisa Benenson........................................................................
Chief Communications Director
 40.0
.......................0.0 		      X     295,402 0 37,666
(50) Dale Bryk........................................................................
Director of Programs
 40.0
.......................0.0 		      X     211,112 0 48,999
(51) Susan Casey-Lefkowitz........................................................................
Director of Programs
 40.0
.......................0.0 		      X     214,235 0 48,999
(52) David Goldston........................................................................
Director of Government Affairs
 40.0
.......................0.0 		        X   221,459 0 21,216
(53) David Hawkins........................................................................
Senior Attorney III
 40.0
.......................0.0 		        X   225,976 0 49,986
(54) Joel Reynolds........................................................................
Western Director & Sr Attorney
 40.0
.......................0.0 		        X   221,831 0 50,250
(55) Abby Schaefer Orfaly........................................................................
Dir., Bd & Strategic Relations
 40.0
.......................0.0 		        X   225,796 0 33,837
(56) Raya Salter........................................................................
Senior Utility Advocate
 40.0
.......................0.0 		        X   209,320 0 12,522
(57) Frances Beinecke........................................................................
Former President
 5.0
.......................1.0 		          X 183,372 0 0
(58) Sarah A Gillman........................................................................
Former Chief Financial Officer
 40.0
.......................1.0 		          X 189,146 0 9,245
(59) Judy Keefer........................................................................
Former Chief Operating Officer
 0.0
.......................0.0 		          X 259,640 0 0
(60) Ashok Gupta........................................................................
Former Key Employee
 40.0
.......................0.0 		          X 211,457 0 48,856
(61) Linda Lopez........................................................................
Dir. of Membership Public Ed.
 0.0
.......................0.0 		          X 210,404 0 0
1b Sub-Total................MediumBullet
c Total from continuation sheets to Part VII, Section A....MediumBullet
d Total (add lines 1b and 1c)...........MediumBullet 5,087,469 0 573,127
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 MediumBullet167
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
Yes
 
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
Thompson Mailing,
21 Naus Way
BLOOMSBURG,PA17815 		Mailing Services 2,130,000
Princeton South Inc,
200 Ludlow Drive Bldg E
EWING,NJ08638 		Mailing Services 1,564,585
CANAL PARTNERS MEDIA LLC,
25 WHITLOCK PLACE SW SUITE 201
MARIETTA,GA20064 		Media Consultants 1,535,619
GCCI General Contractors,
875 Battery Street
SAN FRANCISCO,CA94111 		Construction 1,202,626
RR Donnelly,
PO Box 93514
CHICAGO,IL606733514 		Mailing Services 1,157,439
2
Total number of independent contractors (including but not limited to those listed above) who received more than $100,000 of compensation from the organization MediumBullet108
Form 990 (2015)
Form 990 (2015)
Page 9
Part VIII
Statement of Revenue
Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part VIII .............
(A)
Total revenue 		(B)
Related or
exempt
function
revenue 		(C)
Unrelated
business
revenue 		(D)
Revenue
excluded from
tax under sections
512-514
Contributions, Gifts, GrantAmt and OtherAmt Similar Amounts 1a Federated campaigns..1a 162,934
b Membership dues..1b 26,781,107
c Fundraising events..1c 237,390
d Related organizations1d  
e Government grants (contributions)1e 208,644
f All other contributions, gifts, grants, and similar amounts not included above1f 100,107,177
g Noncash contributions included in lines 1a-1f:$ 4,015,120
h Total.Add lines 1a-1f.......MediumBullet 127,497,252
Program Service RevenueAmt Business Code
2a COURT AWARDED FEES 900099 1,080,770 1,080,770    
b BOOK INCOME (ON EARTH) 900099 9,019 9,019    
c
d
e
f All other program service revenue.        
g Total.Add lines 2a–2f.....MediumBullet 1,089,789
OtherAmt RevenueAmt 3 Investment income (including dividends, interest, and othersimilar amounts) ..........MediumBullet 2,314,441   -65,151 2,379,592
4 Income from investment of tax-exempt bond proceedsMediumBullet 0      
5 Royalties...........MediumBullet 0      
(ii) Personal (i) Real
6a Gross rents   727,164
b Less: rental expenses    
c Rental income or (loss) 0 727,164
d Net rental income or (loss)......MediumBullet 727,164   78,003 649,161
(ii) Other (i) Securities
7a Gross amount from sales of assets other than inventory   78,388,483
b Less: cost or other basis and sales expenses   80,322,151
c Gain or (loss)   -1,933,668
d Net gain or (loss).....MediumBullet -1,933,668     -1,933,668
8a Gross income from fundraising events (not including $ 237,390of contributions reported on line 1c). See Part IV, line 18 ....
a 48,128
b Less: direct expenses ...b 135,977
c Net income or (loss) from fundraising events..MediumBullet -87,849   -87,849
9a Gross income from gaming activities.
See Part IV, line 19 ...
a  
b Less: direct expenses ...b  
c Net income or (loss) from gaming activities..MediumBullet 0      
10a Gross sales of inventory, less
returns and allowances ..
a  
b Less: cost of goods sold ..b  
c Net income or (loss) from sales of inventory..MediumBullet 0      
Business Code Miscellaneous Revenue
11a MAIL LIST RENTAL 900099 133,703     133,703
b HONORARIA 900099 6,152     6,152
c MISCELLANEOUS 900099 62,277     62,277
d All other revenue ....        
e Total. Add lines 11a–11d ...... MediumBullet 202,132
12 Total revenue. See Instructions......MediumBullet 129,809,261 1,089,789 12,852 1,209,368
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 3,206,552 3,206,552
2 Grants and other assistance to individuals in the United States. See Part IV, line 22 0  
3 Grants and other assistance to governments, organizations, and individuals outside the United States. See Part IV, lines 15 and 16 1,721,277 1,721,277
4 Benefits paid to or for members 0  
5 Compensation of current officers, directors, trustees, and key employees .... 2,788,167 2,039,818 332,871 415,478
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 49,151,699 41,466,641 4,499,702 3,185,356
8 Pension plan accruals and contributions (include section 401(k) and 403(b) employer contributions) .... 4,945,528 4,145,446 459,575 340,507
9 Other employee benefits ....... 6,323,121 5,324,118 600,389 398,614
10 Payroll taxes ........... 3,489,236 2,924,752 324,245 240,239
11 Fees for services (non-employees):        
a Management ...... 605,636 507,657 56,280 41,699
b Legal ......... 1,443,485 1,209,960 134,139 99,386
c Accounting ........... 283,340 237,502 26,330 19,508
d Lobbying ........... 80,837 67,759 13,078  
e Professional fundraising services. See Part IV, line 17 930,163 930,163
f Investment management fees ...... 1,495,745 1,253,765 138,996 102,984
g Other (If line 11g amount exceeds 10% of line 25, column (A) amount, list line 11g expenses on Schedule O) 20,270,829 19,895,368 375,461  
12 Advertising and promotion .... 4,661,417 4,461,997 48,841 150,579
13 Office expenses ....... 11,760,805 8,790,403 366,004 2,604,398
14 Information technology ...... 797,216 719,125 41,006 37,085
15 Royalties .. 0      
16 Occupancy ........... 6,047,314 5,074,725 559,607 412,982
17 Travel ............ 4,578,417 3,933,487 464,155 180,775
18 Payments of travel or entertainment expenses for any federal, state, or local public officials . 0      
19 Conferences, conventions, and meetings .... 1,113,652 796,447 207,750 109,455
20 Interest ........... 0      
21 Payments to affiliates ....... 0      
22 Depreciation, depletion, and amortization .. 2,735,048 2,292,710 254,083 188,255
23 Insurance ... 347,366 291,169 32,280 23,917
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 TEMPORARY CLERICAL 1,711,378 123,552 1,564,951 22,875
b LIST RENTALS 1,164,303 856,082   308,221
c RECRUITING EXPENSE 458,522 398,914 51 59,557
d ENVIRONMENT COALITION 18,500 18,500    
e All other expenses 1,305,936 913,804 154,492 237,640
25 Total functional expenses. Add lines 1 through 24e 133,435,489 112,671,530 10,654,286 10,109,673
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). 7,323,870 4,509,254   2,814,616
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 ........ 0 1 0
2 Savings and temporary cash investments ......... 28,842,455 2 17,030,576
3 Pledges and grants receivable, net ...... 19,789,031 3 23,568,510
4 Accounts receivable, net ............. 187,599 4 1,068,067
5 Loans and other receivables from current and former officers, directors, trustees, key employees, and highest compensated employees. Complete Part II of Schedule L
0 5 0
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
0 6 0
7 Notes and loans receivable, net .... 0 7 0
8 Inventories for sale or use ........ 0 8 0
9 Prepaid expenses and deferred charges ...... 4,265,807 9 5,228,909
10a Land, buildings, and equipment: cost or other basis. Complete Part VI of Schedule D 10a 60,960,342
b Less: accumulated depreciation 10b 22,035,273 36,668,777 10c 38,925,069
11 Investments—publicly traded securities . 82,942,535 11 110,627,508
12 Investments—other securities. See Part IV, line 11 ..... 133,597,284 12 105,107,550
13 Investments—program-related. See Part IV, line 11 .. 0 13 0
14 Intangible assets ............... 0 14 0
15 Other assets. See Part IV, line 11 ........... 0 15 0
16 Total assets. Add lines 1 through 15 (must equal line 34)... 306,293,488 16 301,556,189
Liabilities 17 Accounts payable and accrued expenses ..... 16,760,823 17 16,767,803
18 Grants payable ... 0 18 0
19 Deferred revenue ......... 0 19 0
20 Tax-exempt bond liabilities ......... 10,923,786 20 10,634,197
21 Escrow or custodial account liability. Complete Part IV of Schedule D 0 21 0
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.. 0 22 0
23 Secured mortgages and notes payable to unrelated third parties .. 10,899,993 23 11,353,873
24 Unsecured notes and loans payable to unrelated third parties .. 0 24 0
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 24,023,322 25 26,273,688
26 Total liabilities. Add lines 17 through 25.. 62,607,924 26 65,029,561
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 160,294,398 27 154,393,848
28 Temporarily restricted net assets ........... 63,385,259 28 62,029,479
29 Permanently restricted net assets 20,005,907 29 20,103,301
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 ........... 243,685,564 33 236,526,628
34 Total liabilities and net assets/fund balances ........ 306,293,488 34 301,556,189
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
129,809,261
2
Total expenses (must equal Part IX, column (A), line 25) ............
2
133,435,489
3
Revenue less expenses. Subtract line 2 from line 1 ..............
3
-3,626,228
4
Net assets or fund balances at beginning of year (must equal Part X, line 33, column (A)) ..
4
243,685,564
5
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments ...............
5
1,346,500
6
Donated services and use of facilities .................
6
 
7
Investment expenses .....................
7
 
8
Prior period adjustments .....................
8
13,870
9
Other changes in net assets or fund balances (explain in Schedule O) ........
9
-4,893,078
10
Net assets or fund balances at end of year. Combine lines 3 through 9 (must equal Part X, line 33, column (B))
10
236,526,628
Part XII
Financial Statements and Reporting
Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part XII .............
Yes
No
1
Accounting method used to prepare the Form 990:  
If the organization changed its method of accounting from a prior year or checked "Other," explain in
Schedule O.
2a
Were the organization’s financial statements compiled or reviewed by an independent accountant?
2a
 
No
If ‘Yes,’ check a box below to indicate whether the financial statements for the year were compiled or reviewed on a separate basis, consolidated basis, or both:
b
Were the organization’s financial statements audited by an independent accountant?
2b
Yes
 
If ‘Yes,’ check a box below to indicate whether the financial statements for the year were audited on a separate basis, consolidated basis, or both:
c
If "Yes," to line 2a or 2b, does the organization have a committee that assumes responsibility for oversight of the audit, review, or compilation of its financial statements and selection of an independent accountant?
2c
Yes
 
If the organization changed either its oversight process or selection process during the tax year, explain in Schedule O.
3a
As a result of a federal award, was the organization required to undergo an audit or audits as set forth in the Single Audit Act and OMB Circular A-133?
3a
 
No
b
If "Yes," did the organization undergo the required audit or audits? If the organization did not undergo the required audit or audits, explain why in Schedule O and describe any steps taken to undergo such audits.
3b
 
 
Form 990 (2015)
Form 990 (2015)
Additional Data


Software ID:  
Software Version:  
Form 990, Special Condition Description:
Special Condition Description
SCHEDULE A
(Form 990 or 990EZ)

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Public Charity Status and Public Support
Complete if the organization is a section 501(c)(3) organization or a section 4947(a)(1) nonexempt charitable trust.
right arrow Attach to Form 990 or Form 990-EZ.
right arrow Information about Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) and its instructions is at www.irs.gov/form990.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2015
Open to Public
Inspection
Name of the organization
Natural Resources Defense Council Inc
 
Employer identification number

13-2654926
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.) .... 92,736,241 110,866,444 116,474,388 134,361,787 127,497,252 581,936,112
2 Tax revenues levied for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf.......           0
3 The value of services or facilities furnished by a governmental unit to the organization without charge..           0
4 Total. Add lines 1 through 3 92,736,241 110,866,444 116,474,388 134,361,787 127,497,252 581,936,112
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).. 48,687,771
6 Public support. Subtract line 5 from line 4. 533,248,341
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.. 92,736,241 110,866,444 116,474,388 134,361,787 127,497,252 581,936,112
8 Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources... 2,630,293 3,665,731 4,253,331 2,384,492 3,388,753 16,322,600
9 Net income from unrelated business activities, whether or not the business is regularly carried on.. 9,180 29,288 17,260 24,536 78,003 158,267
10 Other income. Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets (Explain in Part VI.).. 868,252 627,920 475,356 357,842 250,260 2,579,630
11 Total support. Add lines 7 through 10. 600,996,609
12
12
5,803,280
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
88.727 %
15
15
88.337 %
16a
b
17a
b
18
Private foundation. If the organization did not check a box on line 13, 16a, 16b, 17a, or 17b, check this box and see
instructions ..................................................... right arrow
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015

Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015
Page 3
Part III
Support Schedule for Organizations Described in Section 509(a)(2)
(Complete only if you checked the box on line 9 of Part I or if the organization failed to qualify under Part II. If the organization fails to qualify under the tests listed below, please complete Part II.)
Section A. Public Support
Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in) right arrow (a) 2011 (b) 2012 (c) 2013 (d) 2014 (e) 2015 (f) Total
1 Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grants.") .            
2 Gross receipts from admissions, merchandise sold or services performed, or facilities furnished in any activity that is related to the organization's tax-exempt purpose......            
3 Gross receipts from activities that are not an unrelated trade or business under section 513...            
4 Tax revenues levied for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf...            
5 The value of services or facilities furnished by a governmental unit to the organization without charge..            
6 Total. Add lines 1 through 5.            
7a Amounts included on lines 1, 2, and 3 received from disqualified persons...            
b Amounts included on lines 2 and 3 received from other than disqualified persons that exceed the greater of $5,000 or 1% of the amount on line 13 for the year.            
c Add lines 7a and 7b..            
8 Public support. (Subtract line 7c from line 6.)  
Section B. Total Support
Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in) right arrow (a) 2011 (b) 2012 (c) 2013 (d) 2014 (e) 2015 (f) Total
9 Amounts from line 6...            
10a Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources..            
b Unrelated business taxable income (less section 511 taxes) from businesses acquired after June 30, 1975.            
c Add lines 10a and 10b.            
11 Net income from unrelated business activities not included in line 10b, whether or not the business is regularly carried on.            
12 Other income. Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets (Explain in Part VI.) ..            
13 Total support. (Add lines 9, 10c, 11, and 12.)..            
14
Section C. Computation of Public Support Percentage
15
15
 
16
16
 
Section D. Computation of Investment Income Percentage
17
17
 
18
18
 
19a
b
20
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015

Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015
Page 4
Part IV
Supporting Organizations
(Complete only if you checked a box on line 11 of Part I. If you checked 11a of Part I, complete Sections A and B. If you checked 11b of Part I, complete Sections A and C. If you checked 11c of Part I, complete Sections A, D, and E. If you checked 11d of Part I, complete Sections A and D, and complete Part V.)
Section A. All Supporting Organizations
Yes
No
1
Are all of the organization’s supported organizations listed by name in the organization’s governing documents?
If "No," describe in Part VI how the supported organizations are designated. If designated by class or purpose,
describe the designation. If historic and continuing relationship, explain.
1
 
 
2
Did the organization have any supported organization that does not have an IRS determination of status under section 509(a)(1) or (2)? If "Yes," explain in Part VI how the organization determined that the supported organization was described in section 509(a)(1) or (2).
2
 
 
3a
Did the organization have a supported organization described in section 501(c)(4), (5), or (6)? If "Yes," answer (b) and (c) below.
3a
 
 
b
Did the organization confirm that each supported organization qualified under section 501(c)(4), (5), or (6) and satisfied the public support tests under section 509(a)(2)? If "Yes," describe in Part VI when and how the organization made the determination.
3b
 
 
c
Did the organization ensure that all support to such organizations was used exclusively for section 170(c)(2)(B) purposes? If "Yes," explain in Part VI what controls the organization put in place to ensure such use.
3c
 
 
4a
Was any supported organization not organized in the United States ("foreign supported organization")? If “Yes” and if you checked 11a or 11b in Part I, answer (b) and (c) below.
4a
 
 
b
Did the organization have ultimate control and discretion in deciding whether to make grants to the foreign supported organization? If “Yes,” describe in Part VI how the organization had such control and discretion despite being controlled or supervised by or in connection with its supported organizations.
4b
 
 
c
Did the organization support any foreign supported organization that does not have an IRS determination under sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a)(1) or (2)? If “Yes,” explain in Part VI what controls the organization used to ensure that all support to the foreign supported organization was used exclusively for section 170(c)(2)(B) purposes.
4c
 
 
5a
Did the organization add, substitute, or remove any supported organizations during the tax year? If “Yes,” answer (b) and (c) below (if applicable). Also, provide detail in Part VI, including (i) the names and EIN numbers of the supported organizations added, substituted, or removed; (ii) the reasons for each such action; (iii) the authority under the organization's organizing document authorizing such action; and (iv) how the action was accomplished (such as by amendment to the organizing document).
5a
 
 
b
Type I or Type II only. Was any added or substituted supported organization part of a class already designated in the organization's organizing document?
5b
 
 
c
Substitutions only. Was the substitution the result of an event beyond the organization's control?
5c
 
 
6
Did the organization provide support (whether in the form of grants or the provision of services or facilities) to anyone other than (i) its supported organizations, (ii) individuals that are part of the charitable class benefited by one or more of its supported organizations, or (iii) other supporting organizations that also support or benefit one or more of the filing organization’s supported organizations? If “Yes,” provide detail in Part VI.
6
 
 
7
Did the organization provide a grant, loan, compensation, or other similar payment to a substantial contributor (defined in section 4958(c)(3)(C)), a family member of a substantial contributor, or a 35% controlled entity with regard to a substantial contributor? If “Yes,” complete Part I of Schedule L (Form 990 or 990-EZ) .
7
 
 
8
Did the organization make a loan to a disqualified person (as defined in section 4958) not described in line 7? If “Yes,” complete Part I of Schedule L (Form 990 or 990-EZ).
8
 
 
9a
Was the organization controlled directly or indirectly at any time during the tax year by one or more disqualified persons as defined in section 4946 (other than foundation managers and organizations described in section 509(a)(1) or (2))? If “Yes,” provide detail in Part VI.
9a
 
 
b
Did one or more disqualified persons (as defined in line 9a) hold a controlling interest in any entity in which the supporting organization had an interest? If “Yes,” provide detail in Part VI.
9b
 
 
c
Did a disqualified person (as defined in line 9a) have an ownership interest in, or derive any personal benefit from, assets in which the supporting organization also had an interest? If “Yes,” provide detail in Part VI.
9c
 
 
10a
Was the organization subject to the excess business holdings rules of section 4943 because of section 4943(f) (regarding certain Type II supporting organizations, and all Type III non-functionally integrated supporting organizations)? If “Yes,” answer line 10b below.
10a
 
 
b
Did the organization have any excess business holdings in the tax year? (Use Schedule C, Form 4720, to determine whether the organization had excess business holdings).
10b
 
 
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015

Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015
Page 5
Part IV
Supporting Organizations (continued)
Yes
No
11
Has the organization accepted a gift or contribution from any of the following persons?
a
A person who directly or indirectly controls, either alone or together with persons described in (b) and (c) below, the governing body of a supported organization?
11a
 
 
b
A family member of a person described in (a) above?
11b
 
 
c
A 35% controlled entity of a person described in (a) or (b) above? If “Yes” to a, b, or c, provide detail in Part VI.
11c
 
 
Section B. Type I Supporting Organizations
Yes
No
1
Did the directors, trustees, or membership of one or more supported organizations have the power to regularly appoint or elect at least a majority of the organization’s directors or trustees at all times during the tax year? If “No,” describe in Part VI how the supported organization(s) effectively operated, supervised, or controlled the organization’s activities. If the organization had more than one supported organization, describe how the powers to appoint and/or remove directors or trustees were allocated among the supported organizations and what conditions or restrictions, if any, applied to such powers during the tax year.
1
 
 
2
Did the organization operate for the benefit of any supported organization other than the supported organization(s) that operated, supervised, or controlled the supporting organization? If “Yes,” explain in Part VI how providing such benefit carried out the purposes of the supported organization(s) that operated, supervised or controlled the supporting organization.
2
 
 
Section C. Type II Supporting Organizations
Yes
No
1
Were a majority of the organization’s directors or trustees during the tax year also a majority of the directors or trustees of each of the organization’s supported organization(s)? If “No,” describe in Part VI how control or management of the supporting organization was vested in the same persons that controlled or managed the supported organization(s).
1
 
 
Section D. All Type III Supporting Organizations
Yes
No
1
Did the organization provide to each of its supported organizations, by the last day of the fifth month of the organization’s tax year, (i) a written notice describing the type and amount of support provided during the prior tax year, (ii) a copy of the Form 990 that was most recently filed as of the date of notification, and (iii) copies of the organization’s governing documents in effect on the date of notification, to the extent not previously provided?
1
 
 
2
Were any of the organization’s officers, directors, or trustees either (i) appointed or elected by the supported organization(s) or (ii) serving on the governing body of a supported organization? If "No," explain in Part VI how the organization maintained a close and continuous working relationship with the supported organization(s).
2
 
 
3
By reason of the relationship described in (2), did the organization’s supported organizations have a significant voice in the organization’s investment policies and in directing the use of the organization’s income or assets at all times during the tax year? If "Yes," describe in Part VI the role the organization’s supported organizations played in this regard.
3
 
 
Section E. Type III Functionally-Integrated Supporting Organizations
1
Check the box next to the method that the organization used to satisfy the Integral Part Test during the year (see instructions):
a
b
c
2
Activities Test. Answer (a) and (b) below.
Yes
No
a
Did substantially all of the organization’s activities during the tax year directly further the exempt purposes of the supported organization(s) to which the organization was responsive? If "Yes," then in Part VI identify those supported organizations and explain how these activities directly furthered their exempt purposes, how the organization was responsive to those supported organizations, and how the organization determined that these activities constituted substantially all of its activities.
2a
 
 
b
Did the activities described in (a) constitute activities that, but for the organization’s involvement, one or more of the organization’s supported organization(s) would have been engaged in? If "Yes," explain in Part VI the reasons for the organization’s position that its supported organization(s) would have engaged in these activities but for the organization’s involvement.
2b
 
 
3
Parent of Supported Organizations. Answer (a) and (b) below.
a
Did the organization have the power to regularly appoint or elect a majority of the officers, directors, or trustees of each of the supported organizations? Provide details in Part VI.
3a
 
 
b
Did the organization exercise a substantial degree of direction over the policies, programs and activities of each of its supported organizations? If "Yes," describe in Part VI. the role played by the organization in this regard.
3b
 
 
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015

Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015
Page 6
Part V
Type III Non-Functionally Integrated 509(a)(3) Supporting Organizations
1
Section A - Adjusted Net Income (A) Prior Year (B) Current Year
(optional)
1 Net short-term capital gain 1    
2 Recoveries of prior-year distributions 2    
3 Other gross income (see instructions) 3    
4 Add lines 1 through 3 4    
5 Depreciation and depletion 5    
6 Portion of operating expenses paid or incurred for production or collection of gross income or for management, conservation, or maintenance of property held for production of income (see instructions) 6    
7 Other expenses (see instructions) 7    
8 Adjusted Net Income (subtract lines 5, 6 and 7 from line 4) 8    

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

Section C - Distributable Amount Current Year
1 Adjusted net income for prior year (from Section A, line 8, Column A) 1  
2 Enter 85% of line 1 2  
3 Minimum asset amount for prior year (from Section B, line 8, Column A) 3  
4 Enter greater of line 2 or line 3 4  
5 Income tax imposed in prior year 5  
6 Distributable Amount. Subtract line 5 from line 4, unless subject to emergency temporary reduction (see instructions) 6  
7
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015

Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015
Page 7
Part V
Type III Non-Functionally Integrated 509(a)(3) Supporting Organizations (continued)
Section D - Distributions Current Year
1 Amounts paid to supported organizations to accomplish exempt purposes  
2 Amounts paid to perform activity that directly furthers exempt purposes of supported organizations, in
excess of income from activity		  
3 Administrative expenses paid to accomplish exempt purposes of supported organizations  
4 Amounts paid to acquire exempt-use assets  
5 Qualified set-aside amounts (prior IRS approval required)  
6 Other distributions (describe in Part VI). See instructions  
7Total annual distributions. Add lines 1 through 6.  
8 Distributions to attentive supported organizations to which the organization is responsive (provide
details in Part VI). See instructions		  
9 Distributable amount for 2015 from Section C, line 6  
10 Line 8 amount divided by Line 9 amount  

Section E - Distribution Allocations (see instructions) (i)
Excess Distributions 		(ii)
Underdistributions
Pre-2015 		(iii)
Distributable
Amount for 2015
1 Distributable amount for 2015 from Section C, line
6 		 
2 Underdistributions, if any, for years prior to 2015
(reasonable cause required--see instructions)		  
3 Excess distributions carryover, if any, to 2015:
a
b
c
d From 2013.......  
e From 2014.......  
fTotal of lines 3a through e  
g Applied to underdistributions of prior years  
h Applied to 2015 distributable amount  
i Carryover from 2010 not applied (see
instructions)
j Remainder. Subtract lines 3g, 3h, and 3i from 3f.  
4Distributions for 2015 from Section D, line 7:
$  
a Applied to underdistributions of prior years  
b Applied to 2015 distributable amount  
c Remainder. Subtract lines 4a and 4b from 4.  
5 Remaining underdistributions for years prior to
2015, if any. Subtract lines 3g and 4a from line 2
(if amount greater than zero, see instructions)		  
6 Remaining underdistributions for 2015. Subtract
lines 3h and 4b from line 1 (if amount greater than
zero, see instructions)		  
7 Excess distributions carryover to 2016. Add lines
3j and 4c.		  
8 Breakdown of line 7:
a
b
c Excess from 2013.......  
d From 2014.......  
e From 2015.......  
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) (2015)

Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015
Page 8
Part VI
Supplemental Information. Provide the explanations required by Part II, line 10; Part II, line 17a or 17b; Part III, line 12; Part IV, Section A, lines 1, 2, 3b, 3c, 4b, 4c, 5a, 6, 9a, 9b, 9c, 11a, 11b, and 11c; Part IV, Section B, lines 1 and 2; Part IV, Section C, line 1; Part IV, Section D, lines 2 and 3; Part IV, Section E, lines 1c, 2a, 2b, 3a and 3b; Part V, line 1; Part V, Section B, line 1e; Part V Section D, lines 5, 6, and 8; and Part V, Section E, lines 2, 5, and 6. Also complete this part for any additional information. (See instructions).
Facts And Circumstances Test
 
Return Reference Explanation
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015


Additional Data


Software ID:  
Software Version:  
Schedule B
(Form 990, 990-EZ,
or 990-PF)
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Schedule of Contributors
Arrow Bullet Attach to Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF.
Arrow Bullet Information about Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) and its instructions is at www.irs.gov/form990.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2015
Name of the organization
Natural Resources Defense Council Inc
 
Employer identification number

13-2654926
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
Natural Resources Defense Council Inc
  		Employer identification number
13-2654926
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
Natural Resources Defense Council Inc
  		Employer identification number

13-2654926
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
Natural Resources Defense Council Inc
  		Employer identification number

13-2654926
Part III
Exclusively religious, charitable, etc., contributions to organizations described in section 501(c)(7), (8), or (10) that total more than $1,000 for the year from any one contributor. Complete columns (a) through (e) and the following line entry. For organizations completing Part III, enter the total of exclusively religious, charitable, etc., contributions of $1,000 or less for the year. (Enter this information once. See instructions.) Arrow Bullet$  
Use duplicate copies of Part III if additional space is needed.
(a)
No.from Part I		 (b) Purpose of gift (c) Use of gift (d) Description of how gift is held
 
(e) Transfer of gift
Transferee's name, address, and ZIP 4 Relationship of transferor to transferee
 
 
     
 
(a)
No.from Part I		 (b) Purpose of gift (c) Use of gift (d) Description of how gift is held
 
(e) Transfer of gift
Transferee's name, address, and ZIP 4 Relationship of transferor to transferee
 
 
     
 
(a)
No.from Part I		 (b) Purpose of gift (c) Use of gift (d) Description of how gift is held
 
(e) Transfer of gift
Transferee's name, address, and ZIP 4 Relationship of transferor to transferee
 
 
     
 
(a)
No.from Part I		 (b) Purpose of gift (c) Use of gift (d) Description of how gift is held
 
(e) Transfer of gift
Transferee's name, address, and ZIP 4 Relationship of transferor to transferee
 
 
     
 
Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2015)

Additional Data


Software ID:  
Software Version:  
SCHEDULE 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
Natural Resources Defense Council Inc
 
Employer identification number

13-2654926
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) ............................................... 149,611  
b Total lobbying expenditures to influence a legislative body (direct lobbying) ........................................... 664,351  
c Total lobbying expenditures (add lines 1a and 1b) ....................................................................... 813,962  
d Other exempt purpose expenditures ......................................................................................... 132,621,527  
e Total exempt purpose expenditures (add lines 1c and 1d) .................................................................... 133,435,489  
f Lobbying nontaxable amount. Enter the amount from the following table in both
columns.		 1,000,000  
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) .......................................................................... 250,000  
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 1,000,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 4,000,000
b Lobbying ceiling amount
(150% of line 2a, column(e)) 		6,000,000
c Total lobbying expenditures 942,783 840,540 979,448 813,962 3,576,733
d Grassroots nontaxable amount 250,000 250,000 250,000 250,000 1,000,000
e Grassroots ceiling amount
(150% of line 2d, column (e))		 1,500,000
f Grassroots lobbying expenditures 81,605 144,066 241,994 149,611 617,276
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? ...........................................................................................................
 
 
b
Paid staff or management (include compensation in expenses reported on lines 1c through 1i)? ........
 
 
c
Media advertisements? ...................................................................................................
 
 
 
d
Mailings to members, legislators, or the public? .............................................................................
 
 
 
e
Publications, or published or broadcast statements? ...........................................................
 
 
 
f
Grants to other organizations for lobbying purposes? ..........................................................
 
 
 
g
Direct contact with legislators, their staffs, government officials, or a legislative body? .......................
 
 
 
h
Rallies, demonstrations, seminars, conventions, speeches, lectures, or any similar means? ..................
 
 
 
i
Other activities? ...................................................................................................................
 
 
 
j
Total. Add lines 1c through 1i ....................................................................................................
 
2a
Did the activities in line 1 cause the organization to be not described in section 501(c)(3)? .....
 
 
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
Schedule C, Part II-A On Form 990, Part IX, Line 11d, NRDC reports $80,837 in lobbying expenses, which represents amounts paid to lobbying consultants. These fees represent only a portion of the lobbying expenditures NRDC reports on Schedule C, Part II-A. Employee time that is directed toward lobbying initiatives (and categorized as lobbying expenditures on Schedule C) have been reported on Part IX in lines 5, 7, 8, 9, & 10 rather than on line 11d.
Schedule C (Form 990 or 990EZ) 2015


Additional Data


Software ID:  
Software Version:  

SCHEDULE D
(Form 990)
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Supplemental Financial Statements
SchDMd Bullet Complete if the organization answered "Yes," on Form 990,
Part IV, line 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, 11f, 12a, or 12b.
SchDMd Bullet Attach to Form 990.
Information about Schedule D (Form 990) and its instructions is at www.irs.gov/form990.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2015
Open to Public Inspection
Name of the organization
Natural Resources Defense Council Inc
 
Employer identification number

13-2654926
Part I
Organizations Maintaining Donor Advised Funds or Other Similar Funds or Accounts. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 6.
(a) Donor advised funds (b) Funds and other accounts
1 Total number at end of year ....    
2 Aggregate value of contributions to (during year)    
3 Aggregate value of grants from (during year)    
4 Aggregate value at end of year ....    
5
Did the organization inform all donors and donor advisors in writing that the assets held in donor advised
funds are the organization's property, subject to the organization's exclusive legal control? ...........
6
Did the organization inform all grantees, donors, and donor advisors in writing that grant funds can be
used only for charitable purposes and not for the benefit of the donor or donor advisor, or for any other purpose conferring impermissible private benefit? ............................
Part II
Conservation Easements. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 7.
1
Purpose(s) of conservation easements held by the organization (check all that apply).
2
Complete lines 2a through 2d if the organization held a qualified conservation contribution in the form of a conservation easement on the last day of the tax year.
Held at the End of the Year
a Total number of conservation easements ...................... 2a  
b Total acreage restricted by conservation easements .................... 2b  
c Number of conservation easements on a certified historic structure included in (a) ..... 2c  
d Number of conservation easements included in (c) acquired after 8/17/06, and not on a historic structure listed in the National Register ... 2d  
3
Number of conservation easements modified, transferred, released, extinguished, or terminated by the organization during the
tax year SchDMd Bullet  
4
Number of states where property subject to conservation easement is located SchDMd Bullet  
5
Does the organization have a written policy regarding the periodic monitoring, inspection, handling of violations, and enforcement of the conservation easements it holds? ............
6
Staff and volunteer hours devoted to monitoring, inspecting, handling of violations, and enforcing conservation easements during the year
SchDMd Bullet  
7
Amount of expenses incurred in monitoring, inspecting, handling of violations, and enforcing conservation easements during the year
SchDMd Bullet $  
8
Does each conservation easement reported on line 2(d) above satisfy the requirements of section 170(h)(4)(B)(i) and section 170(h)(4)(B)(ii)? .............................
9
In Part XIII, describe how the organization reports conservation easements in its revenue and expense statement, and
balance sheet, and include, if applicable, the text of the footnote to the organization’s financial statements that describes
the organization’s accounting for conservation easements.
Part III
Organizations Maintaining Collections of Art, Historical Treasures, or Other Similar Assets.
Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 8.
1a
If the organization elected, as permitted under SFAS 116 (ASC 958), not to report in its revenue statement and balance sheet works of art, historical treasures, or other similar assets held for public exhibition, education, or research in furtherance of public service, provide, in Part XIII, the text of the footnote to its financial statements that describes these items.
b
If the organization elected, as permitted under SFAS 116 (ASC 958), to report in its revenue statement and balance sheet works of art, historical treasures, or other similar assets held for public exhibition, education, or research in furtherance of public service, provide the following amounts relating to these items:
(i)
Revenue included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 1 .........................SchDMd Bullet $  
(ii)
Assets included in Form 990, Part X ...............................SchDMd Bullet $  
2
If the organization received or held works of art, historical treasures, or other similar assets for financial gain, provide the
following amounts required to be reported under SFAS 116 (ASC 958) relating to these items:
a
Revenue included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 1 ..........................SchDMd Bullet $  
b
Assets included in Form 990, Part X ...............................SchDMd Bullet $  
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990.
Cat. No. 52283D
Schedule D (Form 990) 2015

Schedule D (Form 990) 2015
Page 2
Part III
Organizations Maintaining Collections of Art, Historical Treasures, or Other Similar Assets (continued)
3
Using the organization’s acquisition, accession, and other records, check any of the following that are a significant use of its collection items (check all that apply):
a
d
b
e
 
c
4
Provide a description of the organization’s collections and explain how they further the organization’s exempt purpose in
Part XIII.
5
During the year, did the organization solicit or receive donations of art, historical treasures or other similar
assets to be sold to raise funds rather than to be maintained as part of the organization’s collection?...
Part IV
Escrow and Custodial Arrangements. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 9, or reported an amount on Form 990, Part X, line 21.
1a
Is the organization an agent, trustee, custodian or other intermediary for contributions or other assets not
included on Form 990, Part X? ....................................
b If "Yes," explain the arrangement in Part XIII and complete the following table: Amount
c Beginning balance ............................. 1c  
d Additions during the year ............................ 1d  
e Distributions during the year .......................... 1e  
f Ending balance ................................ 1f  
2a
Did the organization include an amount on Form 990, Part X, line 21, for escrow or custodial account liability?
b
If "Yes," explain the arrangement in Part XIII. Check here if the explanation has been provided in Part XIII ........
Part V
Endowment Funds. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 10.
(a)Current year (b)Prior year (c)Two years back (d)Three years back (e)Four years back
1a Beginning of year balance .... 153,068,276 147,155,091 128,985,641 117,964,925 121,644,788
b Contributions ... 8,759,097 6,885,168 6,426,811 7,207,546 4,607,210
c Net investment earnings, gains, and losses 514,555 5,612,797 18,880,522 12,339,658 1,523,175
d Grants or scholarships ...          
e Other expenditures for facilities
and programs ... 		5,288,000 5,111,524 5,605,988 7,057,075 9,022,568
f Administrative expenses .... 1,408,282 1,473,256 1,531,894 1,469,413 787,680
g End of year balance ...... 155,645,646 153,068,276 147,155,092 128,985,641 117,964,925
2
Provide the estimated percentage of the current year end balance (line 1g, column (a)) held as:
a
Board designated or quasi-endowment SchDMd Bullet81.770 %
b
Permanent endowment SchDMd Bullet12.920 %
c
Temporarily restricted endowment SchDMd Bullet5.310 %
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)
 
No
(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   46,264,685 17,249,985 29,014,700
c Leasehold improvements   1,076,108 352,639 723,469
d Equipment ...   10,454,107 4,447,367 6,006,740
e Other ...   3,180,160   3,180,160
Total. Add lines 1a through 1e. (Column (d) must equal Form 990, Part X, column (B), line 10(c).)..SchDMdBullet 38,925,069
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) HEDGE FUNDS 		40,049,938 F

(B) PRIVATE EQUITIES 		2,591,273 F

(C) VENTURE CAPITAL FUNDS 		44,108 F

(D) EX FOSSIL FUELS INDEX FUND 		42,274,922 F

(E) INT. IN SPLIT INT. AGREEMENTS 		20,147,309 F
(E)
(F)
(G)
(H)
Total. (Column (b) must equal Form 990, Part X, col. (B) line 12.)Small Bullet 105,107,550
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 0
CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITIES 13,089,751
POOLED INCOME FUNDS 335,053
DEFINED BENEFIT PLAN OBLIGATION 12,848,884
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
Total. (Column (b) must equal Form 990, Part X, col.(B) line 25.)Small Bullet 26,273,688
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 ....... 1 133,297,513
2 Amounts included on line 1 but not on Form 990, Part VIII, line 12:
a Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments .... 2a 1,346,500
b Donated services and use of facilities ......... 2b 4,116,644
c Recoveries of prior year grants ........... 2c  
d Other (Describe in Part XIII.) ............ 2d  
e Add lines 2a through 2d ..................... 2e 5,463,144
3 Subtract line 2e from line 1.................. 3 127,834,369
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 1,495,744
b Other (Describe in Part XIII.) ........... 4b 479,148
c Add lines 4a and 4b.................... 4c 1,974,892
5 Total revenue. Add lines 3 and 4c. (This must equal Form 990, Part I, line 12.) ...... 5 129,809,261
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 ........... 1 136,178,495
2 Amounts included on line 1 but not on Form 990, Part IX, line 25:
a Donated services and use of facilities ......... 2a 4,102,773
b Prior year adjustments ............ 2b  
c Other losses ................ 2c  
d Other (Describe in Part XIII.) ............ 2d  
e Add lines 2a through 2d.................... 2e 4,102,773
3 Subtract line 2e from line 1................... 3 132,075,722
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 1,495,744
b Other (Describe in Part XIII.) ............ 4b -135,977
c Add lines 4a and 4b..................... 4c 1,359,767
5 Total expenses. Add lines 3 and 4c. (This must equal Form 990, Part I, line 18.) ...... 5 133,435,489

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
ENDOWMENT FUNDS FORM 990, SCHEDULE D, PART V, LINE 4 NRDC's endowment fund is intended to support its environmental and conservation programs (specifically, those described in detail in Part III to the Form 990). The trustees have adopted a spending policy that allows for up to 5% of the average fair value of quasi-endowment and permanent endowment funds to be used in support of operations on an annual basis. NRDC's endowment consists of 55 individual funds (26 permanently restricted, 15 temporarily restricted and 14 quasi-endowments) and is an aggregation of gifts provided by donors with the requirement they be held in perpetuity to generate earnings now and in future years to support a variety of purposes, including funding its program and administrative operating costs. It also includes funds designated by NRDC's board of trustees to function as an endowment (quasi endowment). Net assets associated with endowment funds, including funds designated by NRDC's board of trustees to function as endowments, are classified and reported based on the existence or absence of donor-imposed restrictions.
INCOME TAXES FORM 990, SCHEDULE D, PART X NRDC follows guidance that clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return, including issues relating to financial statement recognition and measurement. This guidance provides that the tax effects from an uncertain tax position can only be recognized in the consolidated financial statements if the position is "more-likely-than-not" to be sustained if the position were to be challenged by a taxing authority. The assessment of the tax position is based solely on the technical merits of the position, without regard to the likelihood that the tax position may be challenged. NRDC has processes presently in place to ensure the maintenance of its tax-exempt status; to identify and report unrelated income; determine its filing and tax obligations in jurisdictions for which it has nexus; and to review other matters that may be considered an uncertain tax position. The tax years ended June 30, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 remain open to audit for both federal and state purposes. This standard had no impact on NRDCs 2016 and 2015 consolidated financial statements. NRDC does not believe its 2016 and 2015 consolidated financial statements include any material uncertain tax positions.
Form 990, schedule d, parts xi and xii NRDC does not receive standalone financial statements; its operations are consolidated with two affiliated organizations, the NRDC Action Fund and NRDC limited. The Parts XI and XII reconciliation on Schedule D tie back to NRDC's financial information within the audited financial statements and not to the consolidated numbers. Form 990, schedule D, part XI, Line 4b special event expenses allocated against special event revenue on part VIII ($135,977) Bad Debt Expense Adjustment 615,124 ---------- $479,148
EXPENSE ON BOOKS NOT ON RETURN FORM 990, SCHEDULE D, PART XII, LINE 4b special event expenses allocated against special event revenue on part VIII ($135,977)
Schedule D (Form 990) 2015


Additional Data


Software ID:  
Software Version:  




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
Natural Resources Defense Council Inc
 
Employer identification number

13-2654926
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
East Asia and the Pacific 1 32 Program Services CLEAN ENERGY ADVOCACY 6,137,215
South Asia     Program Services CLEAN ENERGY ADVOCACY 270,956
South America     Program Services CLEAN ENERGY ADVOCACY 23,687
North America     Program Services ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCACY 343,414
Europe (Including Iceland and Greenland)     Program Services ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCACY 190,059
Sub-Saharan Africa     Program Services CLEAN ENERGY ADVOCACY 6,375
Central America and the Caribbean     Investments   31,504,146
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
3a Sub-total ..... 1 32 38,475,852
b Total from continuation sheets to Part I ...      
c Totals (add lines 3a and 3b) 1 32 38,475,852
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)
East Asia and the Pacific Clean Energy Advocacy 70,000 wire      
East Asia and the Pacific Clean Energy Advocacy 70,000 wire      
East Asia and the Pacific Clean Energy Advocacy 70,000 wire      
East Asia and the Pacific Clean Energy Advocacy 80,000 wire      
East Asia and the Pacific Clean Energy Advocacy 109,849 wire      
East Asia and the Pacific Clean Energy Advocacy 100,000 wire      
East Asia and the Pacific Clean Energy Advocacy 70,000 wire      
East Asia and the Pacific Clean Energy Advocacy 500,000 wire      
East Asia and the Pacific Clean Energy Advocacy 140,000 wire      
East Asia and the Pacific Clean Energy Advocacy 70,000 wire      
East Asia and the Pacific Clean Energy Advocacy 100,000 wire      
East Asia and the Pacific Clean Energy Advocacy 21,428 wire      
Europe (Including Iceland and Greenland) Biogems Advocacy 100,000 wire      
North America Biogems Advocacy 100,000 wire      
North America Biogems Advocacy 50,000 wire      
South Asia Clean Energy/Water Advocacy 70,000 WIRE      
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 Enter total number of other organizations or entities .......................MediumBullet
16
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)
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
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
ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES SCHEDULE F, PART I, LINE 3 NRDC monitors all expenditures to ensure that amounts are used properly. Outside of salaries and benefits (U.S. Headquarters processes directly), NRDC used the below process to review and monitor discretionary expenditures such as travel and consulting. Program assistants in China verify all invoices to ensure accuracy. All invoices are then reviewed and signed off by the direct supervisor of the requestor (either project leader/ project manager). Next, the Director and Deputy Director of China Program review and approve large items of expenditure. Finally, all invoices and approval forms are forwarded to the U.S. Headquarters' Accounting Department for final review.
Schedule F, Part IV The Natural Resources Defense Council invests in domestic and foreign limited partnerships that may own an interest in a foreign corporation, passive foreign investment company, or foreign partnership. Nevertheless, the Council's investment activities may not reach the thresholds required for filing the Forms 926, 5471, 8621 or 8865. To the extent such a form was completed, it has been filed with the Organization's Form 990-T.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
Schedule F (Form 990) 2015
Additional Data


Software ID:  
Software Version:  



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
Natural Resources Defense Council Inc
 
Employer identification number

13-2654926
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
DONOR SERVICES TELEMRKTNG   No 92,549 68,276 24,273
TELEFUND Inc TELEMRKTNG   No 55,925 20,444 35,481
O'Brien Garret fundraising consultant   No   181,669 -181,669
YOUR VOICE MEDIA TELEMRKTNG   No 126,395 106,291 20,104
SD A Teleservices Inc TELEMRKTNG   No 81,866 39,670 42,196
             
             
             
             
             
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . right arrow 356,735 416,350 -59,615
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.
AL, AK, AR, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, HI, IL, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, UT, VA, WA, WV, 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

MONTAUK EVENT
(event type) 		(b) Event #2

SF BENEFIT
(event type) 		(c) Other events

6
(total number) 		(d) Total events
(add col. (a) through col. (c))

1
Gross receipts . . . . .
119,650
63,658
102,210
285,518

2
Less: Contributions . . . .
111,476
57,158
68,756
237,390
3 Gross income (line 1 minus
line 2) . . . . . .
8,174
6,500
33,454
48,128



VerticalDirectExpenses
4 Cash prizes . . . . .        
5 Noncash prizes . . . .        
6 Rent/facility costs . . . . 19,740 14,242 13,020 47,002
7 Food and beverages . . .        
8 Entertainment . . . .        
9 Other direct expenses . . . 22,976 9,522 56,477 88,975
10 Direct expense summary. Add lines 4 through 9 in column (d) . . . . . . . . . . right arrow 135,977
11 Net income summary. Subtract line 10 from line 3, column (d). . . . . . . . . . right arrow -87,849
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 . . . . .
 
 
 
 
VerticalDirectExpenses

2
Cash prizes . . . . .
 
 
 
 

3
Noncash prizes . . . .
 
 
 
 

4
Rent/facility costs . . . .
 
 
 
 

5
Other direct expenses . . .
22,976
9,522
56,477
88,975


6

Volunteer labor . . . .
%
%
%


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

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

9
Enter the state(s) in which the organization conducts gaming activities:
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
%
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
Address right arrow
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
Gaming manager compensation right arrow $  
Description of services provided right arrow
 
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, Part 1, Fundraisers Fundraiser O'Brien Garret does not specifically raise funds for Natural Resources Defense Council. O'Brien Garret provides consulting services with relation to NRDC's activities, and determining an accurate allocation of receipts specifically related to their endeavors is difficult for 990 purposes.
Schedule G (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015
Additional Data


Software ID:  
Software Version:  
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
Natural Resources Defense Council Inc
 
Employer identification number
13-2654926
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) Alliance to Save Energy
1850 M St NW
Ste 1050
Washington,DC200365803 		52-1082991 501(c)(3) 10,000       Env. Advocacy
(2) American Wind Wildlife Institute
1110 VT Ave NW
St 950
Washington,DC200053544 		26-1587829 501(c)(3) 10,000       Env. Advocacy
(3) Association for Energy Affordability Inc
105 Bruckner Boulevard
Bronx,NY10454 		13-3374285 501(c)(3) 7,000       Env. Advocacy
(4) Blacks In Green
6011 S St Lawrence Ave
Chicago,IL60637 		45-2453557 501(c)(3) 10,000       Env. Advocacy
(5) Blue Frontier Campaign
PO Box 19367
Washington,DC20036 		14-1861309 501(c)(3) 7,000       Env. Advocacy
(6) Blue Green Alliance Foundation
1300 Godward St NE
ste 2625
Minneapolis,MN55413 		20-3477309 501(c)(3) 105,000       Env. Advocacy
(7) Blue Hills Community Services Corporation
5008 Prospect Ave
KC,MO641302651 		51-0141323 501(c)(3) 50,000       Env. Advocacy
(8) California League Of Conservation Voters
350 Frank H Ogawa Plaza
Oakland,CA94612 		94-3232552 501(c)(3) 8,000       Env. Advocacy
(9) Carnegie Mellon University
5000 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh,PA15213 		25-0969449 501(c)(3) 50,000       Env. Advocacy
(10) Catskill Mountainkeeper
PO Box 1000
Livingston Manor,NY12758 		51-0583769 501(c)(3) 65,000       Env. Advocacy
(11) Center For Rural Affairs
PO Box 1074
Hudson,NY12537 		47-0553823 501(c)(3) 12,500       Env. Advocacy
(12) City of Atlanta Office of Sustainability
55 Trinity Avenue SW
Altanta,GA30303 		58-6000511 gov't 50,000       Env. Advocacy
(13) Clean Water Fund
23885 Denton
STE B
Clinton Township,MI48036 		52-1043444 501(c)(3) 12,500       Env. Advocacy
(14) Climate and Energy Project Inc
PO Box 1858
Hutchinson,KS67504 		26-3450854 501(c)(3) 25,000       Env. Advocacy
(15) Coalition for Green Capital
1875 CT Ave NW
Washington,DC20009 		90-0868299 501(c)(3) 207,000       Env. Advocacy
(16) Colorado Nonprofit Development Center
789 Sherman St STE 250
Denver,CO80203 		84-1493585 501(c)(3) 13,000       Env. Advocacy
(17) Deep South Ctr For Envir Justi
7325 Palmetto St
NO,LA701251098 		56-2466977 501(c)(3) 5,500       Env. Advocacy
(18) Dream Corps
1611 Telegraph Avenue
Oakland,CA94612 		26-1140201 501(c)(3) 10,000       Env. Advocacy
(19) Earthjustice
633 17th Street
Denver,CO802022536 		94-1730465 501(c)(3) 23,000       Env. Advocacy
(20) Elevate Energy
322 S Green St STE 300
Chicago,IL60607 		36-4443093 501(c)(3) 50,000       Env. Advocacy
(21) Environment America Research
600 Penn Ave SE
Washington,DC20003 		13-4339865 501(c)(3) 20,000       Env. Advocacy
(22) Environment North Carolina R & PC Inc
1543 Wazee St Ste 400
Denver,CO80202 		42-1712369 501(c)(3) 579,463       Env. Advocacy
(23) Evangelical Environmental Network
9365 Counselors Row
Indianapolis,IN46240 		23-2827214 501(c)(3) 70,000       Env. Advocacy
(24) Faith in Place
70 E Lake St STE 920
Chicago,IL60601 		36-4540756 501(c)(3) 31,000       Env. Advocacy
(25) Global Green USA
2218 Main St
2 Floor
Santa Monica,CA90405 		77-0387124 501(c)(3) 50,000       Env. Advocacy
(26) Grant Housing & Economic Development Corp
10435 S Central Ave
LA,CA90002 		47-0553823 501(c)(3) 27,000       Env. Advocacy
(27) Grassroots Global Justice
PO Box 610663
North Miami,FL33261 		26-4633127 501(c)(3) 6,000       Env. Advocacy
(28) Green Latinos
801 PA Ave NW 1010
Washington,DC20004 		26-3386082 501(c)(3) 25,000       Env. Advocacy
(29) Illinois PIRG Education Fund
328 S Jefferson
Chicago,IL60661 		36-3848017 501(c)(3) 12,500       Env. Advocacy
(30) Interwest Energy Alliance
PO Box 8526
Santa Fe,NM87504 		47-3109672 501(c)(6) 10,000       Env. Advocacy
(31) League of Conservation Voters Education Fund
1920 L St Nw STE 800
Washington,DC20036 		52-1379661 501(c)(3) 18,000       Env. Advocacy
(32) Maryland Public Interest Research Fdtn Inc
3121 St Paul St STE 26
Baltimore,MD21218 		52-1033638 501(c)(3) 20,000       Env. Advocacy
(33) Monarch Watch
1200 Sunnyside Ave
Lawrence,KS660457435 		48-0680117 501(c)(3) 57,346       Env. Advocacy
(34) National Association of City
120 Park Ave 23rd fl
NY,NY10017 		20-1874085 501(c)(3) 25,000       Env. Advocacy
(35) National Hispanic Medical Association
1920 L St Nw Ste 725
Washington,DC20036 		52-1884446 501(c)(3) 18,000       Env. Advocacy
(36) National Religious Partnership for the Environment
110 MD Ave NE STE 203
Washington,DC20002 		13-6996770 501(c)(3) 61,800       Env. Advocacy
(37) NCSL Foundation for State Legislature
7700 East First Place
Denver,CO80230 		74-2232576 501(c)(3) 17,500       Env. Advocacy
(38) NEO Philanthropy Inc
45 W 36th St 6th Fl
NY,NY10018 		13-3191113 501(c)(3) 45,000       Env. Advocacy
(39) New York League of Conservation Voters Ed Fund
30 Broad Street
New York,NY10004 		13-3727122 501(c)(3) 7,500       Env. Advocacy
(40) Northeast Sustainable Energy Association
50 Miles Street
Greenfield,MA01301 		23-7437167 501(c)(3) 10,000       Env. Advocacy
(41) Oceana Inc
1350 Connecticut Ave
NW - 5th Floor
Washington,DC20036 		51-0401308 501(c)(3) 10,000       Env. Advocacy Biogems Advocacy Biogems Advocacy Biogems Advocacy Biogems Advocacy Biogems Advocacy Clean Energy Advocacy Clean Energy Advocacy Clean Energy Advocacy Clean Energy Advocacy Clean Energy Advocacy Clean Energy Advocacy Clean Energy Advocacy Clean Energy Advocacy Clean Energy Advocacy Clean Energy Advocacy Clean Energy Advocacy Clean Energy Advocacy Clean Energy Advocacy Clean Energy Advocacy Clean Energy Advocacy Clean Energy Advocacy Water Advocacy Water Advocacy
(42) Oil Change International
714 G Street SE
Washington,DC20003 		20-3272355 501(c)(3) 100,000       Env. Advocacy
(43) Oregon Environmental Council
222 NW Davis Street
Portland,OR972093900 		93-0578714 501(c)(3) 15,000       Env. Advocacy
(44) Partnership Project Inc
1501 M St NW STE 1010
Washington,DC20005 		52-2192070 501(c)(3) 595,000       Env. Advocacy
(45) Physicians for Social Responsibility
617 S Olive Street
Los Angeles,CA90014 		23-7059731 501(c)(3) 10,000       Env. Advocacy
(46) Princeton in Asia
194 Nassau Street
Princeton,NJ08542 		13-6163215 501(c)(3) 49,443       Env. Advocacy
(47) Project South
9 Gammon Avenue
Atlanta,GA30315 		58-1956686 501(c)(3) 11,000       Env. Advocacy
(48) Renewable Northwest Project
421 SW 6th Avenue
Portland,OR97204 		91-1815618 501(c)(3) 15,000       Env. Advocacy
(49) ReVision International
4200 Morrision Road
Denver,CO80219 		26-1204343 501(c)(3) 10,000       Env. Advocacy
(50) Small Business Majority Foundation Inc
4000 Bridgeway
Sausalito,CA94965 		03-0576666 501(c)(3) 175,000       Env. Advocacy
(51) Centennial Valley Association Inc
PO Box 240076
Dell,MT59724 		20-2063285 501(c)(3) 6,000       Env. Advocacy
(52) Keystone Center
1628 Saints John Road
Keystone,CO80435 		84-0688506 501(c)(3) 13,000       Env. Advocacy
(53) Tom Miner Basin Association LLC
527 Tom Miner Creek Rd
Emigrant,MT59027 		47-2837284   9,000       Env. Advocacy
(54) Transit Alliance
1536 Wynkoop
Denver,CO80202 		84-1483080 501(c)(3) 50,000       Env. Advocacy
(55) Trust for America's Health
1730 M St NW
Ste 900
Washington,DC20036 		52-2257066 501(c)(3) 10,000       Env. Advocacy
(56) University of Illinois
28392 Network Place
Chicago,IL606731283 		37-6000511 501(c)(3) 20,000       Env. Advocacy
(57) University of Kansas Endowment Association
PO Box 928
Lawrence,KS660440928 		48-0547734 501(c)(3) 130,000       Env. Advocacy
(58) US Climate Action Network
50 F St NW 8th Fl
Washington,DC20001 		20-4597308 501(c)(3) 20,000       Env. Advocacy
(59) Virginia Poverty Law Center
919 E Main Street
Richmond,MD23219 		54-1093402 501(c)(3) 32,000       Env. Advocacy
(60) Watts Century Latino Organization
10360 Wilmimgton Ave
Los Angeles,CA90002 		95-4429533 501(c)(3) 12,000       Env. Advocacy
(61) West Harlem Environmental Acti
1854 Amsterdam Ave
New York,NY10031 		13-3800068 501(c)(3) 10,000       Env. Advocacy
(62) Yale University
195 Prospect St
New Haven,CT065112189 		06-0646973 501(c)(3) 7,500       Env. Advocacy
2
Enter total number of section 501(c)(3) and government organizations listed in the line 1 table ................. Bullet Image
60
3
Enter total number of other organizations listed in the line 1 table ........................ . Bullet Image
2
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)
(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
Form 990, Schedule I, Line 2 In fiscal year 2016, the NRDC provided various grants to public charities (and other tax-exempt organizations) to support environmental initiatives. NRDC only provides funding to organizations that have an environmental mission that aligns with NRDC's own mission. Grantees are expected to provide NRDC with periodic status reports about their environmental projects.
Schedule I (Form 990) 2015



Additional Data


Software ID:  
Software Version:  


Schedule J
(Form 990)
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Compensation Information
For certain Officers, Directors, Trustees, Key Employees, and Highest
Compensated Employees
SchJMediumBullet Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 23.
SchJMediumBullet Attach to Form 990.
SchJMediumBullet Information about Schedule J (Form 990) and its instructions is at www.irs.gov/form990.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2015
Open to Public Inspection
Name of the organization
Natural Resources Defense Council Inc
 
Employer identification number

13-2654926
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
 
No
c
Participate in, or receive payment from, an equity-based compensation arrangement? .........
4c
 
No
If "Yes" to any of lines 4a-c, list the persons and provide the applicable amounts for each item in Part III.
Only 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(29) organizations must complete lines 5-9.
5
For persons listed on Form 990, Part VII, Section A, line 1a, did the organization pay or accrue any
compensation contingent on the revenues of:
a
The organization? ...........................
5a
 
No
b
Any related organization?
5b
 
No
If "Yes," on line 5a or 5b, describe in Part III.
6
For persons listed on Form 990, Part VII, Section A, line 1a, did the organization pay or accrue any
compensation contingent on the net earnings of:
a
The organization?
6a
 
No
b
Any related organization? .........................
6b
 
No
If "Yes," on line 6a or 6b, describe in Part III.
7
For persons listed on Form 990, Part VII, Section A, line 1a, did the organization provide any non-fixed
payments not described in lines 5 and 6? If "Yes," describe in Part III ............
7
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
1John H AdamsTrustee (i)

(ii)		 189,583
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0 		77,323
-------------
0 		266,906
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0
2Frances BeineckeFormer President (i)

(ii)		 86,372
-------------
0 		97,000
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0 		183,372
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0
3Steven BaginskiChief Financial Officer (i)

(ii)		 438,404
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0 		438,404
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0
4Lisa BenensonChief Communications Director (i)

(ii)		 289,902
-------------
0 		5,500
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0 		19,397
-------------
0 		18,269
-------------
0 		333,068
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0
5Mitchell BernardCOO (as of 11/2015) (i)

(ii)		 233,965
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0 		32,445
-------------
0 		18,269
-------------
0 		284,679
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0
6Dale BrykDirector of Programs (i)

(ii)		 211,112
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0 		30,730
-------------
0 		18,269
-------------
0 		260,111
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0
7Susan Casey-LefkowitzDirector of Programs (i)

(ii)		 214,235
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0 		30,730
-------------
0 		18,269
-------------
0 		263,234
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0
8Sarah A GillmanFormer Chief Financial Officer (i)

(ii)		 64,396
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0 		124,750
-------------
0 		4,630
-------------
0 		4,615
-------------
0 		198,391
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0
9David GoldstonDirector of Government Affairs (i)

(ii)		 221,459
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0 		19,866
-------------
0 		1,350
-------------
0 		242,675
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0
10David HawkinsSenior Attorney III (i)

(ii)		 225,976
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0 		31,717
-------------
0 		18,269
-------------
0 		275,962
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0
11Peter Lehner Thru 082015Executive Director (i)

(ii)		 211,953
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0 		355,100
-------------
0 		27,902
-------------
0 		11,546
-------------
0 		606,501
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0
12John Murray thru 122015Director of Development (i)

(ii)		 238,172
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0 		29,000
-------------
0 		4,909
-------------
0 		272,081
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0
13Joel ReynoldsWestern Director & Sr Attorney (i)

(ii)		 221,831
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0 		31,981
-------------
0 		18,269
-------------
0 		272,081
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0
14Linda LopezDir. of Membership Public Ed. (i)

(ii)		 3,904
-------------
0 		5,000
-------------
0 		201,500
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0 		210,404
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0
15Abby Schaefer OrfalyDir., Bd & Strategic Relations (i)

(ii)		 215,796
-------------
0 		10,000
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0 		25,910
-------------
0 		7,927
-------------
0 		259,633
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0
16Rhea SuhPresident (i)

(ii)		 446,142
-------------
0 		55,000
-------------
0 		40,000
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0 		10,157
-------------
0 		551,299
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0
17Ashok GuptaFormer Key Employee (i)

(ii)		 211,457
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0 		30,587
-------------
0 		18,269
-------------
0 		260,313
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0
18Judy KeeferFormer Chief Operating Officer (i)

(ii)		 12,540
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0 		247,100
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0 		259,640
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0
19Raya SalterSenior Utility Advocate (i)

(ii)		 90,020
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0 		119,300
-------------
0 		6,199
-------------
0 		6,323
-------------
0 		221,842
-------------
0 		0
-------------
0
Schedule J (Form 990) 2015

Schedule J (Form 990) 2015
Page 3
Part III
Supplemental Information
Provide the information, explanation, or descriptions required for Part I, lines 1a, 1b, 3, 4a, 4b, 4c, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7, and 8, and for Part II. Also complete this part for any additional information.
Return Reference Explanation
COMPENSATION INFORMATION SCHEDULE J PART I, LINE 1 NRDC's policy is to reimburse its employees, officers and trustees for all business-related expenses, such as telephone, fax and travel related expenses. In fiscal year 2016, NRDC also provided companion travel for one individual reported on part VII - John Adams. In addition, NRDC reimbursed Trustee John Adams for social club dues. To the extent Mr. Adams uses the social club for business purposes, he is reimbursed for the social club expense. Part I, Line 4a Judy Keefer, Sarah Gillman, Peter Lehner, Raya Salter and Linda Lopez received severance payments in Calendar Year 2015; these amounts are reported in Schedule J, Part II, Column B(iii). Part I, Line 7 Non-fixed payments During the calendar year 2015, the organization paid a bonus to Former President Frances Beinecke $97,000, Chief Communications Director Lisa Benenson $5,500, Director of Board and Strategic Relations Abby Schaefer Orfaly $10,000, and President Rhea Suh $55,000. Part II, Compensation Reporting of Trustee, Mr. John H Adams COLUMN B(I): BASE COMPENSATION ------------------------------ AFTER THIRTY-FIVE YEARS OF COMMITTED SERVICE AS nrdc'S FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT, Mr. JOHN ADAMS RETIRED ON APRIL 1, 2006 and BECAME A PART-TIME CONSULTANT FOR NRDC. This fiscal year, Mr. Adams received $189,583 FOR THESE SERVICES. COLUMN D: NONTAXABLE BENEFITS ----------------------------- AS PART OF A RETIREMENT AGREEMENT, NRDC PROVIDED Mr. JOHN ADAMS WITH MEDICAL AND DENTAL BENEFITS AND A LONG TERM CARE PLAN. THE VALUES OF THESE BENEFITS ARE: MEDICAL $13,706 LTC $63,617 PER YEAR Part II, Compensation Reporting of CFO, Mr. Steve Baginski STEVE BAGINSKI, SERVED AS NRDC'S INTERIM CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER FROM APRIL 27TH, 2015 THROUGH DECEMBER 21ST, 2015. DURING THAT TIME, MR. BAGINSKI WAS THE EMPLOYEE OF AN EXTERNAL THIRD PARTY EXECUTIVE SEARCH FIRM AND NRDC PAID THAT THIRD PARTY FOR MR. BAGINSKI'S SERVICES. STEVE BAGINSKI WAS HIRED AS NRDC'S FULL-TIME CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER ON DECEMBER 22ND, 2015, AND HE RECEIVED HIS COMPENSATION FROM NRDC FROM THAT DATE. On the Form 990, amounts reported in Part VII, Column (d) represent a combination of amounts NRDC paid to the third party executive search firm for Mr. Baginski's services as well as amounts NRDC paid Mr. Baginski directly. Form 990, Schedule J Compensation Some of the officers reported on the NRDC Form 990, Mitchell Bernard, Rhea Suh, Peter Lehner, and John Murray provided services to an affiliated organization, the NRDC Action Fund. On Part VII and Schedule J, all compensation is being reported as having been paid by NRDC; however, a portion of each such officer's compensation is reimbursed by the Action Fund based on services rendered to that organization. In the interest of clarity, NRDC is disclosing the following salary and benefits amounts as having been reimbursed by the NRDC Action Fund: Salary Benefits Sarah A. Gillman $1,097 $304 Mitchell Bernard $440 $121 Rhea Suh $24,696 $6,828 Peter Lehner $14,145 $3,925 Lisa Benenson $7,917 $2,189 Dale Bryk $213 $59 Susan Casey-Lefkowitz $1,411 $391 David Goldston $33,491 $9,249 Joel Reynolds $441 $122 Abby Schaefer Orfaly $1,716 $475 John Murray $6,363 $1,760
Schedule J (Form 990) 2015
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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
Natural Resources Defense Council Inc
 
Employer identification number
13-2654926
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 NEW YORK CITY CAPITAL RESOURCE CORPORATION
  		20-4099098 649437AD2 01-24-2008 12,730,000 REFINANCING AND RENOVATION   X   X   X
Part II
Proceeds
A B C D
1 Amount of bonds retired .................. 2,095,803      
2 Amount of bonds legally defeased .............. 0      
3 Total proceeds of issue .................. 12,760,914      
4 Gross proceeds in reserve funds ............. 0      
5 Capitalized interest from proceeds ............. 0      
6 Proceeds in refunding escrows ............... 0      
7 Issuance costs from proceeds ............... 360,472      
8 Credit enhancement from proceeds ............. 30,000      
9 Working capital expenditures from proceeds ............. 0      
10 Capital expenditures from proceeds ............. 12,369,528      
11 Other spent proceeds ............. 0      
12 Other unspent proceeds ............. 0      
13 Year of substantial completion ............. 2011
Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No
14 Were the bonds issued as part of a current refunding issue? ....   X            
15 Were the bonds issued as part of an advance refunding issue? .....   X            
16 Has the final allocation of proceeds been made? ..........   X            
17 Does the organization maintain adequate books and records to support the final allocation of proceeds? .................. 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 0.010 %      
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 0.010 %      
6 Total of lines 4 and 5 ............. 0.020 %      
7 Does the bond issue meet the private security or payment test? ...   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? .............   X            
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            
2 If "No" to line 1, did the following apply? ....
a Rebate not due yet? .......   X            
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              
4a Has the organization or the governmental issuer entered into a qualified hedge with respect to the bond issue?   X            
b Name of provider .......... 0
  		 
  		 
  		 
 
c Term of hedge .........        
d Was the hedge superintegrated? ......                
e Was the hedge terminated? ........                
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            
b Name of provider .......... 0
  		 
  		 
  		 
 
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              
7 Has the organization established written procedures to monitor the requirements of section 148? ...   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              
Part VI
Supplemental Information. Provide additional information for responses to questions on Schedule K (see instructions).
Return Reference Explanation
Arbitrage - Installment Arbitrage Rebate Report Part II - Gross Proceeds Included within the gross proceeds amount reported in part II is $30,914 of interest earned on the bond proceeds before they were expended. Part IV - Arbitrage The Natural Resorces Defense Council, Inc. had an installment arbitrage rebate report completed for the period ending January 15th, 2013 that calculated a negative rebate and yield restriction amount.
Private Business Use Form 990, Schedule K, Line 7 NRDC has not undertaken the complex calculations necessary to determine whether it has met the private security or payment test. Policies & Procedures NRDC has not formally adopted any written procedures to monitor its bond compliance; however, the organization's management monitors the bonds routinely to ensure compliance with all federal requirements.
Schedule K (Form 990) 2015

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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
Natural Resources Defense Council Inc
 
Employer identification number

13-2654926
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) Wendy Neu Board of Trustees Member 358,042 See Part V   No
Part V
Supplemental Information
Provide additional information for responses to questions on Schedule L (see instructions).
Return Reference Explanation
Form 990, Schedule L, Part IV Board of Trustees member, Wendy Neu, has an ownership interest in a building in which NRDC leases space. The annual rent under the lease agreement is $358,042 per year. The aforementioned transaction was entered into by both parties at arm's length and the lease terms are determined by utilizing current market rates.
Schedule L (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015


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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
Natural Resources Defense Council Inc
 
Employer identification number

13-2654926
Part I
Types of Property
(a)
Check if applicable 		(b)
Number of contributions or items contributed 		(c)
Noncash contribution amounts reported on
Form 990, Part VIII, line 1g 		(d)
Method of determining
noncash contribution amounts
1 Art—Works of art ....        
2 Art—Historical treasures .        
3 Art—Fractional interests ..        
4 Books and publications ..      
5 Clothing and household
goods ....... 		     
6 Cars and other vehicles ..        
7 Boats and planes ....        
8 Intellectual property ...        
9 Securities—Publicly traded . X 270 4,000,790 FMV
10 Securities—Closely held stock .        
11 Securities—Partnership, LLC,
or trust interests .... 		       
12 Securities—Miscellaneous ..        
13 Qualified conservation
contribution—Historic
structures ..... 		       
14 Qualified conservation
contribution—Other ... 		       
15 Real estate—Residential .        
16 Real estate—Commercial ..        
17 Real estate—Other ...        
18 Collectibles .....        
19 Food inventory ...        
20 Drugs and medical supplies .        
21 Taxidermy ......        
22 Historical artifacts ....        
23 Scientific specimens ..        
24 Archeological artifacts ...        
25 Other Right pointing arrow large image ( Misc. Donated Items ) X 24 14,380 FMV
26 Other Right pointing arrow large image ( )
27 Other Right pointing arrow large image ( )
28 Other Right pointing arrow large image ( )
29
Number of Forms 8283 received by the organization during the tax year for contributions
for which the organization completed Form 8283, Part IV, Donee Acknowledgement
29
 
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
Schedule M, Line 32(a) To the extent that the organization receives contributions of stock, the organization uses its investment broker to convert those stocks into cash.
Schedule M (Form 990) (2015)

Additional Data


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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
Natural Resources Defense Council Inc
 
Employer identification number

13-2654926
Return Reference Explanation
GOVERNING BODY AND MANAGEMENT Part VI, Line 1B - The NRDC Board of Trustees is comprised of 36 independent voting Board Members. Board of Trustees member John Adams is not independent by virtue of receiving compensation from the organization. Board of Trustees Member Wendy Neu is not independent because of the relationship disclosed on Schedule L of the Form 990. Part VI, LINE 2 - Board of Trustees Members, Frederick A.O. Schwarz, Jr. and Frederica Perera, have a family relationship. Board of Trustees Member, Sarah Cogan and officers Maripat Alpuche and Lauren Colasacco, have a business relationship. Board of Trustees Members, Wendy Neu, Josephine Merck and Jonathan Rose have a business relationship. Board of Trustees member, Eric Wepsic and Board of Trustee/Vice Chair, Max Stone, have a business relationship. Board of Trustees members, Jonathan Rose and Shelly Malkin, have a business relationship. Form 990, Part VI, Line 3 STEVE BAGINSKI, SERVED AS NRDC'S INTERIM CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER FROM APRIL 27TH, 2015 THROUGH DECEMBER 21ST, 2015. DURING THAT TIME, MR. BAGINSKI WAS THE EMPLOYEE OF AN EXTERNAL THIRD PARTY EXECUTIVE SEARCH FIRM AND NRDC PAID THAT THIRD PARTY FOR MR. BAGINSKI'S SERVICES. STEVE BAGINSKI WAS HIRED AS NRDC'S FULL-TIME CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER ON DECEMBER 22ND, 2015, AND HE RECEIVED HIS COMPENSATION FROM NRDC FROM THAT DATE. On the Form 990, amounts reported in Part VII, Column (d) represent a combination of amounts NRDC paid to the third party executive search firm for Mr. Baginski's services as well as amounts NRDC paid Mr. Baginski directly. Form 990, Part VI, Lines 7a & B Line 7A - NRDC's members are entitled, as part of their membership, to elect individuals to the NRDC Board of Trustees, Line 7B - The NRDC Board of Trustees acts autonomously. Nevertheless, NRDC's members have certain approval rights pursuant to the New York Not-for-Profit Corporation Law, including, approval over any amendments to NRDC's certificate of incorporation.
990 REVIEW PROCESS Form 990, part VI, section B, Line 11 The Form 990 was prepared by a nationally recognized accounting firm in conjunction with the organization's senior management and audit committee of the Board of Trustees. A copy of the Draft Form 990 was presented to the Audit Committee of the Board of Trustees for discussion and comment. Once the Audit Committee approved the Form 990 for filing, a copy was circulated to the full Board of Trustees for their review. Each Board Member was provided opportunity to comment on the information contained in the Form 990 prior to its filing with the Internal Revenue Service. conflict of interest policy enforcement and monitoring form 990, part VI, Section B, LINE 12 Each officer, trustee, and key employee of the organization is required to annually disclose any conflicts of interest that arise by virtue of employment, board service, or position with the organization. The organization monitors compliance with its conflict of interest policy through an annual questionnaire/disclosure statement that is distributed to these individuals. Potential conflicts are investigated immediately. Process for determining compensation form 990, part VI, section B, LINE 15a & 15b The organization undertakes a thorough process to ensure that the executive compensation it pays to its top management official and all of its officers and key employees is reasonable, given the market in which the organization operates. In relevant part, the Board of Trustees has established a Compensation Committee of independent persons that have no personal interest in the proposed compensation. The Compensation committee contracts with a compensation consultant to complete a market assessment and competitive position analysis for the organization's top executives. The compensation consultant utilizes comparability and benchmarking surveys to ensure that the organization compensates its executives commensurate with the market. Based on its review of the analyses provided by the compensation consultant and other relevant information, the compensation committee makes recommendations to the executive committee of the board of trustees. Compensation decisions and reports are contemporaneously documented in the minutes of the meeting of the executive committee at which such decisions are made.
DISCLOSURE FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION C, LINE 19 The organization makes its Form 990 available to the public by retaining a copy at its place of business. The Form 990 and audited financial statements are likewise published on NRDC's website at www.nrdc.org. The organization's governing documents and conflict of interest policy may be provided at management's discretion, if requested. Form 990, Part XI Reconciliation of Net Assets Other Changes in Net Assets or Fund Balances Change in Value of Interest Rate Swap Agreements ($817,573) Change in Value of Split-Interest Agreements ($698,330) Pension related activity other than net periodic expense ($2,762,051) Bad Debt Expense Adjustment ($615,124) Total Other Changes in Net Assets ($4,893,078)
program service Accomplishments part III, line 4 The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is the most effective and influential environmental organization in the United States and around the world, combining the grassroots power of more than 2.4 million members and online activists with courtroom clout and the expertise of more than 500 scientists, advocates, lawyers, and other professionals. NRDCs priorities are: - Curbing global warming and creating a clean energy future $56,039,672 - Reviving the worlds oceans $6,879,249 - Defending endangered wildlife and wild places $15,714,551 - Protecting public health by preventing pollution $13,067,358 - Ensuring safe and sufficient water $7,110,246 - Fostering sustainable communities $13,860,453 Over the past year, we worked both in the U.S. and abroad to curb global warming, put in place clean energy solutions; protect public health; foster sustainable communities; and safeguard our natural resources.
Curbing Climate Change and Creating a Clean Energy Future NRDCs climate efforts focus on helping to deliver an 80 percent reduction in U.S. carbon pollution from 1990 levels by 2050, the level that scientists say is required to keep the global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius and avoid the most dangerous effects of climate change. In 2016, we drove historic climate commitments by the United States, China, and India; pushed for policies and tools that scale up clean energy and efficiency at the federal and state level; waged and won campaigns to block reckless oil and gas projects; and helped communities build their resilience to the impacts of climate change. Our climate and energy milestones included: - In August 2015, backed by overwhelming public support, President Obama released the Clean Power Plan. The Clean Power Plan put in place nationwide regulations designed to reduce carbon pollution from coal-fired power plants by more than 30 percent by 2030. Power plants are the single biggest source of carbon pollution, which drives climate change. The U.S. Supreme Court ordered the Environmental Protection Agency to halt enforcement of the plan in February 2016 until a lower court ruled on a lawsuit challenging it. In the meantime, NRDC has continued to work with state partners to meet its requirements by increasing their investment in clean energy and efficiency. - In California, our legislative and policy experts helped ensure the adoption of a groundbreaking law that doubles energy efficiency savings targets, increases renewable energy generation 50 percent by 2030, and puts more Californians behind the wheels of electric vehicles. A second approved measure boosts energy efficiency standards in buildings and helps residents better understand their home energy bills and use. Meanwhile, a new report by NRDC and a partner group found that Californias 40-year commitment to energy efficiency has saved Californians $90 billion on their utility bills, created hundreds of thousands of efficiency jobs, and will have avoided the pollution from 41 power plants by the end of the next decade. - On the other side of the country, New York Governor Cuomo formally set in a motion a process to enact its own new clean energy standard requiring that the state get 50 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. The action doubled the proportion of renewable energy sources. NRDC will be working to ensure the success of the standard by working with the Public Service Commission, which regulates the states utilities, to develop smart implementation plans that maximize the amount of renewable energy installed per dollar invested. - In November 2015, President Obama officially rejected the proposal for the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline, citing our nations obligation to be a leader on climate action. The pipeline would have moved more than 800,000 barrels of Canadian tar sands oil across six U.S. states. This win was made possible by NRDC research, advocacy, and by the dedication of a grassroots coalition of partners. When TransCanada first filed the permit for the pipeline in 2008, NRDC was one of the first environmental groups to stand up against its construction. - The U.N. climate conference in Paris culminated in December 2015 with an ambitious global agreement to tackle climate change and accelerate the shift to clean energy. On the ground at the conference, NRDC staff helped broker and secure strong climate commitments from key countries such as China and India. Meanwhile, actor and NRDC Trustee Robert Redford took the stage at UNESCO with indigenous artists, activists, and storytellers from across the globe to share stories about special places threatened by climate change. Nearly 180 countries signed the Paris climate accord on Earth Day April 22, 2016, agreeing to pursue efforts to hold the global temperature rise to "well below" 2 degrees Celsius. - In a major step forward in curbing the climate and health impacts of fossil fuels development, the Department of the Interior ordered a halt to the decades old coal-leasing program on federal lands to reexamine its health and environmental impacts. Burning coal is one of the biggest contributors to climate change and hundreds of thousands of NRDC members and activists called on President Obama in 2016 to end the development of fossil fuels on our public lands. In 2015, more than 40 percent of the 900 million tons of coal produced in America came from our public lands, mainly in the Interior West. - Methane, the primary component of natural gas, is an extremely potent climate pollutant, many times more harmful to the climate than carbon dioxide. In March 2016, the Environmental Protection Agency launched a voluntary program to address methane pollution from the oil and gas sector. NRDC and our coalition partners advocated for strengthening the proposal in several key ways, including addressing both new and existing sources of methane pollution. While the EPAs final standards, released in May 2016, applied only to new sources, we helped move the agency to announce that it would begin the process for setting existing source standards by initiating a formal information collection request that called for comprehensive data from a range of methane sources throughout the oil and gas industry. - The U.S. Department of Energy released energy efficiency standards for new rooftop air conditioners, heat pumps, and furnaces that heat and cool more than half of America's commercial floor space. The standards, which are the result of negotiations among a broad group of stakeholders that included NRDC and other environmental groups, manufacturers, utilities, and consumer groups, will save nearly enough energy over the next 30 years to offset the annual carbon dioxide emissions of more than 120 million homes.
Reviving the World's Oceans Oceans help feed the world, provide a living for multitudes, and sustain most of the life on the globe. NRDC is working to protect and restore our seas from rampant exploitation. Weve worked for decades to spotlight whats happening below the surface, to strengthen laws that allow overfished species to rebound and to advocate for the protection of coastal communities from offshore drilling. From the United Nations to regional fishery councils, we promote healthy oceans by advocating for international agreements that protect ocean biodiversity and measures that restore depleted fish populations. Healthy oceans support trillions of dollars in economic activity. NRDC made important progress this year on several key fronts: - In October 2015, following powerful advocacy by NRDC, our millions of members and activists, and our environmental partner groups, the Obama administration canceled proposed oil and gas lease sales in America's Alaskan Arctic waters, the last pristine sea on the globe, whose shores are home to polar bears, seals, and other iconic wildlife. The previous month, Royal Dutch Shell abandoned drilling in the region after its exploratory well failed to yield enough oil and gas to make its mission worth the tremendous risk and cost. - In a related victory, in March 2016, the Obama administration announced it was excluding waters off the Atlantic coast from its next five-year plan for drilling and leasing. One month earlier, a coalition of groups, including NRDC, delivered more than 2 million petitions of protest, calling on the president to move beyond fossil fuels and not open any more of our federally owned offshore areas to dangerous oil and gas drilling. Over the previous year, opposition to drilling had built quickly along the southeastern coast, from Virginia to Georgia, where the local economies are heavily dependent on tourism and fishing. - Meanwhile, NRDC took the U.S. Navy to court over its high-intensity sonar and explosives training off the coasts of Southern California and Hawaii, which was threatening the wellbeing of more than 60 whale, dolphin, seal, and sea lion populations. In September 2015, following a major legal victory and extensive negotiations, the U.S. Navy agreed to designate significant habitat in the Pacific as off-limits to such military exercises. - Following advocacy by NRDC and our partners, the Obama administration announced in September 2015 that it would consider giving marine national monument status to several New England deep sea canyons and underwater mountains. The canyons and seamounts are exceptional for their diversity and abundance of deep sea corals, which, together with associated species including sponges and anemones, form the foundation of deep-sea ecosystems. They are also extremely vulnerable to disturbance. The designation would be the first ever marine monument anywhere off the continental United States.
Defending Endangered Wildlife and Wild Places NRDC protects wildlife and unspoiled lands from the threats of industrial development, commercial exploitation, pollution, and climate change. We partner with ranchers, farmers, clean energy companies, and the government to promote solutions that help wild predators coexist with livestock and people. We push for international agreements and domestic policies that shield elephants, rhinos, and other animals from being killed for trade. And we fight to keep reckless oil and gas drilling out of wild areas, from Utahs red rock country to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Several long-term efforts came to fruition this year with the protection of some of the worlds most fragile and embattled wildlife and wild places: - The greater sage grouse is an icon of the American West, and a bellwether of the health of its vase sagebrush-sea ecosystem. As that grassland habitat has shrunk, so has the birds population. In recent decades, NRDC has gone to court for the sage grouse, and local conservation groups have joined forces to protect its habitat. In a major milestone in our campaign, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced in September 2015 that it would protect 35 million acres of western sagebrush habitat. - In a big victory for elephants and for NRDC members who have called for an end to our nation's role in the ivory trafficking that fuels poaching, the Obama administration issued the last in a series of regulations that add up to a near total ban on the U.S. commercial ivory trade. While commercial imports of African elephant ivory are already banned, these new rules will strengthen the ban by closing loopholes in the intrastate trade of elephant ivory and restrict the number of elephants that trophy hunters can import into the U.S. The tough new rules do not cover sales within states, but NRDC has helped enact laws shutting down the nation's three biggest ivory markets: New York, California, and Hawaii. - Meanwhile, after South Africas president introduced a plan to legalize the international rhino horn trade, a misguided move that almost certainly would have increased demand, NRDC fought back with careful analysis and tireless advocacy. As a result, South Africa announced in April 2016 that it would shelve the disastrous proposal. Over the past three years, rhino killings have risen 7,000 percent, a rate that if sustained, would push the animals to extinction within a decade. - The monarch butterflys annual migration is one of the most awe-inspiring on earth, but heavy use of herbicide called glyphosate (marketed by Monsanto as Roundup) is putting this majestic species at serious risk. NRDC filed a lawsuit in 2015 that led the EPA to admit in court that its approval of Enlist Duo, an herbicide containing glyphosate, should be withdrawn due to inadequate environmental review. And we mobilized more than 113,000 of our Members and activists to sign a petition demanding Dow AgroSciences remove Enlist Duo from the market. - After years of campaigning by NRDC and our allies, Montana agreed to expand year-round habitat outside Yellowstone National Park for Americas most famous bison. Historically, thousands of wild bison have been hazed or slaughtered in the spring as they migrated out from Yellowstone into Montana in search of food for survival. While there is still work to do to win stronger protections, expanding the bisons range is a major advance in the fight to save this icon of our natural heritage. - In November 2015, the Department of the Interior released a milestone plan for conservation and renewable energy development on public lands in Californias Mojave Desert. The long awaited plan addresses solar, wind, and geothermal development and features elements of "smart from the start" siting that NRDC has been championing for years, including landscape level planning; steering development toward areas that minimize impacts to wildlife and wildlands; coordinating transmission and generation; and strategic, regional mitigation for project impacts. - In July 2015, in a victory for our fight to protect Americas western natural heritage, President Obama designated three new national monuments, protecting an area spanning roughly 704,000 acres in central Nevadas Basin and Range and smaller ones in Californias Berryessa Snow Mountain and Texas Waco Mammoth. The three monuments will safeguard some of Americas most biodiverse mountain ecosystems, wild tracts of desert and nationally significant fossil beds.
Protecting public health by preventing pollution Getting rid of toxic chemicals in our environment, in the food we eat, the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the products we buy, can help protect the health of millions of people. When public agencies fail to protect consumers, workers, and children from dangerous chemicals, NRDC takes them to court. We build pressure on major food companies to adopt safer and more sustainable practices throughout their supply chain. And we team up with local communities to eliminate health dangers in their homes. Here are some key milestones from the year: - Over the course of more than a decade, the chemical company Mallinckrodt dumped tons of toxic mercury into Maines Penobscot River. NRDC and the Maine Peoples Alliance sued the company in 2000, and in September 2015, after years of tenacious litigation and citizen action, a judge ordered Mallinckrodt to find viable effective ways to clean up the river. A shining example of community justice, the victory holds the promise of protecting the health of countless people, preserving the states longstanding tradition of lobster and crab fishing, and restoring an ecosystem that spans more than 20 miles along this great waterway. - Following years of steady advocacy by members of Congress, the White House, NRDC, and other groups, federal lawmakers unveiled an agreement to overhaul the Toxic Substances Control Act, a 1976 law governing the Environmental Protection Agencys regulation of toxic chemicals. The bill, Congress's first major rewrite of a fundamental environmental statute in two decades, will give the EPA a clear and enforceable mandate to review chemicals, and will require the agency to evaluate chemicals based on their impact on human health. It also contains loopholes and rollbacks sought by the chemical industry and NRDC will press hard to ensure the strong implementation of the bill. - Livestock producers routinely give antibiotics to animals to make them grow faster or help them survive crowded, stressful, and unsanitary conditions. When these drugs are overused, some bacteria become antibiotic-resistant, threatening the future effectiveness of these medicines for human health. In October 2015, an NRDC campaign helped persuade the restaurant chain Subway to commit to eliminate antibiotics from its meat supply and California set the strictest antibiotics standards in the nation with a measure NRDC helped strengthen. We scored another big win in April 2016 when the restaurant chain Taco Bell also pledged to eliminate antibiotics from its meat supply. - Meanwhile, a new report and scorecard released by NRDC and several consumer, health, and environmental groups graded Americas 25 largest fast food and fast casual chains on their meat and poultry antibiotics policies, with all but five of them earning "F"s for allowing routine antibiotic use by their meat suppliers. - In a tremendous victory for at-risk communities across the country, NRDC and our partners reached a legal settlement with the Environmental Protection Agency that will force the agency to put in place new safeguards to help protect communities from chemical spills at thousands of industrial facilities nationwide. Chemicals released in industrial spills can contaminate waterways and exposure to these substances can be dangerous, and in some instances, fatal. These health effects are experienced disproportionately by residents of low-income neighborhoods and communities of color, where facilities that manufacture, store, and use hazardous substances tend to cluster. - In response to a lawsuit filed by NRDC and our partners, the Environmental Protection Agency proposed a ban on all agricultural uses of the pesticide chlorpyrifos due to the health risks from contaminated drinking water. The EPA had already eliminated household uses in home gardens, insect sprays and other products in 2000, in response to a lawsuit by NRDC and other groups-because the chemical damages the developing brains of children. During the public comment period on the EPAs proposal, more than 80,000 people spoke out in favor of the ban.
Ensuring Safe and Sufficient Water Water is one of the most critical natural resources when it comes to sustaining our communities, economies, and health. NRDC fights for a clean, safe, and sufficient water supply. We push the federal government to strengthen protections for drinking water, and we find ways for cities to keep pollution out of rivers and lakes. Our work also helps homes, buildings, farms, and power plants use water as efficiently as possible, so that there's plenty for all of us and for future generations. - More than 18 million Americans got their drinking water from systems with lead violations in 2015, according to a report published by NRDC. The problem could be significantly more pervasive because many more water systems known to have such violations, including that in Flint, Michigan, do not show up as having lead violations in the government database designed to track such problems. Our report also highlighted that water systems can use testing methods to avoid detecting lead problems. In cities like Flint, Chicago, and Philadelphia, where localized lead spikes may put the public at risk, officials allegedly have "gamed" water testing in ways that may obscure lead contamination. - NRDC has placed special focus on the water crisis in Flint, where residents still did not have access to safe tap water more than two years after lead began leaching from water pipes. Alongside local partners, NRDC petitioned the Environmental Protection Agency in October 2015 to use its emergency powers to secure safe, lead-free water for the citys children and families. The following month, NRDC joined residents of Flint and many of the same groups and announced their intent to sue city and state officials in federal court. - President Obama acted promptly in January 2016 to veto a measure passed by Congress designed to kill the Clean Water Rule. This critical rule, issued in 2015 by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers, restored protection under the Clean Water Act to lakes, streams, and wetlands that help prevent flooding, filter pollution and supply one in three Americans with safe drinking water. More than 800,000 NRDC supporters and other activists sent messages in support of the rule. - By showing how rebuilding in the wake of floods leads to steep federal costs, a new interactive map and analysis unveiled in November 2015 by NRDC illustrated why its so important for Congress to keep updated federal flood protection standards in place. The updated standards, which will guide the design of federally funded projects along coastlines or near floodplains, will require an additional margin of safety and account for the rising risk of flooding and future impacts of sea level rise and climate change. President Obama issued an executive order earlier in 2015 that updated the standards, which dated back to the 1970s. - As California continued to suffer through an epic drought, the states energy commission followed NRDCs recommendations in August 2015 and approved new standards for showerheads that go beyond the Environmental Protection Agencys WaterSense performance criteria. As new products gradually replace existing showerheads in the years ahead, water savings are expected to reach 38 billion gallons of water per year by 2028, which is approximately the amount used annually by the city of San Francisco today. Earlier in the year, at the urging of NRDC, the commission set similar standards for toilets, urinals and faucets, which will save California billions of gallons of water. - Meanwhile, a report card released by NRDC in December 2015 found that California was making mixed progress on solutions that would make the state more resistant to future droughts. Though the state had made strides in some key areas, it scored poorly in agricultural efficiency, stormwater capture and management of the Bay-Delta. Our report card described specific ways that California should improve its target-setting, implementation, enforcement, and incentives. - In a significant legal victory, a federal court sided with NRDC and our partners and ruled that the Environmental Protection Agency had failed to protect U.S. waters from aquatic invasive species. We argued successfully that the EPAs ballast water permit was ineffective and would not stave off future invasions of non-native species. The courts decision has ramifications for waters across the country, from Long Island Sound to the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico to San Francisco Bay. - Following NRDC legal action, a federal court approved a settlement in which the Environmental Protection Agency agreed to implement an earlier court order to update national regulations for stormwater runoff, one of America's most widespread forms of water pollution. In response to a 2003 NRDC lawsuit, a federal court had ordered the EPA to correct and strengthen urban runoff rules for communities with populations under 100,000 and make a science-based determination of whether polluted runoff from forest roads is so severe that national pollution control standards are necessary. - A report released in November 2015 by NRDC found that cover crops can absorb tons of carbon pollution from the air, significantly cut crop losses, and prevent the loss of a trillion gallons of water. In fact, planting cover crops on half the corn and soybean acres in the top 10 agricultural states (California, Iowa, Texas, Nebraska, Minnesota, Illinois, Kansas, Wisconsin, North Carolina, and Indiana) could sequester more than 19 million metric tons of carbon annually, which is the equivalent of taking more than 4 million cars off the road.
Fostering Sustainable Communities More than 80 percent of Americans live in cities and nearby suburbs-and this number is growing rapidly. As our cities grow, NRDC works to make sure they become healthier, more sustainable places to live. Our lawyers go to court on behalf of communities seeking to defend themselves from polluters. We partner with communities to increase energy efficiency in their buildings and expand access to clean energy solutions and healthier food. We help empower communities to find solutions that work and then take the best ideas nationwide. - In an important victory for the nearly half million New Yorkers who live in public housing, a federal judge ruled in December 2015 that the New York City Housing Authority had failed to provide timely and sufficient repairs to rampant mold and moisture problems in public housing that aggravate tenants asthma, as required by a settlement reached with NRDC and the National Center for Law and Economic Justice two years earlier. As part of the settlement, the housing authority had agreed to respond to mold and moisture complaints within a specific, reasonable timeline: The simplest of repairs in seven days and more complex repairs in 15 days, among other measures. - Meanwhile, a report released by NRDC and Energy Efficiency for All, a coalition of energy, environmental, and housing organizations, detailed cost-saving strategies to upgrade the most prevalent type of heating system in New York City apartment buildings: steam generated from burning oil or natural gas. Buildings are the single largest source of climate pollution in the city, and a lot of that pollution is the result of energy used to heat them. Making the upgrades in this report is critical to helping the city reach its goal of reducing climate change pollution 80 percent by 2050. - In December 2016, the city of Los Angeles passed the most comprehensive building efficiency policy of any big city in the nation. As part of the effort, the City Energy Project, a joint initiative of NRDC and the Institute for Market Transformation, joined forces with the Department of Building and Safety and convened a transparent and inclusive stakeholder process to help develop a package of policies and programs to improve the energy and water efficiency of Los Angeles' existing buildings. The ordinance will reduce L.A.s greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 10 percent in 2025 and energy consumption by 7 percent. - A climate resilience toolkit, released by NRDC and our partners in December 2015 at the U.N. climate conference in Paris, is designed to help cities plagued by dangerous heat waves and soaring temperatures to better protect their most vulnerable citizens. The toolkit, which serves as a step-by-step guide for the development of local and regional early warning systems and heat preparedness plans, is based on the Indian city of Ahmedabad's pioneering "heat action plan," as well as international experiences and best practices. In March 2016, India launched new heat action plans in the Nagpur region of Maharashtra and the Bhubaneswar coastal region of Odisha, the first regional early warning systems and preparedness plans in South Asia.
BUILDING A MOVEMENT NRDC is committed to engaging the public around solutions to environmental challenges. Our federal, national, and international media teams ensure that NRDC is cited in the press on a daily basis. Our experts are quoted in top-tier newspapers, and we are frequent guests on leading national TV and radio news outlets. Our communications team publishes more than 100 policy documents every year, ensuring that NRDCs environmental solutions are at the forefront among the professional community. We have a strong social media presence that keeps followers informed of wins, setbacks, and breaking news. We communicate via our membership newsletter, Natures Voice, and across digital channels supported by our English and Spanish websites. We also publish cutting-edge journalism on NRDCs digital news channels, Earthwire and OnEarth. In 2016, we: - Grew the audience on our global Facebook page from 345,395 fans to 581,060 fans (an increase of 68 percent) and reached an average of more than 7 million Facebook users monthly through our messaging. On Twitter, our global channel grew its audience from 179,363 followers to 201,771 followers (an increase of 13 percent) and generated 50,048,774 impressions. We began building an audience on Instagram as well, reaching more than 45,000 followers. - Launched a dynamic new version of our primary online platform, NRDC.org, which aims to help foster collective action by building awareness, driving action, and spurring donations. The site provides compelling entry points and paths for environmental enthusiasts, as well as deep, policy-specific sections for environmental experts. - Rolled out a national campaign urging Kentucky Fried Chicken, the largest fast-food chicken chain in the country, to commit to phasing out chicken raised with the routine use of antibiotics. The campaign featured a series of online videos; a mobile billboard near KFCs headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky; an online petition addressed to KFC CEO Roger Eaton; and social channels on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. - Partnered with the Ad Council to launch "Save The Food," a major national public service campaign to combat food waste from its largest source, consumers, who collectively waste more food than grocery stores, restaurants or farms. The initiative aims to encourage consumers to reduce the amount of food they trash in their homes, thereby saving the water, energy and money that are lost along with it. - Created an award-winning documentary film, Sonic Sea, about the devastating impact of human-produced ocean noise on whales and other marine life that premiered globally on the Discovery Channel and toured both the United States and Europe. The film is narrated by the Oscar-nominated actress Rachel McAdams and features interviews with Grammy Award-winning musician, human rights and environmental activist, Sting, as well as the renowned oceanographic explorers and educators, Sylvia Earle and Jean-Michel Cousteau.
FORM 990 PART IX LINE 11G DESCRIPTION:WITNESS FEES TOTAL FEES:173286
FORM 990 PART IX LINE 11G DESCRIPTION:CREATIVE DESIGN/ART/FILM TOTAL FEES:1135587
FORM 990 PART IX LINE 11G DESCRIPTION:ADMINISTRATIVE CONSULTING TOTAL FEES:165142
FORM 990 PART IX LINE 11G DESCRIPTION:COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTING TOTAL FEES:345752
FORM 990 PART IX LINE 11G DESCRIPTION:MEMBERSHIP CONSULTING TOTAL FEES:43869
FORM 990 PART IX LINE 11G DESCRIPTION:CLEAN ENERGY TOTAL FEES:6359626
FORM 990 PART IX LINE 11G DESCRIPTION:OCEANS TOTAL FEES:502800
FORM 990 PART IX LINE 11G DESCRIPTION:HEALTH & TOXICS TOTAL FEES:1614862
FORM 990 PART IX LINE 11G DESCRIPTION:WILDLIFE & WETLANDS TOTAL FEES:1026569
FORM 990 PART IX LINE 11G DESCRIPTION:SAFE & SUFFICIENT WATER TOTAL FEES:202656
FORM 990 PART IX LINE 11G DESCRIPTION:SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES TOTAL FEES:2120652
FORM 990 PART IX LINE 11G DESCRIPTION:MISCELLANEOUS PROFESSIONAL FEE TOTAL FEES:2288880
FORM 990 PART IX LINE 11G DESCRIPTION:CONSULTING REIMBURSEMENT TOTAL FEES:477966
FORM 990 PART IX LINE 11G DESCRIPTION:INSTITUTIONAL CONSULTING TOTAL FEES:2819227
FORM 990 PART IX LINE 11G DESCRIPTION:EDITORIAL TOTAL FEES:646233
FORM 990 PART IX LINE 11G DESCRIPTION:PRINTING TOTAL FEES:347722
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990 or 990-EZ.
Cat. No. 51056K
Schedule O (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015


Additional Data


Software ID:  
Software Version:  
SCHEDULE R
(Form 990)
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Related Organizations and Unrelated Partnerships
MediumBulletComplete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 33, 34, 35b, 36, or 37.
MediumBulletAttach to Form 990.
MediumBullet Information about Schedule R (Form 990) and its instructions is at www.irs.gov/form990.

OMB No. 1545-0047
2015
Open to Public Inspection
Name of the organization
Natural Resources Defense Council Inc
 
Employer identification number

13-2654926
Part I
Identification of Disregarded Entities Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 33.
(a)
Name, address, and EIN (if applicable) of disregarded entity


(b)
Primary activity


 		(c)
Legal domicile (state
or foreign country)

 		(d)
Total income


 		(e)
End-of-year assets


 		(f)
Direct controlling
entity










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


(b)
Primary activity


 		(c)
Legal domicile (state
or foreign country)

 		(d)
Exempt Code section


 		(e)
Public charity status
(if section 501(c)(3))

 		(f)
Direct controlling
entity

 		(g)
Section 512(b)(13) controlled entity?
Yes No
(1)NRDC ACTION FUND INC
40 WEST 20TH STREET

NEW YORK,NY10011
13-3976062 		Environmental NY 501(c)(4) N/A NRDC
 
Yes
 
(2)NRDC Limited
 
 
Environmental HK N/A N/A NRDC
 
Yes
 
(3)NRDC ACTION FUND PAC
40 WEST 20TH STREET

NEW YORK,NY10011
32-0413564 		ENVIRONMENTAL NY 527 N/A NRDC
 
Yes
 








For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990.
Cat. No. 50135Y
Schedule R (Form 990) 2015
Schedule R (Form 990) 2015
Page 2
Part III
Identification of Related Organizations Taxable as a Partnership Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 34 because it had one or more related organizations treated as a partnership during the tax year.
(a)
Name, address, and EIN of
related organization



 		(b)
Primary activity




 		(c)
Legal
domicile
(state or foreign
country)


 		(d)
Direct controlling
entity



 		(e)
Predominant income(related, unrelated, excluded from tax under sections 512-514)

(f)
Share of total income




 		(g)
Share of end-of-year
assets



 		(h)
Disproprtionate allocations?




 		(i)
Code V-UBI
amount in box 20 of
Schedule K-1
(Form 1065)
 		(j)
General or
managing
partner?



 		(k)
Percentage
ownership
Yes No Yes No












Part IV
Identification of Related Organizations Taxable as a Corporation or Trust Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 34 because it had one or more related organizations treated as a corporation or trust during the tax year.
(a)
Name, address, and EIN of
related organization
 		(b)
Primary activity
 		(c)
Legal
domicile
(state or foreign
country)
 		(d)
Direct controlling
entity
 		(e)
Type of entity
(C corp, S corp,
or trust) 		(f)
Share of total income
 		(g)
Share of end-of-year
assets
 		(h)
Percentage
ownership
 		(i)
Section 512(b)(13) controlled entity?
Yes No












Schedule R (Form 990) 2015
Schedule R (Form 990) 2015
Page 3
Part V
Transactions With Related Organizations Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 34, 35b, or 36.
Note. Complete line 1 if any entity is listed in Parts II, III, or IV of this schedule.
Yes
No
1 During the tax year, did the orgranization engage in any of the following transactions with one or more related organizations listed in Parts II-IV?
a Receipt of (i) interest, (ii) annuities, (iii) royalties, or (iv) rent from a controlled entity .....................
1a
 
No
b Gift, grant, or capital contribution to related organization(s) ............................
1b
 
No
c Gift, grant, or capital contribution from related organization(s) ............................
1c
 
No
d Loans or loan guarantees to or for related organization(s) ............................
1d
 
No
e Loans or loan guarantees by related organization(s) ............................
1e
 
No
f Dividends from related organization(s) ............................
1f
 
No
g Sale of assets to related organization(s) ............................
1g
 
No
h Purchase of assets from related organization(s) ............................
1h
 
No
i Exchange of assets with related organization(s) ............................
1i
 
No
j Lease of facilities, equipment, or other assets to related organization(s) .......................
1j
 
No
k Lease of facilities, equipment, or other assets from related organization(s) ......................
1k
 
No
l Performance of services or membership or fundraising solicitations for related organization(s) .....................
1l
 
No
m Performance of services or membership or fundraising solicitations by related organization(s) .................
1m
 
No
n Sharing of facilities, equipment, mailing lists, or other assets with related organization(s) ...................
1n
Yes
 
o Sharing of paid employees with related organization(s) ............................
1o
Yes
 
p Reimbursement paid to related organization(s) for expenses ............................
1p
 
No
q Reimbursement paid by related organization(s) for expenses ............................
1q
Yes
 
r Other transfer of cash or property to related organization(s) ............................
1r
 
No
s Other transfer of cash or property from related organization(s) ............................
1s
 
No
2
If the answer to any of the above is "Yes," see the instructions for information on who must complete this line, including covered relationships and transaction thresholds.
(a)
Name of related organization 		(b)
Transaction
type (a-s) 		(c)
Amount involved 		(d)
Method of determining amount involved
(1) NRDC Action Fund

 N, O, 1,351,711 COST
(2) NRDC Limited

 N, O, 609,261 COST




Schedule R (Form 990) 2015
Schedule R (Form 990) 2015
Page 4
Part VI
Unrelated Organizations Taxable as a Partnership Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 37.
Provide the following information for each entity taxed as a partnership through which the organization conducted more than five percent of its activities (measured by total assets or gross revenue) that was not a related organization. See instructions regarding exclusion for certain investment partnerships.
(a)
Name, address, and EIN of entity 		(b)
Primary activity 		(c)
Legal domicile
(state or foreign
country) 		(d)
Predominant income (related, unrelated, excluded from tax under sections 512-514)

(e)
Are all partners
section
501(c)(3)
organizations? 		(f)
Share of total income




 		(g)
Share of
end-of-year
assets 		(h)
Disproprtionate allocations? 		(i)
Code V-UBI
amount in box 20
of Schedule K-1
(Form 1065) 		(j)
General or
managing
partner? 		(k)
Percentage
ownership
Yes No Yes No Yes No






























Schedule R (Form 990) 2015
Schedule R (Form 990) 2015
Page 5
Part VII
Supplemental Information
Provide additional information for responses to questions on Schedule R (see instructions).
Return Reference Explanation
Schedule R (Form 990) 2015

Additional Data


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