Bethesda Lutheran Communities Inc

“The articles of incorporation of bethesda lutheran communities, inc. (the "corporation") provides for both individual and congregational memberships. Any individual who is a comunicant member of a congregation affiliated with the lutheran church- missouri synod, the wisconsin evangelical lutheran synod, or the evangelical lutheran synod may become a member of the corporation upon application and payment of membership dues as fixed in the bylaws. Any individual member of the corporation as described above who shall not be more than six (6) months in arrears in dues and shall have attained the age of eighteen (18) shall be elegible to vote; and any voting member who shall have attained the age of twenty-five (25) shall be elegible to be elected as a director of the corporation. Any congregation affiliated with the lutheran church - missouri synod, the wisconsin evangelical lutheran synod, or the evangelical lutheran synod may hold a bethesda lutheran communities, inc. Congregational membership in the corporation upon application and payment of congregational membership dues as fixed in the bylaws; a member congregation may be represented at the corporation meeting by one (1) elected representative. Any congregation which is not more than six (6) months in arrears in dues shall be entitled to have its representative vote.”

“See narrative for form 990, part vi, section a, line 6.”

“Bethesda lutheran communities, inc. ("bethesda") members have the following political rights in bethesda: members have the right to vote in director elections; any substantive amendments to bethesda's articles of incorporation must be approved by its membership, wis. Stat. Section 181.1002 & .1003; bethesda members may compel a special meeting of the membership, if requested by 25 members; every director is required to be a member in good standing; and bethesda members may amend the bylaws at a regular annual or special membership meeting.”

“The form 990 was prepared by staff and reviewed and approved by the chief financial officer. The form 990 was then presented to the board of directors for review.”

“Annually each november, every director is required to assess the potential for any conflicts of interest and sign a form that discloses whether the bethesda lutheran communities, inc. Director has any potential conflicts of interest. The organization's compliance and risk management team audits whether every director has submitted a signed conflicts of interest disclosure form, and ensures that this is done annually for every director.”

“The board of directors executive committee serves as a compensation committee with the duty to review and make findings as to the reasonableness of (i) the compensation paid and benefits provided to the president and chief executive officer, and (ii) the recommendations of the president and chief executive officer for the compensation ranges and benefit levels for the executive vice president, the cfo, the coo and all other persons whom it determines to be in a position to exercise substantial influence over the affairs of the corporation within the meaning of section 4958 of the internal revenue code ("disqualified persons"). In doing so it (1) identifies all disqualified persons; (2) periodically (at least in every odd-number year) reviews and determines the reasonableness of the compensation and benefit levels of the president and chief executive officer; (3) periodically (at least in every odd-number year) reviews and determines the reasonableness of the recommendations of the president and chief executive officer for the compensation ranges and benefit levels of other disqualified persons; (4) considers all incentives, perquisites, deferred compensation and anything of value when considering the reasonableness of compensation or benefit levels; (5) obtains from sources outside the corporation objective, market comparable compensation and benefit level data; (6) documents its considerations and determinations in written reports; and (7) at least annually report its activities and findings to the board of directors.”

“The corporation's governing documents including conflicts of interest policy, 990 tax returns and current audited financial statements are available on the organization's public web site (http://bethesdalutherancommunities.org) and to the public upon request.”

“Bethesda is a christian organization that provides support to people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities across the u.s. Bethesda's mission is to enhance the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by sharing the good news of jesus christ. Its goal is to help the people they support to live as independently as possible. Bethesda offers a vast array of supports and resources including residential living options, host homes/family living programs, day programs, faith support services, vocational training, a two-year college program, and thrift shops. Bethesda also works closely with congregations as they endeavor to include people with disabilities. Additionally, bethesda provides employment services through job coaches and a variety of community partnerships. Bethesda's thrift shops have been a direct way for members of the community to support and connect with the mission.”

“Change in net assets of foundation, hud companies and corner (unrestricted) -19,323,159. Change in net assets of foundation (restricted) 6,867. Actuarial change in split interest agreements (unrestricted) -235,048. Restricted investment income 20,771. Market adjustment on fixed income investments adjustment to unfunded pension liability -14,713,227. Transfer of assets from foundation 24,075,000.”