Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service
Public Charity Status and Public Support
Complete if the organization is a section 501(c)(3) organization or a section
4947(a)(1) nonexempt charitable trust.
Attach to Form 990 or Form 990-EZ. See separate instructions.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2011
Open to Public Inspection
Name of the organization
THE MAIN STREET PROJECT
Employer identification number
20-1788275
Part I
Reason for Public Charity Status
(All organizations must complete this part.) See instructions
The organization is not a private foundation because it is: (For lines 1 through 11, check only one box.)
1
2
3
4
5
section 170(b)(1)(A)(iv). (Complete Part II.)
6
7
8
9
receipts from activities related to its exempt functions—subject to certain exceptions, and (2) no more than 331/3% of
its support from gross investment income and unrelated business taxable income (less section 511 tax) from businesses
acquired by the organization after June 30, 1975. See section 509(a)(2). (Complete Part III.)
10
11
e
By checking this box, I certify that the organization is not controlled directly or indirectly by one or more disqualified persons other than foundation managers and other than one or more publicly supported organizations described in section 509(a)(1) or section 509(a)(2).
f
If the organization received a written determination from the IRS that it is a Type I, Type II or Type III supporting organization, check this box
..................................................
g
Since August 17, 2006, has the organization accepted any gift or contribution from any of the following persons?
(i) a person who directly or indirectly controls, either alone or together with persons described in (ii)
Yes
No
and (iii) below, the governing body of the the supported organization?
................
11g(i)
(ii)
a family member of a person described in (i) above?
......................
11g(ii)
(iii)
a 35% controlled entity of a person described in (i) or (ii) above?
................
11g(iii)
h
Provide the following information about the supported organization(s).
(i) Name of supported organization
(ii) EIN
(iii) Type of organization (described on lines 1- 9 above or IRC section (see instructions))
(iv) Is the organization in col. (i) listed in your governing document?
(v) Did you notify the organization in col. (i) of your support?
(vi) Is the organization in col. (i) organized in the U.S.?
(vii) Amount of support?
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Total
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990.
Cat. No. 11285F
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2011
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2011
Page 2
Part II
Support Schedule for Organizations Described in IRC 170(b)(1)(A)(iv) and 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) (Complete only if you checked the box on line 5, 7, or 8 of Part I or if the
organization failed to qualify under Part III. If the organization fails to
qualify under the tests listed below, please complete Part III.)
Section A. Public Support
Calendar year(or fiscal year beginning in)
(a) 2007
(b) 2008
(c) 2009
(d) 2010
(e) 2011
(f) Total
1
Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grants.") ....
161,850
426,708
468,640
260,970
545,011
1,863,179
2
Tax revenues levied for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf.......
3
The value of services or facilities furnished by a governmental unit to the organization without charge..
4
Total. Add lines 1 through 3..
161,850
426,708
468,640
260,970
545,011
1,863,179
5
The portion of total contributions by each person (other than a governmental unit or publicly supported organization) included
on line 1 that exceeds 2% of the amount shown on line 11, column (f)..
720,508
6
Public Support. Subtract line 5 from line 4.
1,142,671
Section B. Total Support
Calendar year(or fiscal year beginning in)
(a) 2007
(b) 2008
(c) 2009
(d) 2010
(e) 2011
(f) Total
7
Amounts from line 4..
161,850
426,708
468,640
260,970
545,011
1,863,179
8
Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources..
243
19
262
9
Net income from unrelated business activities, whether or not the business is regularly carried on..
10
Other income. (Explain in Part IV.) Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets..
11
Total support (Add lines 7 through 10).
1,863,441
12
Gross receipts from related activities, etc. (See instructions.)
..................
12
226,705
13
First Five Years
If the Form 990 is for the organization's first, second, third, fourth, or fifth tax year as a 501(c)(3) organization,
check this box and stop here..........................................
Section C. Computation of Public Support Percentage
14
Public Support Percentage for 2010 (line 6 column (f) divided by line 11 column (f))
.........
14
61.320 %
15
Public Support Percentage for 2009 Schedule A, Part II, line 14
...............
15
55.120 %
16a
33 1/3% support test—2011.
If the organization did not check the box on line 13, and line 14 is 33 1/3% or more, check this box
and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization
......................
b
33 1/3% support test—2010.
If the organization did not check the box on line 13 or 16a, and line 15 is 33 1/3% or more, check this
box and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization
.....................
17a
10%-facts-and-circumstances test—2011.
If the organization did not check a box on line 13, 16a, or 16b and line 14
is 10% or more, and if the organization meets the "facts and circumstances" test, check this box and stop here. Explain
in Part IV how the organization meets the "facts and circumstances" test. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported
organization
..................................................
b
10%-facts-and-circumstances test—2010.
If the organization did not check a box on line 13, 16a, 16b, or 17a and line
15 is 10% or more, and if the organization meets the "facts and circumstances" test, check this box and stop here.
Explain in Part IV how the organization meets the "facts and circumstances" test. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization
..............................................
18
Private Foundation
If the organization did not check a box on line 13, 16a, 16b, 17a or 17b, check this box and see
instructions
...................................................
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2011
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2011
Page 3
Part III
Support Schedule for Organizations Described in IRC 509(a)(2) (Complete only if you checked the box on line 9 of Part I or if the organization
failed to qualify under Part II. If the organization fails to qualify under
the tests listed below, please complete Part II.)
Section A. Public Support
Calendar year(or fiscal year beginning in)
(a) 2007
(b) 2008
(c) 2009
(d) 2010
(e) 2011
(f) Total
1
Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grants.") .
2
Gross receipts from admissions, merchandise sold or services performed, or facilities furnished in any activity that is related to the organization's tax-exempt purpose......
3
Gross receipts from activities that are not an unrelated trade or business under section 513..
4
Tax revenues levied for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf...
5
The value of services or facilities furnished by a governmental unit to the organization without charge..
6
Total. Add lines 1 through 5.
7a
Amounts included on lines 1, 2, and 3 received from disqualified persons...
b
Amounts included on lines 2 and 3 received from other than disqualified persons that exceed the greater of $5,000 or 1% of the amount on line 13 for the year.
c
Add lines 7a and 7b..
8
Public Support (Subtract line 7c from line 6.)
Section B. Total Support
Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in)
(a) 2007
(b) 2008
(c) 2009
(d) 2010
(e) 2011
(f) Total
9
Amounts from line 6...
10a
Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources..
b
Unrelated business taxable income (less section 511 taxes) from businesses acquired after June 30, 1975.
c
Add lines 10a and 10b.
11
Net income from unrelated business activities not included in line 10b, whether or not the business is regularly carried on.
12
Other income. Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets (Explain in Part IV.)
13
Total support (Add lines 9, 10c, 11 and 12.).
14
First Five Years
If the Form 990 is for the organization's first, second, third, fourth, or fifth tax year as a 501(c)(3) organization,
check this box and stop here.............................................
Section C. Computation of Public Support Percentage
15
Public Support Percentage for 2011 (line 8 column (f) divided by line 13 column (f))
.........
15
16
Public support percentage from 2010 Schedule A, Part III, line 15
...............
16
Section D. Computation of Investment Income Percentage
17
Investment income percentage for 2011 (line 10c column (f) divided by line 13 column (f))
......
17
18
Investment income percentage from 2010 Schedule A, Part III, line 17
.............
18
19a
33 1/3% support tests—2011.
If the organization did not check the box on line 14, and line 15 is more than 33 1/3% and line 17 is not more than 33 1/3%, check this box and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization
..........
b
33 1/3% support tests—2010.
If the organization did not check a box on line 14 or line 19a, and line 16 is more than 33 1/3% and line 18 is not more than 33 1/3%, check this box and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization
....
20
Private Foundation
If the organization did not check a box on line 14, 19a or 19b, check this box and see instructions
.....
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2011
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2011
Page 4
Part IV
Supplemental Information.
Supplemental Information. Complete this part to provide the explanation required by Part II, line 10; Part II, line 17a or 17b; or Part III, line 12. Also complete this part for any additional information. (See instructions).
Facts And Circumstances Test
Explanation
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2011
Additional Data
Software ID:
Software Version:
-
TIN:
SCHEDULE O (Form 990 or 990-EZ)
Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service
Supplemental Information to Form 990 or 990-EZ
Complete to provide information for responses to specific questions on
Form 990 or to provide any additional information.
Attach to Form 990 or 990-EZ.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2011
Open to Public Inspection
Name of the organization
THE MAIN STREET PROJECT
Employer identification number
20-1788275
Identifier
Return Reference
Explanation
FIRST ACCOMPLISHMENT DESCRIPTION
FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4A
COMMUNITIES-FARIBAULT, WASECA, OWATONNA, CLAREMONT, NEW MARKET AND NORTHFIELD-TO RECRUIT 24 AGRIPRENEUR-TRAINING PARTICIPANTS. AS PART OF OUR OUTREACH WE DEVELOPED PARTNERSHIPS WITH COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICE AGENCIES THREE RIVERS COMMUNITY ACTION AND GROWING UP HEALTHY, TO INTRODUCE OUR TRAINING PROGRAM ALONG WITH ADDITIONAL HEALTH AND HOME-OWNERSHIP RESOURCES TO LOW-INCOME IMMIGRANT FAMILIES IN THE REGION. PRE-TRAINING SURVEYS CONFIRMED THAT THE VAST MAJORITY OF THE 24 TRAINEES HAD AN ANNUAL INCOME OF 20,000 OR LESS. THE DIGITAL DIVIDE WAS APPARENT - TWO-THIRDS OF PARTICIPANTS DID NOT HAVE A COMFORT LEVEL WITH OR REGULAR ACCESS TO COMPUTER AND THE INTERNET. ONLY 17 PERCENT HAD ACCESS TO EMAIL. 21 OF THE 24 PARTICIPANTS COMPLETED THE TRAINING PROGRAM. OF THE 21 TRAINING GRADUATES, ALL WERE LATINO WITH SPANISH BEING THE PRIMARY LANGUAGE SPOKEN; 9 OF THE PARTICIPANTS WERE WOMEN AND 12 WERE MEN. SINCE ALL PARTICIPANTS WORKED AT ONE OR MORE OTHER JOBS, CLASSES WERE OFFERED ON SATURDAYS AND MONDAY NIGHTS. WE OBSERVED THAT WRITING SKILLS (ENGLISH OR SPANISH) WERE AT A LOW LEVEL AND WE MOVED TO ORAL EVALUATION FOR BOTH MEASURING SKILLS AND TRAINING INFORMATION. BASED ON PARTICIPANT FEEDBACK, WE RESTRUCTURED OUR ON-FARM TRAINING AND CREATED A NEW STRATEGY TO BETTER CONNECT AGRIPRENEURS TO FURTHER LAND, TRAINING, AND SUPPORT RESOURCES: A FARM INCUBATOR PROGRAM. THE INCUBATOR SITES ARE YEAR-ROUND POULTRY PRODUCTION FACILITIES THAT - WHEN COMBINED WITH BUSINESS PLANNING AND PRODUCTION SUPPORT, ACCESS TO CAPITAL AND DEPENDABLE MARKETS - CREATE ADDITIONAL YEAR-ROUND INCOME FOR AGRIPRENEURS, ALLOWING THEM TO MOVE ALONG A PATH OUT OF POVERTY. WE BEGAN DEVELOPING THE FIRST FOUR INCUBATOR SITES IN OCTOBER. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIPS ARE THE KEY TO EXPANDING OUR EFFECTIVENESS AND ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY. IN 2011 WE BEGAN DISCUSSIONS WITH ST. OLAF COLLEGE, CARLTON COLLEGE AND THE INSTITUTE FOR AGRICULTURE AND TRADE POLICY ABOUT THE POTENTIAL FOR SERVICE LEARNING PROGRAMS AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH TIED TO OUR FARM TRAINING AND BUSINESS INCUBATOR PROGRAMS. WE ALSO BEGAN A DIALOGUE WITH THE MINNESOTA STATE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITY SYSTEM (MNSCU) ABOUT INCORPORATING OUR AGRIPRENEUR TRAINING CURRICULUM INTO THEIR EXISTING FARM TRAINING PROGRAM.
SECOND ACCOMPLISHMENT DESCRIPTION
FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4B
IN JULY, WE ORGANIZED A TWO-DAY YOUTH MEDIA JUSTICE CAMP IN MINNEAPOLIS THAT INCLUDED BOTH SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AND AN INTRODUCTION TO MEDIA POLICY ISSUES FOR THE 25 PARTICIPANTS. IN CONNECTION WITH THE MULTI-ORGANIZATIONAL YOUTH MURAL PROJECT IN MINNEAPOLIS, WE TRAINED TWO HIGH SCHOOL INTERNS ON INTERVIEWING AND VIDEO PRODUCTION/EDITING. THEY PRODUCED A SERIES OF VIDEOS DOCUMENTING THE SUMMER PROJECT AND PUBLISHED THEM ONLINE. WE ALSO FACILITATED MONTHLY DIGITAL JUSTICE COALITION MEETINGS/CONFERENCE CALLS WITH AN EXPANDING AND DIVERSE GROUP OF 12 COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS' PARTICIPANTS REPRESENTING HOMELESS/LOW-INCOME, TRANSGENDER YOUTH, ORGANIZING WITH COMMUNITIES OF COLOR, MEDIA PRODUCTION, AND PROVIDING ACCESS TO COMPUTERS AT REDUCED OR NO COST. WE WORKED WITH COALITION MEMBER, OPEN ACCESS CONNECTIONS (PRIMARY CONSTITUENCY VERY LOW INCOME AND HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS) AND A RESEARCH ASSISTANT FROM THE CENTER FOR URBAN AND REGIONAL AFFAIRS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA TO DEVELOP AND RELEASE A REPORT AT A COMMUNITY EVENT: ENVISIONING AN INTERNET CENTER FOR HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS. THE EVENT WAS ATTENDED BY PRACTITIONERS, PUBLIC LIBRARY LEADERSHIP, AND GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES, AND WAS COVERED BY THE MEDIA. WHEN OPEN ACCESS CONNECTIONS LAUNCHED THEIR NEW NETBOOK LENDING LIBRARY, WE PROVIDED SUPPORT, CURRICULUM AND PRODUCED A VIDEO DOCUMENTING THE PROCESS. MAIN STREET PROJECT ORGANIZED AND FUNDRAISED TO BRING A 20-PERSON MINNESOTA DELEGATION TO THE ALLIED MEDIA CONFERENCE IN DETROIT. WE ALSO HELPED ORGANIZE THE CONFERENCE MEDIA POLICY TRACK AND FACILITATED A FOLLOW-UP CONVENING OF THE GROUP. IN PARTNERSHIP WITH OTHER DIGITAL JUSTICE COALITION MEMBERS, WE HOSTED A PHONE JUSTICE POLICY DAY IN APRIL; COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION LEADERS ATTENDED THE FIRST HALF OF THE DAY FOR A KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE AND TRAINING; POLICY DECISION MAKERS JOINED US FOR THE SECOND HALF AS WE SHARED INFORMATION AND STORIES TO HELP THEM UNDERSTAND THE ISSUE. MEMBERS OF THE DIGITAL JUSTICE COALITION AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS CREATED RECOMMENDATIONS AND FILED COMMENTS ON THE SAFELINK PROGRAM WITH THE MINNESOTA PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION. COALITION MEMBERS ALSO SIGNED ON TO COMMENTS ABOUT THE UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND THAT THE MEDIA ACTION GRASSROOTS NETWORK (MAG-NET) FILED WITH THE FCC. IN COLLABORATION WITH THE CENTER FOR MEDIA JUSTICE, MAIN STREET PROJECT HOSTED AN OCTOBER ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION IN MINNEAPOLIS WITH FCC COMMISSIONER MICHAEL COPPS. LEADERS FROM 12 COMMUNITY-BASED AND MEDIA PRODUCTION ORGANIZATIONS PARTICIPATED, INCLUDING INDIVIDUALS WORKING WITH THE DIGITAL JUSTICE COALITION. DISCUSSION TOPICS COVERED A WIDE-RANGE OF MEDIA POLICY ISSUES, INCLUDING THE UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND, NET NEUTRALITY, MEDIA CONSOLIDATION, AND LACK OF MINORITY AND FEMALE MEDIA OWNERSHIP.
ORGANIZATION'S PROCESS USED TO REVIEW FORM 990
FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 11B
A COPY OF FORM 990 IS PRESENTED TO THE BOARD FOR ITS REVIEW AND APPROVAL PRIOR TO FILING.
ENFORCEMENT OF CONFLICTS POLICY
FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 12C
THE ORGANIZATION'S BOOKKEEPER/ACCOUNTANT MONITORS THE CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY COMPLIANCE.
GOVERNING DOCUMENTS DISCLOSURE EXPLANATION
FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 19
UPON REQUEST THE ORGANIZATION WILL PROVIDE COPIES OF ITS GOVERNING DOCUMENTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990 or 990-EZ.