Liabilities / Assets
69th percentile
Higher debt load relative to assets than 69% of similar nonprofits.
Siviq Scores
Precomputed percentiles for this filing year versus similar nonprofits in the same peer cohort.
0.04x
Liabilities / Revenue
92nd percentile
Higher debt load relative to revenue than 92% of similar nonprofits.
Net Margin
96th percentile
Higher net margin than 96% of similar nonprofits.
Top Officer Pay
74th percentile
Higher top officer pay than 74% of similar nonprofits.
Top officer pay equals 0.0% of source-year revenue.
Asset Growth
57th percentile
Faster asset growth than 57% of similar nonprofits.
Revenue Growth
59th percentile
Faster revenue growth than 59% of similar nonprofits.
Balance Sheet
Assets
Up$280,333
Up $15,638 (+5.9%) from 2013
Net Assets
Up$270,333
Up $15,624 (+6.1%) from 2013
Liabilities
Up$10,000
Up $14 (+0.1%) from 2013
Revenue And Expenses
Revenue
Up$21,536
Up $1,477 (+7.4%) from 2013
Expenses
Down$5,912
Down $4,485 (-43%) from 2013
Net Income
Up$15,624
Up $5,962 (+62%) from 2013
Historical Trend
Jump To
Filing Snapshot
- Filing Period
- Oct 1, 2013 to Sep 30, 2014
- Signed
- Aug 10, 2015
- Return Version
- 2013v4.0
- Gross Receipts
- $21,536
Mission and Program Overview
Mission
The production and distribution of educational media.
Program Services
| Description | Grants | Expenses |
|---|---|---|
| BACKBONE MEDIA COMPLETED ALMOST ALL OF THE PRODUCTION ON IN AN IDEAL WORLD, A FEATURE DOCUMENTARY FOLLOWING THREE MEN OVER SEVEN YEARS AT CALIFORNIA'S INFAMOUS SOLEDAD PRISON, WITH MACARTHUR AND SUNDANCE GRANTS GOING TO SALARIES AND OFF LINE EDIT, ORIGINAL SCORE AND AUDIO DESIGN, PROJECT GRAPHICS AND ANIMATION. ADDITIONAL CONTACT WITH HIGH LEVEL PROFESSIONALS IN THE FIELD ALSO LED TO PRO BONO ADVICE FROM LUMINARIES LIKE PAUL MEZEY (OF BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD, HALF NELSON AND OTHER FILMS) WHO CONTRIBUTED ENORMOUS INSIGHT AND ADVICE TO THE EDITING OF THE FILM AS WELL AS PLANNING AND DISTRIBUTION.BACKBONE MEDIA ALSO CONTINUED TO BUILD FUTURE RESOURCES AND OPPORTUNITIES WITH LEADERS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE FIELDS. BACKBONE ESTABLISHED COLLABORATIVE RELATIONSHIPS THAT WIL SERVE ITS FUTURE CORE OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT GOALS. | $0 | $3,217 |
Compensation and Service Providers
Employees
| Name | Title | Full / Part Time | Base | Other | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOEL SCHWERIN | President | FT | $0 | - | - |
| DAVID ACKERLY | Treasurer/Secretary | PT | $0 | - | - |
| KATHERINE LOEWALD | Director | - | $0 | - | - |
| DAVID HARWOOD | Director | - | $0 | - | - |
| LAURA DEBONIS | Director | - | $0 | - | - |
Filing and Contact Details
Filer
- EIN
- 94-3288989
- Phone
- 4157479030
Signing Officer
- Name
- Noel Schwerin
- Title
- President
- Phone
- 4157479030
- Signed
- 2015-08-10
- Discuss with paid preparer
- Yes
Preparer
- Preparer
- Hydeh Ghaffari
- Phone
- 5108346542
Supplemental Narrative
Additional Explanations
Form 990-ez, Part I, Line 4 - Other Investment Income
“Description: interest income. Amount: 1.”
Form 990-ez, Part I, Line 7 - Sales of Inventory
“Income: gross receipts: 548. Returns and allowances: 0. Less cost of goods sold: 0. Gross profit: 548.”
Form 990-ez, Part I, Line 8 - Other Revenue
“Description: writeoff of liabilities. Amount: 9,987.”
Form 990-ez, Part I, Line 16 - Other Expenses
“Description: bank service charges. Amount: 431. Description: computer and internet. Amount: 1,178. Description: office supplies. Amount: 225. Description: telephone. Amount: 327. Description: taxes. Amount: 70. Description: travel. Amount: 36. Description: membership fees. Amount: 118. Description: prizes/awards. Amount: 1,770. Description: write-offs due to prior year error. Amount: 939. Total to form 990-ez, line 16: 5,094.”
Form 990-ez, Part II, Line 24 - Other Assets
“Description: production cost "rank + race". Beg. Of year amount: 232,390. End of year amount: 270,808.”
Form 990-ez, Part II, Line 26 - Other Liabilities
“Description: account payable and accrued expenses. Beg. Of year amount: 9,986. End of year amount: 0. Description: loan payable - schwerin/ackerly. Beg. Of year amount: 0. End of year amount: 10,000.”
Raw XML Appendix189 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.
| Path | # | Value |
|---|---|---|
| IRS990EZ/ActivitiesNotPreviouslyRptInd | 0 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/BooksInCareOfDetail/BusinessName/BusinessNameLine1 | 0 | NOEL SCHWERIN |
| IRS990EZ/BooksInCareOfDetail/PhoneNum | 0 | 4157479030 |
| IRS990EZ/BooksInCareOfDetail/USAddress/AddressLine1 | 0 | 330 DUNCAN STREET |
| IRS990EZ/BooksInCareOfDetail/USAddress/City | 0 | SAN FRANCISCO |
| IRS990EZ/BooksInCareOfDetail/USAddress/State | 0 | CA |
| IRS990EZ/BooksInCareOfDetail/USAddress/ZIPCode | 0 | 94131 |
| IRS990EZ/CashSavingsAndInvestmentsGrp/BOYAmt | 0 | 32305 |
| IRS990EZ/CashSavingsAndInvestmentsGrp/EOYAmt | 0 | 9525 |
| IRS990EZ/ChgMadeToOrgnzngDocNotRptInd | 0 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/ContributionsGiftsGrantsEtcAmt | 0 | 11000 |
| IRS990EZ/DirectIndirectPltclExpendAmt | 0 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/DonorAdvisedFndsInd | 0 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/EngagedInExcessBenefitTransInd | 0 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/ExcessOrDeficitForYearAmt | 0 | 15624 |
| IRS990EZ/FeesAndOtherPymtToIndCntrctAmt | 0 | 251 |
| IRS990EZ/FiledScheduleAInd | 0 | 1 |
| IRS990EZ/ForeignFinancialAccountInd | 0 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/ForeignOfficeInd | 0 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/Form990TotalAssetsGrp/BOYAmt | 0 | 264695 |
| IRS990EZ/Form990TotalAssetsGrp/EOYAmt | 0 | 280333 |
| IRS990EZ/GrossProfitLossSlsOfInvntryAmt | 0 | 548 |
| IRS990EZ/GrossReceiptsAmt | 0 | 21536 |
| IRS990EZ/GrossSalesOfInventoryAmt | 0 | 548 |
| IRS990EZ/InfoInScheduleOPartIIIInd | 0 | X |
| IRS990EZ/InfoInScheduleOPartIIInd | 0 | X |
| IRS990EZ/InfoInScheduleOPartIInd | 0 | X |
| IRS990EZ/InfoInScheduleOPartVInd | 0 | X |
| IRS990EZ/InvestmentIncomeAmt | 0 | 1 |
| IRS990EZ/LoansToFromOfficersAmt | 0 | 10000 |
| IRS990EZ/LobbyingActivitiesInd | 0 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/MadeLoansToFromOfficersInd | 0 | 1 |
| IRS990EZ/MethodOfAccountingCashInd | 0 | X |
| IRS990EZ/NetAssetsOrFundBalancesBOYAmt | 0 | 254709 |
| IRS990EZ/NetAssetsOrFundBalancesEOYAmt | 0 | 270333 |
| IRS990EZ/NetAssetsOrFundBalancesGrp/BOYAmt | 0 | 254709 |
| IRS990EZ/NetAssetsOrFundBalancesGrp/EOYAmt | 0 | 270333 |
| IRS990EZ/OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp/AverageHrsPerWkDevotedToPosRt | 0 | 40.00 |
| IRS990EZ/OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp/AverageHrsPerWkDevotedToPosRt | 1 | 5.00 |
| IRS990EZ/OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp/AverageHrsPerWkDevotedToPosRt | 2 | 2.00 |
| IRS990EZ/OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp/AverageHrsPerWkDevotedToPosRt | 3 | 2.00 |
| IRS990EZ/OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp/AverageHrsPerWkDevotedToPosRt | 4 | 2.00 |
| IRS990EZ/OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp/CompensationAmt | 0 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp/CompensationAmt | 1 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp/CompensationAmt | 2 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp/CompensationAmt | 3 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp/CompensationAmt | 4 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp/EmployeeBenefitProgramAmt | 0 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp/EmployeeBenefitProgramAmt | 1 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp/EmployeeBenefitProgramAmt | 2 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp/EmployeeBenefitProgramAmt | 3 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp/EmployeeBenefitProgramAmt | 4 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp/ExpenseAccountOtherAllwncAmt | 0 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp/ExpenseAccountOtherAllwncAmt | 1 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp/ExpenseAccountOtherAllwncAmt | 2 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp/ExpenseAccountOtherAllwncAmt | 3 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp/ExpenseAccountOtherAllwncAmt | 4 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp/PersonNm | 0 | NOEL SCHWERIN |
| IRS990EZ/OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp/PersonNm | 1 | DAVID ACKERLY |
| IRS990EZ/OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp/PersonNm | 2 | KATHERINE LOEWALD |
| IRS990EZ/OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp/PersonNm | 3 | DAVID HARWOOD |
| IRS990EZ/OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp/PersonNm | 4 | LAURA DEBONIS |
| IRS990EZ/OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp/TitleTxt | 0 | PRESIDENT |
| IRS990EZ/OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp/TitleTxt | 1 | TREASURER/SECRETARY |
| IRS990EZ/OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp/TitleTxt | 2 | DIRECTOR |
| IRS990EZ/OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp/TitleTxt | 3 | DIRECTOR |
| IRS990EZ/OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp/TitleTxt | 4 | DIRECTOR |
| IRS990EZ/OperateHospitalInd | 0 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/Organization501c3Ind | 0 | X |
| IRS990EZ/OrganizationDissolvedEtcInd | 0 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/OrganizationHadUBIInd | 0 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/OtherAssetsTotalDetail/BOYAmt | 0 | 232390 |
| IRS990EZ/OtherAssetsTotalDetail/EOYAmt | 0 | 270808 |
| IRS990EZ/OtherChangesInNetAssetsAmt | 0 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/OtherExpensesTotalAmt | 0 | 5094 |
| IRS990EZ/OtherRevenueTotalAmt | 0 | 9987 |
| IRS990EZ/PartVIHghstPdCntrctProfSrvcTxt | 0 | NONE |
| IRS990EZ/PartVIOfCompOfHghstPdEmplTxt | 0 | NONE |
| IRS990EZ/PoliticalCampaignActyInd | 0 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/PrimaryExemptPurposeTxt | 0 | THE PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION OF EDUCATIONAL MEDIA. |
| IRS990EZ/PrintingPublicationsPostageAmt | 0 | 567 |
| IRS990EZ/ProgramSrvcAccomplishmentGrp/DescriptionProgramSrvcAccomTxt | 0 | BACKBONE MEDIA COMPLETED ALMOST ALL OF THE PRODUCTION ON IN AN IDEAL WORLD, A FEATURE DOCUMENTARY FOLLOWING THREE MEN OVER SEVEN YEARS AT CALIFORNIA'S INFAMOUS SOLEDAD PRISON, WITH MACARTHUR AND SUNDANCE GRANTS GOING TO SALARIES AND OFF LINE EDIT, ORIGINAL SCORE AND AUDIO DESIGN, PROJECT GRAPHICS AND ANIMATION. ADDITIONAL CONTACT WITH HIGH LEVEL PROFESSIONALS IN THE FIELD ALSO LED TO PRO BONO ADVICE FROM LUMINARIES LIKE PAUL MEZEY (OF BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD, HALF NELSON AND OTHER FILMS) WHO CONTRIBUTED ENORMOUS INSIGHT AND ADVICE TO THE EDITING OF THE FILM AS WELL AS PLANNING AND DISTRIBUTION.BACKBONE MEDIA ALSO CONTINUED TO BUILD FUTURE RESOURCES AND OPPORTUNITIES WITH LEADERS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE FIELDS. BACKBONE ESTABLISHED COLLABORATIVE RELATIONSHIPS THAT WIL SERVE ITS FUTURE CORE OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT GOALS. |
| IRS990EZ/ProgramSrvcAccomplishmentGrp/GrantsAndAllocationsAmt | 0 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/ProgramSrvcAccomplishmentGrp/ProgramServiceExpensesAmt | 0 | 3217 |
| IRS990EZ/ProhibitedTaxShelterTransInd | 0 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/RelatedOrganizationCtrlEntInd | 0 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/SchoolOperatingInd | 0 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/StatesWhereCopyOfReturnIsFldCd | 0 | CA |
| IRS990EZ/SubjectToProxyTaxInd | 0 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/SumOfTotalLiabilitiesGrp/BOYAmt | 0 | 9986 |
| IRS990EZ/SumOfTotalLiabilitiesGrp/EOYAmt | 0 | 10000 |
| IRS990EZ/TanningServicesProvidedInd | 0 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/TaxImposedOnOrganizationMgrAmt | 0 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/TaxImposedUnderIRC4911Amt | 0 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/TaxImposedUnderIRC4912Amt | 0 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/TaxImposedUnderIRC4955Amt | 0 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/TaxReimbursedByOrganizationAmt | 0 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/TotalExpensesAmt | 0 | 5912 |
| IRS990EZ/TotalProgramServiceExpensesAmt | 0 | 3217 |
| IRS990EZ/TotalRevenueAmt | 0 | 21536 |
| IRS990EZ/TrnsfrExmptNonChrtblRltdOrgInd | 0 | 0 |
| IRS990EZ/TypeOfOrganizationCorpInd | 0 | X |
| IRS990EZ/WebsiteAddressTxt | 0 | WWW.BACKBONEMEDIA.ORG |
| IRS990ScheduleA/Form990ScheduleAPartIVGrp/ExplanationTxt | 0 | MISCELLANEOUS INCOME - 2013 AMOUNT: $ 9,987. |
| IRS990ScheduleA/Form990ScheduleAPartIVGrp/ExplanationTxt | 1 | 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 18.74%, WELL IN EXCESS OF THE 10% REQUIREMENT. BACKBONE MEDIA'S MAJOR FUNDERS OVER RECENT YEARS (INCLUDING THIS 990 ENDING 2014) INCLUDE THE SUNDANCE DOCUMENTARY FUND, THE MACARTHUR FOUNDATION AND THE CALIFORNIA COUNCIL ON THE HUMANITIES. 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. IN FY13/14 BACKBONE HAD PLANNED TO INCLUDE IN ITS FUNDRAISING EFFORT A CROWDFUNDING CAMPAIGN UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE SUNDANCE DOCUMENTARY FUND, A BACKBONE FUNDER. DUE TO UNANTICIPATED SURGERY (HIP REPLACEMENT FOR NOEL SCHWERIN, PRESIDENT) AND THE SUBSEQUENT SCHEDULING CONFLICTS IN LAUNCHING THE CAMPAIGN WITH SUNDANCE, BACKBONE'S FUNDRAISING WAS SOMEWHAT INTERRUPTED. (WE HAVE SINCE-NOVEMBER 2014-SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED THIS CAMPAIGN, RAISING $43,000 FROM 250 INDIVIDUAL, GENERAL PUBLIC DONORS.) FUNDING GRANTS WERE ALSO SUBMITTED THIS PERIOD TO THE PARE LORENTZ PRIZE AT THE INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTARY ASSOCIATION, THE SAN FRANCISCO FILM SOCIETY, THE SOROS JUSTICE MEDIA FELLOWSHIP, THE FLEDGLING FUND 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. 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. SINCE ITS INCEPTION, SOME OF THE LARGEST GRANTS BACKBONE HAS RECEIVED HAVE BEEN FROM THE FOLLOWING GOVERNMENTAL UNITS AND AGENCIES: 2007/8 $59,000 CALIFORNIA COUNCIL FOR THE HUMANITIES, (WITH ANOTHER $1000 COMMITTED) 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 IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS PROVIDING DIRECT FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS THIS FISCAL YEAR, DESPITE THE CREATION OF A NEW PROJECT WEB SITE (WWW.IDEALWORLDFILM.ORG) AND AGGRESSIVE SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN (ON FACEBOOK AS IN AN IDEAL WORLD AND TWITTER AS @IDEALWORLDFILM). IN AN UNUSUAL EFFORT TO SEE THE CURRENT FILM PROJECT THROUGH TO A FINAL FUNDRAISING PUSH AND COMPLETION, TWO MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, NOEL SCHWERIN AND DAVID ACKERLY, JOINTLY CONTRIBUTED $11,000 IN THIS PERIOD. NEITHER DIRECTOR TOOK ANY TAX DEDUCTION ON THEIR PERSONAL TAXES FOR THIS DONATION TO AVOID ANY SEMBLANCE OF SELF DEALING. ADDITIONALLY, THE DIRECTORS ALSO SUPPLIED BACKBONE WITH A SHORT TERM LOAN ($10,000) TO BRIDGE THE PERIOD OF THE CROWDFUNDING CAMPAIGN. (THAT LOAN WAS PROMPTLY REPAID IN FY14/15.) 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 COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY'S CENTER FOR JUSTICE, THE RE ENTRY COUNCIL FOR THE CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO, FRIENDS OUTSIDE, THE SENTENCING PROJECT, THE JOHN JAY COLLEGE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND THE AMERICAN FRIENDS SERVICE COMMITTEE. 2. ATTRACTION OF PUBLIC SUPPORT: THE REGULATIONS PROVIDE THAT: AN ORGANIZATION MUST B |
| IRS990ScheduleA/Form990ScheduleAPartIVGrp/ExplanationTxt | 2 | 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. FOR THE FIRST TIME IN ITS HISTORY, THE ORGANIZATION REQUIRED CASH TO CONTINUE (IN THE FORM OF BOTH A LOAN AND A GIFT) WHICH CAME FROM TWO DIRECTORS WHO ARE MARRIED, NOEL SCHWERIN AND DAVID ACKERLY. SCHEDULING AND PERSONNEL DELAYS DUE TO AN UNFORESEEN MEDICAL SITUATION MADE THIS NECESSARY, AND IT IS SEEN AS A ONE-TIME, SMALL ($11,000) INFUSION AT A CRITICAL TIME. STILL, NEITHER DIRECTOR CLAIMED A DEDUCTION ON THEIR TAXES, AND THE ($10,000) LOAN WAS PROMPTLY PAID OFF EARLY IN THE FOLLOWING FISCAL YEAR. 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, SO FAR WITHOUT SUCCESS, BUT RE-APPLICATIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND UNDER REVIEW AGAIN AT PBS' POV, INDEPENDENT LENS, AMERICA REFRAMED AND OTHERS. SIMILARLY, WE APPLY FOR ACCEPTANCE INTO HIGH VISIBILITY FILM FESTIVALS WITH PRIZES AND AUDIENCE AWARDS. IN FY13/14 THESE INCLUDED THE TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL, THE SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL, THE TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL AND OTHERS. UNFORTUNATELY BECAUSE OF THE INTERRUPTION MENTIONED ABOVE, THE FILM WAS NOT SUFFICIENTLY FINISHED TO BE ACCEPTED AT THESE, THOUGH IT HAS SHOWN AT MANY SINCE THE COMPLETION OF THE FILM IN FEBRUARY 2015. 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, 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. 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 DOCUMEN |
| IRS990ScheduleA/Form990ScheduleAPartIVGrp/FormAndLineReferenceDesc | 0 | SCHEDULE A, PART II, LINE 10, EXPLANATION OF OTHER INCOME: |
| IRS990ScheduleA/Form990ScheduleAPartIVGrp/FormAndLineReferenceDesc | 1 | FORM 990, SCHEDULE A, LINE 17A |
| IRS990ScheduleA/Form990ScheduleAPartIVGrp/FormAndLineReferenceDesc | 2 | 3. SOURCES OF SUPPORT: |
| IRS990ScheduleA/GiftsGrantsContriRcvd170Grp/CurrentTaxYearAmt | 0 | 11000 |
| IRS990ScheduleA/GiftsGrantsContriRcvd170Grp/CurrentTaxYearMinus1YearAmt | 0 | 20059 |
| IRS990ScheduleA/GiftsGrantsContriRcvd170Grp/CurrentTaxYearMinus2YearsAmt | 0 | 150006 |
| IRS990ScheduleA/GiftsGrantsContriRcvd170Grp/CurrentTaxYearMinus4YearsAmt | 0 | 13500 |
| IRS990ScheduleA/GiftsGrantsContriRcvd170Grp/TotalAmt | 0 | 194565 |
| IRS990ScheduleA/GrossInvestmentIncome170Grp/CurrentTaxYearAmt | 0 | 1 |
| IRS990ScheduleA/GrossInvestmentIncome170Grp/TotalAmt | 0 | 1 |
| IRS990ScheduleA/GrossReceiptsRltdActivitiesAmt | 0 | 3081 |
| IRS990ScheduleA/OtherIncome170Grp/CurrentTaxYearAmt | 0 | 9987 |
| IRS990ScheduleA/OtherIncome170Grp/TotalAmt | 0 | 9987 |
| IRS990ScheduleA/PublicOrganization170Ind | 0 | X |
| IRS990ScheduleA/PublicSupportCY170Pct | 0 | 0.18740 |
| IRS990ScheduleA/PublicSupportPY170Pct | 0 | 0.19770 |
| IRS990ScheduleA/PublicSupportTotal170Amt | 0 | 38338 |
| IRS990ScheduleA/SubstantialContributorsTotAmt | 0 | 156227 |
| IRS990ScheduleA/TenPctFactsCrcmstncsTestCYInd | 0 | X |
| IRS990ScheduleA/TotalCalendarYear170Grp/CurrentTaxYearAmt | 0 | 11000 |
| IRS990ScheduleA/TotalCalendarYear170Grp/CurrentTaxYearMinus1YearAmt | 0 | 20059 |
| IRS990ScheduleA/TotalCalendarYear170Grp/CurrentTaxYearMinus2YearsAmt | 0 | 150006 |
| IRS990ScheduleA/TotalCalendarYear170Grp/CurrentTaxYearMinus4YearsAmt | 0 | 13500 |
| IRS990ScheduleA/TotalCalendarYear170Grp/TotalAmt | 0 | 194565 |
| IRS990ScheduleA/TotalSupportAmt | 0 | 204553 |
| IRS990ScheduleB/ContributorInformationGrp/ContributorBusinessName/BusinessNameLine1 | 0 | RESTRICTED |
| IRS990ScheduleB/ContributorInformationGrp/ContributorNum | 0 | RESTRICTED |
| IRS990ScheduleB/ContributorInformationGrp/ContributorUSAddress/AddressLine1 | 0 | RESTRICTED |
| IRS990ScheduleB/ContributorInformationGrp/ContributorUSAddress/AddressLine2 | 0 | RESTRICTED |
| IRS990ScheduleB/ContributorInformationGrp/ContributorUSAddress/City | 0 | RESTRICTED |
| IRS990ScheduleB/ContributorInformationGrp/ContributorUSAddress/State | 0 | RESTRICTED |
| IRS990ScheduleB/ContributorInformationGrp/ContributorUSAddress/ZIPCode | 0 | RESTRICTED |
| IRS990ScheduleB/ContributorInformationGrp/TotalContributionsAmt | 0 | RESTRICTED |
| IRS990ScheduleL/LoansBtwnOrgInterestedPrsnGrp/BalanceDueAmt | 0 | 10000 |
| IRS990ScheduleL/LoansBtwnOrgInterestedPrsnGrp/BoardOrCommitteeApprovalInd | 0 | 1 |
| IRS990ScheduleL/LoansBtwnOrgInterestedPrsnGrp/DefaultInd | 0 | 0 |
| IRS990ScheduleL/LoansBtwnOrgInterestedPrsnGrp/LoanPurposeTxt | 0 | GENERAL SUPPORT OF ORGANIZATIONS OPERATIONS |
| IRS990ScheduleL/LoansBtwnOrgInterestedPrsnGrp/LoanToOrganizationInd | 0 | X |
| IRS990ScheduleL/LoansBtwnOrgInterestedPrsnGrp/OriginalPrincipalAmt | 0 | 10000 |
| IRS990ScheduleL/LoansBtwnOrgInterestedPrsnGrp/PersonNm | 0 | DAVID ACKERLY NOEL SCHWERIN |
| IRS990ScheduleL/LoansBtwnOrgInterestedPrsnGrp/RelationshipWithOrgTxt | 0 | OFFICER AND DIRECTOR |
| IRS990ScheduleL/LoansBtwnOrgInterestedPrsnGrp/WrittenAgreementInd | 0 | 1 |
| IRS990ScheduleL/TotalBalanceDueAmt | 0 | 10000 |
| IRS990ScheduleO/SupplementalInformationDetail/ExplanationTxt | 0 | DESCRIPTION: INTEREST INCOME. AMOUNT: 1. |
| IRS990ScheduleO/SupplementalInformationDetail/ExplanationTxt | 1 | INCOME: GROSS RECEIPTS: 548. RETURNS AND ALLOWANCES: 0. LESS COST OF GOODS SOLD: 0. GROSS PROFIT: 548. |
| IRS990ScheduleO/SupplementalInformationDetail/ExplanationTxt | 2 | DESCRIPTION: WRITEOFF OF LIABILITIES. AMOUNT: 9,987. |
| IRS990ScheduleO/SupplementalInformationDetail/ExplanationTxt | 3 | DESCRIPTION: BANK SERVICE CHARGES. AMOUNT: 431. DESCRIPTION: COMPUTER AND INTERNET. AMOUNT: 1,178. DESCRIPTION: OFFICE SUPPLIES. AMOUNT: 225. DESCRIPTION: TELEPHONE. AMOUNT: 327. DESCRIPTION: TAXES. AMOUNT: 70. DESCRIPTION: TRAVEL. AMOUNT: 36. DESCRIPTION: MEMBERSHIP FEES. AMOUNT: 118. DESCRIPTION: PRIZES/AWARDS. AMOUNT: 1,770. DESCRIPTION: WRITE-OFFS DUE TO PRIOR YEAR ERROR. AMOUNT: 939. TOTAL TO FORM 990-EZ, LINE 16: 5,094. |
| IRS990ScheduleO/SupplementalInformationDetail/ExplanationTxt | 4 | DESCRIPTION: PRODUCTION COST "RANK + RACE". BEG. OF YEAR AMOUNT: 232,390. END OF YEAR AMOUNT: 270,808. |
| IRS990ScheduleO/SupplementalInformationDetail/ExplanationTxt | 5 | DESCRIPTION: ACCOUNT PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES. BEG. OF YEAR AMOUNT: 9,986. END OF YEAR AMOUNT: 0. DESCRIPTION: LOAN PAYABLE - SCHWERIN/ACKERLY. BEG. OF YEAR AMOUNT: 0. END OF YEAR AMOUNT: 10,000. |
| IRS990ScheduleO/SupplementalInformationDetail/FormAndLineReferenceDesc | 0 | FORM 990-EZ, PART I, LINE 4 - OTHER INVESTMENT INCOME |
| IRS990ScheduleO/SupplementalInformationDetail/FormAndLineReferenceDesc | 1 | FORM 990-EZ, PART I, LINE 7 - SALES OF INVENTORY |
| IRS990ScheduleO/SupplementalInformationDetail/FormAndLineReferenceDesc | 2 | FORM 990-EZ, PART I, LINE 8 - OTHER REVENUE |
| IRS990ScheduleO/SupplementalInformationDetail/FormAndLineReferenceDesc | 3 | FORM 990-EZ, PART I, LINE 16 - OTHER EXPENSES |
| IRS990ScheduleO/SupplementalInformationDetail/FormAndLineReferenceDesc | 4 | FORM 990-EZ, PART II, LINE 24 - OTHER ASSETS |
| IRS990ScheduleO/SupplementalInformationDetail/FormAndLineReferenceDesc | 5 | FORM 990-EZ, PART II, LINE 26 - OTHER LIABILITIES |
| TransferPrsnlBnftContractsDecl/DeclarationDesc | 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 | 2016-02-25 16:41:14Z |
| ReturnHeader/BusinessOfficerGrp/DiscussWithPaidPreparerInd | 0 | 1 |
| ReturnHeader/BusinessOfficerGrp/PersonNm | 0 | NOEL SCHWERIN |
| ReturnHeader/BusinessOfficerGrp/PersonTitleTxt | 0 | PRESIDENT |
| ReturnHeader/BusinessOfficerGrp/PhoneNum | 0 | 4157479030 |
| ReturnHeader/BusinessOfficerGrp/SignatureDt | 0 | 2015-08-10 |
| ReturnHeader/Filer/BusinessName/BusinessNameLine1 | 0 | BACKBONE MEDIA |
| ReturnHeader/Filer/BusinessNameControlTxt | 0 | BACK |
| ReturnHeader/Filer/EIN | 0 | 943288989 |
| ReturnHeader/Filer/PhoneNum | 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/PreparerFirmGrp/PreparerFirmEIN | 0 | 264677183 |
| ReturnHeader/PreparerFirmGrp/PreparerFirmName/BusinessNameLine1 | 0 | DZH PHILLIPS LLP |
| ReturnHeader/PreparerFirmGrp/PreparerUSAddress/AddressLine1 | 0 | 1330 BROADWAY SUITE 630 |
| ReturnHeader/PreparerFirmGrp/PreparerUSAddress/City | 0 | OAKLAND |
| ReturnHeader/PreparerFirmGrp/PreparerUSAddress/State | 0 | CA |
| ReturnHeader/PreparerFirmGrp/PreparerUSAddress/ZIPCode | 0 | 94612 |
| ReturnHeader/PreparerPersonGrp/PhoneNum | 0 | 5108346542 |
| ReturnHeader/PreparerPersonGrp/PreparerPersonNm | 0 | HYDEH GHAFFARI |
| ReturnHeader/ReturnTs | 0 | 2015-08-10T12:14:18-05:00 |
| ReturnHeader/ReturnTypeCd | 0 | 990EZ |
| ReturnHeader/TaxPeriodBeginDt | 0 | 2013-10-01 |
| ReturnHeader/TaxPeriodEndDt | 0 | 2014-09-30 |
| ReturnHeader/TaxYr | 0 | 2013 |
Document Assets
No mirrored PDF or thumbnail assets are attached yet.
Filings
Displayed year
2014 • Form 990EZDetailed filing. Detailed filing data is available for this year.
- Assets
- $280,333
- Liabilities
- $10,000
- Net assets
- $270,333
- Revenue
- $21,536
- Expenses
- $5,912
- Net income
- $15,624