Iefile GRAPHIC print - DO NOT PROCESS As Filed Data - DLN: 93492319000438I Short Form OMB No 1545-1150 Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax 20 1 7 Under section 501(c), 527, or 4947(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code (except private foundations) Do not enter social security numbers on this form as it may be made public. Information about Form 990-EZ and its instructions is at Open to Public Department ofthc Trensun Inspection Internal Re\ enue Sen ice A For the 2017 calendar year, or tax year beginning 01-01-2017 and ending 12-31-2017 lf applicable Name of organization Employer Identification number Address change THE AMERICAN INDEPENDENT El Name change 33-1137541 Number and street (or 0 box, if mail is not delivered to street address) Room/SUIte Telephone number El In't'a' return 455 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW NO 6TH FL El Final return/terminated (202) 387?3670 City or town, state or provmce, country, and ZIP or foreign postal code El Amended rem? WASHINGTON, DC 20001 Group Exemptm? El Application pending Number Accounting Method El Cash Accrual Other (SpeCify) Check 'f the organization '5 "0t reqUIred to attach Schedule (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) I Website: waw AMERICANINDEPENDENT COM Tax-exempt status(check only one) El El 501(c)( 4(insert no El 4947(a)(1) or Cl 527 Form of organization Corporation El Trust El El Other 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 990-50,038 Revenue, Expenses, and Changes in Net Assets or Fund Balances (see the instructions for Part I) Check if the organization used Schedule 0 to respond to any question in this Part Contributions, gifts, grants, and Similar amounts received 1 50,038 2 Program serVIce revenue including government fees and contracts . 2 3 Membership dues and assessments . 3 4 Investment income . 4 5a Gross amount from sale of assets other than inventory . . . . . 5a Less cost or other baSis and sales expenses . . . . . . . 5b Gain or (loss) from sale of assets other than inventory (Subtract line 5b from line 5aGaming and fundraismg events a Gross income from gaming (attach Schedule if greater than $15,000) 6a Gross income from fundraismg events (not including of contributions from 55' fundraismg events reported on line 1) (attach Schedule if the sum of such gross income and contributions exceeds $15,000) . . 6b Less direct expenses from gaming and fundraismg events . . . 6c Net income or (loss) from gaming and fundraismg events (add lines 6a and 6b and subtract line 6c) 6d 7a Gross sales of inventory, less returns and allowances . . . . . . 7a Less cost of goods sold . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7b Gross profit or (loss) from sales of inventory (Subtract line 7b from line 7aOther revenue (describe in Schedule 0) 9 Total revenue. Add lines 50,038 10 Grants and Similar amounts paid (list in Schedule 65,500 11 Benefits paid to or for members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 I, 12 Salaries, other compensation, and employee benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 21,892 13 Profe55ional fees and other payments to independent contractors . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 55,552 14 Occupancy, rent, utilities, and maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 15 Printing, publications, postage, and shipping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 14 16 Other expenses (describe in Schedule 32,218 17 Total expenses. Add lines 10 through 175,176 18 Excess or (deficit) for the year (Subtract line 17 from line -125,138 7; 19 Net assets or fund balances at beginning of year (from line 27, column (must agree With 2 end-of-year figure reported on prior year's return129,572 20 Other changes in net assets or fund balances (explain in Schedule Net assets or fund balances at end of year Combine lines 18 through 4,434 For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the separate instructions. Cat No 106421 Form 990-EZ (2017) Form 990-EZ (2017) Balance Sheets (see the Instructions for Part II) Check If the organization used Schedule 0 to respond to any question In thIs Part II I (A) BegInnIng of year (B) End of year Page 2 22 Cash, saVIngs, and Investments 146,359 22 1,891 23 Land and bUIldIngs . . . 1,208 23 0 24 Other assets In Schedule 0) 5,072 24 18,627 25 Total assets . . . . . . . 152,639 25 20,518 26 Total liabilities (descrIbe In Schedule 0). . . . 23,067 26 16,084 27 Net assets or fund balances (Me 27 of column (B) must agree WIth lIne 21) 129,572 27 4,434 Statement of Program Service Accomplishments (see the Instructions for Part Expenses Check If the organIzatIon used Schedule 0 to respond to any questIon In thIs Part . for sectlon What Is the organIzatIon's prImary exempt purpose? (3) and i01(C)(4)t If THE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION IS TO FOSTER STRONG, INDEPENDENT JOURNALISM FOR PROGRESSIVE Og?an'za 0" ?r CHANGE, TO SPONSOR JOURNALISM THAT HELPS CREATE POSITIVE SOCIETAL IMPACTS THROUGH INCREASED 0 ers PUBLIC AWARENESS OF TARGETED ISSUES 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 (Grants If thIs amount Includes foreIgn grants, check here l:l 28a 29 29a (Grants If thIs amount Includes foreIgn grants, check here l:l 30 30a (Grants If thIs amount Includes foreIgn grants, check here l:l 31 Other program serVIces (descrIbe In Schedule 0) . (Grants If thIs amount Includes foreIgn grants, check here . l:l 31a 32 Total program service expenses (add lInes 28a through 31a) 32 147,356 List of Officers, Directors, Trustees, and Key Employees (llst each one even If not compensated see the InstructIons for Part IV) Checl< IF the organIzatIon used Schedule 0 to respond to any questIon In thIs Part IV. Average hours per week devoted to pOSItIon Name and tItle Reportable compensatIon (Forms MISC) (if not paid, Health bene?ts, contrIbutIons to employee bene?t plans, and deferred compensatIon El EstImated amount of other compensatIon enter -0-) DAVID BROCK 1 00 0 0 0 PRESIDENT CHAIRMAN DAVID BENNAHUM 1 00 0 0 0 DIRECTOR NIELSON 1 00 0 0 0 DIRECTOR ARI RABIN-HAVT 1 00 0 0 0 DIRECTOR PILAR MARTINEZ 3 00 10,142 838 0 CFO Form 990-EZ (2017) Form 990-EZ (2017) Page 3 Other Information (Note the Schedule A and personal bene?t contract statement requirements In the Instructions for Part Check if the organization used Schedule 0 to respond to any question in this Part . Yes No 33 Did the organization engage In any Significant actIVIty not preVIously reported to the If' 'Yes," prowde a detailed description of each actIVIty in Schedule Were any Significant changes made to the organizmg or governing documents7 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 0 (see instructions) 34 N0 35a Did the organization have unrelated busmess gross income of $1,000 or more during the year from bu5iness actIVItieS (such as those reported on lineS 2, 6a, and 7a, among others)? 35a No If "Yes," to line 35a, has the organization filed a Form 990-T for the year? If prowde an explanation in Schedule 0 35b 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 reqUIrements during the year? If "Yes," complete Schedule C, Part 35c No 36 Did the organization undergo a liqUIdation, dissolution, termination, or Significant diSpOSition of net assets during the year? If ?Yes," complete applicable parts of Schedule 35 No 373 Enter amount of political expenditures, direct or indirect, as described in the instructions I 37a I 0 Did the organization file Form 1120-POL for this year? 37b 38a 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 No If ?Yes," complete Schedule L, Part II and enter the total amount involved . 38b 39 Section 501(c)(7) organizations Enter a Initiation fees and capital contributions included on line 39a Gross receipts, included on line 9, for public use of club faCIlities . . . . . 39b 40a Section 501(c)(3) organizations Enter amount of tax imposed on the organization during the year under section 4911 0 section 4912 section 4955 0 Section 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(29) organizations Did the organization engage in any section 4958 excess benefit 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-EZ7 If ?Yes," complete Schedule L, Part I 40b No 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 sections4912, 4955, and 4958 Section 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(29) organizations Enter amount of tax on line 40c reimbursed by the organization 5 0 All organizations At any time during the tax year, was the organization a party to a prohibited tax shelter 40e No transaction? If' complete Form 8886- . . . 41 List the states With which a copy of this return is filed CA MA VA 423 The organization' 5 books are in care of? ANGELO CARUSONE Telephone no 5 (202) 387-3670 Located at . 455 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW NO 6TH FL WASHINGTON, DC ZIP 4 20001 At any time during the calendar year, did the organization have an interest in or a Signature or other authority over a Yes No finanCIal account in a foreign country (such as a bank account, securities account, or other financial account)? 42b If ?Yes," enter the name of the foreign country See the instructions for exceptions and filing reqUIrementS for Form 114, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) At any time during the calendar year, did the organization maintain an office outSIde the 42c No If ?Yes," enter the name of the foreign country 43 Section 4947(a)(1) nonexempt charitable trusts filing Form 990-EZ in lieu of Form 1041 - Check here El and enter the amount of tax-exempt interest received or accrued during the tax year . . . . Fl 43 I Yes No 44a Did the organization maintain any donor adVIsed funds during the year? If "Yes," Form 990 must be completed instead of Form 990-EZ 44a No 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 N0 Did the organization receive any payments for indoor tanning serVIceS during the year? 44c No If "Yes," to line 44c, has the organization filed a Form 720 to report these payments? If prowde an explanation in Schedule 44d 45a Did the organization have a controlled entity Within the meaning of section 512(b)(13)7 45a No 45b 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 may need to be completed instead of Form 990- EZ (see instructions) . 45b Form 990-EZ (2017) Form 990-EZ (2017) Page 4 Yes No 46 Did the organization engage, directly or indirectly, in political campaign actIVIties on behalf of or in opp05ition to candidates for public office? If ?Yes," complete Schedule C, Part I 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. 46 N0 Check if the organization used Schedule 0 to respond to any question in this Part Did the organization engage in lobbying actiwties or have a section 501(h) election in effect during the tax year? If "Yes," complete Schedule C, Part the organization a school as described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(ii)7 If "Yes," complete Schedule . . 48 N0 49a Did the organization make any transfers to an exempt non-charitable related organization"Yes," was the related organization a section 527 organizationComplete 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 Name and title of each employee Average Reportable Health benefits, Estimated amount hours per week compensation contributions to employee of other compensation devoted to p05ition (Forms benefit plans, and MISC) deferred compensation NONE Total number of other employees paid over $100,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 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 Name and busmess address of each independent contractor Type of serVIce Compensation NONE Total receivmgover$100,000Did the organization complete Schedule A7 NOTE. All Section 501(c)(3) organizations must attach a completedScheduleA . . . . . . . . . . . . . ".Yes l:lNo 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 true, correct, and complete Declaration of preparer (other than officer) is based on all information of which preparer has any knowledge l2018?11?15 . Signature of officer Date Sign Here ANGELO CARUSONE INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Type or print name and title Print/Type preparer's name Preparer's Signature Date PTIN Check l:l if Pald self?employed Preparer Firm's name GELMAN ROSENBERG FREEDMAN Firm's EIN 52-1392008 use only Firm's address 4550 MONTGOMERY AVE SUITE 650N Phone no (301) 951?9090 BETHESDA, MD 208142930 May the IRS discuss this return With the preparer shown above? See instructions . . . . . . . . . 5 Yes El No Form 990-EZ (2017) Additional Data Software ID: Software Version: EIN: 33-1137541 Name: THE AMERICAN INDEPENDENT Form 990EZ, Part - Statement of Program Service Accomplishments 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. Expenses (Required for section 501 and 501(c)(4) organizations; optional for others.) 28 JOURNALISM FUND PROGRAM UNDER A NEW MODEL, THE ORGANIZATION IS NOW FUNDING INDIVIDUAL JOURNALISM PROJECTS, WITH AN EMPHASIS ON EXPOSING THE NEXUS OF CONSERVATIVE POWER IN WASHINGTON (Grants 65,500) If amount Includes forelgn grants, check here . . . El 28a 147,356 Iefile GRAPHIC print - DO NOT PROCESS As Filed Data - DLN: 93492319000438 OMB No 1545-0047 SCHEDULE A Charity Status and PUbllC Support (Form 990 01? Complete if the organization is a section 501(c)(3) organization or a section 2 0 1 7 990EZ) 4947(a)(1) nonexempt charitable trust. Attach to Form 990 or Form 990-EZ. Demmnem 0mm Trewm Information about Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) and its instructions is at Open ?30 inimmi pp. m. W. Inspection Name of the organization THE AMERICAN INDEPENDENT Employer identification number 33-1137541 Reason for Public Charity Status (All organizations must complete this part.) See instructions. The organization is not a private foundation because it is (For lines 1 through 12, Check only one box 1 A church, convention of churches, or aSSOCIation of churches described in section A school described in section (Attach Schedule (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2 3 A hospital or a cooperative hospital serVIce organization described in section 4 A medical research organization operated in conjunction With a hospital described in section Enter the hospital's name, City, and state An organization operated for the benefit of a college or univerSIty owned or operated by a governmental unit described in section 170 (Complete Part II) A federal, state, or local government or governmental unit described in section An organization that normally receives a substantial part of its support from a governmental unit or from the general public described in section (Complete Part II A community trust described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) (Complete Part II ID An agricultural research organization described in 170(b)(1)(A)(ix) operated in conjunction With a land-grant college or univerSIty or a non-land grant college of agriculture See instructions Enter the name, City, and state of the college or univerSIty 10 An organization that normally receives (1) more than 331/30/0 of its support from contributions, membership fees, and gross recalpts from actIVIties related to its exempt functions?subject to certain exceptions, and (2) no more than 331/30/0 of its support from gross investment income and unrelated business taxable income (less section 511 tax) from busmesses achIred by the organization after June 30, 1975 See section 509(a)(2). (Complete Part 11 An organization organized and operated excluswely to test for public safety See section 509(a)(4). 12 An organization organized and operated excluswely 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 12a through 12d that describes the type of supporting organization and complete lines 12e, 12f, and 129 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 appomt or elect a majority of the directors or trustees of the supporting 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 havmg control or management of the supporting organization vested in the same persons that control or manage the supported organization(s) You must complete Part IV, Sections A and C. Type functionally integrated. A supporting organization operated in connection With, and functionally integrated With, its supported organization(s) (see instructions) You must complete Part IV, Sections A, D, and E. Type non-functionally integrated. A supporting organization operated in connection With its supported organization(s) that is not functionally integrated The organization generally must satisfy a distribution reqUIrement and an attentiveness 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 functionally integrated, or Type non-functionally integrated supporting organization Enter the number of supported organizations 9 Prowde the followmg information about the supported organization(s) Name of supported (ii) EIN Type of (iv) Is the organization listed Amount of (vi) Amount of organization organization in your governing document? monetary support other support (see (described on lines (see instructions) instructions) 1- 10 above (see instructions)) Yes No Total For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Cat No 11285F Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2017 Form 990 or 990-EZ. Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2017 .5111. Support Schedule for Organizations Described in Sections and 170 Page 2 (Complete only if you checked the box on line 5, 7, 8, or 9 of Part I or if the organization failed to qualify under Part If the organization fails to qualify under the tests listed below, please complete Part Section A. Public Support Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in) Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received (Do not include any "unusual grant Tax revenues leVIed for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf The value of serVIces or faCIlities Furnished by a governmental unit to the organization Without charge Total. Add lines 1 through 3 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 Public support. Subtract line 5 from line 4 (a)2013 (b)2014 (c)2015 (d)2016 (e)2017 Total 1,514,093 373,827 300,614 248,114 50,038 2,486,686 1,514,093 373,827 300,614 248,114 50,038 2,486,686 1,065,162 1,421,524 Section B. Total Support 7 8 Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in) Amounts from line 4 Gross income from interest, diVidends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from Similar sources Net income from unrelated busmess actIVIties, whether or not the busmess is regularly carried on Other income Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets (Explain in Part VI) Total support. Add lines 7 through 10 Gross receipts from related actIVIties, etc (see instructions) (a)2013 (b)2014 (c)2015 (d)2016 (e)2017 (f )Total 1,514,093 373,827 300,614 248,114 50,038 2,486,686 31 31 248 29 1,202 2,487,919 12 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 upport Percentage 14 Public support percentage for 2017 (line 6, column diVided by line 11, column 15 Public support percentage for 2016 Schedule A, Part II, line 14 153 33 1/3?/o support test?2017. 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 14 57 140 0/o 15 48 050 r-ll 33 1/3?/o support test?2016. If the organization did not check a box on line 13 or 16a, and line 15 is 33 1/3?/o or more, check this box and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization 17a 10?lo-facts-and-circumstances test?2017. 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 10?lo-factS-and-circumstances test?2016. 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 13 Private foundation. If the organization did not check a box on line 13, 16a, 16b, 17a, or 17b, check this box and see instructions va] PEI Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2017 Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2017 Support Schedule for Organizations Described in Section 509(a)(2) (Complete only If you checked the box on Ine 10 of Part I or If the organIzatIon faIIed to qualIfy under Part II. If Page 3 the organIzatIon faIls to quaIIfy under the tests IIsted below, please complete Part II.) Section A. Public Support 7a 8 Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in) GIfts, grants, contributions, and fees recered (Do not Include any "unusual grants Gross receIpts from admISSIons, merchandIse sold or serVIces performed, or furnIshed In any actIVIty that Is related to the organIzatIon's tax-exempt purpose Gross receIpts from actIVItIes that are not an unrelated trade or busmess under sectIon 513 Tax revenues lewed for the organIzatIon's bene?t and alther pad to or expended on Its behalf The value of serVIces or furnIshed by a governmental unIt to the organIzatIon WIthout charge Total. Add Ines 1 through 5 Amounts Included on Ines 1, 2, and 3 recered from dIsqualIerd persons Amounts Included on ?ms 2 and 3 recewed from other than dIsqualIerd persons that exceed the greater of $5,000 or 1% of the amount on Ine 13 for the year Add Ines 7a and 7b Public support. (Subtract Ine 7c from Ine 6 (a)2013 (b)2014 (c)2015 (d)2016 (e)2017 Total Section B. Total Support 9 10a 12 13 14 Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in) Amounts from Ine 6 Gross Income from Interest, dIVIdends, payments recalved on securItIes loans, rents, royaItIes and Income from sources Unrelated busmess taxable Income (less sectIon 511 taxes) from busmesses achIred after June 30, 1975 Add Ines 10a and 10b Net Income from unrelated busmess actIVItIes not Included In Ine 10b, whether or not the busmess Is regularly earned on Other Income Do not Include gaIn or loss from the sale of capItal assets (EpraIn In Part VI Total support. (Add Ines 9, 10c, 11, and 12 (a)2013 (b)2014 (c)2015 (d)2016 (e)2017 Total First five years. If the Form 990 Is for the organIzatIon's ?rst, second, thIrd, fourth, or ?fth tax year as a sectIon 501(c)(3) organIzatIon, check thIs box and stop here Section C. Computation of Public Support Percentage 15 PubIIc support percentage for 2017 ( Ine 8, column dIVIded by Ine 13, column 15 15 PubIIc support percentage from 2016 Schedule A, Part Ine 15 15 Section D. Computation of Investment Income Percentage 17 Investment Income percentage for 2017 ( Ine 10c, column dIVIded by Ine 13, column 17 13 Investment Income percentage from 2016 Schedule A, Part Ine 17 13 19a 331/3?/o support tests?2017. If the organIzatIon dId not check the box on Ine 14, and Ine 15 Is more than 33 and Ine 17 IS not more than 33 check thIs box and stop here. The organIzatIon qualIers as a publIcly supported organIzatIon PEI 33 1/3?/o support tests?2016. If the organIzatIon dId not check a box on Ine 14 or Ine 19a, and Ine 16 Is more than 33 1,73% and Ine 18 Is 20 not more than 33 check thIs box and stop here. The organIzatIon as a publIcly supported organIzatIon Private foundation. If the organIzatIon dId not check a box on Ine 14, 19a, or 19b, check thIs box and see InstructIons Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2017 Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2017 Supporting Organizations (Complete only if you checked a box on line 12 of Part I If you checked 12a of Part I, complete Sections A and If you checked 12b of Part I, complete Sections A and If you checked 12c of Part I, complete Sections A, D, and If you checked 12d of Part I, complete Page 4 Sections A and D, and complete Part V) Section A. All Supporting Organizations the organization's supported organizations listed by name in the organization's governing documents? If ?No, describe in Part VI how the supported organizations are deSIgnated If deSIgnated by class or purpose, describe the desrgnation If historic and continUing relationship, explain Did the organization have any supported organization that does not have an IRS determination of status under section 509 1) or If "Yes, explain in Part VI how the organization determined that the supported organization was described in section 509(a)(1) or (2) Did the organization have a supported organization described in section 501(c)(4), (5), or If ?Yes," answer and below 3a 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)7 If ?Yes, describe in Part VI when and how the organization made the determination 3b Did the organization ensure that all support to such organizations was used excluswely for section 170(c)(2)(B) purposes? If ?Yes, explain in Part VI what controls the organization put in place to ensure such use 3c Was any supported organization not organized in the United States ("foreign supported organization")? If "Yes? and if you checked 12a or 12b in Part I, answer and below 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 superwsed by or in connection With its supported organizations 4b 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)7 If "Yes,? explain in Part VI what controls the organization used to ensure that all support to the foreign supported organization was used excluswely for section 1 purposes 4c Did the organization add, substitute, or remove any supported organizations during the tax year? If "Yes, answer and below (if applicable) Also, prowde detail in Part VI, including the names and EIN numbers of the supported organizations added, substituted, or removed, (ii) the reasons for each such action, the authority under the organization '5 organiZing document authorizmg such action, and (iv) how the action was accomplished (such as by 5a amendment to the organizmg document) Type I or Type 11 only. Was any added or substituted supported organization part of a class already deSIgnated in the organization?s organizmg document? 5b Substitutions only. Was the substitution the result of an event beyond the organization's control? 5c Did the organization prowde support (whether in the form of grants or the prowsion of serVIces or faCIlities) to anyone other than its supported organizations, (ii) that are part of the charitable class benefited by one or more of its supported organizations, or other supporting organizations that also support or benefit one or more of the filing organization?s supported organizations? If "Yes,?prowde detail in Part VI. Did the organization prowde a grant, loan, compensation, or other Similar payment to a substantial contributor (defined in section 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 (Form 990 or 990-EZ) Did the organization make a loan to a disqualified person (as defined in section 4958) not described in line 77 If "Yes,? complete Part I of Schedule (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 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 If ?Yes,? prowde detail in Part VI. 9a 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,?prowde detail in Part VI. 9b 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, ?prowde detail in Part VI. 9c Was the organization subject to the excess bu5iness holdings rules of section 4943 because of section 4943(f) (regarding certain Type II supporting organizations, and all Type non-functionally integrated supporting organizations)? If "Yes,? answer line 10b below 10a Did the organization have any excess busmess holdings in the tax year? (Use Schedule C, Form 4720, to determine whether the organization had excess busmess holdings) 10b Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2017 Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2017 Page 5 Supporting Organizations (continued) 11 a Yes No Has the organization accepted a gift or contribution from any of the followmg persons? A person who directly or indirectly controls, either alone or together With persons described In and below, the governing body of a supported organization? 11a A family member of a person described In above? 11b A 35% controlled entity of a person described In or above? If "Yes? to a, b, or c, prowde detail In Part VI 11c Section B. Type I Supporting Organizations Yes No Did the directors, trustees, or membership of one or more supported organizations have the power to regularly appomt 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, supervrsed, or controlled the organization ?5 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 Did the organization operate for the benefit of any supported organization other than the supported organization(s) that operated, supervised, or controlled the supporting organization? If "Yes, explain In Part VI how prowding such benefit carried out the purposes of the supported organization(s) that operated, supervrsed or controlled the supporting organization Section C. Type 11 Supporting Organizations 1 Yes No Were a majority of the organization's directors or trustees during the tax year also a majority of the directors or trustees of each of the organization's supported organization(s)? If "No, describe in Part VI how control or management of the supporting organization was vested In the same persons that controlled or managed the supported organization(s) 1 Section D. All Type Supporting Organizations Yes No Did the organization prowde to each of its supported organizations, by the last day of the fifth month of the organization?s tax year, (I) a written notice describing the type and amount of support prOVIded durIng the prior tax year, (II) a copy of the Form 990 that was most recently filed as of the date of notification, and copies of the organization's governing documents in effect on the date of notification, to the extent not preVIously prowded" Were any of the organization?s officers, directors, or trustees either appomted or elected by the supported organization (5) or (ii) servmg on the governing body of a supported organization? If explain in Part VI how the organization maintained a close and continuous working relationship With the supported organization(s) By reason of the relationship described in (2), did the organization's supported organizations have a Significant v0ice In the organization?s Investment po ICIes 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 Section E. Type Functionally-Integrated Supporting Organizations 1 Check the box next to the method that the organization used to satisfy the Integral Part Test during the year (see instructions) a The organization satisfied the ActIVIties Test Complete line 2 below CI The organization is the parent of each of its supported organizations Complete line 3 below CI The organization supported a governmental entity Describe in Part VI how you supported a government entity (see Instructions) ActIVIties Test Answer and below. Yes No a Did substantially all of the organization?s actIVItIes during the tax year directly further the exempt purposes of the supported organization(s) to which the organization was responSIve? If "Yes," then in Part VI identify those supported organizations and explain how these actiwties directly furthered their exempt purposes, how the organization was responsrve to those supported organizations, and how the organization determined that these actiwties constituted substantially all of its actiwties 2a Did the actIVItIes described In 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 ?5 pOSition that its supported organization(s) would have engaged in these actiwties but for the organization ?5 involvement 2b Parent of Supported Organizations Answer and below. a Did the organization have the power to regularly appomt or elect a majority of the officers, directors, or trustees of each of 3a the supported organizations? Provrde details in Part VI. Did the organizatIon exerCIse a substantial degree of direction over the programs and actIVItIes of each of its supported organizations? If ?Yes, describe in Part VI. the role played by the organization in this regard 3b Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2017 Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2017 Type Non-Functionally Integrated 509(a)(3) Supporting Organizations Page 6 1 Check here If the organIzatIon satis?ed the Integral Part Test as a qualifying trust on Nov 20, 1970 (explain In Part VI) See instructions. All other Type non-functIonally Integrated supportIng organizations must complete Sections A through Section A - Adjusted Net Income (A) Pr'or Year currentYear (optIonal) 1 Net short-term capItal gaIn 1 2 Recoveries of prIor-year distributions 2 3 Other gross Income (see instructions) 3 4 Add lines 1 through 3 4 5 DepreCIatIon and depletion 5 6 Portion of operating expenses paId or Incurred for production or collection of gross 6 income or For management, conservation, or maIntenance of property held for production of Income (see instructions) 7 Other expenses (see Instructions) 7 Adjusted Net Income (subtract lines 5, 6 and 7 from line 4) Section - Minimum Asset Amount (A) Prlor Year (B) Current Year (optIonal) 1 Aggregate fair market value of all non-exempt-use assets (see InstructIons for short tax year or assets held for part of year) 1 a Average value of securItIes la Average cash balances 1b Fair market value of other non-exempt-use assets 1c Total (add Ines 1a, 1b, and 1c) 1d Discount claImed for blockage or other Factors (explain In detail In Part VI) 2 AchISItion Indebtedness appIIcabIe to non-exempt use assets 2 Subtract Ine 2 from line 1d 3 4 Cash deemed held for exempt use Enter 1-1/20/0 of Ine 3 (for greater amount, see InstructIons) 4 5 Net value of non-exempt-use assets (subtract Ine 4 from line 3) 5 6 Multiply line 5 by 035 6 7 Recoveries of prIor-year dIstrIbutIons 7 8 Minimum Asset Amount (add Ine 7 to ?me 6) 8 Section - Distributable Amount Current Year 1 Adjusted net Income for prIor year (from Section A, line 8, Column A) 1 2 Enter 85% of line 1 2 3 MInImum asset amount for prior year (from Section B, line 8, Column A) 3 4 Enter greater of line 2 or line 3 4 5 Income tax Imposed In prIor year 5 6 Distributable Amount. Subtract line 5 from lIne 4, unless subject to emergency 6 temporary reductIon (see InstructIons) 7 Check here If the current year IS the organization?s ?rst as a non-functionaIIy-Integrated Type supportIng organIzatIon (see InstructIons) Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2017 Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2017 Page 7 Type Non-Functionally Integrated 509(a)(3) Supporting Organizations (continued) Section - Distributions Current Year 1 Amounts paid to supported organizations to accomplish exempt purposes Amounts paid to perform actIVIty that directly furthers exempt purposes of supported organizations, In excess of income from actiwty Administrative expenses paid to accomplish exempt purposes of supported organizations Amounts paid to achIre exempt-use assets Qualified set-aSIde amounts (prior IRS approval reqUIred) Other distributions (describe in Part VI) See instructions Total annual distributions. Add lines 1 through 6 ?~10!th details in Part VI) See instructions Distributions to attentive supported organizations to which the organization is responswe (prowde 9 Distributable amount for 2017 from Section C, line 6 10 Line 8 amount diVided by Line 9 amount Section - Distribution Allocations (see instructions) 0) Excess Distributions (ii) Underdistributions Distributable Pre-2017 Amount for 2017 1 Distributable amount for 2017 from Section C, line 6 2 Underdistributions, if any, for years prior to 2017 (reasonable cause reqUIred-- explain in Part VI) See instructions 3 Excess distributions carryover, if any, to 2017 From 2013. From 2014. From 2015. From 2016. Total of lines 3a through 9 Applied to underdistributions of prior years Applied to 2017 distributable amount i Carryover from 2012 not applied (see instructions) Remainder Subtract lines 39, 3h, and 3i from 3f 4 Distributions for 2017 from Section D, line 7 a Applied to underdistributions of prior years Applied to 2017 distributable amount Remainder Subtract lines 4a and 4b from 4 5 Remaining underdistributions for years prior to 2017, if any Subtract lines 39 and 4a from line 2 If the amount IS greater than zero, explain in Part VI See instructions 6 Remaining underdistributions for 2017 Subtract lines 3h and 4b from line 1 If the amount is greater than zero, explain in Part VI See instructions 7 Excess distributions carryover to 2018. Add lines 3] and 4c 8 Breakdown of line 7 Excess from 20 13. Excess from 2014. Excess from 2015. Excess from 2016. Excess from 2017. Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) (2017) Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2017 Page 8 Supplemental Information. Prowde the explanations reqUIred by Part II, line 10, Part II, line 17a or 17b, Part line 12, Part IV, Section A, lInes 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 Section D, lines 5, 6, and 8, and Part V, Section E, lines 2, 5, and 6 Also complete thIS part for any additional Information (See instructions) Facts And Circumstances Test 990 Schedule A, Supplemental Information Return Reference Explanation PART II, SHORT YEAR THE 2014 COLUMN INCLUDES A SHORT YEAR PERIOD EXPLANATION Iefile GRAPHIC print - DO NOT PROCESS As Filed Data - SCHEDULE 0 (Form 990 or 990- El) Department of the Trensun 1 Supplemental Information to Form 990 or 990-EZ Form 990 or 990-EZ or to provide any additional information. OMB No 1545-0047 Complete to provide information for responses to specific questions on 2 0 1 7 Attach to Form 990 or 990-EZ. Information about Schedule 0 (Form 990 or 990-EZ) and its instructions is at Open ?30 Inspection r'r'fe? o?f tHe'orglanIzatIon THE AMERICAN INDEPENDENT 990 Schedule 0, Supplemental Information Employer identification number 33-1137541 Return Reference Explanatlon LINE 1O - 5,500 GRANTS AND SIMILAR AMOUNTS PAID FORM 990- ACTIVITY CLASSIFICATION GRANTS TO ORGANIZATIONS GRANTEE NAME OUACHITA RIVERKEEPER GRAN EZ, PART I, TEE ADDRESS 167 THORN DRIVE CALHOUN, LA 71225 GRANTEE RELATIONSHIP NONE AMOUNT GIVEN 990 Schedule 0, Supplemental Information Return Explanation Reference FORM 990- ACTIVITY CLASSIFICATION GRANTS TO ORGANIZATIONS GRANTEE NAME MEDIA MATTERS FOR AMERICA EZ, PART I. GRANTEE ADDRESS 455 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE, 6TH FLOOR WASHINGTON. DC 20001 GRANTEE RELATI LINE 10 - ONSHIP NONE AMOUNT GIVEN 60,000 TOTAL INCLUDED ON FORM 990-EZ. LINE 10 65.500 GRANTS AND SIMILAR AMOUNTS PAID 990 Schedule 0, Supplemental Information Return Explanation Reference FORM 990- DESCRIPTION TRAVEL AMOUNT 2,500 DESCRIPTION INSURANCE AMOUNT 19,476 DESCRIPTION EZ, PARTI, UES AND SUBSCRIPTIONS AMOUNT 288 DESCRIPTION DEPRECIATION AMOUNT 1,208 DESCRIPTION LINE 16- OFFICE EXPENSES AMOUNT 7,419 DESCRIPTION STATE REGISTRATIONS AMOUNT 1,310 DESCRIPT OTHER ION MISCELLANEOUS AMOUNT 17 TOTAL TO FORM 990-EZ, LINE 16 32,218 EXPENSES 990 Schedule 0, Supplemental Information Return Reference Explanation FORM 990- NE 24 - OTHER ASSETS EZ, PART II, DESCRIPTION ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE BEG OF YEAR AMOUNT 5,009 END OF YEAR AMOUNT 0 DESCR IPTION PREPAID EXPENSES BEG OF YEAR AMOUNT 63 END OF YEAR AMOUNT 18,627 990 Schedule 0, Supplemental Information Return Explanation Reference FORM 990- DESCRIPTION ACCOUNTS PAYABLE BEG OF YEAR AMOUNT 23,067 END OF YEAR AMOUNT 16,084 EZ, PART II, LINE 26 - OTHER LIABILITIES