Community Shares of Minnesota

“Membership criteria and voting rights: any charitable or educational organization (within the meaning of internal revenue code section 501(c)(3), supporting the purposes described in this corporation's articles of incorporation, namely that they actively and primarily engage in charitable and educational activities directed toward community improvements and other public interest activities which advance the growth of justice, equality and democracy, may be admitted to membership and be eligible for receiving benefits from the corporation.”

“The members elect the members of the governing body at the annual meeting of members. Any vacancies on the governing board are filled by action of the governing board.”

“The members elect the members of the governing body. Members may also vote on issues as brought to the membership at the annual or special meetings. The voting at the annual and any special meetings are limited to the purpose stated in the notice of the meeting. The membership may adopt, amend, or repeal the by-laws by adopting a resolution setting forth the adoption, amendment, or repeal. Same must be proposed by at least ten percent of the members, and brought to vote at a meeting upon which proper notice was effected, including the substance of the by-laws adoption, amendment, or repeal in writing, same mailed at least two (2) weeks prior to the meeting date. In the presence of a quorum, an affirmative vote of a majority of the members' delegates present at such meeting is necessary to effect such adoption, amendment, or repeal.”

“The organization does not have any committees who have been delegated authority.”

“The finance committee reviews the 990 in the finance meeting with the executive director and finance manager. A copy is also provided to the board before filing.”

“The members of the governing body must complete and sign a conflict of interest statement at the first regularly scheduled board meeting each calendar year. Board members who are unable to attend that meeting are required to complete and sign the statement prior to the next board meeting. This policy covers the members of the board of directors and clearly defines conflict of interest. This form is available to the public upon request. Directors who have a conflict of interest are not allowed to vote or count towards a quorum when the board addresses issues around this conflict of interest. Directors are expected to disclose conflict of interest, as defined by this policy, if they arise during the year.”

“For each new position created, or new hire into an existing position, the executive director of community shares of minnesota conducts a review of the position and determines a salary range for the position based on comparable positions at comparably sized non-profits using the minnesota council of nonprofits (mcn) annual compensation survey. When a new executive director is hired, the community shares executive committee reviews and updates the job description, with compensation being set based upon budget limitations and a review of comparable executive director positions through the mcn annual compensation survey and first hand knowledge of comparable positions in other similar sized non-profits. Deliberations from the executive director review of positions are captured in the letter accompanying the performance review. Deliberations from the executive committee are captured in the search process notes and the letter of employment. Establishing compensation for the executive director last occurred in july 2016. The executive director has received an annual cost of living adjustment of 3% since the last wage review in 2019.”

“Community shares of minnesota posts their 990 and annual report on their website - www.communitysharesmn.org and makes the articles of incorporation, bylaws and conflict of interest policy available to the public upon their request. The information would be sent to them after they made contact via phone, email, walk-in, or mail.”