PUBLIC DISCLOSURE COPY Form 990-EZ Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service Short Form Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax Under section 501(c), 527, or 4947(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code (except private foundations) 2015 Do not enter social security numbers on this form as it may be made public. Open to Public Information about Form 990-EZ and its instructions is at www.irs.gov/form990. Inspection A For the 2015 calendar year, or tax year beginning if B Check C Name of organization applicable:   Address change   Name change   Initial return Final return/   terminated   Amended return   Application pending G I J K OMB No. 1545-1150 and ending D Employer identification number ASPEN JOURNALISM 35-2400162 Number and street (or P.O. box, if mail is not delivered to street address) Room/suite E Telephone number 1280 UTE AVENUE 4 City or town, state or province, country, and ZIP or foreign postal code 970-948-1930 F Group Exemption ASPEN, CO 81611 Number X Cash   Accrual Other (specify) Accounting Method: H Check   if the organization is   Website: ASPENJOURNALISM.ORG not required to attach Schedule B X 501(c)(3)  501(c) ( )§ (insert no.)  4947(a)(1) or  527 (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF). Tax-exempt status (check only one)   X Corporation   Trust Form of organization:     Association   Other L Add lines 5b, 6c, and 7b to line 9 to determine gross receipts. If gross receipts are $200,000 or more, or if total assets (Part II, column (B) below) are $500,000 or more, file Form 990 instead of Form 990-EZ  $ Part I Revenue, Expenses, and Changes in Net Assets or Fund Balances (see the instructions for Part I) 127,949. X   127,944. Check if the organization used Schedule O to respond to any question in this Part I  1 Contributions, gifts, grants, and similar amounts received ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1 2 Program service revenue including government fees and contracts ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2 3 Membership dues and assessments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 3 4 SEE SCHEDULE O Investment income  5 a Gross amount from sale of assets other than inventory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ b Less: cost or other basis and sales expenses ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Revenue b Gross income from fundraising events (not including $ from fundraising events reported on line 1) (attach Schedule G if the sum of such gross income and contributions exceeds $15,000) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 6b 7c 8 10 Total revenue. Add lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5c, 6d, 7c, and 8  Grants and similar amounts paid (list in Schedule O) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 10 11 Benefits paid to or for members ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 11 12 Salaries, other compensation, and employee benefits ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 12 13 Professional fees and other payments to independent contractors ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 13 14 Occupancy, rent, utilities, and maintenance ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Printing, publications, postage, and shipping ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ SEE SCHEDULE O Other expenses (describe in Schedule O) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 14 17 18 Total expenses. Add lines 10 through 16  Excess or (deficit) for the year (Subtract line 17 from line 9) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 19 Net assets or fund balances at beginning of year (from line 27, column (A)) 9 Expenses 6d 7a 7b c Gross profit or (loss) from sales of inventory (Subtract line 7b from line 7a) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 8 Other revenue (describe in Schedule O) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 15 16 17 Net Assets 5c 6a of contributions 6c c Less: direct expenses from gaming and fundraising events ~~~~~~~~~~ d Net income or (loss) from gaming and fundraising events (add lines 6a and 6b and subtract line 6c) ~~~~~~~~~ 7 a Gross sales of inventory, less returns and allowances ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ b Less: cost of goods sold ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 9 15 16 18 (must agree with end-of-year figure reported on prior year's return) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 19 20 Other changes in net assets or fund balances (explain in Schedule O) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 20 21 Net assets or fund balances at end of year. Combine lines 18 through 20 21 LHA For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the separate instructions. 532171 12-02-15 5. 5a 5b c Gain or (loss) from sale of assets other than inventory (Subtract line 5b from line 5a) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 6 Gaming and fundraising events a Gross income from gaming (attach Schedule G if greater than $15,000) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 4  127,949. 1,500. 72,303. 30,777. 4,800. 1,062. 28,159. 138,601. -10,652. 49,891. 0. 39,239. Form 990-EZ (2015) PUBLIC DISCLOSURE COPY ASPEN JOURNALISM Balance Sheets (see the instructions for Part II) Check if the organization used Schedule O to respond to any question in this Part II Form 990-EZ (2015) Part II (A) Beginning of year 35-2400162  (B) End of year 22 Cash, savings, and investments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 49,891. 22 23 Land and buildings ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 23 X   37,330. 0. 24 2,342. 49,891. 39,672. 25 Total assets ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 25 SEE SCHEDULE O 0. 26 433. 26 Total liabilities (describe in Schedule O) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 49,891. 39,239. 27 Net assets or fund balances (line 27 of column (B) must agree with line 21)  27 Part III Statement of Program Service Accomplishments (see the instructions for Part III) Expenses X (Required for section Check if the organization used Schedule O to respond to any question in this Part III   501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) What is the organization's primary exempt purpose? SEE SCHEDULE O organizations; optional for 24 SEE SCHEDULE O Other assets (describe in Schedule O) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Page 2 others.) Describe the organization's program service accomplishments for each of its three largest program services, as measured by expenses. In a clear and concise manner, describe the services provided, the number of persons benefited, and other relevant information for each program title. 28 SEE SCHEDULE O (Grants $ 1,500. ) If this amount includes foreign grants, check here    28a 116,785. 29 (Grants $ ) If this amount includes foreign grants, check here    29a (Grants $ ) If this amount includes foreign grants, check here    30a 30 31 Other program services (describe in Schedule O) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ (Grants $ ) If this amount includes foreign grants, check here    31a  32 116,785. Part IV List of Officers, Directors, Trustees, and Key Employees (list each one even if not compensated - see the instructions for Part IV) Check if the organization used Schedule O to respond to any question in this Part IV    32 Total program service expenses (add lines 28a through 31a) (a) Name and title TIM MCFLYNN BOARD CHAIR EDGAR BOYLES DIRECTOR MARK HARVEY DIRECTOR MICHAEL MCVOY TREASURER/SECRETARY HARRY TEAGUE DIRECTOR BRENT GARDNER-SMITH EDITOR/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 532172 12-02-15 (b) Average hours per week devoted to position (c) Reportable compensation (Forms W-2/1099-MISC) (if not paid, enter -0-) (d) Health benefits, (e) Estimated amount of other compensation contributions to employee benefit plans, and deferred compensation 5.00 0. 0. 0. 2.00 0. 0. 0. 2.00 0. 0. 0. 2.00 0. 0. 0. 2.00 0. 0. 0. 40.00 63,414. 8,889. 0. Form 990-EZ (2015) PUBLIC DISCLOSURE COPY ASPEN JOURNALISM 35-2400162 Page 3 Other Information (Note the Schedule A and personal benefit contract statement requirements in the instructions for Part V) Check if the organization used Sch. O to respond to any question in this Part V X   Yes No Form 990-EZ (2015) Part V 33 Did the organization engage in any significant activity not previously reported to the IRS? If "Yes," provide a detailed description of each activity in Schedule O 34 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ X 34 X Were any significant changes made to the organizing or governing documents? If "Yes," attach a conformed copy of the amended documents if they reflect a change to the organization's name. Otherwise, explain the change on Schedule O (see instructions) ~~~~~~ 35 a Did the organization have unrelated business gross income of $1,000 or more during the year from business activities (such as those reported on lines 2, 6a, and 7a, among others)? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 36 33 35a N/A X b If "Yes" to line 35a, has the organization filed a Form 990-T for the year? If "No," provide an explanation in Schedule O ~~~~~~~~~~~ c Was the organization a section 501(c)(4), 501(c)(5), or 501(c)(6) organization subject to section 6033(e) notice, reporting, and proxy tax 35b requirements during the year? If "Yes," complete Schedule C, Part III ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 35c X Did the organization undergo a liquidation, dissolution, termination, or significant disposition of net assets during the year? If "Yes," complete applicable parts of Schedule N  0. 37 a Enter amount of political expenditures, direct or indirect, as described in the instructions ~~~~~ 37a b Did the organization file Form 1120-POL for this year? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 36 X 37b X 38 a Did the organization borrow from, or make any loans to, any officer, director, trustee, or key employee or were any such loans made in a prior year and still outstanding at the end of the tax year covered by this return?  38a X 40b X 40e X 39 b If "Yes," complete Schedule L, Part II and enter the total amount involved ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Section 501(c)(7) organizations. Enter: 38b N/A a Initiation fees and capital contributions included on line 9 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ b Gross receipts, included on line 9, for public use of club facilities ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 39a N/A N/A 39b 40 a Section 501(c)(3) organizations. Enter amount of tax imposed on the organization during the year under: 0. ; section 4912 0. ; section 4955 section 4911 b Section 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(29) organizations. Did the organization engage in any section 4958 excess benefit 0. transaction during the year, or did it engage in an excess benefit transaction in a prior year that has not been reported on any of its prior Forms 990 or 990-EZ? If "Yes," complete Schedule L, Part I ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ c Section 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(29) organizations. Enter amount of tax imposed on organization managers or disqualified persons during the year under sections 4912, 4955, and 4958 ~~~~~ 0. d Section 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(29) organizations. Enter amount of tax on line 40c reimbursed by the organization ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 0. e All organizations. At any time during the tax year, was the organization a party to a prohibited tax shelter transaction? If "Yes," complete Form 8886-T ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 41 List the states with which a copy of this return is filed CO 42 a The organization's books are in care of THE ORGANIZATION Located at 1280 UTE AVENUE, NO. 4, ASPEN, CO Telephone no. 970-948-1930 ZIP + 4 81611 b At any time during the calendar year, did the organization have an interest in or a signature or other authority over a financial account in a foreign country (such as a bank account, securities account, or other financial account)? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 42b Yes No X If "Yes," enter the name of the foreign country: See the instructions for exceptions and filing requirements for FinCEN Form 114, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR). c At any time during the calendar year, did the organization maintain an office outside of the U.S.? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ If "Yes," enter the name of the foreign country: 43 X 42c Section 4947(a)(1) nonexempt charitable trusts filing Form 990-EZ in lieu of Form 1041 - Check here  N/A and enter the amount of tax-exempt interest received or accrued during the tax year ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 43   Yes No 44 a Did the organization maintain any donor advised funds during the year? If "Yes," Form 990 must be completed instead of Form 990-EZ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 44a X b Did the organization operate one or more hospital facilities during the year? If "Yes," Form 990 must be completed instead of Form 990-EZ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 44b X X c Did the organization receive any payments for indoor tanning services during the year? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ d If "Yes" to line 44c, has the organization filed a Form 720 to report these payments? If "No," provide an explanation in Schedule O ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 45 a Did the organization have a controlled entity within the meaning of section 512(b)(13)? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ b Did the organization receive any payment from or engage in any transaction with a controlled entity within the meaning of section 512(b)(13)? If "Yes," Form 990 and Schedule R may need to be completed instead of Form 990-EZ (see instructions)  532173 12-02-15 44c 44d 45a X 45b Form 990-EZ (2015) PUBLIC DISCLOSURE COPY Form 990-EZ (2015) ASPEN JOURNALISM 35-2400162 Page 4 Yes No 46 Did the organization engage, directly or indirectly, in political campaign activities on behalf of or in opposition to candidates for public office? If "Yes," complete Schedule C, Part I  Part VI X 46 Section 501(c)(3) organizations only All section 501(c)(3) organizations must answer questions 47-49b and 52, and complete the tables for lines 50 and 51.   Yes No X X X Check if the organization used Schedule O to respond to any question in this Part VI  47 Did the organization engage in lobbying activities or have a section 501(h) election in effect during the tax year? If "Yes," complete Sch. C, Part II 48 Is the organization a school as described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(ii)? If "Yes," complete Schedule E ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 48 49 a Did the organization make any transfers to an exempt non-charitable related organization? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ b If "Yes," was the related organization a section 527 organization? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 49a 50 47 49b Complete this table for the organization's five highest compensated employees (other than officers, directors, trustees and key employees) who each received more than $100,000 of compensation from the organization. If there is none, enter "None." (a) Name and title of each employee NONE f 51 Total number of other employees paid over $100,000 (b) Average hours per week devoted to position ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ (c) Reportable compensation (Forms W-2/1099-MISC) (d) Health benefits, contributions to employee benefit plans, and deferred compensation (e) Estimated amount of other compensation Complete this table for the organization's five highest compensated independent contractors who each received more than $100,000 of compensation from the organization. If there is none, enter "None." NONE (a) Name and business address of each independent contractor (b) Type of service d Total number of other independent contractors each receiving over $100,000 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Did the organization complete Schedule A? Note: All section 501(c)(3) organizations must attach a (c) Compensation 52 X   Yes   No Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have examined this return, including accompanying schedules and statements, and to the best of my knowledge and belief, it is completed Schedule A  true, correct, and complete. Declaration of preparer (other than officer) is based on all information of which preparer has any knowledge. Sign Here = = Date Signature of officer BRENT GARDNER-SMITH, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Type or print name and title Print/Type preparer's name Preparer's signature Paid DENISE JURGENS, CPA Preparer REESE HENRY & COMPANY, INC. Firm's name Use Only 400 EAST MAIN ST., SUITE 2 Firm's address ASPEN, CO 81611 9 9 Date Check   if PTIN self- employed P00087338 84-0803727 Firm's EIN Phone no. 970-925-3771 9 May the IRS discuss this return with the preparer shown above? See instructions  532174 12-02-15 X   Yes   No Form 990-EZ (2015) PUBLIC DISCLOSURE COPY SCHEDULE A OMB No. 1545-0047 Public Charity Status and Public Support (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015 Complete if the organization is a section 501(c)(3) organization or a section 4947(a)(1) nonexempt charitable trust. Open to Public Department of the Treasury Attach to Form 990 or Form 990-EZ. Internal Revenue Service Inspection Information about Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) and its instructions is at www.irs.gov/form990. Name of the organization Employer identification number ASPEN JOURNALISM Reason for Public Charity Status (All organizations must complete this part.) See instructions. Part I 35-2400162 The organization is not a private foundation because it is: (For lines 1 through 11, check only one box.) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9         A church, convention of churches, or association of churches described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(i). A school described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(ii). (Attach Schedule E (Form 990 or 990-EZ).)   An organization operated for the benefit of a college or university owned or operated by a governmental unit described in   X   A federal, state, or local government or governmental unit described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(v). An organization that normally receives a substantial part of its support from a governmental unit or from the general public described in     An organization that normally receives: (1) more than 33 1/3% of its support from contributions, membership fees, and gross receipts from A hospital or a cooperative hospital service organization described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(iii). A medical research organization operated in conjunction with a hospital described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(iii). Enter the hospital's name, city, and state: section 170(b)(1)(A)(iv). (Complete Part II.) section 170(b)(1)(A)(vi). (Complete Part II.) A community trust described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(vi). (Complete Part II.) activities related to its exempt functions - subject to certain exceptions, and (2) no more than 33 1/3% of its support from gross investment income and unrelated business taxable income (less section 511 tax) from businesses acquired by the organization after June 30, 1975. 10 11 See section 509(a)(2). (Complete Part III.) An organization organized and operated exclusively to test for public safety. See section 509(a)(4). An organization organized and operated exclusively for the benefit of, to perform the functions of, or to carry out the purposes of one or     more publicly supported organizations described in section 509(a)(1) or section 509(a)(2) . See section 509(a)(3). Check the box in lines 11a through 11d that describes the type of supporting organization and complete lines 11e, 11f, and 11g. a   b   organization. You must complete Part IV, Sections A and B. Type II. A supporting organization supervised or controlled in connection with its supported organization(s), by having c   organization(s). You must complete Part IV, Sections A and C. Type III functionally integrated. A supporting organization operated in connection with, and functionally integrated with, d   its supported organization(s) (see instructions). You must complete Part IV, Sections A, D, and E. Type III non-functionally integrated. A supporting organization operated in connection with its supported organization(s)   requirement (see instructions). You must complete Part IV, Sections A and D, and Part V. Check this box if the organization received a written determination from the IRS that it is a Type I, Type II, Type III e Type I. A supporting organization operated, supervised, or controlled by its supported organization(s), typically by giving the supported organization(s) the power to regularly appoint or elect a majority of the directors or trustees of the supporting control or management of the supporting organization vested in the same persons that control or manage the supported that is not functionally integrated. The organization generally must satisfy a distribution requirement and an attentiveness functionally integrated, or Type III non-functionally integrated supporting organization. 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 1-9 above (see instructions)) Total LHA For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990 or 990-EZ. 532021 09-23-15 (iv) Is the organization listed in your governing document? Yes No (v) Amount of monetary support (see instructions) (vi) Amount of other support (see instructions) Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015 PUBLIC DISCLOSURE COPY ASPEN JOURNALISM 35-2400162 Support Schedule for Organizations Described in Sections 170(b)(1)(A)(iv) and 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015 Part II Page 2 (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 fails to qualify under the tests listed below, please complete Part III.) Section A. Public Support Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in) 1 Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grants.") ~~ (a) 2011 (b) 2012 (c) 2013 (d) 2014 (e) 2015 (f) Total 165,000. 50,800. 117,615. 120,554. 127,944. 581,913. 165,000. 50,800. 117,615. 120,554. 127,944. 581,913. 2 Tax revenues levied for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf ~~~~ 3 The value of services or facilities furnished by a governmental unit to the organization without charge ~ 4 Total. Add lines 1 through 3 ~~~ 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) ~~~~~~~~~~~~ 6 Public support. 333,527. 248,386. Subtract line 5 from line 4. Section B. Total Support Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in) 7 Amounts from line 4 ~~~~~~~ (a) 2011 165,000. (b) 2012 (c) 2013 (d) 2014 (e) 2015 (f) Total 50,800. 117,615. 120,554. 127,944. 581,913. 8 Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources ~ 3. 7. 5. 15. 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.) ~~~~ 581,928. 1,510. 11 Total support. Add lines 7 through 10 12 Gross receipts from related activities, etc. (see instructions) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 Public support percentage for 2015 (line 6, column (f) divided by line 11, column (f)) ~~~~~~~~~~~~ 15 Public support percentage from 2014 Schedule A, Part II, line 14 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 14 15   42.68 45.31 16a 33 1/3% support test - 2015. If the organization did not check the box on line 13, and line 14 is 33 1/3% or more, check this box and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ b 33 1/3% support test - 2014. If the organization did not check a box on line 13 or 16a, and line 15 is 33 1/3% or more, check this box and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 17a 10% -facts-and-circumstances test - 2015. If the organization did not check a box on line 13, 16a, or 16b, and line 14 is 10% or more, and if the organization meets the "facts-and-circumstances" test, check this box and stop here. Explain in Part VI how the organization meets the "facts-and-circumstances" test. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ b 10% -facts-and-circumstances test - 2014. If the organization did not check a box on line 13, 16a, 16b, or 17a, and line 15 is 10% or more, and if the organization meets the "facts-and-circumstances" test, check this box and stop here. Explain in Part VI how the organization meets the "facts-and-circumstances" test. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization ~~~~~~~~ % % X         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    Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015 532022 09-23-15 PUBLIC DISCLOSURE COPY ASPEN JOURNALISM Part III Support Schedule for Organizations Described in Section 509(a)(2) 35-2400162 Page 3 Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015 (Complete only if you checked the box on line 9 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.) Section A. Public Support Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in) 1 Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grants.") ~~ (a) 2011 (b) 2012 (c) 2013 (d) 2014 (e) 2015 (f) Total (a) 2011 (b) 2012 (c) 2013 (d) 2014 (e) 2015 (f) Total 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 ~~~ 7 a 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.) Section B. Total Support Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in) 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 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   15 Public support percentage for 2015 (line 8, column (f) divided by line 13, column (f)) ~~~~~~~~~~~~ 16 Public support percentage from 2014 Schedule A, Part III, line 15  15 % 16 % 17 Investment income percentage for 2015 (line 10c, column (f) divided by line 13, column (f)) ~~~~~~~~ 18 Investment income percentage from 2014 Schedule A, Part III, line 17 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 17 % Section D. Computation of Investment Income Percentage 18 19 a 33 1/3% support tests - 2015. If the organization did not check the box on line 14, and line 15 is more than 33 1/3%, and line 17 is not more than 33 1/3%, check this box and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization ~~~~~~~~~~ %   b 33 1/3% support tests - 2014. If the organization did not check a box on line 14 or line 19a, and line 16 is more than 33 1/3%, and line 18 is not more than 33 1/3%, check this box and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization ~~~~   20 Private foundation. If the organization did not check a box on line 14, 19a, or 19b, check this box and see instructions  532023 09-23-15   Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015 PUBLIC DISCLOSURE COPY ASPEN JOURNALISM Supporting Organizations 35-2400162 Page 4 Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015 Part IV (Complete only if you checked a box in line 11 on Part I. If you checked 11a of Part I, complete Sections A and B. If you checked 11b of Part I, complete Sections A and C. If you checked 11c of Part I, complete Sections A, D, and E. If you checked 11d of Part I, complete Sections A and D, and complete Part V.) Section A. All Supporting Organizations Yes 1 class or purpose, describe the designation. If historic and continuing relationship, explain. 2 No 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 1 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. 4a Was any supported organization not organized in the United States ("foreign supported organization")? If "Yes," and if you checked 11a or 11b in Part I, answer (b) and (c) below. 3c 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? 6 Did the organization provide support (whether in the form of grants or the provision of services or facilities) to 5c 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. 7 6 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 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 8 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 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.) 532024 09-23-15 10b Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015 PUBLIC DISCLOSURE COPY ASPEN JOURNALISM Supporting Organizations (continued) 35-2400162 Page 5 Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015 Part IV Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No Has the organization accepted a gift or contribution from any of the following persons? 11 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? 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. Section B. Type I Supporting Organizations 11b 11c Did the directors, trustees, or membership of one or more supported organizations have the power to 1 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 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 2 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 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 1 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 Did the organization provide to each of its supported organizations, by the last day of the fifth month of the 1 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 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 2 the organization maintained a close and continuous working relationship with the supported organization(s). 2 By reason of the relationship described in (2), did the organization's supported organizations have a 3 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 Check the box next to the method that the organization used to satisfy the Integral Part Test during the year (see instructions): 1 a b c 2       The organization satisfied the Activities Test. Complete line 2 below. The organization is the parent of each of its supported organizations. Complete line 3 below. The organization supported a governmental entity. Describe in Part VI how you supported a government entity (see instructions). Activities Test. Answer (a) and (b) below. 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. 3 2b 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. 532025 09-23-15 3b Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015 PUBLIC DISCLOSURE COPY ASPEN JOURNALISM Part V Type III Non-Functionally Integrated 509(a)(3) Supporting Organizations 1   Check here if the organization satisfied the Integral Part Test as a qualifying trust on Nov. 20, 1970. Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015 35-2400162 Page 6 See instructions. All other Type III non-functionally integrated supporting organizations must complete Sections A through E. Section A - Adjusted Net Income 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 (A) Prior Year (B) Current Year (optional) (A) Prior Year (B) Current Year (optional) 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 1 Aggregate fair market value of all non-exempt-use assets (see instructions for short tax year or assets held for part of year): a Average monthly value of securities b Average monthly cash balances 1b c Fair market value of other non-exempt-use assets d Total (add lines 1a, 1b, and 1c) 1d 1a 1c 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 Current Year Section C - Distributable Amount 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) 7   6 Check here if the current year is the organization's first as a non-functionally-integrated Type III supporting organization (see instructions). Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015 532026 09-23-15 PUBLIC DISCLOSURE COPY ASPEN JOURNALISM 35-2400162 Type III Non-Functionally Integrated 509(a)(3) Supporting Organizations (continued) Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015 Part V Section D - Distributions 1 Amounts paid to supported organizations to accomplish exempt purposes Page 7 Current Year Amounts paid to perform activity that directly furthers exempt purposes of supported 2 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 7 Other distributions (describe in Part VI ). See instructions. Total annual distributions. Add lines 1 through 6. 8 Distributions to attentive supported organizations to which the organization is responsive 9 (provide details in Part VI ). See instructions. Distributable amount for 2015 from Section C, line 6 Line 8 amount divided by Line 9 amount 10 (i) Section E - Distribution Allocations (see instructions) 1 Distributable amount for 2015 from Section C, line 6 2 Underdistributions, if any, for years prior to 2015 Excess Distributions (ii) Underdistributions Pre-2015 (iii) Distributable Amount for 2015 (reasonable cause required-see instructions) Excess distributions carryover, if any, to 2015: 3 a b c d From 2013 e From 2014 Total of lines 3a through e g Applied to underdistributions of prior years h Applied to 2015 distributable amount f i Carryover from 2010 not applied (see instructions) j Remainder. Subtract lines 3g, 3h, and 3i from 3f. Distributions for 2015 from Section D, 4 line 7: $ a Applied to underdistributions of prior years b Applied to 2015 distributable amount 5 c Remainder. Subtract lines 4a and 4b from 4. Remaining underdistributions for years prior to 2015, if any. Subtract lines 3g and 4a from line 2 (if amount greater than zero, see instructions). Remaining underdistributions for 2015. Subtract lines 3h 6 and 4b from line 1 (if amount greater than zero, see instructions). Excess distributions carryover to 2016. Add lines 3j and 4c. 7 Breakdown of line 7: 8 a b c Excess from 2013 d Excess from 2014 e Excess from 2015 Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015 532027 09-23-15 PUBLIC DISCLOSURE COPY ASPEN JOURNALISM 35-2400162 Supplemental Information. Provide the explanations required by Part II, line 10; Part II, line 17a or 17b; Part III, line 12; Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015 Part VI 532028 09-23-15 Page 8 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.) Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015 PUBLIC DISCLOSURE COPY SCHEDULE O (Form 990 or 990-EZ) Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service Supplemental Information to Form 990 or 990-EZ Complete to provide information for responses to specific questions on Form 990 or 990-EZ or to provide any additional information. Attach to Form 990 or 990-EZ. Information about Schedule O (Form 990 or 990-EZ) and its instructions is at www.irs.gov/form990. Name of the organization OMB No. 1545-0047 2015 Open to Public Inspection Employer identification number ASPEN JOURNALISM 35-2400162 FORM 990-EZ, PART I, LINE 4, OTHER INVESTMENT INCOME: DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY: AMOUNT: INTEREST INCOME 5. FORM 990-EZ, PART I, LINE 16, OTHER EXPENSES: DESCRIPTION OF OTHER EXPENSES: AMOUNT: INSURANCE 1,730. OFFICE EXPENSES 2,208. INTERNET/CABLE/PHONE/WEB 1,673. MARKETING & PROMOTION 3,520. DUES & MEMBERSHIPS 249. NEWS GATHERING COSTS 2,487. PAYROLL TAXES 4,717. LODGING, MEALS, TRAVEL 799. AUTO EXPENSE 1,939. FUNDRAISING EXPENSE 7,671. COMPUTER EXPENSE 1,166. TOTAL TO FORM 990-EZ, LINE 16 28,159. FORM 990-EZ, PART II, LINE 24, OTHER ASSETS: DESCRIPTION END OF YEAR 0. 2,342. BEG. OF YEAR END OF YEAR 0. 433. PREPAID INSURANCE BEG. OF YEAR FORM 990-EZ, PART II, LINE 26, OTHER LIABILITIES: DESCRIPTION PAYROLL TAX LIABILITY LHA For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990 or 990-EZ. 532211 09-02-15 Schedule O (Form 990 or 990-EZ) (2015) PUBLIC DISCLOSURE COPY SCHEDULE O (Form 990 or 990-EZ) Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service Name of the organization Supplemental Information to Form 990 or 990-EZ Complete to provide information for responses to specific questions on Form 990 or 990-EZ or to provide any additional information. Attach to Form 990 or 990-EZ. Information about Schedule O (Form 990 or 990-EZ) and its instructions is at www.irs.gov/form990. OMB No. 1545-0047 2015 Open to Public Inspection Employer identification number ASPEN JOURNALISM 35-2400162 FORM 990-EZ, PART III, PRIMARY EXEMPT PURPOSE - TO PRODUCE INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM, AS WELL-INFORMED CITIZENS MAKE BETTER DECISIONS. FORM 990-EZ, PART III, LINE 28, PROGRAM SERVICE ACCOMPLISHMENTS: ASPEN JOURNALISM'S MISSION IS TO PRODUCE INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM IN THE LOCAL PUBLIC INTEREST. OUR WORK RAISES AWARENESS AND SPARKS ACTION ON RELEVANT AND IMPORTANT LOCAL AND REGIONAL ISSUES. IN 2015, WE PRODUCED A RANGE OF INVESTIGATIVE, IN-DEPTH AND HARD NEWS STORIES, PRIMARILY ON EDUCATION AND WATER ISSUES. THE STORIES WERE MAINLY DONE IN COLLABORATION WITH THE ASPEN TIMES, THE GLENWOOD SPRINGS POST INDEPENDENT, AND COYOTE GULCH. WE BELIEVE OUR INFORMATIVE AND INSIGHTFUL WORK HAS HELPED CITIZENS - LOCALLY, REGIONALLY AND STATEWIDE - MAKE BETTER DECISIONS. FORM 990-EZ, PART V, INFORMATION REGARDING PERSONAL BENEFIT CONTRACTS: 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. LHA For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990 or 990-EZ. 532211 09-02-15 Schedule O (Form 990 or 990-EZ) (2015)