TIN:
SCHEDULE O
(Form 990 or 990-EZ)
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
(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.
Attach to Form 990 or 990-EZ.
Go to www.irs.gov/Form990 for the latest information.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2018
Open to Public
Inspection
Inspection
Name of the organization
SIERRA CLUB
Employer identification number
94-1153307
94-1153307
| Return Reference | Explanation |
|---|---|
| FORM 990, PART III, LINE 1 | THE SIERRA CLUB IS THE OLDEST AND LARGEST GRASSROOTS ENVIRONMENTAL ORGANIZATION ON THE PLANET. ITS MISSION REMAINS TO EXPLORE, ENJOY, AND PROTECT THE WILD PLACES OF THE EARTH; TO PRACTICE AND PROMOTE THE RESPONSIBLE USE OF THE EARTH'S ECOSYSTEMS AND RESOURCES; TO EDUCATE AND ENLIST HUMANITY TO PROTECT AND RESTORE THE QUALITY OF THE NATURAL AND HUMAN ENVIRONMENT; AND TO USE ALL LAWFUL MEANS TO CARRY OUT THESE OBJECTIVES. AS JOHN MUIR SAID, "WHEN WE TRY TO PICK OUT ANYTHING BY ITSELF, WE FIND IT HITCHED TO EVERYTHING ELSE IN THE UNIVERSE." THE SIERRA CLUB BELIEVES THAT ALL PEOPLE DESERVE A HEALTHY PLANET WITH CLEAN AIR AND WATER AND A STABLE CLIMATE. ALL PEOPLE ALSO DESERVE EQUAL PROTECTION UNDER THE LAW, EDUCATIONAL AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY, A VOICE IN OUR DEMOCRACY, AND THE RIGHT TO LIVE THEIR LIVES FREE OF DISCRIMINATION AND VIOLENCE. THESE ISSUES ARE NOT SEPARATE. INDEED, WE BELIEVE THAT WORKING TOWARD A JUST, EQUITABLE, AND TRANSPARENT SOCIETY IS NOT ONLY MORALLY NECESSARY, BUT ALSO EXACTLY WHAT WE NEED TO CONFRONT THE UNPRECEDENTED ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES WE FACE. THIS COMMITMENT TO FIGHTING FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE HAS SHAPED OUR WORK OVER THE LAST YEAR. |
| FORM 990, PART III, LINE 4A, PROGRAM SERVICE ACCOMPLISHMENTS: | THROUGH ITS EDUCATIONAL AND NON-DIRECT LOBBYING PROGRAMS, THE SIERRA CLUB INFORMS THE PUBLIC AND DECISION-MAKERS ABOUT PRESSING ISSUES AND CULTIVATES AWARENESS AND ACTIVISM AT THE LOCAL, STATE, AND NATIONAL LEVELS. WITH STAFF IN NEARLY EVERY STATE AND VOLUNTEERS IN EVERY CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT AND MEDIA MARKET, WE ARE ABLE TO MOBILIZE ACTIVISTS THROUGH EMAIL ALERTS AND PERSONAL CONTACTS. STATE AND NATIONAL LOBBYISTS REPRESENT US IN WASHINGTON, D.C., AND IN ALMOST EVERY STATE CAPITOL. THROUGH OUR AWARD-WINNING WEBSITE, SIERRA MAGAZINE, NATIONAL REPORTS, MANY LOCAL AND REGIONAL PUBLICATIONS, AND OUR OUTINGS PROGRAMS WE ARE ABLE TO REACH BEYOND MEMBERS TO EDUCATE AND INSPIRE NEW CONSTITUENCIES. ADDITIONALLY, OUR ENVIRONMENTAL LAW PROGRAM EXTENDS THE FIGHT FOR SOUND ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY TO THE COURTS DIRECTLY WITH OUR STAFF LAWYERS AND THROUGH THE TRAINING AND MENTORING OF ALL OF OUR LEGAL PARTNERS. THE SIERRA CLUB'S ENVIRONMENTAL LAW PROGRAM IS LEADING EFFORTS TO PROTECT OUR NATION'S AIR, WATER, AND LAND AS THEY COME INCREASINGLY UNDER ATTACK. IN 2018, WE SAW PARTICULAR SUCCESS WITH OUR FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT CAMPAIGN, EXPOSING CORRUPTION OF THOSE LEADING ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATORY AGENCIES AND ULTIMATELY FORCING THEIR RESIGNATIONS. WE ALSO HAD SUCCESS USING LITIGATION TO PREVENT DRILLING FOR ANOTHER YEAR IN THE ARCTIC AND ACHIEVE IMPORTANT CLEAN ENERGY WINS IN MULTIPLE STATES. STATES, CITIES, AND INSTITUTIONS CONTINUE TO LEAD ON CLIMATE WHILE PROGRESS STALLS AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL, AND OUR READY FOR 100 CAMPAIGN ACHIEVED A MAJOR MILESTONE IN 2018: 100 COMMUNITIES HAVE NOW COMMITTED TO 100 PERCENT CLEAN ENERGY. THE SIERRA CLUB HAS BEEN INTEGRAL TO MANY OF THESE COMMITMENTS, DRIVING PUBLIC WILL AND ACTION, INSPIRING LOCAL LEADERS TO ADVANCE CLEAN ENERGY SOLUTIONS AT A MUCH MORE AGGRESSIVE PACE. CINCINNATI, OHIO, WAS THE 100TH U.S. CITY TO COMMIT TO RUNNING ENTIRELY ON RENEWABLES AND REPRESENTS A SIGNIFICANT SHIFT IN BOTH THE ECONOMICS AND PERCEPTION OF CLEAN ENERGY OVER THE LAST YEAR. AS A RESULT OF ALMOST A DECADE OF TIRELESS ADVOCACY FROM OUR BEYOND COAL CAMPAIGN, 40 PERCENT OF U.S. COAL CAPACITY HAS RETIRED OR COMMITTED TO RETIRE. IN 2018 ALONE, 16 COAL PLANTS WERE SLATED FOR RETIREMENT, PREVENTING 600 MILLION CUBIC TONS OF CARBON DIOXIDE FROM BEING EMITTED EACH YEAR. OUR REMARKABLE, ICONIC SUCCESSES DURING THE LAST YEAR INCLUDE VICTORIES THAT WERE YEARS IN THE MAKING TO RETIRE POLLUTING COAL PLANTS IN THE TRADITIONALLY COAL-RELIANT STATES OF OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, AND INDIANA. THE OUR WILD AMERICA CAMPAIGN HAS SEEN A TREMENDOUS SURGE IN PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR PROTECTING LANDS AND WILDLIFE AS THEY COME UNDER INCREASING ATTACK. FOLLOWING MONTHS OF ORGANIZING, LEGAL, AND COMMUNICATIONS EFFORTS, THE SIERRA CLUB WON WHEN THE GREATER YELLOWSTONE GRIZZLY BEAR POPULATION'S ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT PROTECTIONS WERE REINSTATED IN FALL 2018. WE LED LITIGATION AGAINST THE ATTEMPTED REMOVAL AND BUILT A COALITION COMPRISING CONSERVATIONISTS AND LOCAL TRIBAL NATIONS THAT BROUGHT NATIONAL ATTENTION TO THE GRIZZLIES AND MADE LOUD AND CLEAR THAT ATTEMPTS TO DESTROY WILDLIFE ARE HUGELY UNPOPULAR. BEYOND DIRTY FUELS IS BUILDING A GRASSROOTS MOVEMENT POWERFUL ENOUGH TO SECURE NATIONAL ENERGY POLICIES THAT KEEP DIRTY FUELS IN THE GROUND, PROTECT OUR LANDS AND COMMUNITIES, AND CREATE A SAFER CLIMATE FUTURE FOR ALL. TOGETHER WITH OUR PARTNERS, WE HAVE DELAYED OR DEFEATED NEARLY $30 BILLION IN DIRTY FUEL INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS, SUCH AS PIPELINES AND EXPORT TERMINALS, SINCE THE START OF OUR CAMPAIGN. IN 2018, PARTLY AS A RESULT OF OUR COALITION EFFORTS, PENNSYLVANIA ADOPTED METHANE SAFEGUARDS FOR ALL NEW GAS WELLS, AND NEW MEXICO LAID THE GROUNDWORK FOR FUTURE METHANE REGULATIONS. SIERRA STUDENT COALITION (SSC) VOLUNTEERS AND STAFF DEEPENED THE CAMPAIGN'S FOCUS ON SUPPORTING A MASS MOVEMENT OF YOUNG PEOPLE ORGANIZING FOR CLIMATE JUSTICE AND THE RIGHT TO SELF-DETERMINATION IN THEIR COMMUNITIES. AS A RESULT OF THESE EFFORTS, THE MAJORITY OF TRAINING DIRECTORS AND PARTICIPANTS IN 2018 WERE YOUTH OF COLOR, AND MANY WERE INVOLVED IN COMMUNITY EFFORTS OUTSIDE OF SSC TO FIGHT SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL INJUSTICE WHERE THEY LIVE. IN 2018, THE DEMOCRACY PROGRAM ENGAGED IN CAMPAIGNS IN 22 STATES AROUND VOTING RIGHTS, REDISTRICTING, FAIR COURTS, AND CURBING THE INFLUENCE OF MONEY IN POLITICS. WE WORKED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH A WIDE RANGE OF ALLIED ORGANIZATIONS TO BRING ABOUT A MORE EQUITABLE AND REPRESENTATIVE DEMOCRACY AT THE LOCAL, STATE, AND NATIONAL LEVELS. IN FIVE STATES, WE BUILT DEEPER RELATIONSHIPS WITH ALLIES AND TOOK ON LARGER ROLES IN CAMPAIGNS. THE MY GENERATION CAMPAIGN IS FIGHTING FOR AN EQUITABLE TRANSITION TO 100 PERCENT CLEAN ENERGY AND A FULLY ELECTRIFIED ECONOMY IN CALIFORNIA. IN 2018, WE ORGANIZED COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE STATE TO DEMAND LOCAL CLEAN ENERGY SOLUTIONS THAT IMPROVE AIR QUALITY, CREATE GOOD JOBS, AND TAKE ACTION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE. IN PART DUE TO SIERRA CLUB AND PARTNER ORGANIZING, CALIFORNIA INVESTOR-OWNED UTILITIES MAY EXCEED 50 PERCENT RENEWABLE ENERGY BY 2020, A FULL DECADE AHEAD OF STATE MANDATES, AND THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION HAS NOT AUTHORIZED NEW GAS POWER PROCUREMENT IN FIVE YEARS. IN 2018, PARTICIPATION IN MILITARY OUTDOORS OUTINGS INCREASED 28 PERCENT, AND WE TRAINED AN ADDITIONAL 200 VETERANS AS OUTINGS LEADERS, EQUIPPING THEM WITH THE SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE TO SAFELY PLAN AND LEAD OTHERS IN THE OUTDOORS. WE CONTINUE TO HOST GUIDED MULTI-DAY OUTINGS ON PUBLIC LANDS AND WATERS, CONNECTING VETERANS WITH EACH OTHER AND THE NATURAL WORLD. BUILDING GRASSROOTS POWER. WE GREW OUR BASE TO BE BIGGER AND STRONGER THAN EVER BEFORE. WE RECRUITED 235,000 NEW DUES-PAYING MEMBERS AND THOUSANDS MORE ON- AND OFFLINE SUPPORTERS, BRINGING OUR TOTAL CHAMPION COUNT TO AN ALL-TIME HIGH OF OVER 3.5 MILLION. AS A RESULT OF INVESTMENTS IN OUR DIRECT MAIL PROGRAM, MEMBERS ARE NOW GIVING SIGNIFICANTLY MORE PER MEMBERSHIP, AND WE ARE BRINGING NEW CONSTITUENCIES INTO THE SIERRA CLUB - INCLUDING OUTREACH SPECIFICALLY TARGETED TO NATIVE AMERICAN AND LATINO GROUPS. OUR ONLINE EFFORTS BROUGHT IN MANY NEW MONTHLY DONORS IN 2018, CREATING A LONG-TERM SUSTAINABLE C4 FUNDING SOURCE FOR THE SIERRA CLUB. WE CONTINUE TO TEST NEW MESSAGING TO DETERMINE WHAT ISSUES ARE MOST COMPELLING FOR CURRENT AND POTENTIAL MEMBERS AND SUPPORTERS, CONTINUALLY HONING OUR MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM TO BE AS EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE AS POSSIBLE. OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS THE SIERRA CLUB HAS INVESTED SIGNIFICANT RESOURCES IN ONLINE SYSTEMS AND COMMUNICATIONS TOOLS THAT ENABLE OUR STAFF AND FIELD ORGANIZERS AND VOLUNTEERS TO REACH A BROADER SEGMENT OF THE POPULATION AND PROVIDE THEM A QUICK AND EASY AVENUE FOR INFLUENCING DECISION-MAKERS. AS A RESULT, WE CURRENTLY CORRESPOND WITH MORE THAN A MILLION DISTINCT EMAIL ADDRESSES AND ENGAGE HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA. THE SIERRA CLUB ALSO CREATES PUBLIC EDUCATION AND ADVOCACY CONTENT FOR A VARIETY OF SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES DESIGNED TO REACH A NEW GENERATION OF ACTIVISTS. WE CONTINUE TO BRING IMPORTANT ISSUES TO OUR ACTIVISTS' ATTENTION THROUGH ELECTRONIC PUBLICATIONS AND PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR CHAPTER AND FIELD-BASED ONLINE ORGANIZING EFFORTS, INCLUDING DATA SUPPORT. LOBBYING EFFORTS IN 2018, THE SIERRA CLUB UNDERTOOK DIRECT ADVOCACY EFFORTS AT THE FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL LEVELS. NATIONALLY, ONE MAJOR ISSUE OF FOCUS WAS STOPPING THE PROPOSED BORDER WALL, WHICH WOULD BE A DISASTER FOR BOTH THE ENVIRONMENT AND COMMUNITIES, BY JOINING WITH A BROAD COALITION TO DEMONSTRATE CONSTITUENT OPPOSITION TO CONGRESSIONAL LAWMAKERS. WE ALSO TOOK EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO LOBBY AGAINST BILLS THAT WOULD UNDERMINE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTIONS AND DEMAND ENFORCEMENT OF EXISTING REGULATIONS. AT THE STATE LEVEL, WE PUSHED FORWARD CLEAN ENERGY LEGISLATION, MOST NOTABLY RESULTING IN 100 PERCENT ENERGY COMMITMENTS FROM WASHINGTON, CALIFORNIA, HAWAII, NEW MEXICO, NEVADA, WASHINGTON D.C., AND PUERTO RICO. |
| FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION A, LINE 6 | ANY PERSON INTERESTED IN ADVANCING THE PURPOSES OF THE SIERRA CLUB MAY BECOME A MEMBER. THERE SHALL BE SEVERAL CLASSES OF MEMBERSHIP: REGULAR, LIKE, AND SUCH OTHER SPECIAL CLASSES AS THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MAY ESTABLISH. |
| FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION A, LINE 7A | ALL ACTIONS REQUIRING A VOTE OF THE MEMBERSHIP SHALL BE DECIDED BY WRITTEN BALLOTS PROVIDED FOR IN BYLAW 4, SECTION 8, AND BYLAW 11. A QUORUM FOR ANY BALLOT OR FOR ANY MEETING OF THE MEMBERS SHALL BE FIVE PERCENT (5%) OF THE MEMBERSHIP ON THE DATE OF RECORD SET BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW. EACH PERSON WHO IS A RENEWED MEMBER ON THE DATE OF RECORD SHALL BE ELIGIBLE TO VOTE AND SHALL HAVE ONE VOTE ON ANY ISSUE PRESENTED TO THE MEMBERSHIP EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 5.7. VOTING BY PROXY SHALL NOT BE PERMITTED. ALL REGULAR AND LIFE MEMBERS OF RECORD ON JANUARY 31 SHALL BE SENT BALLOTS FOR THE ANNUAL ELECTION OF DIRECTORS, AS PROVIDED IN THE BYLAWS. EACH SUCH INDIVIDUAL MEMBER SHALL BE SENT ONE BALLOT; JOINT MEMBERSHIPS SHALL RECEIVE TWO BALLOTS. |
| FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION A, LINE 7B | IN ACCORDANCE WITH CORPORATION LAW SECTION 5057, THE ONLY MEMBERSHIP RIGHTS OF MEMBERS OF THE CLUB ARE THE RIGHTS SPECIFICALLY PROVIDED BY THE ARTICLES, BYLAWS, AND THE CORPORATION LAW. ALL OTHER PRIVILEGES OR OPPORTUNITIES GRANTED TO MEMBERS OF THE CLUB UNDER ITS STANDING RULES, POLICIES, OR THE BYLAWS OR RULES OF CLUB SUB-ENTITIES ARE NOT RIGHTS OF MEMBERSHIP IN THE CLUB FOR PURPOSES OF CORPORATION LAW SECTION 5057. |
| FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 11B | A DRAFT OF THE FORM 990 IS REVIEWED BY THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT AND ASSISTANT SECRETARY. AFTER REVIEW, A COPY IS SENT TO THE AUDIT COMMITTEE WHO MEETS WITH THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT AND TAX PREPARERS TO REVIEW THE 990. THE DRAFT IS THEN SENT TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRIOR TO FILING. |
| FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 12C | BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND OTHER SENIOR VOLUNTEERS MUST COMPLETE AND SIGN A WRITTEN DISCLOSURE FORM ANNUALLY. FOR EMPLOYEES (CURRENT AND FORMER) PLUS INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR DISCLOSING ANY POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST RELATED TO THEIR CLUB ACTIVITIES. THE POLICY IS INCLUDED IN THE EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK. IN-HOUSE LEGAL COUNSEL WILL INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS OF VIOLATIONS. WHEN A POTENTIAL CONFLICT IS DISCLOSED BY AN EMPLOYEE, THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT MAKES A DETERMINATION REGARDING THE APPROPRIATE ACTION IN ORDER TO COMPLY WITH THE CLUB'S POLICIES. |
| FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 15 | COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS, IF ANY, IS REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UTILIZING EXTERNAL DATA FROM LIKE ORGANIZATIONS, THE RATIONALE FOR WHICH IS DOCUMENTED. THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR COMPENSATION IS DETERMINED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AFTER AN EVALUATION OF PERFORMANCE AND INTERVIEWS WITH APPROPRIATE PARTIES. COMPENSATION IS BASED ON EXTERNAL DATA FROM LIKE ORGANIZATIONS. A DOCUMENTED PERFORMANCE EVALUATION IS MAINTAINED. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SALARY IS DETERMINED BY THE BOARD EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. THE COMMITTEE REVIEWS THE SALARIES AND YEARLY INCREASES. IT ALSO ESTABLISHES BUDGETED INCREASE RATE FOR ALL MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL. THE COMMITTEE HAS COMPARATIVE SALARY DATA AVAILABLE FROM HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT. ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REVIEWS ARE CONDUCTED AND DOCUMENTED. WITH RESPECT TO ALL OFFICERS AND KEY EMPLOYEES, THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT CONDUCTS A SALARY PRACTICES. THIS INCLUDES THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S SALARY. SALARIES FOR OFFICERS AND KEY EMPLOYEES OTHER THAN THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ARE DETERMINED ACCORDING TO THE CLUB'S ESTABLISHED PROCEDURE AND GUIDELINES FOR ANNUAL MERIT RAISES, AS ADMINISTERED BY THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT, AND APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. THE EXECUTIVE TEAM, THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, AND THE DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES MUST APPROVE SPECIFIC RAISES. |
| FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION C, LINE 19 | THE ORGANIZATION'S ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION, BYLAWS, AND STANDING RULES (WHICH CONTAINS THE CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY) ARE AVAILABLE ON ITS PUBLIC WEBSITE WWW.SIERRACLUB.ORG. PORTIONS OF THE AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ALONG WITH A LINK TO THE FULL AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ARE PUBLISHED IN SIERRA MAGAZINE (NOV.-DEC. ISSUE). |
| FORM 990, PART IX, LINE 11G | FEES & CONCESSIONS: PROGRAM SERVICE EXPENSES 16,951,852. MANAGEMENT AND GENERAL EXPENSES 1,132,015. FUNDRAISING EXPENSES 1,852,774. TOTAL EXPENSES 19,936,641. CONSULTANTS: PROGRAM SERVICE EXPENSES 4,530,371. MANAGEMENT AND GENERAL EXPENSES 302,526. FUNDRAISING EXPENSES 495,134. TOTAL EXPENSES 5,328,031. STAFF TRAINING/SEARCH: PROGRAM SERVICE EXPENSES 502,127. MANAGEMENT AND GENERAL EXPENSES 33,531. FUNDRAISING EXPENSES 54,879. TOTAL EXPENSES 590,537. |
| FORM 990, PART XI, LINE 9: | SEGREGATED FUND ELIMINATIONS -276,573. PENSION RELATED CHARGES -7,510,900. |
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990 or 990-EZ.
Cat. No. 51056K
Schedule O (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2018
Additional Data
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