The Banyan Foundation

“On april 18, 2018 the board amended the bylaws article iii, section 3.02 as follows: number, qualifications and term of office: the board of directors shall consist of a minimum of three directors. The exact number of directors shall be established from time to time by resolution of the board. In the absence of such resolution, the number of directors shall be the number last fixed. Directors shall be natural persons 18 years of age or older. Each of the director's shall hold office for a three-year term, unless earlier terminated by death, resignation, removal or disqualification. Directors may be elected to serve a second consecutive term. A one-year special term extension may be granted from time to time, for a maximum of seven consecutive years of service, but thereafter must not serve for a minimum of one year before again standing for election. Further resolved, that the board of directors establishes the number of directors to include up to 18 members.”

“The oganization does not have any committees which have the authority to act on behalf of the governing body.”

“The 990 is presented to the finance committee of the board of directors. The finance committee meets with our independent auditor to review and ask questions. The finance committee makes a recommendation to the board of directors to approve form 990 and the board makes a motion to approve it.”

“The conflict of interest policy is presented verbally and in writing to each new employee and board member, who must read and sign it. Annually, the policy is presented again and each employee and board member is asked to sign an annual renewal form. The policy is written so employees and board members are obligated to report any changes in conflict of interest. Also, supervisors are asked to observe and report any potential conflict to the executive director. If any conflicts are noted, they are to be made to the board chair who will bring the matter to the board.”

“The most recent publication of the minnesota council of nonprofits salary and benefit summary is obtained and reviewed for comparable salary and position description. The executive director and the executive committee use this information, plus performance evaluations, to determine salary. Proposed staff salaries are presented to the finance committee and then to the board of directors for approval. The executive committee and the finance committee receive the same pertinent information regarding the executive director in order to evaluate and determine the ed's salary. The information is presented to the board of directors for approval.”

“The organization will provide copies of its governing documents upon request. The documents are also posted on guidestar and the minnesota charities review council websites.”

“The banyan community is a community development organization that conducts its mission and programs in a low income urban neighborhood. The focus is on developing youth, strengthening families, and creating a strong vibrant community.”

“Youth development program: the banyan provides opportunities for youth to develop leadership skills, engage in positive relationships with peers and adults, and have new experiences. Banyan provides academic support and accountability so that youth can succeed in school and college. Creating a culture of educational achievement is a high priority for the banyan. Banyan has developed a comprehensive and intense approach. It involves a sustained focus on academic preparedness with the development of other important assets for youth: increased social and emotional skills, life skills, cultural competency, positive self-image, awareness of educational opportunities, family involvement and the support of the broader community. Our programs include: after school programs for students age kindergarten through middle school; high school tutoring and support; kids club; summer cool off days; youth employment and leadership development; college mentoring; and educational scholarships. There were 155 registered youth in programs.”

“Family strengthening services - home visits, parent conferences and family support is offered for all banyan families. Banyan offers a safe place for youth and adult residents to gather and engage in healthy relationships. Building developmental assets in family develops youth and helps create community. Creating a sense of teamwork between parents and youth empowers both. 92 families are enrolled in this program. Banyan partnered with st. David's child development center to offer 5 day, full day preschool for our youngest members. Banyan's preschool family support program consists of staff outreach to the community to encourage enrollment as well as family visits to support parents and caregivers whose children are participating in preschool. 13 of our 92 families are enrolled in this subset program.”

“Creating community - gathering events for banyan families and staff, adult education opportunities (community, leadership, education, and connection programming), and the light house network. Our adult leadership skills training is in response to the requests and needs of our parents. Banyan aims to create models of success that give a sense of hope within the community. Community building is imperative to breaking down the isolation that poverty so often creates. The joy that the gatherings brings is powerful. The work of the block club is essential to create a safe atmosphere for the community to thrive. Most gathering events draw over 200 participants. The adult leadership program hosted 31 connect events, and 19 classes, and 3 trainings resulting in 1200 direct service hours. The light house network (banyan block clubs) is organized on 34 blocks touching over 2,040 neighborhood residents.”

“Banyan community provided a non-operating grant of 481,932 to bic. The banyan investment corporation (bic) was started in 2015 with seed money from banyan community, together with investments from capital, scholarship and long term investments, for the purpose of supporting banyan community's mission.”

“A multi-year contribution was inadvertently not recorded in 2017. The 2017 payment was recorded as revenue in 2017 and the remainder of the unconditional promise to give of 150,000 was recorded as a prior period adjustment in 2018.”