Liabilities / Assets
69th percentile
Higher debt load relative to assets than 69% of similar nonprofits.
Precomputed percentiles for this filing year versus similar nonprofits in the same peer cohort.
Liabilities / Assets
69th percentile
Higher debt load relative to assets than 69% of similar nonprofits.
Liabilities / Revenue
92nd percentile
Higher debt load relative to revenue than 92% of similar nonprofits.
Net Margin
91st percentile
Higher net margin than 91% of similar nonprofits.
Top Officer Pay
Score unavailable
This filing does not contain officer compensation rows.
Asset Growth
55th percentile
Faster asset growth than 55% of similar nonprofits.
Revenue Growth
2nd percentile
Faster revenue growth than 2% of similar nonprofits.
Assets
Up$264,695
Up $11,919 (+4.7%) from 2012
Net Assets
$254,709
No earlier filing loaded for comparison.
Liabilities
Up$9,986
Up $2,486 (+33%) from 2012
Revenue
Down$20,059
Down $130,085 (-87%) from 2012
Expenses
Up$10,397
Up $6,988 (+205%) from 2012
Net Income
Down$9,662
Down $137,073 (-93%) from 2012
The production and distribution of educational media.
This appendix keeps the raw XML leaves available for debugging and edge-case review. The human report above is the primary experience.
| Path | # | Value |
|---|---|---|
| IRS990EZ/ActivitiesNotPreviouslyRpt | 0 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/AmountOfTaxImposedOnOrgMgr | 0 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/AmountOfTaxReimbursedByOrg | 0 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/BenefitsPaidToOrForMembers | 0 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/CashSavingsAndInvestments/BOY | 0 | 141197 |
| IRS990EZ/CashSavingsAndInvestments/EOY | 0 | 32305 |
| IRS990EZ/ContributionsGiftsGrantsEtc | 0 | 20059 |
| IRS990EZ/DirectIndirectPoliticalExpend | 0 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/DoesOrgHaveHospital | 0 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/EngagedInExcessBenefitTrans | 0 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/EngageInLobbyingActivities | 0 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/EngagePoliticalCmpgnActivities | 0 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/ExcessOrDeficitForYear | 0 | 9662 |
| IRS990EZ/FeesAndOthPymtToIndContractors | 0 | 6080 |
| IRS990EZ/FiledScheduleA | 0 | 1 |
| IRS990EZ/ForeignFinancialAccount | 0 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/ForeignOffice | 0 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/GrossReceipts | 0 | 20059 |
| IRS990EZ/InfoInScheduleOPartI | 0 | X |
| IRS990EZ/InfoInScheduleOPartII | 0 | X |
| IRS990EZ/InfoInScheduleOPartIII | 0 | X |
| IRS990EZ/InfoInScheduleOPartV | 0 | X |
| IRS990EZ/MadeChangesToOrgnzngEtcDoc | 0 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/MadeLoansToFromOfficers | 0 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/MaintainAnyDonorAdvisedFunds | 0 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/MethodOfAccountingCash | 0 | X |
| IRS990EZ/NetAssetsOrFundBalances/BOY | 0 | 245276 |
| IRS990EZ/NetAssetsOrFundBalancesBOY | 0 | 245276 |
| IRS990EZ/NetAssetsOrFundBalances/EOY | 0 | 254709 |
| IRS990EZ/NetAssetsOrFundBalancesEOY | 0 | 254709 |
| IRS990EZ/OfficerDirectorTrusteeKeyEmpl/AvgHoursPerWkDevotedToPosition | 0 | 40.00 |
| IRS990EZ/OfficerDirectorTrusteeKeyEmpl/AvgHoursPerWkDevotedToPosition | 1 | 0.10 |
| IRS990EZ/OfficerDirectorTrusteeKeyEmpl/AvgHoursPerWkDevotedToPosition | 2 | 0.10 |
| IRS990EZ/OfficerDirectorTrusteeKeyEmpl/AvgHoursPerWkDevotedToPosition | 3 | 0.10 |
| IRS990EZ/OfficerDirectorTrusteeKeyEmpl/AvgHoursPerWkDevotedToPosition | 4 | 0.10 |
| IRS990EZ/OfficerDirectorTrusteeKeyEmpl/AvgHoursPerWkDevotedToPosition | 5 | 0.10 |
| IRS990EZ/OfficerDirectorTrusteeKeyEmpl/Compensation | 0 | 25000 |
| IRS990EZ/OfficerDirectorTrusteeKeyEmpl/Compensation | 1 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/OfficerDirectorTrusteeKeyEmpl/Compensation | 2 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/OfficerDirectorTrusteeKeyEmpl/Compensation | 3 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/OfficerDirectorTrusteeKeyEmpl/Compensation | 4 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/OfficerDirectorTrusteeKeyEmpl/Compensation | 5 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/OfficerDirectorTrusteeKeyEmpl/ContriToEmplBenefitPlansEtc | 0 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/OfficerDirectorTrusteeKeyEmpl/ContriToEmplBenefitPlansEtc | 1 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/OfficerDirectorTrusteeKeyEmpl/ContriToEmplBenefitPlansEtc | 2 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/OfficerDirectorTrusteeKeyEmpl/ContriToEmplBenefitPlansEtc | 3 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/OfficerDirectorTrusteeKeyEmpl/ContriToEmplBenefitPlansEtc | 4 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/OfficerDirectorTrusteeKeyEmpl/ContriToEmplBenefitPlansEtc | 5 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/OfficerDirectorTrusteeKeyEmpl/ExpenseAccountOtherAllowances | 0 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/OfficerDirectorTrusteeKeyEmpl/ExpenseAccountOtherAllowances | 1 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/OfficerDirectorTrusteeKeyEmpl/ExpenseAccountOtherAllowances | 2 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/OfficerDirectorTrusteeKeyEmpl/ExpenseAccountOtherAllowances | 3 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/OfficerDirectorTrusteeKeyEmpl/ExpenseAccountOtherAllowances | 4 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/OfficerDirectorTrusteeKeyEmpl/ExpenseAccountOtherAllowances | 5 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/OfficerDirectorTrusteeKeyEmpl/PersonName | 0 | NOEL SCHWERIN |
| IRS990EZ/OfficerDirectorTrusteeKeyEmpl/PersonName | 1 | DAVID ACKERLY |
| IRS990EZ/OfficerDirectorTrusteeKeyEmpl/PersonName | 2 | KATHERINE LOEWALD |
| IRS990EZ/OfficerDirectorTrusteeKeyEmpl/PersonName | 3 | DAVID HARWOOD |
| IRS990EZ/OfficerDirectorTrusteeKeyEmpl/PersonName | 4 | LAURA DEBONIS |
| IRS990EZ/OfficerDirectorTrusteeKeyEmpl/PersonName | 5 | JOE SHENK |
| IRS990EZ/OfficerDirectorTrusteeKeyEmpl/Title | 0 | PRESIDENT |
| IRS990EZ/OfficerDirectorTrusteeKeyEmpl/Title | 1 | TREASURER/SECRETARY |
| IRS990EZ/OfficerDirectorTrusteeKeyEmpl/Title | 2 | DIRECTOR |
| IRS990EZ/OfficerDirectorTrusteeKeyEmpl/Title | 3 | DIRECTOR |
| IRS990EZ/OfficerDirectorTrusteeKeyEmpl/Title | 4 | DIRECTOR |
| IRS990EZ/OfficerDirectorTrusteeKeyEmpl/Title | 5 | DIRECTOR |
| IRS990EZ/OperatingSchool | 0 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/Organization501c3 | 0 | X |
| IRS990EZ/OrganizationDissolvedEtc | 0 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/OrganizationHadUBI | 0 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/OtherAssetsTotal/BOY | 0 | 111579 |
| IRS990EZ/OtherAssetsTotal/EOY | 0 | 232390 |
| IRS990EZ/OtherChangesInNetAssets | 0 | -229 |
| IRS990EZ/OtherExpensesTotal | 0 | 3975 |
| IRS990EZ/PartVIAHghstPaidCntrctProfSer | 0 | NONE |
| IRS990EZ/PartVIOfCompOfHighestPaidEmpl | 0 | NONE |
| IRS990EZ/PrimaryExemptPurpose | 0 | THE PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION OF EDUCATIONAL MEDIA. |
| IRS990EZ/PrintingPublicationsPostage | 0 | 342 |
| IRS990EZ/ProgramServiceAccomplishment/DescriptionProgramServiceAccom | 0 | BACKBONE MEDIA BEGAN TO USE THE PREVIOUS YEAR'S MACARTHUR GRANT OF $150,000 TOWARD COMPLETION OF ITS SEVEN-YEAR IMMERSIVE DOCUMENTARY ABOUT SOLEDAD PRISON, HIRING POST PRODUCTION PROFESSIONALS FOR THE COMPLETION OF A FESTIVAL SUBMISSION DOCUMENTARY. BACKBONE ALSO RECEIVED A SUNDANCE DOCUMENTARY FUND GRANT OF $25,000 ($5,000 HELD FOR FINAL PROJECT COMPLETION) AND WAS INVITED TO PITCH THE FILM AT THE SUNDANCE PRODUCERS' SUMMIT HELD IN AUGUST 2013 AT THE SUNDANCE RESORT IN UTAH.WORK ON THE DOCUMENTARY PROJECT TOOK UP MOST OF THE YEAR'S RESOURCES IN TIME AND FUNDING. IN ADDITION TO POST PRODUCTION, PRESIDENT SCHWERIN ALSO DEVELOPED EXTENSIVE BROADCAST, OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT RELATIONSHIPS FOR THE FILM'S ULTIMATE DISTRIBUTION. |
| IRS990EZ/ProgramServiceAccomplishment/GrantsAndAllocations | 0 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/ProgramServiceAccomplishment/ProgramServiceExpenses | 0 | 6174 |
| IRS990EZ/ProhibitedTaxShelterTrans | 0 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/RelatedOrgControlledEntity | 0 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/StatesWhereCopyOfReturnIsFiled | 0 | CA |
| IRS990EZ/SubjectToProxyTax | 0 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/SumOfTotalLiabilities/BOY | 0 | 7500 |
| IRS990EZ/SumOfTotalLiabilities/EOY | 0 | 9986 |
| IRS990EZ/TanningServicesProvided | 0 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/TaxImposedUnderIRC4911 | 0 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/TaxImposedUnderIRC4912 | 0 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/TaxImposedUnderIRC4955 | 0 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/TheBooksAreInCareOf/AddressUS/AddressLine1 | 0 | 330 DUNCAN STREET |
| IRS990EZ/TheBooksAreInCareOf/AddressUS/City | 0 | SAN FRANCISCO |
| IRS990EZ/TheBooksAreInCareOf/AddressUS/State | 0 | CA |
| IRS990EZ/TheBooksAreInCareOf/AddressUS/ZIPCode | 0 | 94131 |
| IRS990EZ/TheBooksAreInCareOf/NameBusiness/BusinessNameLine1 | 0 | NOEL SCHWERIN |
| IRS990EZ/TheBooksAreInCareOf/TelephoneNumber | 0 | 4157479030 |
| IRS990EZ/TotalAssets/BOY | 0 | 252776 |
| IRS990EZ/TotalAssets/EOY | 0 | 264695 |
| IRS990EZ/TotalExpenses | 0 | 10397 |
| IRS990EZ/TotalProgramServiceExpenses | 0 | 6174 |
| IRS990EZ/TotalRevenue | 0 | 20059 |
| IRS990EZ/TransactionWithControlEntity | 0 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/TrnsfrsExemptNonCharRelatedOrg | 0 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/WebSite | 0 | WWW.BACKBONEMEDIA.ORG |
| IRS990ScheduleA/AmountsSubstContributorsTotal | 0 | 152402 |
| IRS990ScheduleA/GeneralExplanation | 0 | SCHEDULE A, PART IV, SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION: THE FOLLOWING CLEARLY DEMONSTRATES THAT BACKBONE MEDIA SATISFIES THE FACTS AND CIRCUMSTANCES TEST OF REGULATION 1.170A-9(F)(3) AND REGULATION 1.170A-9(F)(3), AND CONTINUES TO BE EXEMPT UNDER SECTION 501C3 OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE. 1. 10%-OF-SUPPORT LIMITATION: THE ORGANIZATION'S PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR THE ADVANCE RULING PERIOD IS 19.77%, WELL IN EXCESS OF THE 10% REQUIREMENT. BACKBONE MEDIA'S MAJOR FUNDERS OVER THE FIVE YEARS INCLUDING THIS 990 (ENDING 2013) INCLUDE THE SUNDANCE DOCUMENTARY FUND, THE MACARTHUR FOUNDATION, THE CALIFORNIA COUNCIL ON THE HUMANITIES AS WELL AS A NUMBER OF SMALLER INDIVIDUAL DONORS AS LISTED IN PREVIOUS 990S. (DR. AND MRS. WILLIAM ACKERLY, BARBARA CARTWRIGHT, ETC.) A LARGE PERCENTAGE OF OUR CURRENT BUDGET COMES FROM MAJOR NATIONAL FOUNDATIONS, IN PARTICULAR, THE MACARTHUR FOUNDATION AND THE SUNDANCE DOCUMENTARY FUND. SUNDANCE IS A 501C3 CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION, AND THE MACARTHUR FOUNDATION IS A PRIVATE FOUNDATION SUBJECT TO RIGOROUS INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL MISSION REVIEW OF ITS PROGRAMMING. WE ARE HONORED TO HAVE BEEN FUNDED BY THEM, AND WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO MOVE FORWARD WITH OUR PROGRAM WITHOUT THEIR SUPPORT. IN ADDITION, A NUMBER OF UNRELATED INDIVIDUALS HAVE SUPPORTED BACKBONE MEDIA WITH SMALL DONATIONS. EVERY YEAR, AND ESPECIALLY DURING FY12/13, WE HAVE BEEN ACTIVELY FUNDRAISING FROM PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SOURCES. THESE INCLUDE THE FORD FOUNDATION, CHICKEN AND EGG, THE FLEDGLING FUND, CINEREACH AND MANY OTHERS. EVERY YEAR IN WHICH WE ARE ELIGIBLE, WE SUBMIT FUNDING AND PROGRAMMING REQUESTS TO THE FEW FEDERAL AND STATE AGENCIES THAT SUPPORT DOCUMENTARY FILM (SADLY WITH LESS FUNDING AVAILABLE EACH YEAR). IN 2007/8 WE RECEIVED A $59,000 GRANT FROM THE CALIFORNIA COUNCIL FOR THE HUMANITIES, FUNDED LARGELY BY THE NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE HUMANITIES. FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE ORGANIZATION, SOME OF THE LARGEST GRANTS WE HAVE RECEIVED HAVE BEEN FROM THE FOLLOWING GOVERNMENTAL UNITS AND AGENCIES: 2007-8 $59,000 CALIFORNIA COUNCIL FOR THE HUMANITIES, (WITH ANOTHER $1000 PLEDGED) 2003 $47,890 CORPORATION FOR PUBLIC BROADCASTING 2002 $50,370 US DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, OFFICE OF SCIENCE 1998 $400,000 US DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, HUMAN GENOME PROJECT IN 2013, WE RECEIVED $20,000 FROM A 501C3 (SUNDANCE DOCUMENTARY FUND) AND HAVE MADE IT TO THE FINAL ROUND (SEE BELOW #3) IN A NUMBER OF PUBLIC SUPPORT REVIEWS. WITH GREAT COMMITMENT AND HARD WORK, WE HAVE SUCCEEDED IN RAISING SUBSTANTIAL AND PRESTIGIOUS GRANTS FROM TWO OF THE MOST COMPETITIVE FOUNDATIONS (MACARTHUR, SUNDANCE) THAT SUPPORT THE FIELD. IT HAS BEEN DIFFICULT TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS PROVIDING DIRECT FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS DURING THE CURRENT ECONOMIC CLIMATE; NEVERTHELESS, WE DID EXPAND OUR CONTRIBUTION BASE IN 2012, MOST IMPORTANTLY WITH THE 501C3 SUNDANCE DOCUMENTARY FUND WHICH HAS RAISED THE PROFILE AND THE POTENTIAL FOR FUNDERS OF THE ORGANIZATION'S WORK SUBSTANTIALLY. AS ALWAYS, THE ORGANIZATION BENEFITS FROM A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF VOLUNTEER EFFORT, ALONG WITH IN-KIND SUPPORT TO COVER COSTS SUCH AS OVERHEAD EXPENSES (RENT, UTILITIES) THAT ARE NOT REFLECTED AS A PART OF THE SUPPORT, SINCE THEY ARE VOLUNTARY SERVICES. IN ADDITION, WE WORK DIRECTLY WITH OTHER NON-PROFITS IN COOPERATIVE ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING THE SENTENCING PROJECT, THE JOHN JAY COLLEGE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND THE AMERICAN FRIENDS SERVICE COMMITTEE. WE HAVE AN ON-GOING FUNDRAISING PROGRAM AND HAVE TAKEN STEPS TO BROADEN OUR OUTREACH EFFORTS. THE FACT THAT OVER TIME OUR LARGEST CONTRIBUTIONS HAVE COME FROM FEDERAL FUNDING AGENCIES, 501C3 ORGANIZATIONS AND WELL RESPECTED PRIVATE FOUNDATIONS WORKING FOR THE PUBLIC GOOD, AND THAT WE HAVE NOT RECEIVED SUPPORT FROM MEMBERS OF A SINGLE FAMILY, IS FURTHER EVIDENCE OF THE FACT THAT THE ORGANIZATION IS PUBLICLY SUPPORTED. |
| IRS990ScheduleA/GeneralExplanation | 1 | SCHEDULE A, PART IV, SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION: 2. ATTRACTION OF PUBLIC SUPPORT: THE REGULATIONS PROVIDE THAT: AN ORGANIZATION MUST BE SO ORGANIZED AND OPERATED AS TO ATTRACT NEW AND ADDITIONAL PUBLIC OR GOVERNMENTAL SUPPORT ON A CONTINUOUS BASIS. AN ORGANIZATION WILL BE CONSIDERED TO MEET THIS REQUIREMENT IF IT MAINTAINS A CONTINUOUS AND BONA FIDE PROGRAM FOR SOLICITATION OF FUNDS FROM THE GENERAL PUBLIC, COMMUNITY, OR MEMBERSHIP GROUP INVOLVED, OR IF IT CARRIES ON ACTIVITIES DESIGNED TO ATTRACT SUPPORT FROM GOVERNMENTAL UNITS OR OTHER ORGANIZATIONS DESCRIBED IN SECTION 170(B)(1)(A)(I) THOUGH (VI). IN DETERMINING WHETHER AN ORGANIZATION MAINTAINS A CONTINUOUS AND BONA FIDE PROGRAM FOR SOLICITATION OF FUNDS FROM THE GENERAL PUBLIC OR COMMUNITY, CONSIDERATION WILL BE GIVEN TO WHETHER THE SCOPE OF ITS FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES IS REASONABLE IN LIGHT OF ITS CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES. CONSIDERATION WILL ALSO BE GIVEN TO THE FACT THAT AN ORGANIZATION MAY, IN ITS EARLY YEARS OF EXISTENCE, LIMIT THE SCOPE OF ITS SOLICITATION TO PERSONS DEEMED MOST LIKELY TO PROVIDE SEED MONEY IN AN AMOUNT SUFFICIENT TO ENABLE IT TO COMMENCE ITS CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES AND EXPAND ITS SOLICITATION PROGRAM. THE ORGANIZATION HAS ESTABLISHED A PROGRAM TO ACTIVELY SOLICIT AND ATTRACT PUBLIC SUPPORT. FOR EXAMPLE: THIS COMING YEAR WE HAVE BEEN INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SUNDANCE INSTITUTE'S PARTNERSHIP WITH KICKSTARTER, A CROWDFUNDING PROJECT THAT OFFERS SPECIAL TERMS AND DISCOUNTS TO SUNDANCE-FUNDED PROJECTS. DONATIONS WILL BY THE NATURE OF CROWDFUNDING, COME IN SMALL AMOUNTS FROM A VERY LARGE POOL OF NON-AFFILIATED, UNRELATED INDIVIDUALS. WE MAINTAIN, AND CONTINUE TO GROW, A DATABASE OF POTENTIAL DONORS AND OTHERS INTERESTED IN OUR WORK. WE WILL DRAW ON AND INCREASE THIS LIST EXPONENTIALLY WITH A KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN. WE REGULARLY UPDATE OUR WEBSITE AS WELL AS THE CURRENT PROJECT'S WEBSITE (WWW.AKINDOFORDER.ORG), WITH A VIEW TO MAKING IT MORE INVITING AND USER-FRIENDLY. WE HAVE THIS YEAR ADDED A DONATE LINK TO THE PROJECT SITE. THE ORGANIZATION IS USING SOCIAL MEDIA OUTLETS TO INCREASE THE PROFILE OF THE ORGANIZATION AND TO SOLICIT FUNDING FROM INDIVIDUALS AND COMPANIES INTERESTED IN SUPPORTING OUR MISSION. FOR EXAMPLE, WE HAVE FACEBOOK AND TWITTER ACCOUNTS FOR OUR CURRENT PROJECT, WHICH WILL BE RELEASED IN OUR FY14/15. -WE ARE REGULARLY REVIEWING OPPORTUNITIES TO REACH OUT TO MEDIA SOURCES WITH A READERSHIP THAT MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN OUR WORK, AND MULTIPLY OUR VISIBILITY WITH THE OTHER NONPROFITS WE WORK WITH. OUR PROJECT ADVISORS INCLUDE NATIONAL LEADERS IN THE FIELD, AND WE HAVE ONGOING REVIEWS OF FIELD BUILDING AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES WITH THEM. THESE INCLUDE MARC MAUER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE SENTENCING PROJECT, JOAN PETERSILIA, DIRECTOR OF THE STANFORD CRIMINAL JUSTICE CENTER, LAURA MAGNANI OF AMERICAN FRIENDS SERVICE COMMITTEE AND ANN JACOBS OF JOHN JAY COLLEGE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE. |
| IRS990ScheduleA/GeneralExplanation | 2 | SCHEDULE A, PART IV, SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION: 3. SOURCES OF SUPPORT: THE REGULATIONS PROVIDE: THE FACT THAT AN ORGANIZATION MEETS THE REQUIREMENT OF SUBDIVISION (I) OF THIS SUBPARAGRAPH THROUGH SUPPORT FROM GOVERNMENTAL UNITS OR DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY FROM A REPRESENTATIVE NUMBER OF PERSONS, RATHER THAN RECEIVING ALMOST ALL OF ITS SUPPORT FROM THE MEMBERS OF A SINGLE FAMILY, WILL BE TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION IN DETERMINING WHETHER THE ORGANIZATION IS PUBLICLY SUPPORTED. THE ORGANIZATION DOES NOT RECEIVE FINANCIAL SUPPORT FROM THE MEMBERS OF A SINGLE FAMILY. RATHER, OUR FUNDING HAS COME PRIMARILY FROM FOUNDATIONS, WHICH ARE NOT IN A POSITION TO RECEIVE ANY FINANCIAL GAIN FROM THEIR SUPPORT. THEIR SUPPORT STEMS FROM THEIR MISSION TO SUPPORT EDUCATIONAL MEDIA TO INFORM AND MOBILIZE PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT WITH SOCIAL JUSTICE ISSUES. IN ADDITION, EVERY YEAR BACKBONE MEDIA APPLIES FOR GRANTS FROM THE LIMITED POOL OF PUBLIC BROADCASTING FUNDS. THESE ARE MADE AVAILABLE TO INDEPENDENT PRODUCERS THROUGH ITVS (INDEPENDENT TELEVISION SERVICE). FOR SEVERAL YEARS WE HAVE ADVANCED TO THE THIRD AND FINAL STAGE OF FUNDING REVIEW. THE ORGANIZATION IS ABLE TO ACHIEVE CONCRETE AND SUBSTANTIAL RESULTS WITH A LIMITED NUMBER OF DONORS AND A RELATIVELY SMALL BUDGET BECAUSE OF OUR DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS WHO HAVE SUPPORTED THE MISSION OF BACKBONE MEDIA IN ALL AREAS--FROM PROJECT WORK IN TRANSCRIPTION, LOGGING FOOTAGE AND ON LOCATION PRODUCTION SUPPORT TO ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT IN ALL AREAS. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO QUANTIFY THE EXTENT OF VOLUNTEER SUPPORT WE HAVE RECEIVED BUT THE FOLLOWING PROVIDES A PARTIAL LIST OF EXAMPLES OF THE EFFORT MADE ON BEHALF OF THE ORGANIZATION WHICH IS NOT REFLECTED IN THE DESCRIPTION OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT. IN ADDITION TO THE EXPERTS LISTED ABOVE AS WELL ADVISORS IN THE FIELD OF DOCUMENTARY AND BROADCAST PROGRAMMING, WE WORK WITH A CORE OF HIGH-LEVEL EXPERTS WHO HAVE GENEROUSLY PARTICIPATED AND DONATED THEIR TIME. WE HAVE BEEN VERY FORTUNATE TO RECEIVE ONGOING AND REGULAR ADVICE AND REVIEW BY SUCH LEADERS AS JON ELSE, DIRECTOR OF THE DOCUMENTARY PROGRAM AT UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA'S SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM, THE HONORABLE HAROLD KAHN, SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE IN SAN FRANCISCO, IAN HANEY LOPEZ, PROFESSOR OF LAW AT U.C.'S BOALT SCHOOL OF LAW, PAUL MEZEY, PRODUCER OF BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD AND A LARGE COHORT OF PRIZE-WINNING DOCUMENTARY PRODUCERS AND DIRECTORS. (SOME OF THESE INCLUDE ACADEMY-AWARD WINNING AMANDA MICHELI, JON SHENK, JOHN HAPTAS, JOE BINI, CAROL DYSINGER AND VIKTOR LIVINGSTON.) THESE AND MANY MORE PROFESSIONALS DONATE PRECIOUS TIME AND SUPPORT TO BACKBONE'S WORK. OUR OFFICE SPACE AND MANAGEMENT IS DONATED AS AN IN-KIND CONTRIBUTION, AS IS ALL OFF LINE EDITING EQUIPMENT AND SPACE. |
| IRS990ScheduleA/GeneralExplanation | 3 | SCHEDULE A, PART IV, SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION: 4. REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNING BODY. THE REGULATIONS PROVIDE THAT: THE FACT THAT AN ORGANIZATION HAS A GOVERNING BODY WHICH REPRESENTS THE BROAD INTERESTS OF THE PUBLIC, RATHER THAN THE PERSONAL OR PRIVATE INTERESTS OF A LIMITED NUMBER OF DONORS (OR PERSONS STANDING IN A RELATIONSHIP TO SUCH DONORS WHICH IS DESCRIBED IN SECTION 4946(A)(1)(C) THROUGH (G)) WILL BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN DETERMINING WHETHER AN ORGANIZATION IS "PUBLICLY SUPPORTED". WE ARE AN INDEPENDENT ORGANIZATION, MANAGED BY A BOARD OF DIRECTORS COMPOSED OF RECOGNIZED LEADERS IN THE FIELDS OF NONPROFIT MEDIA AND DOCUMENTARY, NONPROFIT INTERNATIONAL ARTS AND THEATRE FUNDRAISING, EDUCATION AND PRODUCTION AND PUBLIC BENEFIT FOUNDATION CONSULTING WHO HAVE NO PERSONAL STAKE IN THE SUCCESS OF BACKBONE MEDIA, BUT, RATHER, CONTRIBUTE THEIR TIME IN ORDER TO SUPPORT THE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION. WE ARE PROUD TO HAVE SUCH A DISTINGUISHED GROUP OF EXPERTS PROVIDING SUPPORT AND ADVICE, AND BELIEVE THAT THEIR INVOLVEMENT REFLECTS THE FACT THAT WE HAVE GOVERNING BODIES THAT REPRESENT THE INTERESTS OF THE PUBLIC. BOARD OF DIRECTORS (2013) KATHERINE LOEWALD, DIRECTOR , FOUNDING PRODUCER, THE PLAY COMPANY AND FACULTY, THE NEW SCHOOL FOR DRAMA DAVID HARWOOD, DIRECTOR, FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT, GOODWORKS GROUP, CONSULTANT, PEW CHARITABLE TRUSTS LAURA DEBONIS, DIRECTOR, MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY AND OF WGBH JON SHENK, DIRECTOR, PRESIDENT, ACTUAL FILMS AND BOARD DIRECTOR, AFTERIMAGE PUBLIC MEDIA DAVID ACKERLY, TREASURER/SECRETARY AND DIRECTOR; PROFESSOR OF INTEGRATIVE BIOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY; BOARD DIRECTOR, ALLIANCE FOR GREEN HEAT NOEL SCHWERIN, PRESIDENT AND DIRECTOR, BACKBONE MEDIA 5. AVAILABILITY OF PUBLIC FACILITIES OR SERVICES; PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN PROGRAMS AND POLICIES. THE REGULATIONS PROVIDE THAT: (C) SIMILARLY, THE FOLLOWING FACTORS WILL ALSO BE CONSIDERED EVIDENCE THAT AN ORGANIZATION IS "PUBLICLY SUPPORTED" (1) THE PARTICIPATION IN, OR SPONSORSHIP OF, THE PROGRAMS OF THE ORGANIZATION BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC HAVING SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE OR EXPERTISE, PUBLIC OFFICIALS, OR CIVIC OR COMMUNITY LEADERS; (2) THE MAINTENANCE OF A DEFINITIVE PROGRAM BY AN ORGANIZATION TO ACCOMPLISH ITS CHARITABLE WORK IN THE COMMUNITY, SUCH AS SLUM CLEARANCE OR DEVELOPING EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES; AND (3) THE RECEIPT OF A SIGNIFICANT PART OF ITS FUNDS FROM A PUBLIC CHARITY OR GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY TO WHICH IT IS IN SOME WAY HELD ACCOUNTABLE AS A CONDITION OF THE GRANT, CONTRACT, OR CONTRIBUTION. AS NOTED ABOVE, BACKBONE MEDIA HAS HAD INTENSIVE AND CONTINUING PARTICIPATION AND SUPPORT FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WITH SPECIALIZED EXPERTISE, AS WELL AS FROM PUBLIC OFFICIALS. ALSO NOTED ABOVE, FOR EACH PROJECT, WE DEVELOP AN ADVISORY BOARD CONSISTING OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE KEY PUBLIC AND PRIVATE ORGANIZATIONS WORKING ON RELEVANT ISSUES. BACKBONE MEDIA MAINTAINS REGULAR CONTACT WITH THE ADVISORY BOARD BY EMAIL AND PHONE IN ORDER TO SHARE EXPERIENCE AND IDENTIFY OPPORTUNITIES FOR COLLABORATION. OTHER EXAMPLES OF THE INVOLVEMENT OF PUBLIC OFFICIALS IN BACKBONE MEDIAS WORK INCLUDE ONGOING CONTACT AND RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE GATEKEEPERS OF INDEPENDENT FILM AT PBS, INCLUDING LOIS VOISSEN AND KATHY LO; ADVISORY SUPPORT FROM JUDGES IN THE CALIFORNIA JUDICIARY AND THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA (AS NOTED) AND THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND REHABILITATION. WE HAVE RECEIVED SUPPORT THROUGH CONTRACTS/AGREEMENTS WITH OTHER PUBLIC CHARITIES. AS NOTED ABOVE, THE SUNDANCE DOCUMENTARY FUND, A PUBLIC CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION, IS THE BIGGEST FUNDER OF BACKBONE MEDIA THIS YEAR. OUR PUBLIC SUPPORT IS ALSO EVIDENCED BY THE LARGE NUMBER OF EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS WHO PARTICIPATE IN OUR EDUCATIONAL/OUTREACH ACTIVITIES THROUGH THE USE OF BACKBONE MEDIA-PRODUCED MEDIA, INCLUDING INTERACTIVE MEDIA. JUST A FEW THIS YEARS INCLUDE: PENN STATE UNIVERSITY, MIDDLEBURY COLLEGE, WALSH UNIVERSITY, WEBSTER UNIVERSITY, MEDICAL PRO |
| IRS990ScheduleA/GiftsGrantsContribReceived170/CurrentTaxYear | 0 | 20059 |
| IRS990ScheduleA/GiftsGrantsContribReceived170/CurrentTaxYearMinus1Year | 0 | 150006 |
| IRS990ScheduleA/GiftsGrantsContribReceived170/CurrentTaxYearMinus3Years | 0 | 13500 |
| IRS990ScheduleA/GiftsGrantsContribReceived170/CurrentTaxYearMinus4Years | 0 | 6400 |
| IRS990ScheduleA/GiftsGrantsContribReceived170/Total | 0 | 189965 |
| IRS990ScheduleA/GrossReceiptsFromAdmissionsEtc | 0 | 4514 |
| IRS990ScheduleA/PubliclySupportedOrg170b1Avi | 0 | X |
| IRS990ScheduleA/PublicSupportPertcentage170 | 0 | 0.19770 |
| IRS990ScheduleA/PublicSupportPertcentPriorYear | 0 | 0.33290 |
| IRS990ScheduleA/PublicSupportTotal170 | 0 | 37563 |
| IRS990ScheduleA/TenPercentTestCurrentYear | 0 | X |
| IRS990ScheduleA/Total170/CurrentTaxYear | 0 | 20059 |
| IRS990ScheduleA/Total170/CurrentTaxYearMinus1Year | 0 | 150006 |
| IRS990ScheduleA/Total170/CurrentTaxYearMinus3Years | 0 | 13500 |
| IRS990ScheduleA/Total170/CurrentTaxYearMinus4Years | 0 | 6400 |
| IRS990ScheduleA/Total170/Total | 0 | 189965 |
| IRS990ScheduleA/TotalSupport | 0 | 189965 |
| IRS990ScheduleB/ContributorInfo/AggregateContributions | 0 | RESTRICTED |
| IRS990ScheduleB/ContributorInfo/ContributorAddressUS/AddressLine1 | 0 | RESTRICTED |
| IRS990ScheduleB/ContributorInfo/ContributorAddressUS/AddressLine2 | 0 | RESTRICTED |
| IRS990ScheduleB/ContributorInfo/ContributorAddressUS/City | 0 | RESTRICTED |
| IRS990ScheduleB/ContributorInfo/ContributorAddressUS/State | 0 | RESTRICTED |
| IRS990ScheduleB/ContributorInfo/ContributorAddressUS/ZIPCode | 0 | RESTRICTED |
| IRS990ScheduleB/ContributorInfo/ContributorNameBusiness/BusinessNameLine1 | 0 | RESTRICTED |
| IRS990ScheduleB/ContributorInfo/ContributorNumber | 0 | RESTRICTED |
| IRS990ScheduleO/GeneralExplanation/Explanation | 0 | DESCRIPTION: BANK SERVICE CHARGES. AMOUNT: 159. DESCRIPTION: WEBSITE. AMOUNT: 221. DESCRIPTION: COMPUTER SOFTWARE. AMOUNT: 530. DESCRIPTION: OFFICE SUPPLIES. AMOUNT: 728. DESCRIPTION: TELEPHONE. AMOUNT: 440. DESCRIPTION: MEMBERSHIP/PROF. FEES. AMOUNT: 205. DESCRIPTION: EQUIPMENT PURCHASE. AMOUNT: 426. DESCRIPTION: MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSES. AMOUNT: 1,266. TOTAL TO FORM 990-EZ, LINE 16: 3,975. |
| IRS990ScheduleO/GeneralExplanation/Explanation | 1 | DESCRIPTION: SMALL ADJUSTMENT FOR PRIOR YEAR ERROR. AMOUNT: -229. |
| IRS990ScheduleO/GeneralExplanation/Explanation | 2 | DESCRIPTION: PRODUCTION COST "RANK + RACE". BEG. OF YEAR AMOUNT: 111,579. END OF YEAR AMOUNT: 232,390. |
| IRS990ScheduleO/GeneralExplanation/Explanation | 3 | DESCRIPTION: ACCOUNT PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES. BEG. OF YEAR AMOUNT: 7,500. END OF YEAR AMOUNT: 9,986. |
| IRS990ScheduleO/GeneralExplanation/Identifier | 0 | OTHER EXPENSES |
| IRS990ScheduleO/GeneralExplanation/Identifier | 1 | OTHER CHANGES IN NET ASSETS |
| IRS990ScheduleO/GeneralExplanation/Identifier | 2 | OTHER ASSETS |
| IRS990ScheduleO/GeneralExplanation/Identifier | 3 | OTHER LIABILITIES |
| IRS990ScheduleO/GeneralExplanation/ReturnReference | 0 | FORM 990-EZ, PART I, LINE 16 |
| IRS990ScheduleO/GeneralExplanation/ReturnReference | 1 | FORM 990-EZ, PART I, LINE 20 |
| IRS990ScheduleO/GeneralExplanation/ReturnReference | 2 | FORM 990-EZ, PART II, LINE 24 |
| IRS990ScheduleO/GeneralExplanation/ReturnReference | 3 | FORM 990-EZ, PART II, LINE 26 |
| TransferPrsnlBnftContractsDecl/Declaration | 0 | THE ORGANIZATION DID NOT, DURING THE YEAR, RECEIVE ANY FUNDS, DIRECTLY,OR INDIRECTLY, TO PAY PREMIUMS ON A PERSONAL BENEFIT CONTRACT.THE ORGANIZATION, DID NOT, DURING THE YEAR, PAY ANY PREMIUMS, DIRECTLY,OR INDIRECTLY, ON A PERSONAL BENEFIT CONTRACT. |
| ReturnHeader/BuildTS | 0 | 2015-11-30 17:44:51Z |
| ReturnHeader/Filer/EIN | 0 | 943288989 |
| ReturnHeader/Filer/Name/BusinessNameLine1 | 0 | BACKBONE MEDIA |
| ReturnHeader/Filer/NameControl | 0 | BACK |
| ReturnHeader/Filer/Phone | 0 | 4157479030 |
| ReturnHeader/Filer/USAddress/AddressLine1 | 0 | 330 DUNCAN STREET |
| ReturnHeader/Filer/USAddress/City | 0 | SAN FRANCISCO |
| ReturnHeader/Filer/USAddress/State | 0 | CA |
| ReturnHeader/Filer/USAddress/ZIPCode | 0 | 94131 |
| ReturnHeader/Officer/AuthorizeThirdParty | 0 | 1 |
| ReturnHeader/Officer/DateSigned | 0 | 2014-08-14 |
| ReturnHeader/Officer/Name | 0 | NOEL SCHWERIN |
| ReturnHeader/Officer/Phone | 0 | 4157479030 |
| ReturnHeader/Officer/Title | 0 | PRESIDENT |
| ReturnHeader/PreparerFirm/EIN | 0 | 264677183 |
| ReturnHeader/PreparerFirm/PreparerFirmBusinessName/BusinessNameLine1 | 0 | DZH PHILLIPS LLP |
| ReturnHeader/PreparerFirm/PreparerFirmUSAddress/AddressLine1 | 0 | 1330 BROADWAY SUITE 630 |
| ReturnHeader/PreparerFirm/PreparerFirmUSAddress/City | 0 | OAKLAND |
| ReturnHeader/PreparerFirm/PreparerFirmUSAddress/State | 0 | CA |
| ReturnHeader/PreparerFirm/PreparerFirmUSAddress/ZIPCode | 0 | 94612 |
| ReturnHeader/Preparer/Name | 0 | HYDEH GHAFFARI |
| ReturnHeader/Preparer/Phone | 0 | 5108346542 |
| ReturnHeader/Preparer/SelfEmployed | 0 | X |
| ReturnHeader/ReturnType | 0 | 990EZ |
| ReturnHeader/TaxPeriodBeginDate | 0 | 2012-10-01 |
| ReturnHeader/TaxPeriodEndDate | 0 | 2013-09-30 |
| ReturnHeader/TaxYear | 0 | 2012 |
| ReturnHeader/Timestamp | 0 | 2014-08-14T14:16:41-05:00 |
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Displayed year
2013 • Form 990EZFacts available. Structured filing facts are available, but richer extracted sections are limited.