Bens Ranch Foundation Inc.

“The organization provides a copy of the 990 to the board prior to filing”

“The organization perodically review its conflict of interest policy and information. If a board mermber has a conflict, the board member cannot vote on the issue.”

“The executive committee of the board of directors determines the compensation of the executive director and the entire board approves the compensation.”

“The organization provides its governing documents and form 990 for public inspection upon request.”

“The year 2023 was an important year for the organization. The launch of new small group programs marked a major step forward and has proven to be very successful in growing the number of youth we serve and has created both an alternative program option for teens who may not be ready for our paid internship program, and a way to train and further evaluate teens who have interest in an internship, but are not yet qualified. During the second half of 2023 we held small group programs, including 2-hour assessments, one-day bootcamps and 6-week small group programs at several of our partnering farms and stables. Participants in the small group programs learn new skills and learn about career opportunities, team work, problem solving and communications. In the fall of 2023, the foundation received grants from the lilly endowment and another area business to support a significant expansion of the small group and school programs and to fund the acquisition and startup of a new stable facility. The new facility began operations under our management in december, 2023, and is the first facility controlled and managed by our organization. It adds to 15 other farms and stables where our programs are offered, and interns are employed. Located in a county park in nobleville, indiana, the facility is a public trail riding concession and is centrally located in our service area and close to collaborating school districts. Our client teens work at the new stables in small groups or as paid interns. This new facility represents a significant expansion in our capacity in the heart of our current service territory as well as a demonstration site for parents, donors, partners, schools, local units of government and the media. Revenue from public trail rides offsets the cost of the facility operations and client programming at the site.”