The Loft Inc

“Process the organization uses to review the 990 an initial draft of the 990 is reviewed in detail by the finance committee of the board. After changes or corrections, if needed, the near final draft of the 990 is distributed to the full board in pre-read material prior to the first board meeting after finance committee review. The treasurer/finance committee chair reviews the document for the board with assistance of representatives from the independent auditors, if needed. Board members are invited to ask questions and submit any further corrections. The treasurer recommends approval of the 990 (with changes, as needed) and a full vote of the board is called. The board must approve the 990 before it is submitted.”

“Conflict of interest policy each year, typically at the first meeting of the fiscal year as a 'standing agenda item,' all board members are asked to review the conflict of interest policy for the purpose of stating and/or updating their disclosures, and to sign and date the form.”

“Procedure to make decisions regarding executive and staff compensation relying in substantial part on the bi-annual survey of non-profit salaries conducted and published by the minnesota council of non-profits, the board of directors' executive committee establishes the salary for the executive director, within the limits established by the board of directors in approving the organization's budget. The executive director in turn, uses the same procedure for establishing salaries for all other staff.”

“Governing documents, conflict of interest policy, and financial statements the organization makes its financial statements and 990 available to the public on its website. The governing documents and conflict of interest policy are held at the organization's offices and are available upon request.”

“Services for writers and the literary community in fiscal year 2023, the organization provided and expanded upon a wide range of services designed to support writers and the broader literary community. Loft.org, the organization's website, provided regular articles and fostered discussions about the writers' life and craft through the writers' block blog. There, writers found writing exercises, readers found book and event recommendations, and both found literary reviews, commentary, news, and discussion. The site also included interviews, a calendar of readings and events, an online catalog of classes, and resources including information about writing groups, competitions, grants, awards, publishers, and agents. Visitors to open book accessed the rachel anne gaschott ritchie small press library to research journals that might publish their work and deepen their understanding of the manuscripts local independent publishers are seeking. Twenty-six writers made use of the organization's writers' studios while the three organization-sponsored culturally distinct writing groups met at open book. The mentor series fellowship in poetry and creative prose and the mirrors and windows fellowship served twelve and thirteen competitively selected emerging artists respectively. These writers also received small monetary awards. Mcknight artist fellowships for writers provided five minnesota writers of demonstrated ability with grants of $25,000, buying them time to concentrate on their craft. The writers were competitively selected for awards in creative prose and children's literature for age 8+. Through strategic partnerships, the loft leveraged its resources and expertise in support of key allies in the literary ecosystem including cave canem, mizna, more than a single story, and truartsspeaks. Each strategic partnership features multiple touchpoints during the year which can take the form of events and classes offered in partnership as well as the use of space and participation in loft programs. The organization also welcomed mayfly design, a book design firm, and studio americana, a podcast and audio-book producer, as co-locating partners.”

“Learning for writers and readers the organization offered a variety of learning opportunities for writers and readers during fiscal year 2023. Adults and youth (ages 6-90+) at all levels of artistic development furthered their skills in classes focused on fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, screen/playwriting, children's literature, graphic novel, and other literary forms; learned more about developing a writing practice and career; and explored literature as readers. All classes were taught by accomplished writers and literary professionals. This year, the organization served 2890 adults and 347 youth in 459 classes and workshops, schools and community programs. Another 60 writers took advantage of manuscript review or one-on-one coaching services offered by the loft. To mitigate financial barriers to participation in creative writing learning opportunities, the organization provided reduced price access to learning opportunities (valued at $42,578).”

“Events for readers - readings and spoken word performances helped develop audiences for literature while promoting and advancing the work of individual writers. Panels and discussions featured writers and thought leaders using literature to spur conversations on topical issues and curated literary events engaged audience members in exploration of thought-provoking themes. A combined audience of 1623 participated in 16 events (including wordplay 2023, which offered 23 events in one), featuring a total of 156 artists and thought leaders.”