2024-01-02T12:37:06-05:00 2023-07-31 411562398 CARLSONSV LLP 301 KELLER AVE S AMERY WI 540011283 990 2022-08-01 416033115 UNITED WAY OF THE BROWN COUNTY AREA UNIT 5073546512 108 N MINNESOTA PO BOX 476 NEW ULM MN 56073 SANDRA JUNI EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 5073546512 2023-12-27 true SANDRA JUNI XXX-XX-XXXX false DIRK A PRINDLE CPA P00456916 7159544995 2023-12-27 X 2022 2023-04-26 12:10:37Z SANDRA JUNI 622 1/2 CENTER ST NEW ULM MN 56073 293995 false X WWW.UNITEDWAYBROWNCOUNTYAREA.ORG X 1957 MN SOLICIT AND ADMINISTER FUNDS FOR SELECTED HUMAN CARE SERVICES. SPECIFICALLY, THE UNITED WAY OF THE BROWN COUNTY AREA'S MISSION IS TO BE A PREFERRED COMMUNITY BUILDING ORGANIZATION DEDICATED TO IDENTIFYING AND RESPONDING TO THE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICE NEEDS OF THE BROWN COUNTY AREA. 18 18 5 200 0 352679 256259 0 9655 14416 30864 22285 393198 292960 143919 149459 0 70707 67007 0 30771 87398 136740 302024 353206 91174 -60246 637625 493606 233854 152920 403771 340686 X SOLICIT AND ADMINISTER FUNDS FOR SELECTED HUMAN CARE SERVICES. SPECIFICALLY, THE UNITED WAY OF THE BROWN COUNTY AREA'S MISSION IS TO BE A PREFERRED COMMUNITY BUILDING ORGANIZATION DEDICATED TO IDENTIFYING AND RESPONDING TO THE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICE NEEDS OF THE BROWN COUNTY AREA. false false 226270 125250 FOR OVER SIXTY-FIVE YEARS THE UNITED WAY OF THE BROWN COUNTY AREA HAVE PLAYED A UNIQUE ROLE BY BRINGING TOGETHER PEOPLE FROM EVERY PART OF OUR COMMUNITY DONORS, VOLUNTEERS, ADVOCATES, NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS, OMMUNITY LEADERS, AND PEOPLE WITH LIVED EXPERIENCE. UNITED WAYS STRATEGIC VISION IS WE ENVISION A UNITED AND RESILIENT COMMUNITY WHERE EVERYONE BELONGS AND THRIVES. WE WILL UNITE PEOPLE AND PARTNERS TO ENSURE OUR NEIGHBORS STRUGGLING TO MAKE ENDS MEET, LAND ON THEIR FEET, AND STAY THERE. UNITED WAYS WORK AND INVESTMENTS ARE FOCUSED ON ADDRESSING THE CHALLENGES IN THE AREAS OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND FINANCIAL STABILITY. THE UNITED WAY OF BROWN COUNTY AREA IS A VIBRANT ORGANIZATION THAT HAS A RICH HISTORY OF CONNECTING PEOPLE AND RESOURCES. OUR PROGRAMMING IS OF THE HIGHEST QUALITY, AND WE ARE WELL RESPECTED IN THE COMMUNITIES WE SERVE. IN 2022-2023 THE UNITED WAY YOUTH ACTIVITIES SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM GAVE OUT 239 SCHOLARSHIPS TOTALING OVER 25,700. THESE SCHOLARSHIPS HAVE GONE TO YOUNG PEOPLE THROUGHOUT BROWN COUNTY, AGES 3 TO 18, WHOSE FAMILY INCOME IS INSUFFICIENT TO AFFORD ACTIVITY AND/OR EQUIPMENT FEES. SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE FOR UP TO 200 PER YEAR PER YOUTH AND PROVIDE 80% OF THE ACTIVITY FEES AND 50% OF THE EQUIPMENT COSTS. THE GOAL OF THIS PROGRAM IS TO ENSURE THAT AREA YOUTH WILL NOT BE DENIED THE OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN CHARACTER BUILDING ACTIVITIES RANGING FROM MUSIC AND DANCE LESSONS TO SPORTS AND OTHER ACTIVITIES. THIS PAST YEAR, THE UNITED WAY OF THE BROWN COUNTY AREA CONTINUED THE PROGRAMS VISION TO FOSTER A LOVE OF READING AMONG PRESCHOOL CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES BY PROVIDING THEM WITH THE GIFT OF A SPECIALLY SELECTED BOOK EACH MONTH. THROUGH THE DOLLYWOOD FOUNDATION, IMAGINATION LIBRARY IS ONE OF THE UNITED WAY OF BROWN COUNTY AREAS MOST BELOVED PROGRAMS. BY MAILING HIGH QUALITY, AGE-APPROPRIATE BOOKS DIRECTLY TO THEIR HOMES, WE WANT CHILDREN TO BE EXCITED ABOUT BOOKS AND TO FEEL THE MAGIC THAT BOOKS CAN CREATE. MOREOVER, THIS PROGRAM ENSURES THAT EVERY CHILD HAS BOOKS, REGARDLESS OF THE FAMILYS INCOME. SINCE THE INITIAL PROGRAM LAUNCH IN THE UNITED STATES, IMAGINATION LIBRARY HAS GONE FROM JUST A FEW DOZEN BOOKS TO NEARLY FORTY MILLION BOOKS MAILED TO CHILDREN IN THE UNITED STATES, AND THAT INCLUDES OVER 1,050 BOOKS MAILED IN BROWN COUNTY EACH MONTH. IF A CHILD IS READ TO FOR 20 MINUTES EVERY DAY, THEY WILL START SCHOOL WITH AN 800-WORD VOCABULARY. AS WE FACE CONTINUED CHALLENGES TO MEET THE DEMANDS OF A HIGH-TECH WORLD, WE NEED TO DO WHATEVER WE CAN TO MAKE OUR YOUNGEST CITIZENS PREPARED TO SUCCEED. IN 2023, OVER 475 BACKPACKS FILLED WITH AGE, GRADE AND SCHOOL DISTRICT APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES WEREGIVEN TO CHILDREN ALL OVER BROWN COUNTY THROUGH OUR STUFF THE BACKPACK PROGRAM. THESE BACKPACKS WERE MADE AVAILABLE TO CHILDREN FROM FAMILIES IN NEED TO HELP ENSURE THAT THE CHILDREN CAN GET OFF TO A GOOD START IN SCHOOL. THE UNITED WAY PARTNERED WITH ALLIANCE BANK TO RECEIVE BACKPACKS AND SCHOOL SUPPLIES. IN ADDITION, MORE THAN 30 BUSINESSES, ORGANIZATIONS, AND MANY INDIVIDUAL DONORS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY GAVE THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS WORTH OF SCHOOL SUPPLIES. THIS WAS AN AMAZING EFFORT, AND WITHOUT THE GENEROSITY OF THE CITIZENS OF BROWN COUNTY WE WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO PROVIDE SO MANY CHILDREN WITH THE TOOLS NEEDED TO START THE SCHOOL YEAR. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, FIRDAY, OCTOBER 27 AND STURDAY, OCTOBER 28 WAS THE UNTIED WAY OF BROWN COUNTYS 25TH ANNUAL DAY OF CARING. THE DAY OF CARING IS AN ANNUAL EVENT TO MAKE A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE THROUGH VOLUNTEERING. OVER 100 VOLUNTEERS IN 25 TEAMS SPENT PART OF THE DAY HELPING OTHERS IN OUR COUNTY. 65 PROJECTS WERE COMPLETED IN THE BROWN COUNTY AREA. THIS PROGRAM IS AT THE FOUNDATION OF WHAT WE DO, CONNECT OUR GREATEST RESOURCE, OUR PEOPLE, TO THOSE WHO NEED A HELPING HAND. PROJECT LUNCHBOX IS A WEEKEND FOOD PROGRAM FOR KIDS IN K-6TH GRADES IN NEW ULM PUBLIC SCHOOLS. IT IS ALSO PROVIDED TO THE RIVERBEND DISTRICT AND ST. PAULS. THIS IS OUR SEVENTH YEAR PROVIDING THIS MUCH NEEDED PROGRAM IN THE NEW ULM SCHOOL DISTRICT. THE TASK OF ORGANIZING THE DRY GOODS, PURCHASING, AND OVERSEEING THE PROCESS OF PACKING AND DISTRIBUTING THE FOOD IS MONUMENTAL. THE FOOD IS PACKAGED AND DELIVERED TO SCHOOLS FOR KIDS WHO QUALIFY FOR FREE OR REDUCED LUNCHES. THE FOOD PACKAGES ARE THEN PLACED IN A CHILD'S BACKPACK ON FRIDAY TO BE TAKEN HOME. THESE FOOD PACKAGES INCLUDE TWO MEALS, TWO SNACKS, AND TWO BEVERAGES TO GET EACH CHILD THROUGH THE WEEKEND. AN ARMY OF VOLUNTEERS IS INSTRUMENTAL IN THE EXECUTION OF THIS PROGRAM. HUNGER CAN HAVE A HUGE IMPACT ON YOUNG CHILDREN, CAUSING ANXIETY, POOR BEHAVIOR, AND IMPAIRMENT TO LEARNING AND FOOD INSTABILITY IS A VERY REAL PROBLEM IN THE BROWN COUNTY AREA. PROJECT LUNCHBOX PROVIDES THE VITAL NUTRITION THAT STUDENTS NEED FOR SCHOOL SUCCESS. THERE ARE MANY BARRIERS FOR THE ELDERLY, WORKING POOR, AND YOUNG STUDENTS IN GETTING THEIR TAXES DONE EACH YEAR. TIME, ACCESS OR UNDERSTANDING OF HOW THE TAX SYSTEM WORKS, AND MOST OF ALL THE LACK OF FUNDS TO PAY SOMEONE TO DO THEIR TAXES ARE JUST A FEW OF THE BARRIERS FACING BROWN COUNTY AREA RESIDENTS. WHATEVER THE BARRIER, UNITED WAY OF THE BROWN COUNTY AREAS FREE TAX PREPARATION PROGRAM IS IN PLACE TO HELP THOSE INDIVIDUALS. EACH YEAR COMMUNITY MEMBERS VOLUNTEER TO BECOME IRS CERTIFIED TAX PREPARERS AND/OR CLIENT FACILITATORS THROUGH AARP TO HELP LOCAL AREA CITIZENS. THIS PUTS THOUSANDS OF REFUND TAX DOLLARS BACK INTO OUR COMMUNITIES AND INTO THE HANDS OF THOSE WHO NEED IT MOST. 24209 24209 IN ADDITION TO ITS GRANTS TO ORGANIZATIONS HELPING INDIVIDUALS IN NEED, THE UNITED WAY ALSO SPONSORS A YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM TO HELP FAMILIES WITH THE FEES ASSOCIATED WITH PARTICIPATION IN VARIOUS YOUTH ACTIVITIES. DISBURSEMENTS ARE NOT MADE TO THE INDIVIDUALS, BUT ARE MADE TO THE YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS TO ENSURE THEY ARE USED AS INTENDED. 250479 true true false false false false false false true true true false false true false true false false false false false false false false false false false true true false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false true 5 0 false 5 true false false false false false false false false X 18 18 false false false false false false false true true false false false true true true true true true true false MN X X SANDRA JUNI 5073546512 622 1/2 CENTER ST NEW ULM MN 56073 X CHRIS BOWLER DIRECTOR 3.00 X 0 0 0 JOSHUA CATANACHT DIRECTOR 3.00 X 0 0 0 CHERYL DIEDE DIRECTOR 3.00 X 0 0 0 BARB DIETZ DIRECTOR 3.00 X 0 0 0 MEGAN FURTH DIRECTOR 3.00 X 0 0 0 NICK HAGE PAST BOARD C 6.00 X X 0 0 0 TAMMY LORCH DIRECTOR 3.00 X 0 0 0 LIZ MALLOY VICE CHAIR 6.00 X X 0 0 0 JEN MAURER DIRECTOR 3.00 X 0 0 0 CHERYL NEIDT COMMUNITY IN 6.00 X X 0 0 0 EVY OLSON DIRECTOR 6.00 X 0 0 0 MORGAN PARSLEY DIRECTOR 3.00 X 0 0 0 AMBER PORTNER DIRECTOR 3.00 X 0 0 0 BRITTNEY SCHIESING TREASURER 6.00 X X 0 0 0 ANNA VANGSNESS BOARD CHAIR 3.00 X X 0 0 0 MELISSA VISSER CAMPAIGN CHA 3.00 X X 0 0 0 false false false 6293 249966 5624 256259 14416 14416 7595 1035 6560 6560 AGENCY DESIGNATION FEES 15725 15725 15725 292960 15725 20976 125250 125250 24209 24209 61669 30404 15643 15622 5338 2632 1354 1352 13565 13565 30497 67 30363 67 5301 1754 631 2916 7544 2425 2264 2855 7870 1574 2361 3935 6280 3542 1370 1368 2832 1415 850 567 4302 4302 713 275 240 198 1788 125 1598 65 IMAGINATION LIBRARY 25423 25423 PROJECT LUNCHBOX 23279 23279 MISCELLANEOUS 8381 3803 1717 2861 DIRECT BENEFITS TO DONORS -1035 -1035 353206 250479 71956 30771 4636 19357 329732 141558 34892 27541 3985 2122 7069 2678 1104 4391 263276 272529 26108 637625 493606 5242 11389 126050 126500 102562 15031 233854 152920 X 376971 324976 26800 15710 403771 340686 637625 493606 -60246 -1296 -1543 X true X false true false X 473603 389635 415303 352679 256259 1887479 473603 389635 415303 352679 256259 1887479 7796 1879683 16564 11529 41297 9655 13588 92633 17617 8338 20049 15732 7595 69331 2049443 34779 0.91720 0.93380 X PART II, LINE 10 69,331 RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED false true X 10800 14200 1108 26108 10800 10800 10800 10800 1.00000 false false 7069 2678 4391 4391 BENEFICIAL INTEREST IN ASSETS 26108 26108 X 290121 -1296 -1296 291417 1543 1543 292960 353206 353206 353206 SCHEDULE D, PAGE 2, PART IV, LINE 2B THE ORGANIZATION IS ACTING AS A FISCAL AGENT FOR SEVERAL GRANTS FROM THE SOUTHERN MINNESOTA INITIATIVE FOUNDATION FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION, CHILDCARE ENHANCEMENT, CHILDHOOD DENTAL CARE AND A TRAVELING LIBRARIAN PROGRAM. UWBCA RECEIVES THE FUNDS AND THEN DISBURSES THEM AS REQUESTED BY THE ACTUAL GRANTEE. THE DISBURSEMENTS ARE APPROVED BY SMIF. THE NET BALANCE OF FUNDS YET TO BE DISBURSED ARE ACCOUNTED FOR IN SEPARATE LIABILITY ACCOUNTS. THE ORGANIZATION IS ALSO CURRENTLY HOLDING FUNDS RECEIVED FROM VARIOUS ENTITIES TO PASS THROUGH TO VARIOUS NON-PROFITS AFFECTED BY COVID-19. ANY AMOUNTS NOT YET DISTRIBUTED ARE ALSO ACCOUNTED FOR IN A SEPARATE LIABILITY ACCOUNT. SCHEDULE D, PAGE 2, PART V, LINE 4 A PERMANENT ENDOWMENT WAS CREATED IN 2021 AS A MEANS OF ESTABLISHING A LONG-TERM SOURCE OF INVESTMENT INCOME TO ASSIST WITH THE GENERAL NEEDS OF THE ORGANIZATION. SCHEDULE D, PAGE 3, PART X THE ORGANIZATION IS ORGAINIZED AS A MINNESOTA NONPROFIT CORPORATION AND HAS BEEN RECOGNIZED BY THE IRS AS EXEMPT FROM FEDERAL INCOME TAXES UNDER SECTION 501(C)(3). THE ORGANIZATION IS ANNUALLY REQUIRED TO FILE A RETURN OF ORGANIZATION EXEMPT FROM INCOME TAX (FORM 990) WITH THE IRS. IN ADDITION, THE ORGANIZATION IS SUBJECT TO INCOME TAX ON NET INCOME THAT IS DERIVED FROM BUSINESS ACTIVITIES THAT ARE UNRELATED TO ITS EXEMPT PURPOSE. THE ORGANIZATION HAS DETERMINED IT IS NOT SUBJECT TO ANY UNRELATED BUSINESS INCOME TAX AND HAS NOT FILED AN EXEMPT ORGANIZATION BUSINESS INCOME TAX RETURN (FORM 990-T) WITH THE IRS. THE ORGANIZATION HAS PROCESSES PRESENTLY INPLACE TO ENSURE THE MAINTENANCE OF ITS TAX-EXEMPT STATUS; TO IDENTIFY AND REPORT UNRELATED INCOME; TO DETERMINE TIS FILING AND TAX OBLIGATIONS IN JURISDICTIONS FOR WHICH IT HAS NEXUS; AND TO IDENTIFY AND EVALUATE OTHER MATTERS THAT MAY BE CONSIDERED TAX POSITIONS. THE ORGANZIATION HAS DETERMINED THAT THERE ARE NO MATERIAL UNCERTAIN TAX POSITIONS THAT REQUIRE RECOGNITION OR DISCLOSURE IN THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. true AMERICAN RED CROSS WEST NICOLLET 1201 W RIVER PKWY SUITE 217 MINNEAPOLIS MN 55454 5350 BOY SCOUTS TWIN VALLEY COUNCIL 810 MADISON AVE MANKATO MN 56001 10500 COMMUNITY AND SENIORS TOGETHER 600 N GERMAN ST NEW ULM MN 56073 8000 EAGLES PRE-SCHOOL PROGRAM 910 14TH STREET N NEW ULM MN 56073 10000 IVY HOUSE PO BOX 53 NEW ULM MN 56073 13500 LSS - SENIOR NUTRITION PROGRAM 600 N GERMAN ST NEW ULM MN 56073 8500 NUMAS HAUS PO BOX 291 NEW ULM MN 56073 13500 PRO KINSHIP FOR KIDS 1400 S STATE ST NEW ULM MN 56073 14500 OTHER GRANTS 18900 CADA PO BOX 466 MANKATO MN 56002 6750 YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM 239 24209 SCHEDULE I, PAGE 1, PART I, LINE 2 ALL AGENCY ALLOCATION REQUESTS ARE THOROUGHLY SCRUTINIZED BY THE ALLOCATION COMMITTEE, INCLUDING VERIFICATION OF NEED, NON-PROFIT STATUS, TYPE OF ASSISTANCE GIVEN AND OTHER VARIOUS FACTORS BEFORE BEING APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. THE USE OF PAST YEAR FUNDS ARE DOCUMENTED WHEN THE ENTITIES APPLY FOR THEIR NEXT ROUND OF FUNDING. IN BETWEEN THESE TIMES, QUARTERLY MEETINGS ARE HELD WITH VERBAL REPORTS ON RECENT ACTIVITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND USE OF THE FUNDS BY THE GRANTEE. FORM 990 - ORGANIZATION'S MISSION SOLICIT AND ADMINISTER FUNDS FOR SELECTED HUMAN CARE SERVICES. SPECIFICALLY, THE UNITED WAY OF THE BROWN COUNTY AREA'S MISSION IS TO BE A PREFERRED COMMUNITY BUILDING ORGANIZATION DEDICATED TO IDENTIFYING AND RESPONDING TO THE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICE NEEDS OF THE BROWN COUNTY AREA. FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4A FOR OVER SIXTY-FIVE YEARS THE UNITED WAY OF THE BROWN COUNTY AREA HAVE PLAYED A UNIQUE ROLE BY BRINGING TOGETHER PEOPLE FROM EVERY PART OF OUR COMMUNITY DONORS, VOLUNTEERS, ADVOCATES, NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS, OMMUNITY LEADERS, AND PEOPLE WITH LIVED EXPERIENCE. UNITED WAYS STRATEGIC VISION IS WE ENVISION A UNITED AND RESILIENT COMMUNITY WHERE EVERYONE BELONGS AND THRIVES. WE WILL UNITE PEOPLE AND PARTNERS TO ENSURE OUR NEIGHBORS STRUGGLING TO MAKE ENDS MEET, LAND ON THEIR FEET, AND STAY THERE. UNITED WAYS WORK AND INVESTMENTS ARE FOCUSED ON ADDRESSING THE CHALLENGES IN THE AREAS OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND FINANCIAL STABILITY. THE UNITED WAY OF BROWN COUNTY AREA IS A VIBRANT ORGANIZATION THAT HAS A RICH HISTORY OF CONNECTING PEOPLE AND RESOURCES. OUR PROGRAMMING IS OF THE HIGHEST QUALITY, AND WE ARE WELL RESPECTED IN THE COMMUNITIES WE SERVE. IN 2022-2023 THE UNITED WAY YOUTH ACTIVITIES SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM GAVE OUT 239 SCHOLARSHIPS TOTALING OVER 25,700. THESE SCHOLARSHIPS HAVE GONE TO YOUNG PEOPLE THROUGHOUT BROWN COUNTY, AGES 3 TO 18, WHOSE FAMILY INCOME IS INSUFFICIENT TO AFFORD ACTIVITY AND/OR EQUIPMENT FEES. SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE FOR UP TO 200 PER YEAR PER YOUTH AND PROVIDE 80% OF THE ACTIVITY FEES AND 50% OF THE EQUIPMENT COSTS. THE GOAL OF THIS PROGRAM IS TO ENSURE THAT AREA YOUTH WILL NOT BE DENIED THE OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN CHARACTER BUILDING ACTIVITIES RANGING FROM MUSIC AND DANCE LESSONS TO SPORTS AND OTHER ACTIVITIES. THIS PAST YEAR, THE UNITED WAY OF THE BROWN COUNTY AREA CONTINUED THE PROGRAMS VISION TO FOSTER A LOVE OF READING AMONG PRESCHOOL CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES BY PROVIDING THEM WITH THE GIFT OF A SPECIALLY SELECTED BOOK EACH MONTH. THROUGH THE DOLLYWOOD FOUNDATION, IMAGINATION LIBRARY IS ONE OF THE UNITED WAY OF BROWN COUNTY AREAS MOST BELOVED PROGRAMS. BY MAILING HIGH QUALITY, AGE-APPROPRIATE BOOKS DIRECTLY TO THEIR HOMES, WE WANT CHILDREN TO BE EXCITED ABOUT BOOKS AND TO FEEL THE MAGIC THAT BOOKS CAN CREATE. MOREOVER, THIS PROGRAM ENSURES THAT EVERY CHILD HAS BOOKS, REGARDLESS OF THE FAMILYS INCOME. SINCE THE INITIAL PROGRAM LAUNCH IN THE UNITED STATES, IMAGINATION LIBRARY HAS GONE FROM JUST A FEW DOZEN BOOKS TO NEARLY FORTY MILLION BOOKS MAILED TO CHILDREN IN THE UNITED STATES, AND THAT INCLUDES OVER 1,050 BOOKS MAILED IN BROWN COUNTY EACH MONTH. IF A CHILD IS READ TO FOR 20 MINUTES EVERY DAY, THEY WILL START SCHOOL WITH AN 800-WORD VOCABULARY. AS WE FACE CONTINUED CHALLENGES TO MEET THE DEMANDS OF A HIGH-TECH WORLD, WE NEED TO DO WHATEVER WE CAN TO MAKE OUR YOUNGEST CITIZENS PREPARED TO SUCCEED. IN 2023, OVER 475 BACKPACKS FILLED WITH AGE, GRADE AND SCHOOL DISTRICT APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES WEREGIVEN TO CHILDREN ALL OVER BROWN COUNTY THROUGH OUR STUFF THE BACKPACK PROGRAM. THESE BACKPACKS WERE MADE AVAILABLE TO CHILDREN FROM FAMILIES IN NEED TO HELP ENSURE THAT THE CHILDREN CAN GET OFF TO A GOOD START IN SCHOOL. THE UNITED WAY PARTNERED WITH ALLIANCE BANK TO RECEIVE BACKPACKS AND SCHOOL SUPPLIES. IN ADDITION, MORE THAN 30 BUSINESSES, ORGANIZATIONS, AND MANY INDIVIDUAL DONORS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY GAVE THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS WORTH OF SCHOOL SUPPLIES. THIS WAS AN AMAZING EFFORT, AND WITHOUT THE GENEROSITY OF THE CITIZENS OF BROWN COUNTY WE WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO PROVIDE SO MANY CHILDREN WITH THE TOOLS NEEDED TO START THE SCHOOL YEAR. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, FIRDAY, OCTOBER 27 AND STURDAY, OCTOBER 28 WAS THE UNTIED WAY OF BROWN COUNTYS 25TH ANNUAL DAY OF CARING. THE DAY OF CARING IS AN ANNUAL EVENT TO MAKE A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE THROUGH VOLUNTEERING. OVER 100 VOLUNTEERS IN 25 TEAMS SPENT PART OF THE DAY HELPING OTHERS IN OUR COUNTY. 65 PROJECTS WERE COMPLETED IN THE BROWN COUNTY AREA. THIS PROGRAM IS AT THE FOUNDATION OF WHAT WE DO, CONNECT OUR GREATEST RESOURCE, OUR PEOPLE, TO THOSE WHO NEED A HELPING HAND. PROJECT LUNCHBOX IS A WEEKEND FOOD PROGRAM FOR KIDS IN K-6TH GRADES IN NEW ULM PUBLIC SCHOOLS. IT IS ALSO PROVIDED TO THE RIVERBEND DISTRICT AND ST. PAULS. THIS IS OUR SEVENTH YEAR PROVIDING THIS MUCH NEEDED PROGRAM IN THE NEW ULM SCHOOL DISTRICT. THE TASK OF ORGANIZING THE DRY GOODS, PURCHASING, AND OVERSEEING THE PROCESS OF PACKING AND DISTRIBUTING THE FOOD IS MONUMENTAL. THE FOOD IS PACKAGED AND DELIVERED TO SCHOOLS FOR KIDS WHO QUALIFY FOR FREE OR REDUCED LUNCHES. THE FOOD PACKAGES ARE THEN PLACED IN A CHILD'S BACKPACK ON FRIDAY TO BE TAKEN HOME. THESE FOOD PACKAGES INCLUDE TWO MEALS, TWO SNACKS, AND TWO BEVERAGES TO GET EACH CHILD THROUGH THE WEEKEND. AN ARMY OF VOLUNTEERS IS INSTRUMENTAL IN THE EXECUTION OF THIS PROGRAM. HUNGER CAN HAVE A HUGE IMPACT ON YOUNG CHILDREN, CAUSING ANXIETY, POOR BEHAVIOR, AND IMPAIRMENT TO LEARNING AND FOOD INSTABILITY IS A VERY REAL PROBLEM IN THE BROWN COUNTY AREA. PROJECT LUNCHBOX PROVIDES THE VITAL NUTRITION THAT STUDENTS NEED FOR SCHOOL SUCCESS. THERE ARE MANY BARRIERS FOR THE ELDERLY, WORKING POOR, AND YOUNG STUDENTS IN GETTING THEIR TAXES DONE EACH YEAR. TIME, ACCESS OR UNDERSTANDING OF HOW THE TAX SYSTEM WORKS, AND MOST OF ALL THE LACK OF FUNDS TO PAY SOMEONE TO DO THEIR TAXES ARE JUST A FEW OF THE BARRIERS FACING BROWN COUNTY AREA RESIDENTS. WHATEVER THE BARRIER, UNITED WAY OF THE BROWN COUNTY AREAS FREE TAX PREPARATION PROGRAM IS IN PLACE TO HELP THOSE INDIVIDUALS. EACH YEAR COMMUNITY MEMBERS VOLUNTEER TO BECOME IRS CERTIFIED TAX PREPARERS AND/OR CLIENT FACILITATORS THROUGH AARP TO HELP LOCAL AREA CITIZENS. THIS PUTS THOUSANDS OF REFUND TAX DOLLARS BACK INTO OUR COMMUNITIES AND INTO THE HANDS OF THOSE WHO NEED IT MOST. FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 11B FORM 990 AND ATTACHMENTS ARE REVIEWED BY THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND BROUGHT BEFORE THE BOARD FOR APPROVAL. FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 12C ANNUAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENTS ARE REVIEWED BY THE CHAIR, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE WHO MONITOR THOSE INDIVIDUALS WITH CONFLICTS TO ASSURE THERE IS NO PARTICIPATION OR INFLUENCE ON ANY ISSUES ARISING FROM THE CONFLICTS. BOARD AND STAFF ARE ALSO REQUIRED TO DISCLOSE ANY NEW CONFLICTS NOT PREVIOUSLY KNOWN TO EXIST AS THEY ARISE. FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 15A SALARIES OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND OTHER KEY POSITIONS ARE DETERMINED BY THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND THE PERSONNEL COMMITTEE. AS THESE COMMITTEES INCLUDE MEMBERS FROM THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY, COMPARABLE WAGES ARE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT ALONG WITH INFORMATION TAKEN FROM OTHER UNITED WAYS AS AVAILABLE. ALL COMPENSATION PACKAGES ARE APPROVED BY THE BOARD. FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 15B SEE PREVIOUS EXPLANATION. FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 19 ITEMS ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST AT THE ORGANIZATION'S OFFICE.