TIN:
SCHEDULE A
(Form 990 or 990EZ)
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
(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.
Attach to Form 990 or Form 990-EZ. Go to
www.irs.gov/Form990 for instructions and the latest information.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2019
Open to Public
Inspection
Inspection
Name of the organization
Zyzzyva Inc
Employer identification number
94-2942770
94-2942770
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 12, check only one box.)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
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- 10 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.
Form 990 or 990-EZ.
Cat. No. 11285F
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2019
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2019
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 failed to qualify under the tests listed below, please complete Part III.)
(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 failed to qualify under the tests listed below, please complete Part III.)
| Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in) |
(a) 2015 | (b) 2016 | (c) 2017 | (d) 2018 | (e) 2019 | (f) Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grant.") .. | 266,400 | 260,682 | 312,342 | 306,318 | 340,644 | 1,486,386 |
| 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 | 266,400 | 260,682 | 312,342 | 306,318 | 340,644 | 1,486,386 |
| 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).. | 938,816 | |||||
| 6 | Public support. Subtract line 5 from line 4. | 547,570 | |||||
| Calendar year
(or fiscal year beginning in) |
(a) 2015 | (b) 2016 | (c) 2017 | (d) 2018 | (e) 2019 | (f) Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Amounts from line 4.. | 266,400 | 260,682 | 312,342 | 306,318 | 340,644 | 1,486,386 |
| 8 | Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources... | 0 | |||||
| 9 | Net income from unrelated business activities, whether or not the business is regularly carried on.. | ||||||
| 10 | Other income. Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets (Explain in Part VI.).. | 0 | |||||
| 11 | Total support. Add lines 7 through 10 | 1,486,386 | |||||
12
12
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........................................
Section C. Computation of Public Support Percentage
14
14
36.840 %
15
15
31.410 %
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 .....................................................
instructions .....................................................
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2019
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2019
Page 3
Part III
Support Schedule for Organizations Described in Section 509(a)(2)
(Complete only if you checked the box on line 10 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.)
(Complete only if you checked the box on line 10 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.)
| Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in) |
(a) 2015 | (b) 2016 | (c) 2017 | (d) 2018 | (e) 2019 | (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.) | ||||||
| Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in) |
(a) 2015 | (b) 2016 | (c) 2017 | (d) 2018 | (e) 2019 | (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) 2019
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2019
Page 4
Part IV
Supporting Organizations
(Complete only if you checked a box on line 12 of Part I. If you checked 12a of Part I, complete Sections A and B.
If you checked 12b of Part I, complete Sections A and C. If you checked 12c of Part I, complete Sections A, D, and E. If you checked 12d 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.
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 12a or 12b 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) 2019
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2019
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) 2019
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2019
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) 2019
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2019
Page 7
| 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 2019 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-2019 |
(iii) Distributable Amount for 2019 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Distributable amount for 2019 from Section C, line 6 | ||||
|
2
Underdistributions, if any, for years prior to 2019 (reasonable cause required-- explain in Part VI). See instructions. |
||||
| 3 Excess distributions carryover, if any, to 2019: | ||||
| a From 2014....... | ||||
| b From 2015....... | ||||
| c From 2016....... | ||||
| d From 2017....... | ||||
| e From 2018....... | ||||
| fTotal of lines 3a through e | ||||
| g Applied to underdistributions of prior years | ||||
| h Applied to 2019 distributable amount | ||||
|
i
Carryover from 2014 not applied (see instructions) |
||||
| j Remainder. Subtract lines 3g, 3h, and 3i from 3f. | ||||
| 4Distributions for 2019 from Section D, line 7: | ||||
| $ | ||||
| a Applied to underdistributions of prior years | ||||
| b Applied to 2019 distributable amount | ||||
| c Remainder. Subtract lines 4a and 4b from 4. | ||||
|
5
Remaining underdistributions for years prior to 2019, if any. Subtract lines 3g and 4a from line 2. If the amount is greater than zero, explain in Part VI. See instructions. |
||||
|
6
Remaining underdistributions for 2019. Subtract lines 3h and 4b from line 1. If the amount is greater than zero, explain in Part VI. See instructions. |
||||
|
7 Excess distributions carryover to 2020. Add lines 3j and 4c. |
||||
| 8 Breakdown of line 7: | ||||
| a Excess from 2015..... | ||||
| b Excess from 2016..... | ||||
| c Excess from 2017..... | ||||
| d Excess from 2018..... | ||||
| e Excess from 2019..... | ||||
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) (2019)
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2019
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 |
|---|---|
| Part I: Additional Information | ZYZZYVA History and MissionZYZZYVA was founded in 1985 as a not for profit arts organization whose main project is publication of a journal of contemporary art and literature. Over the past 35 years, ZYZZYVA has grown into a critically acclaimed cultural platform of national significance. We bring some of the best and brightest writers and artists to a diverse national and international audience through a print journal, which is published three times per year; a vibrant year-round schedule of free readings and events; and our website, zyzzyva.org, which offers original writing, video podcasts, interviews, and criticism. In June 2019, ZYZZYVA was honored with the Firecracker Award for Literary Magazine: General Excellence from the Community of Literary Magazines and Presses.BeneficiariesMany of contemporary literatures most lauded voices have launched their careers within the pages of ZYZZYVA, making it a reputable and pedigreed resource for new writers hoping to break through. Po Bronson, Chitra Divakaruni, Haruki Murakami, Jim Gavin and F.X. Toole all first appeared in the journal; ZYZZYVA was also an early publisher of Sherman Alexie, Molly Giles, Kay Ryan, Adrienne Rich, Raymond Carver and many others. Every year, never before published writers make their debut in ZYZZYVA. And unlike many small journals, we pay our authors for every piece we publish. ZYZZYVA therefore serves an important role in supporting contemporary authors and artists.Since 1985, ZYZZYVA has published 118 issues, bringing attention to emerging and established fiction and non-fiction writers, poets and visual artists. The journal is available in over 600 bookstores nationwide, as well as 116 libraries. Work appearing in the journal has consistently been reprinted in literatures most notable anthologies and honored by dozens of awards and prizes. Works from our 2012 issues received re-publication in the 2013 anthologies of Best American Short Stories and Best American Essays, and 8 pieces were named to the Best American lists of Notables. In the past 3 years, 4 pieces published in the journal have been selected for reprint in Best American Short Stories, Best American Essays and Best American Nonrequired Reading, and 9 more have received Notable Designations; 2 pieces were also reprinted in the Pushcart Anthology, and 5 more acknowledged with Honorable Mentions. Since 2015, 3 stories have been selected for reprint in the O. Henry Prize Stories. In addition, writers and artists highlighted in our journal have gone on to receive attention and support for their creative excellence from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Rona Jaffe Award, and Fulbright and Guggenheim Fellowships.Attraction of Public SupportZYZZYVA has always had a dedicated and engaged donor and subscriber base, and has always sought and received support from a variety of public sources. However, the sources of financial support for a literary organization are always hard to come by, especially given the limited resources of ZYZZYVA. Over the past several years, we have reinvigorated our grant-seeking program, our donor cultivation and interaction, and our fundraising campaigns (events, online, and mail campaigns). We now hold two major fundraising events each year, which continue to bring in new donors, and solidify our relationship with existing donors. As a result, we have seen our individual donations grow from $14,000 in 2011, to more than $143,000 in 2019 a trend which we intend to continue and build upon. We have grant applications pending with several government and private funders. Our grant-seeking in 2019 resulted in a generous gift of support from the National Endowment for the Arts for our 2019 year, which will increase the organizations public support percentage. The public support percentage for 2018 and 2019 were 31% and 37% respectively, both of which are well in excess of the minimum 10% requirement, and we fully expect the percentage to increase going forward.Public Participation in ProgramsZYZZYVA does more to engage a public audience than any other literary magazine of its size. On our own and in partnership with a diverse array of other arts organizations, we host or participate in up to two dozen events each yearall of which (with few exceptions) are free and open to the public. We reach a broad public audience through these events, most of which are attended at capacity.In 2019 we hosted or participated in 24 events (18 of which were free), in 7 cities across the U.S. Our staff also spoke at 4 conference events or panels. Our events covered an array of topics, from literature and diversity in Los Angeles, to the resurgence of American interest in reading works in translation, to the craft of editing and publishing literary magazines.We estimate that our total audiences at our 2019 events was 1,315.Perhaps no other literary journal is so active in contributing to free, public eventscertainly there is no other literary journal of our size (3 FTE staff) doing so many events. We do this because we believe public engagement is essential to fostering a sense of community around the modern literary arts work that is often created and first appreciated in solitude, but which engenders a desire for camaraderie and discussion.We also engage with the public through our vibrant, frequently updated website. There we offer original content (separate from what we publish in the journal)more than 366 book reviews (the majority of which focus on independent publishers and lesser-known authors), 99 author interviews, and a growing collection of video interviews with the journal's writers and artists, as well as fiction, nonfiction, and poetry excerpts from our archives. All of which is available to the public, for free. Our annual online audience is approximately 75,000.Recent Challenges and GrowthLike many literary print journals in the 21st century, ZYZZYVA has faced its share of financial hurdles. The post-recession period was especially challenging, with our organization accruing operating deficits over multiple years. Upon assuming stewardship of ZYZZYVA in 2011, Editor Laura Cogan took several steps to strengthen the journals long-term viability and financial health; these steps were taken swiftly, but, as can be expected, their benefits take time to fully develop. To help the organization get back on its feet, several large donations were solicited in attempts to keep the organization solvent, which was successful - but such donations ultimately hurt the public support percentage necessary for public charity status.ZYZZYVA has taken vigorous steps to increase our financial health every year. We created and initiated our first year-end fundraising campaign in 2013, which led to a 20% increase in revenue that year and was even more financially successful in 2014. ZYZZYVA also launched, for the first time ever, an annual event fundraiser in 2014, which raised even more money in 2015. To help build these new programs, ZYZZYVA hired a development consultant to help develop our fundraising infrastructure an investment necessary to give us the tools to survive and grow as an organization. We are moving to end 2020 and future years in a healthy financial position by keeping our operating costs lean and continuing to build on contributed income with the strategies we have been developing and inproving since 2014. These strategies include continuing our work to increase our individual donor base, and aggressively pursuing grant opportunities including government and private foundations. To that end, in 2018 we expanded our fundraising efforts to include a second fundraiser event in the autumn; we plan to continue hosting two such events this year and going forward. Our Board of Directors, though small, is a dedicated group of accomplished professionals from all backgrounds who see the value of this vibrant and productive arts organization, and support us in their various communities. Amid all these efforts, ZYZZYVA remains steadfast in our commitment to supporting our authors by paying them well, and to playing a vibrant role in the Bay Area arts community. As the cost of living in the Bay Area puts increasing pressure on the creative community here, local organizations that support such work are essential. For these reasons, ZYZZYVA should continue to qualify as a publicly supported charity. |
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2019
Additional Data
| Software ID: | 19009920 |
| Software Version: | 2019v5.0 |
Attach to Form 990 or 990-EZ.