The Banyan Foundation

“The organization 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: 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 166 registered youth in programs and 25 scholarships awarded in 2020.”

“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. There were 103 families enrolled in this program in 2020. Banyan partnered with st. David's child development center to offer a 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. 14 of our 103 families were enrolled in this subset program in 2020. Due to covid-19 in march of 2020 the preschool closed and programming ceased regular function. Banyan family advocates provided support for the families. St. David's ceased this partnership in may 2020. Banyan is evaluating the reopening of the preschool in the near future.”

“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. Gathering events drew 245 participants in 2020. The adult leadership program hosted 37 connect events, classes and trainings, resulting in 480 direct service hours, in 2020. The light house network (banyan block clubs) is organized on 34 blocks, touching over 2,040 neighborhood residents in both years.”