Hackensack Game Changers

“We have 14 project teams who all generate donations and spend money to complete projects to benefit the community. Details on how each team spent their money is described under Part III Line 31”

“The purpose of this organization is to support the City of Hackensack through projects that beautify, renovate, rejuvenate properties, and add infrastructure, to serve residents and attract tourists, and other projects determined to enhance the City and surrounding area. We currently have 14 project teams. The 3 teams that had the most expenses were described in Part III of the 990-ez. Other teams include: Community Garden: This garden is located on City Park property and includes 10 raised beds for residents who can't garden at home. In previous years, they have drilled a well. In 2024, they fundraised to build a shed to store garden tools & supplies. They raised $3880 and spent $5645 on the shed. They had a starting balance of $1808 so they have a remaining balance of $43. Beautification Team: The main activity of this team is to provide and maintain flowerpots around town. They received a $675 grant from the Hackensack Lakes Area Community Foundation as well as donations of $568. They spent $803 on dirt and flowers. These flowers brighten the streets and shops for all locals and tourists to enjoy. Dog Park Team: This team started fundraising in 2021 and had the funds to create the 1-acre park in 2022. The park requires weekly mowing so that has been the focus of this team but in late 2024, the City decided to take over mowing so the $360 spent mowing in '24 will not be an expense next year. Dog waste bags are the only other expenses so their fundraising will be minimal going forward. They raised $277 in 2024, had a fund balance of $1096 going into the year and spent $128 on waste bags leaving them a balance of $886. Lucettes Links: This is a disc golf course that was added to a city park in 2024. They had previously fundraised $790, in 2024 they raised $6521 and spent $6111 installing the 9 hole course. It was open for play in the fall of '24. Some work remains but they have $1200 remaining in their fund for final signage etc. There are currently 8-12 people meeting weekly indoors to learn the sport and be ready to play when weather permits. Neighbor Helping Neighbor: For the second year, over 50 volunteers gathered one weekend in May to rake yards, trim trees and do basic clean up chores for City residents who needed help. They received a $500 grant from the Hackensack Lakes Area Community Foundation and $1000 from our local Lions Club. They spent $1328 on several dumpsters and to provide lunch and beverages for the crew. They had a remaining balance from their first year of $376 which leaves them $548 for 2025. Resilient Housing Team: This team has been working since 2022 to bring an apartment building to town. They applied for a grant through the MN Housing Workforce Housing Development Program. This grant required "site control" so land was purchased in 24 for this purpose. We received 100% financing in the form of a low interest loan from Cass County Economic Development for $228,528 to purchase the land. Unfortunately, we narrowly missed being awarded the grant and are now working on other grants to help keep the project moving forward. The team received a donation of $10,000 from a local resident and had expenses for taxes and insurance of $1745 leaving this team with a balance of $8555. Sign Team: This team manages the signage around town. Money was raised in previous years to update a sign by the lake, so they started the year with $6451. A new welcome sign was the project for '24 so $6,600 was raised which included a $500 grant from the Hackensack Lakes Area Community Foundation. The sign and installation expense was $6200 leaving $6851 remaining for the lakeside sign. The remaining teams did not have any financial activity. General Fund Expenses: We pay for Director's and Officer's insurance, facility rental fees for large meetings, and misc office supplies for a total of $2581. We have a conflict of interest policy that is updated annually. We email the 990 tax return to each board member before submitting. We a”