Civic Intelligence

The Great Books Foundation

990 • Fiscal year 2016 • EIN 36-2182034

Jul 01, 2015 to Jun 30, 2016 • Filed on Mar 28, 2017

Organization ProfileWWW.GREATBOOKS.ORG

View Organization Page

233 N MICHIGAN No 420Chicago, IL 60601

(312) 332-5870

Siviq Scores

Precomputed percentiles for this filing year versus similar nonprofits in the same peer cohort.

Liabilities / Assets

49th percentile

0.17x

Higher debt load relative to assets than 49% of similar nonprofits.

2016 filings • 501(c)3 • $5M-$10M nonprofits • Source year 2016

Liabilities / Revenue

49th percentile

0.17x

Higher debt load relative to revenue than 49% of similar nonprofits.

2016 filings • 501(c)3 • $5M-$10M nonprofits • Source year 2016

Net Margin

13th percentile

-22%

Higher net margin than 13% of similar nonprofits.

2016 filings • 501(c)3 • $5M-$10M nonprofits • Source year 2016

Top Officer Pay

61st percentile

$145,000

Higher top officer pay than 61% of similar nonprofits.

Top officer pay equals 3.3% of source-year revenue.

2016 filings • 501(c)3 • $5M-$10M nonprofits • Source year 2016

Asset Growth

5th percentile

-18%

Faster asset growth than 5% of similar nonprofits.

2016 filings • 501(c)3 • $5M-$10M nonprofits • Annualized from 2015 to 2016

Revenue Growth

21st percentile

-11%

Faster revenue growth than 21% of similar nonprofits.

2016 filings • 501(c)3 • $5M-$10M nonprofits • Annualized from 2015 to 2016

Balance Sheet
Liabilities / Assets49th percentile

Assets

Down

$4,450,551

Down $996,421 (-18%) from 2015

Net Assets

Down

$3,681,518

Down $1,044,950 (-22%) from 2015

Liabilities

Up

$769,033

Up $48,529 (+6.7%) from 2015

Revenue And Expenses
Liabilities / Revenue49th percentileNet Margin13th percentile

Revenue

Down

$4,407,979

Down $555,092 (-11%) from 2015

Expenses

Down

$5,357,545

Down $1,096,907 (-17%) from 2015

Net Income

Up

-$949,566

Up $541,815 (+36%) from 2015

Historical Trend

Balance Sheet Trend

Asset Growth5th percentile

The highlighted filing sits inside the broader history for assets, liabilities, and net assets.

$8.0M$6.0M$4.0M$2.0M$0Assets 2012: $5,542,680Liabilities 2012: $762,442Net Assets 2012: $4,780,2382012Assets 2013: $6,810,651Liabilities 2013: $986,455Net Assets 2013: $5,824,1962013Assets 2014: $7,264,948Liabilities 2014: $919,855Net Assets 2014: $6,345,0932014Assets 2015: $5,446,972Liabilities 2015: $720,504Net Assets 2015: $4,726,4682015Assets 2016: $4,450,551Liabilities 2016: $769,033Net Assets 2016: $3,681,5182016Assets 2017: $4,058,796Liabilities 2017: $1,370,519Net Assets 2017: $2,688,2772017Assets 2018: $3,254,315Liabilities 2018: $1,151,155Net Assets 2018: $2,103,1602018Assets 2019: $3,008,427Liabilities 2019: $1,165,612Net Assets 2019: $1,842,8152019Assets 2020: $2,502,117Liabilities 2020: $1,575,585Net Assets 2020: $926,5322020Assets 2021: $3,063,168Liabilities 2021: $1,730,730Net Assets 2021: $1,332,4382021Assets 2022: $2,884,980Liabilities 2022: $1,836,463Net Assets 2022: $1,048,5172022Assets 2023: $2,766,330Liabilities 2023: $778,734Net Assets 2023: $1,987,5962023Assets 2024: $2,108,447Liabilities 2024: $751,179Net Assets 2024: $1,357,2682024

Highlighted filing

2016

Assets$4,450,551
Liabilities$769,033
Net Assets$3,681,518
Open 2016 Filing

Operations Trend

Revenue Growth21st percentile

Revenue, expenses, and net income across loaded years, with this filing highlighted.

$10M$5.0M$0-$5.0MExpenses 2012: $6,079,0082012Expenses 2013: $6,482,9802013Revenue 2014: $6,768,327Expenses 2014: $6,457,983Net Income 2014: $310,3442014Revenue 2015: $4,963,071Expenses 2015: $6,454,452Net Income 2015: -$1,491,3812015Revenue 2016: $4,407,979Expenses 2016: $5,357,545Net Income 2016: -$949,5662016Revenue 2017: $3,715,766Expenses 2017: $4,610,224Net Income 2017: -$894,4582017Revenue 2018: $3,442,267Expenses 2018: $4,033,763Net Income 2018: -$591,4962018Revenue 2019: $3,416,797Expenses 2019: $3,679,521Net Income 2019: -$262,7242019Revenue 2020: $2,425,160Expenses 2020: $3,355,593Net Income 2020: -$930,4332020Revenue 2021: $3,289,304Expenses 2021: $3,006,600Net Income 2021: $282,7042021Revenue 2022: $3,453,370Expenses 2022: $3,603,035Net Income 2022: -$149,6652022Revenue 2023: $4,423,932Expenses 2023: $3,518,488Net Income 2023: $905,4442023Revenue 2024: $2,598,890Expenses 2024: $3,243,499Net Income 2024: -$644,6092024

Highlighted filing

2016

Revenue$4,407,979
Expenses$5,357,545
Net Income-$949,566
Open 2016 Filing
Jump To
Filing Snapshot
Filing Period
Jul 1, 2015 to Jun 30, 2016
Signed
Mar 28, 2017
Return Version
2015v3.0
Gross Receipts
$6,969,664
Mission and Program Overview

Mission

The mission of the great books foundation is to advance the critical, reflective thinking, and social and civic engagement of readers of all ages through shared inquiry discussion of works and ideas of enduring value.

Balance Sheet Detail
LineBeginningEndChange
Assets
Investments in Publicly Traded Securities$2,887,424$1,719,522▼ $1,167,902
Inventories for Sale or Use$866,317$979,438▲ $113,121
Accounts Receivable$398,982$449,045▲ $50,063
Savings and Temporary Cash Investments$47,766$266,815▲ $219,049
Prepaid Expenses and Deferred Charges$245,556$214,388▼ $31,168
Cash and Non-Interest-Bearing Accounts$215,269$138,445▼ $76,824
Land, Buildings, and Equipment, Net$106,973$70,732▼ $36,241
Total Assets$5,446,972$4,450,551▼ $996,421
Other Assets Total$678,685$612,166▼ $66,519
Liabilities
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses$416,999$540,264▲ $123,265
Other Liabilities$187,867$138,355▼ $49,512
Deferred Revenue$115,638$90,414▼ $25,224
Total Liabilities$720,504$769,033▲ $48,529
Net Assets / Fund Balance
Unrestricted Net Assets$4,644,968$3,471,598▼ $1,173,370
Temporarily Rstr Net Assets$81,500$209,920▲ $128,420
Total Net Assets Fund Balance$4,726,468$3,681,518▼ $1,044,950
Total Liabilities and Net Assets / Fund Balance$5,446,972$4,450,551▼ $996,421

Asset Categories

AssetBook ValueDepreciationBasis
Equipment$67,609$221,120$288,729
Leasehold Improvements$3,123$270,373$273,496
Other Assets Org$612,166--
Compensation and Service Providers
Top Officer Pay61st percentile

Employees

NameTitleFull / Part TimeBaseOtherTotal
Joseph CoulsonPresident & CEOFT$145,000-$145,000
Peter WaltonVice-President & CFOFT$86,097$19,647$105,744

Board Members and Trustees

NameTitle
James M ReumChairman
Charles Brummell JrVice-Chairman
Alex J PollockDirector
Barbara BowmanDirector
Carole AmesDirector
David W CurdDirector
Donald StatlandDirector
Dr Mary Beth HerrmannDirector
George SchueppertDirector
Glenn W McGeeDirector
Kevin ConlonDirector
Marcia Wachs DamDirector
Paul BartonDirector
Paula DuffyDirector
Roy LipnerDirector
Sheldon SteinDirector
Jane C HuntDirector (Life Director as of 9/16)
William LawlorDirector (Life Director as of 9/16)
James W HaughLife Director
Michael IgoeLife Director
Revenue and Support

Revenue Composition

Contributions and Grants
$267,376
Program Service Revenue
$1,347,275
Investment Income
$88,307
Other Revenue
$2,705,021
All Other Contributions
$267,376
Change in Net Assets
$-949,566

Audited Revenue Reconciliation

Revenue per Audited Statements
$4,398,349
Revenue Not Reported on Financial Statements
$9,630
Revenue Not Reported on Form 990
$-78,677
Total Revenue per Audited Statements
$4,319,672
Total Revenue per Form 990
$4,407,979
Expenses and Functional Allocation

Major Expense Lines

Line ItemAmount
Salaries, Compensation, and Employee Benefits$3,123,591
Other Expenses$2,198,565
Total Fundraising Expense$204,723
Professional Fundraising Fees$35,389
Grants and Similar Amounts Paid$0

Functional Expense Allocation

Line ItemProgramManagementFundraisingTotal
Comp Disqual Persons$2,019,646$226,053$92,920$2,338,619
Occupancy$561,286$56,129$6,237$623,652
Fees for Services Other$357,948$18,531-$376,479
Travel$341,436$19,011-$360,447
Other Employee Benefits$273,434$48,453$17,589$339,476
Office Expenses$294,418$29,442$3,271$327,131
Current Officers, Directors, Trustees, and Key Employees$71,516$144,509$41,595$257,620
Payroll Taxes$162,251$18,160$7,465$187,876
Advertising$186,349--$186,349
Insurance$39,910$4,434-$44,344
Fees for Services Accounting-$37,800-$37,800
Depreciation Depletion$32,980$3,262-$36,242
Fees for Services Professional Fundraising--$35,389$35,389
Conferences and Meetings$27,889$3,570-$31,459
Other Expenses$27,004$26,095-$27,004
Information Technology$23,159$2,316$257$25,732
Fees for Services Legal-$20,254-$20,254
Fees for Service Investment Mgmnt Fees-$9,630-$9,630
All Other Expenses$1,179$1,593-$2,772
Total Functional Expenses$4,483,580$669,242$204,723$5,357,545

Audited Expense Reconciliation

Line ItemAmount
Total Expenses per Audited Statements$5,364,622
Total Expenses per Form 990$5,357,545
Expenses per Audited Statements$5,347,915
Expenses Not Reported on Form 990$16,707
Expenses Not Reported on Financial Statements$9,630
International Activity

International Summary

Offices
0
Employees
0
Spending
$11,447

International Compliance

Activity in boycott countries
No
Foreign corporation ownership
No
Foreign partnership interest
No
Interest in foreign trust
No
Passive foreign investment company interest
No
Transfers to foreign corporations
No

International Activities

RegionActivityServicesOfficesEmployeesSpending
East Asia and the Pacific - Australia, Brunei, Burma, Cambodia,Teacher TrainingTeacher Training00$11,447
Fundraising, Events, and Gaming
Fundraising activities
No
Gaming activities
No
Professional fundraiser used
Yes

Fundraising and Gaming Totals

Line ItemAmount
Professional Fundraising Fees$35,389
Political and Lobbying Activity
Political campaign activity
No
Lobbying activity
No
Subject to proxy tax
No
Debt and Bond Financing

Other Reported Liabilities

LiabilityAmount
Deferred Rent Abatement$138,355
Governance and Compliance

Governance Checklist

Compiled or reviewed by an accountant
No
Annual disclosure for covered persons
Yes
Audit committee
Yes
Backup withholding compliance
Yes
Business relationship with family members
No
Business relationship with organization members
No
Material changes to governing documents
No
Compensation from other sources disclosed
No
CEO compensation reviewed
Yes
Other officer compensation reviewed
Yes
Conflict-of-interest policy
Yes
Audited financial statements prepared
No
Key decisions subject to board approval
No
Management duties delegated
No

Governance Explanations

Form 990, Part VI, Section B, line 11

“The board retains the services of an independent cpa firm to prepare the organization's form 990. The board appointed audit committee has at least three (3) members who meet the for profit test of having qualified financial experience. The audit committee reviews the audit and the tax return and reports to the board. Copies of the audit and tax return are provided to the board members.”

Form 990, Part VI, Section B, line 12C

“Annually, the Board members are required to submit a signed Conflict of Interest form to the Chairman of the Audit Committee. The Chairman reviews the forms and refers any stated conflicts to the Audit Committee. Upon disclosure of an actual or possible conflict of interest, disclosure shall be made in writing to the Chairman of the Audit committee of the Board of Directors and to the President of the Foundation. The Audit Committee shall maintain a permanent record of all conflict of interest disclosures. Following full disclosure of a possible conflict of interest, including any condition listed above, the Audit Committee shall consider whether a conflict of interest exists. The Committee may authorize or reject the conflicting condition or take any other action deemed necessary. A Director involved in the conflicting situation may not take part in the committee's deliberations or participate in the vote. However, the person with the potential conflict may be present to provide clarifying information unless objected to by any present Director.”

Form 990, Part VI, Section B, line 15

“Compensation for all employees, including the president, is approved by the Board within the annual budget. The president's salary, when established and adjusted, would be compared to local salary surveys of NFP organizations of similar size and of educational administrators of small to medium districts or colleges. A separate approval by the Board is made for any payments to the employees' retirement plan.”

Form 990, Part VI, Section C, line 19

“The Foundation indicates on its web site that copies of the 990 and other relevant documents are available, upon request, from the Foundation.”

Filing and Contact Details

Filer

Filer Name
The Great Books Foundation
EIN
36-2182034
Phone
3123325870
Address
233 N MICHIGAN No 420, CHICAGO, IL 60601

Signing Officer

Name
Joseph Coulson
Title
Chief Executive Officer
Phone
3123325870
Signed
2017-03-28
Discuss with paid preparer
Yes

Organization Details

Principal Officer
Joseph Coulson
Formed
1947
Legal Domicile
Il
Voting Board Members
21
Independent Board Members
20
Employees
58
Volunteers
20

Preparer

Firm
Plante & Moran Pllc
Address
10 S Riverside Plaza 9th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606
Preparer
Kimberly A Haumann
Phone
3122071040
Supplemental Narrative

Financial Statement Notes

Part XI, Line 2D - Other Adjustments:

“Non operating 16,707.”

Part XII, Line 2D - Other Adjustments:

“Non operating 16,707.”

Raw XML AppendixShowing 400 of 667 raw XML fields

This appendix keeps the raw XML leaves available for debugging and edge-case review. The human report above is the primary experience.

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IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/OtherCompensationAmt120
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/OtherCompensationAmt130
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/OtherCompensationAmt140
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/OtherCompensationAmt150
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/OtherCompensationAmt160
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/OtherCompensationAmt170
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/OtherCompensationAmt180
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/OtherCompensationAmt190
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/OtherCompensationAmt200
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/OtherCompensationAmt2119647
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/PersonNm0Joseph Coulson
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/PersonNm1James M Reum
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/PersonNm2Charles Brummell Jr
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/PersonNm3Carole Ames
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/PersonNm4Paul Barton
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/PersonNm5Barbara Bowman
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/PersonNm6Kevin Conlon
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/PersonNm7David W Curd
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/PersonNm8Marcia Wachs Dam
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/PersonNm9Paula Duffy
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/PersonNm10Dr Mary Beth Herrmann
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/PersonNm11Jane C Hunt
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/PersonNm12William Lawlor
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/PersonNm13Roy Lipner
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/PersonNm14Glenn W McGee
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/PersonNm15Alex J Pollock
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/PersonNm16George Schueppert
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/PersonNm17Donald Statland
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/PersonNm18Sheldon Stein
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/PersonNm19James W Haugh
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/PersonNm20Michael Igoe
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/PersonNm21Peter Walton
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IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/ReportableCompFromOrgAmt20
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/ReportableCompFromOrgAmt30
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IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/ReportableCompFromOrgAmt50
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/ReportableCompFromOrgAmt60
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/ReportableCompFromOrgAmt70
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/ReportableCompFromOrgAmt80
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/ReportableCompFromOrgAmt90
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/ReportableCompFromOrgAmt100
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/ReportableCompFromOrgAmt110
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/ReportableCompFromOrgAmt120
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/ReportableCompFromOrgAmt130
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/ReportableCompFromOrgAmt140
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/ReportableCompFromOrgAmt150
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/ReportableCompFromOrgAmt160
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/ReportableCompFromOrgAmt170
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/ReportableCompFromOrgAmt180
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/ReportableCompFromOrgAmt190
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/ReportableCompFromOrgAmt200
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/ReportableCompFromOrgAmt2186097
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/ReportableCompFromRltdOrgAmt00
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/ReportableCompFromRltdOrgAmt10
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/ReportableCompFromRltdOrgAmt20
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/ReportableCompFromRltdOrgAmt30
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/ReportableCompFromRltdOrgAmt40
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/ReportableCompFromRltdOrgAmt50
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/ReportableCompFromRltdOrgAmt60
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/ReportableCompFromRltdOrgAmt70
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/ReportableCompFromRltdOrgAmt80
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/ReportableCompFromRltdOrgAmt90
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/ReportableCompFromRltdOrgAmt100
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/ReportableCompFromRltdOrgAmt110
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/ReportableCompFromRltdOrgAmt120
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/ReportableCompFromRltdOrgAmt130
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/ReportableCompFromRltdOrgAmt140
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/ReportableCompFromRltdOrgAmt150
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/ReportableCompFromRltdOrgAmt160
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IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/ReportableCompFromRltdOrgAmt190
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/ReportableCompFromRltdOrgAmt200
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/ReportableCompFromRltdOrgAmt210
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/TitleTxt0President & CEO
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/TitleTxt1Chairman
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/TitleTxt2Vice-Chairman
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/TitleTxt3Director
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/TitleTxt4Director
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/TitleTxt5Director
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/TitleTxt6Director
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/TitleTxt7Director
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/TitleTxt8Director
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/TitleTxt9Director
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/TitleTxt10Director
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/TitleTxt11Director (Life Director as of 9/16)
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/TitleTxt12Director (Life Director as of 9/16)
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/TitleTxt13Director
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/TitleTxt14Director
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/TitleTxt15Director
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/TitleTxt16Director
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/TitleTxt17Director
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/TitleTxt18Director
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/TitleTxt19Life Director
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/TitleTxt20Life Director
IRS990/Form990PartVIISectionAGrp/TitleTxt21Vice-President & CFO
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IRS990/GrantsToOrganizationsInd00
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IRS990/InformationTechnologyGrp/TotalAmt025732
IRS990/InsuranceGrp/ManagementAndGeneralAmt04434
IRS990/InsuranceGrp/ProgramServicesAmt039910
IRS990/InsuranceGrp/TotalAmt044344
IRS990/InventoriesForSaleOrUseGrp/BOYAmt0866317
IRS990/InventoriesForSaleOrUseGrp/EOYAmt0979438
IRS990/InvestmentIncomeGrp/ExclusionAmt065470
IRS990/InvestmentIncomeGrp/TotalRevenueColumnAmt065470
IRS990/InvestmentInJointVentureInd00
IRS990/InvestmentsPubTradedSecGrp/BOYAmt02887424
IRS990/InvestmentsPubTradedSecGrp/EOYAmt01719522
IRS990/IRPDocumentCnt030
IRS990/IRPDocumentW2GCnt00
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IRS990/LandBldgEquipCostOrOtherBssAmt0562225
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IRS990/LoanOutstandingInd00
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IRS990/LocalChaptersInd00
IRS990/MaterialDiversionOrMisuseInd00
IRS990/MembersOrStockholdersInd00
IRS990/MethodOfAccountingAccrualInd0X
IRS990/MinutesOfCommitteesInd01
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IRS990/MissionDesc0The mission of the Great Books Foundation is to advance the critical, reflective thinking, and social and civic engagement of readers of all ages through Shared Inquiry discussion of works and ideas of enduring value.
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IRS990/MoreThan5000KToOrgInd00
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IRS990/NetAssetsOrFundBalancesEOYAmt03681518
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IRS990/NetIncomeOrLossGrp/TotalRevenueColumnAmt02641114
IRS990/NetUnrelatedBusTxblIncmAmt00
IRS990/NetUnrlzdGainsLossesInvstAmt0-95384
IRS990/NoncashContributionsAmt013572
IRS990/NondeductibleContributionsInd00
IRS990/OccupancyGrp/FundraisingAmt06237
IRS990/OccupancyGrp/ManagementAndGeneralAmt056129
IRS990/OccupancyGrp/ProgramServicesAmt0561286
IRS990/OccupancyGrp/TotalAmt0623652
IRS990/OfficeExpensesGrp/FundraisingAmt03271
IRS990/OfficeExpensesGrp/ManagementAndGeneralAmt029442
IRS990/OfficeExpensesGrp/ProgramServicesAmt0294418
IRS990/OfficeExpensesGrp/TotalAmt0327131
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IRS990/OperateHospitalInd00
IRS990/Organization501c3Ind0X
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IRS990/OtherExpensesGrp/Desc0TEMPORARY HELP
IRS990/OtherExpensesGrp/Desc1TRAINING MATERIALS
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IRS990/OtherExpensesGrp/ProgramServicesAmt063175
IRS990/OtherExpensesGrp/ProgramServicesAmt127004
IRS990/OtherExpensesGrp/TotalAmt089270
IRS990/OtherExpensesGrp/TotalAmt127004
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IRS990/PayrollTaxesGrp/ProgramServicesAmt0162251
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IRS990/PrincipalOfficerNm0JOSEPH COULSON
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IRS990/ProgramServiceRevenueGrp/Desc0TRAINING COURSE INCOME
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IRS990/ProgSrvcAccomActy2Grp/Desc0The Foundation's Professional Learning program provided nearly 4,000 educators over the past year the specialized instruction and classroom assistance in the Shared Inquiry method of learning through reading and discussion of great literature. The Foundation worked closely with schools across the country to build teachers' proficiency and integrate inquiry-based learning across the curriculum by providing customized days of on-site modeling, coaching and consultation. In addition, nearly 300 parent and other volunteers received at least one day of professional learning to prepare them to assist in leading students in Shared Inquiry discussion. The Foundation has been recognized by the National Staff Development Council as a "what works" in teacher professional development and assisted educators in increasing student achievement. Feedback from those who have participated in the Foundation's professional learning activities suggests that the Foundation played an important part in creating and sustaining vibrant learning communities for adults and students.
IRS990/ProgSrvcAccomActy2Grp/ExpenseAmt01141418
IRS990/ProgSrvcAccomActy2Grp/RevenueAmt0923278
IRS990/ProgSrvcAccomActy3Grp/Desc0Great Books Discussions, the adult education division of the Great Books Foundation, shares the mission of the organization as a whole: to help sustain and strengthen our democratic society by providing opportunities for learners to engage in discussions of works and ideas of enduring value and to develop the habits of mind essential to civic participation and personal fulfillment. To this end, Great Books Discussions supports a network of more than 700 book groups nationwide; creates special initiatives for often under-served sectors of the population including veterans of the Armed Forces and former prison inmates making the transition back into society; and holds public events to engage audiences in the discussion of books and ideas. To enable these various programs, Great Books Discussions publishes books and other materials designed to assist in the practice of Shared Inquiry TM, the Great Books Foundation's unique discussion method.
IRS990/ProgSrvcAccomActy3Grp/ExpenseAmt0228211
IRS990/ProgSrvcAccomActy3Grp/RevenueAmt0119389
IRS990/ProgSrvcAccomActyOtherGrp/Desc0Included in other programs is the Foundaitons Digital Media Department. The Digital Media department of the Great Books Foundation, in keeping with the Foundation's mission, offers teachers and parents online instruction in the Shared Inquiry TM method of learning through blended core courses or webinars on specific skills. In addition, the Digital Media department produces educational and instructional videos necessary to practice and promote Shared Inquiry. To remain relevant and successful in the 21st century, the department creates a Great Books digital experience by developing electronic publications and products, and improving digital access to content across digital platforms. This digital experience updates and enhances the Great Books learning model and allows the Foundation to reach a wider, more diverse audience.
IRS990/ProgSrvcAccomActyOtherGrp/ExpenseAmt0537009
IRS990/ProgSrvcAccomActyOtherGrp/RevenueAmt0487904
IRS990/ProhibitedTaxShelterTransInd00

Document Assets

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Filings

Displayed year

2016 • Form 990Detailed filing. Detailed filing data is available for this year.

Open filing
Assets
$4,450,551
Liabilities
$769,033
Net assets
$3,681,518
Revenue
$4,407,979
Expenses
$5,357,545
Net income
-$949,566
Balance SheetOperations
YearAssetsLiabilitiesNet AssetsRevenueExpensesNet Income
2024Detailed filing. Detailed filing data is available for this year.$2.11$0.75$1.36$2.60$3.24$0.64
2023Detailed filing. Detailed filing data is available for this year.$2.77$0.78$1.99$4.42$3.52$0.91
2022Detailed filing. Detailed filing data is available for this year.$2.88$1.84$1.05$3.45$3.60$0.15
2021Detailed filing. Detailed filing data is available for this year.$3.06$1.73$1.33$3.29$3.01$0.28
2020Detailed filing. Detailed filing data is available for this year.$2.50$1.58$0.93$2.43$3.36$0.93
2019Detailed filing. Detailed filing data is available for this year.$3.01$1.17$1.84$3.42$3.68$0.26
2018Detailed filing. Detailed filing data is available for this year.$3.25$1.15$2.10$3.44$4.03$0.59
2017Detailed filing. Detailed filing data is available for this year.$4.06$1.37$2.69$3.72$4.61$0.89
2016Detailed filing. Detailed filing data is available for this year.$4.45$0.77$3.68$4.41$5.36$0.95
2015Detailed filing. Detailed filing data is available for this year.$5.45$0.72$4.73$4.96$6.45$1.49
2014Detailed filing. Detailed filing data is available for this year.$7.26$0.92$6.35$6.77$6.46$0.31
2013Facts available. Structured filing facts are available, but richer extracted sections are limited.$6.81$0.99$5.82$6.48
2012Facts available. Structured filing facts are available, but richer extracted sections are limited.$5.54$0.76$4.78$6.08