Form990
Click to see attachment
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax
Under section 501(c), 527, or 4947(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code (except black lung benefit trust or private foundation)

MediumBullet The organization may have to use a copy of this return to satisfy state reporting requirements.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2011
Open to Public Inspection
A For the calendar year, or tax year beginning 07-01-2011 and ending 06-30-2012
BCheck if applicable:
CName of organization
MINNESOTA PUBLIC INTEREST RESEARCH
GROUP
Doing Business As
 
 
Number and street (or P.O. box if mail is not delivered to street address)
1313 FIFTH STREET SE
ROOM/SUITE 111
Room/suite
City or town, state or country, and ZIP + 4
MINNEAPOLIS, MN55414
D Employer identification number

23-7389068
E Telephone number

G Gross receipts $ 1,026,378
F Name and address of principal officer:
ELENA HAYNES
1313 FIFTH STREET SE
MINNEAPOLIS,MN55414
I
Tax-exempt status: (   ) LeftBullet (insert no.) or
J
Website:MediumBullet
WWW.MPIRG.ORG
H(a)
Is this a group return for
affiliates?
H(b)
Are all affiliates included?
If "No," attach a list. (see instructions)
H(c)
Group exemption number MediumBullet  
K Form of organization:
 
L Year of formation: 1974
M State of legal domicile: MN
Part I
Summary
Activities & Governance 1 Briefly describe the organization’s mission or most significant activities: EMPOWER AND TRAIN STUDENTS AND ENGAGE THE COMMUNITY TO TAKE COLLECTIVE ACTION IN THE PUBLIC.
2 Check this box MediumBullet
3 Number of voting members of the governing body (Part VI, line 1a)..... 3 20
4 Number of independent voting members of the governing body (Part VI, line 1b) .... 4 20
5 Total number of individuals employed in calendar year 2011 (Part V, line 2a) ... 5 77
6 Total number of volunteers (estimate if necessary) .... 6 600
7a Total unrelated business revenue from Part VIII, column (C), line 12 .. 7a 17,050
b Net unrelated business taxable income from Form 990-T, line 34 .. 7b  
Revenues; Prior Year Current Year
8 Contributions and grants (Part VIII, line 1h) ......... 676,440 999,127
9 Program service revenue (Part VIII, line 2g) ......... 20,466 27,045
10 Investment income (Part VIII, column (A), lines 3, 4, and 7d ) ....   0
11 Other revenue (Part VIII, column (A), lines 5, 6d, 8c, 9c, 10c, and 11e) 471 206
12 Total revenue—add lines 8 through 11 (must equal Part VIII, column (A), line 12)................... 697,377 1,026,378
Expenses; 13 Grants and similar amounts paid (Part IX, column (A), lines 1–3 )...   0
14 Benefits paid to or for members (Part IX, column (A), line 4).....   0
15 Salaries, other compensation, employee benefits (Part IX, column (A), lines 5–10) 623,095 815,270
16a Professional fundraising fees (Part IX, column (A), line 11e).....   0
b Total fundraising expenses (Part IX, column (D), line 25) MediumBullet129,148    
17 Other expenses (Part IX, column (A), lines 11a–11d, 11f–24f).... 135,256 144,543
18 Total expenses. Add lines 13–17 (must equal Part IX, column (A), line 25) 758,351 959,813
19 Revenue less expenses. Subtract line 18 from line 12....... -60,974 66,565
Net Assets or Fund Balances; Beginning of Current Year End of Year
20 Total assets (Part X, line 16)............. 29,543 75,556
21 Total liabilities (Part X, line 26)............. 54,916 34,364
22 Net assets or fund balances. Subtract line 21 from line 20..... -25,373 41,192
Part II
Signature Block
Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have examined this return, including accompanying schedules and statements, and to the best of my knowledge and belief, it is true, correct, and complete. Declaration of preparer (other than officer) is based on all information of which preparer has any knowledge.
Sign Here
JumboBullet
Signature of officer Date
JumboBullet
Type or print name and title.
Paid preparer use only
Print/type preparer's name
 
Preparer's signature
Date
PTIN
Firm's name Right pointing arrowhead image

Firm's EIN Right pointing arrowhead image
Firm's address Right pointing arrowhead image



Phone no.
May the IRS discuss this return with the preparer shown above? See instructions .........bullet
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the separate instructions.
Cat. No. 11282Y
Form 990 (2011)
Form 990 (2011)
Page 2
Part III
Statement of Program Service Accomplishments
Check if Schedule O contains a response to any question in this Part III .........
1
Briefly describe the organization’s mission: EMPOWER AND TRAIN STUDENTS AND ENGAGE THE COMMUNITY TO TAKE COLLECTIVE ACTION IN THE PUBLIC.
2
Did the organization undertake any significant program services during the year which were not listed on
the prior Form 990 or 990-EZ? ....................
If “Yes,” describe these new services on Schedule O.
3
Did the organization cease conducting, or make significant changes in how it conducts, any program services? ..........................
If “Yes,” describe these changes on Schedule O.
4
Describe the organization’s program service accomplishments for each of its three largest program services, as measured by expenses. Section 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations and section 4947(a)(1) trusts are required to report the amount of grants and allocations to others, the total expenses, and revenue, if any, for each program service reported.
4a (Code:   ) (Expenses $ 509,335 including grants of $   ) (Revenue $ 9,995 )
COMMUNITY ORGANIZING MPIRG'S COMMUNITY ORGANIZING DEPARTMENT DID EXTENSIVE OUTREACH TO EDUCATE MINNESOTANS ON THE BENEFITS OF ESTABLISHING THE RECYCLING REFUND ACT, WHICH HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED IN SEVERAL OTHER STATES AND PROVIDES FOR A STRONGER FINANCIAL INCENTIVE TO RECYCLE. IN ADDITION, THE FIELD CANVASS REACHED OUT TO MINNEAPOLITANS AND ST. PAULITES TO GAIN CITIZEN SUPPORT FOR CURBSIDE COLLECTION OF COMPOSTABLE WASTE. BEGINNING IN APRIL, THE FIELD CANVASS BEGAN OUTREACH IN OPPOSITION TO TWO STATEWIDE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS ON ESTABLISHING VOTER ID AND BANNING SAME-SEX MARRIAGE. THE FIELD CANVASS PROGRAM KNOCKED ON 187,286 DOORS, REACHED 66,507 MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY ON THIS ISSUE AND GENERATED 527 CONSTITUENT COMMUNICATIONS TO DECISION MAKERS IN SUPPORT OF OUR CAMPAIGNS. THE PHONE CANVASS PROGRAM REACHED OVER 16,707 OF MPIRG'S MEMBERS, EDUCATED THEM ON THE BENEFITS OF THE RECYCLING REFUND ACT AND ENCOURAGED THEM TO VOTE "NO" ON THE TWO CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS, AND HAD OVER 5,202 MEMBERS MAKE CALLS TO THEIR ELECTED OFFICIALS IN SUPPORT OF CHEMICAL POLICY REFORM AND A SINGLE PAYER HEALTH CARE SYSTEM. IN TOTAL, MPIRG'S COMMUNITY ORGANIZING PROGRAM MADE OVER 83,214 DIRECT CONTACTS - EDUCATING THEM ON MPIRG'S PUBLIC INTEREST ISSUES - AND GENERATED OVER 5,729 CONTACTS TO ELECTED OFFICIALS IN SUPPORT OF THOSE SAME ISSUES.
4b (Code:   ) (Expenses $ 191,786 including grants of $   ) (Revenue $   )
CAMPUS ORGANIZING LOCAL INITIATIVES - MPIRG CAMPUS CHAPTERS MPIRG'S CHAPTERS WORK ON BOTH STATEWIDE AS WELL AS LOCAL CAMPAIGNS. EACH CHAPTER CHOOSES THEIR ISSUE PRIORITIES ON AN ANNUAL BASIS, WITH A FOCUS ON STATEWIDE PRIORITIES. IN TOTAL, MPIRG HAS OVER 300 ACTIVE STUDENT MEMBERS WITH OVER 600 THAT ARE ENGAGED AT SOME POINT OVER THE COURSE OF THE YEAR. UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA - TWIN CITIES 31 EVENTS, 5120 REACHED, AND 543 VOLUNTEER HOURS. GREEN ECONOMY MPIRG STUDENTS ACTIVELY SUPPORTED THE TRANSITION TO A GREEN ECONOMY. THEY HELD NUMEROUS EVENTS TO ENGAGE THE STUDENT BODY IN UTILIZING TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES, SUCH AS BIKING, WALKING AND TRANSIT, PROMOTED GREEN CLEANING SUPPLIES, ENERGY EFFICIENCY, SUSTAINABLE LIVING, AND THE GREEN JOB REVOLUTION. STUDENTS WORKED AGGRESSIVELY TO SEE THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA BECOME A SUPPORTER OF SECURING STATE BONDING SUPPORT FOR SOLAR PROJECTS. WHILE PROGRESS WAS MADE, WE CAME UP SHORT OF OBTAINING OFFICIAL SUPPORT FOR SOLAR IN MINNESOTA. AT THE CAPITOL, STUDENTS SUPPORTED A SOLAR ELECTRICITY STANDARD OF 10% BY 2030 BY LOBBYING THEIR ELECTED OFFICIALS AS WELL AS DELIVERING 100S OF POSTCARDS IN SUPPORT OF THE POLICY. STUDENTS ALSO WORKED TO "BAN THE BOTTLE" AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA BY DRAWING ATTENTION TO THE WASTE OF PLASTIC BOTTLES AS WELL AS THE EXTREMELY HIGH QUALITY OF MINNEAPOLIS WATER. MPIRG STUDENTS ALSO WORKED TO EXPAND RECYCLING BY FRATERNITY AND SORORITIES AT THE U. FAIR TRADE MPIRG STUDENTS PROVIDED NUMEROUS EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES ABOUT FAIR TRADE ISSUES, INCLUDING HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES, FAIR TRADE PRACTICES, FAIR TRADE PRODUCTS, AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES. THE BULK OF THIS WORK TOOK PLACE DURING FAIR TRADE WEEK IN OCTOBER. DEMOCRACY MPIRG STUDENTS WERE ACTIVE IN PROMOTING STUDENT PARTICIPATION IN THE SENATE DISTRICT 59 SENATE SPECIAL ELECTION. THIS NONPARTISAN ELECTION EFFORT INVOLVED VOTER REGISTRATION, VOTER EDUCATION EVENTS, AND A PUSH TO GET YOUNG PEOPLE TO THE POLLS ON ELECTION DAY. STUDENTS THEN HELD AN IN-DISTRICT MEETING WITH THE ELECTED SENATOR DZIEDZIC TO DISCUSS STUDENTS' LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES. AT THE SAME TIME, MPIRGERS WORKED TO ESTABLISH A POLICY THAT WOULD PROVIDE FOR AN EXCUSED ABSENCE FROM CLASS FOR VOTING, WHICH WAS ADOPTED BY THE POLITICAL SCIENCE DEPARTMENT AND RESULTED IN MANY PROFESSORS PROMOTING ACTIVE STUDENT ENGAGEMENT IN THE DEMOCRATIC PROCESS. STUDENTS IN THIS CHAPTER WE VERY ENGAGED IN MPIRG'S EFFORTS AT THE CAPITOL TO OPPOSE VOTER ID CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT, INCLUDING TESTIMONY AND RALLIES. ON CAMPUS, STUDENTS WORKED TO FORM KEY ALLIANCES WITH OTHER STUDENT GROUPS IN OPPOSITION TO THE ANTI-MARRIAGE AMENDMENT AND BEGAN PLEDGING STUDENTS TO VOTE "NO" ON THIS HARMFUL AMENDMENT. UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA - DULUTH 26 EVENTS, 3112 REACHED, AND 658 VOLUNTEER HOURS. GREEN ECONOMY MPIRG STUDENTS ACTIVELY SUPPORTED THE TRANSITION TO A GREEN ECONOMY. THEY HELD NUMEROUS EVENTS TO ENGAGE THE STUDENT BODY IN UTILIZING TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES, SUCH AS BIKING, WALKING AND TRANSIT, AND PROMOTED SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH EDUCATIONAL EVENTS AND MATERIALS. BECAUSE OF A GRANT FROM THE DULUTH SUPERIOR AREA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION, MPIRG FORMED A PARTNERSHIP WITH THE DULUTH TRANSIT AUTHORITY AND THE CITY OF DULUTH TO CONDUCT A SURVEY OF STUDENTS AND PROPOSE IMPROVEMENTS TO TRANSIT SYSTEM THAT BETTER SERVE THIS POPULATION. THE FIRST PHASE IS COMPLETE AND INVOLVED 1) AN ON-BUS SURVEY OF TRANSIT RIDERS AND 2) A SURVEY OF STUDENTS LIVING IN CAMPUS HOUSING. THIS WORK IS ONGOING AND WILL ENTER THE SECOND PHASE IN THE NEXT ACADEMIC YEAR. DEMOCRACY MPIRG STUDENTS WERE ACTIVE IN FORMING KEY ALLIANCES WITH OTHER STUDENT GROUPS IN OPPOSITION TO THE ANTI-MARRIAGE AMENDMENT AND BEGAN PLEDGING STUDENTS TO VOTE "NO" ON THIS HARMFUL AMENDMENT. THEY PRODUCED A VIDEO ENCOURAGING THEIR PEERS TO VOTE "NO" THAT WAS WELL RECEIVED VIA SOCIAL MEDIA. THE CHAPTER ALSO WORKED AGGRESSIVELY TO STOP THE PASSAGE OF THE VOTER ID CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT, INCLUDING TESTIFYING AT THE STATE LEGISLATURE AND HOSTING SEVERAL CAMPUS EDUCATIONAL EVENTS IN THE AMENDMENTS HARMFUL IMPACTS TO STUDENTS, SENIORS, LOW-INCOME MINNESOTANS, AND MILITARY PERSONNEL. UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA - MORRIS 10 EVENTS, 476 REACHED, 97 VOLUNTEER HOURS GREEN ECONOMY MPIRG STUDENTS IN MORRIS PRODUCED AN EXTENSIVE BUYER'S GUIDE FOR THE MORRIS AREA, WHICH INCLUDED INFORMATION ABOUT VENDORS AND THEIR PRODUCTS: ORGANIC OPTIONS, FAIR TRADE PRODUCTS, FREE-RANGE/GRASS-FED MEAT, LOCALLY GROWN/MADE FOOD, AND OTHER SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS. THESE GUIDES WERE DISTRIBUTED WIDELY ON CAMPUS AND IN THE COMMUNITY. HIGHER EDUCATION MORRIS MPIRGERS PILOTED AN EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAM TO DISCOVER SMART BUYING PRACTICES FOR STUDENTS. THIS PROGRAM INCLUDED INNOVATIVE OPTION SUCH AS BULK BUYING FOR DORM FLOORS AND SHARED HOUSES, TIPS ON HOW TO SAVE MONEY AS A COLLEGE STUDENT, AND MORE. AUGSBURG COLLEGE 14 EVENTS, 805 REACHED, AND 133 VOLUNTEER HOURS DEMOCRACY MPIRG STUDENTS WERE ACTIVE IN FORMING KEY ALLIANCES WITH OTHER STUDENT GROUPS IN OPPOSITION TO THE ANTI-MARRIAGE AMENDMENT AND BEGAN PLEDGING STUDENTS TO VOTE "NO" ON THIS HARMFUL AMENDMENT. THEY HOSTED SEVERAL CAMPUS WIDE TRAININGS ON HOW TO ENGAGE THE COMMUNITY IN OPPOSITION TO THE ANTI-MARRIAGE AMENDMENT. THE CHAPTER ALSO WORKED AGGRESSIVELY TO STOP THE PASSAGE OF THE VOTER ID CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT BY HOSTING A CALL-IN DAY FOR STUDENTS TO THEIR ELECTED OFFICIALS. FINALLY, STUDENTS HELD AN IN-DISTRICT MEETING WITH REPRESENTATIVE KAHN TO DISCUSS STUDENTS' LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES. GREEN ECONOMY AUGSBURG MPIRGERS WERE ACTIVE PROPONENTS OF OUR TRANSITION TO A GREEN ECONOMY. THEY HOSTED SEVERAL EVENTS TO PROMOTE TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES AND BETTER WASTE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES. THEY HOSTED A "SOLAR PANEL" WHICH INCLUDED KEY ADVOCATES AND SPEAKERS IN SUPPORT OF MORE SOLAR ENERGY IN MINNESOTA'S RENEWABLE ENERGY MIX. THEY ALSO GARNERED STUDENT OPPOSITION TO ATTACKS ON THE CLEAN AIR ACT THROUGH TABLING AND CALLS TO ELECTED OFFICIALS. FINALLY, THEY ALSO WORKED TO "BAN THE BOTTLE" THROUGH STARTING A PETITION IN SUPPORT OF BANNING BOTTLED WATER ON CAMPUS. AWARDS THE AUGSBURG MPIRG CHAPTER RECEIVED TWO AWARDS THIS PAST ACADEMIC YEAR: STUDENT GROUP OF THE YEAR AWARD AND ONE FOR THEIR WORK MAKING THE COMMUNITY A BETTER PLACE FOR THE LGBTQIA COMMUNITY. ST. CATHERINE UNIVERSITY 10 EVENTS, 241 REACHED, 73 VOLUNTEER HOURS GREEN ECONOMY MPIRGERS AT ST. KATE'S WORKED ALONGSIDE OTHER CHAPTERS IN GENERATING OPPOSITION TO PROPOSED ROLLBACKS OF CLEAN AIR ACT PROTECTIONS. GENDER AND SEXUALITY INITIATIVES THE ST. KATE'S CHAPTER CONTINUED TO LEAD THE WAY ON AWARENESS AROUND ISSUES RELATED TO GENDER AND SEXUALITY. THEY HOSTED SEVERAL CAMPUS EDUCATIONAL EVENTS PROMOTING HEALTHY BODY IMAGE AND DISCUSSING IMPORTANT WOMEN'S RIGHTS ISSUES. FOOD JUSTICE ST. KATE'S MPIRGERS ALSO WORKED TO RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT THE FOOD WE EAT, WHERE IT COMES FROM, AND THE IMPACTS OUR FOOD DECISIONS HAVE ON OUR LIVES AND THE LIVES OF THOSE WHO PRODUCE. THEY HOSTED SEVERAL EDUCATION EVENTS ON THIS TOPIC AND FORMED A CAMPUS COALITION TO BROADEN THEIR REACH AND IMPACT OF THIS CAMPAIGN. DEMOCRACY STUDENTS HELD AN IN-DISTRICT MEETING WITH REPRESENTATIVE PAYMAR TO DISCUSS STUDENTS' LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES. HAMLINE UNIVERSITY 14 EVENTS, 730 REACHED, AND 113 VOLUNTEER HOURS DEMOCRACY MPIRG STUDENTS WERE ACTIVE IN FORMING KEY ALLIANCES WITH OTHER STUDENT GROUPS IN OPPOSITION TO THE ANTI-MARRIAGE AMENDMENT AND BEGAN PLEDGING STUDENTS TO VOTE "NO" ON THIS HARMFUL AMENDMENT. THEY HOSTED SEVERAL EDUCATION EVENTS, INCLUDING A VERY SUCCESSFUL SPEAKOUT OPEN MIC EVENT IN OPPOSITION TO THE ANTI-MARRIAGE AMENDMENT. THE CHAPTER HELD VOTER ID DEMONSTRATIONS THAT INCLUDED VIDEOS, MULTIMEDIA, AND INTERACTIVE GAMES TO PROMOTE AWARENESS ABOUT THE CHALLENGES VOTER ID WOULD PRESENT TO STUDENTS. HAMLINE MPIRGERS ALSO WORKED TO EDUCATE THEIR PEERS ABOUT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF RANKED CHOICE VOTING (RCV) IN THE LOCAL ST. PAUL CITY ELECTIONS. GREEN ECONOMY THE HAMLINE CHAPTER, MUCH LIKE OTHER MPIRG CHAPTERS, WORKED TO PROTECT THE INTEGRITY OF THE FEDERAL CLEAN AIR ACT THROUGH GRASSROOTS ACTION. FINALLY, THEY ALSO WORKED TO "BAN THE BOTTLE" AND CONDUCTED WATER TASTE TESTS THAT DEMONSTRATED THAT STUDENTS ACTUALLY PREFERRED TAP TO BOTTLED WATER. FAIR TRADE THE CHAPTER CONTINUED ITS EFFORTS TO PROMOTE FAIR TRADE PRODUCTS, SUCH AS ALTA GRACIA, A SWEAT-SHOP FREE APPAREL COMPANY. THEY SUCCEED IN GETTING ALTA GRACIA IN THE CAMPUS BOOKSTORE. MACALESTER COLLEGE 19 EVENTS, 907 REACHED, 218 VOLUNTEER HOURS HEALTH CARE MACPIRG WAS ACTIVE HOSTING EDUCATIONAL EVENTS ON HEALTH CARE IN AMERICA RELATIVE TO OTHER COUNTRIES, AS WELL AS HEALTH CARE IMPLEMENTATION INFORMATION. CORPORATE ACCOUNTABILITY MPIRG STUDENTS WORKED TO ESTABLISH BETTER PROCUREMENT PRACTICES BY MACALESTER COLLEGE WITH RESPECT TO HOTELS THE COLLEGE USES TO HOUSE TRAVELING STAFF AND/OR VISITORS. THE ALSO BEGAN INVESTIGATING THE SIZE AND BENEFICIARIES OF THE COLLEGE'S ENDOWMENTS TO ENSURE ALIGNMENT WITH THE COLLEGE'S MISSION. DEMOCRACY
4c (Code:   ) (Expenses $ 41,254 including grants of $   ) (Revenue $   )
ISSUE ADVOCACY CHEMICAL POLICY REFORM MPIRG WAS REPRESENTED IN HIGH LEVEL DISCUSSIONS ON POTENTIAL CONSENSUS ITEMS IN CHEMICAL POLICY MANAGEMENT IN MINNESOTA THROUGH A STAKEHOLDER PROCESS HOSTED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVE. WHILE CONSENSUS WAS NEVER REACHED, THE EFFORT SERVED AN IMPORTANT CONVERSATION ON HOW PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS CAN BE FORGED TO DETERMINE POTENTIAL COLLABORATION TO ACHIEVE SAFE PRODUCTS THAT ALSO MEET PRIVATE SECTOR NEEDS. GREEN ECONOMY THIS PAST YEAR, MPIRG HAS WORKED ACTIVELY TO ESTABLISH CURBSIDE COLLECTION OF COMPOSTABLE MATERIALS IN MINNEAPOLIS AND ST. PAUL. MPIRG HAS ENGAGED THOUSANDS OF COMMUNITY MEMBERS IN THE TWIN CITIES IN SUPPORT OF THESE POLICIES. IN ST. PAUL, MPIRG HAS WORKED TO SEE CURBSIDE COLLECTION OF COMPOST PUT INTO THE CITY BUDGET. IN MINNEAPOLIS, MPIRG HAS WORKED TO ENCOURAGE CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS TO ESTABLISH AN ORDINANCE TO BEGIN CURBSIDE COLLECTION OF COMPOSTABLES. IN ADDITION, MPIRG AND OUR STUDENT LEADERS HAVE BEEN WORKING TO OPPOSE THE PROPOSED EXPANSION OF GARBAGE INCINERATION AT THE HENNEPIN ENERGY RECOVERY CENTER (HERC) AND HAVE REPORT FORTHCOMING OUTLINING CONCERNS OF SUCH AN EXPANSION. AT THE CAPITOL, MPIRG STUDENTS SUPPORTED A SOLAR ELECTRICITY STANDARD OF 10% BY 2030. AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL, MPIRG'S CHAPTERS COLLECTIVELY GARNERED OVER 1,500 SIGNATURES FROM STUDENTS IN OPPOSITION TO PROPOSED ROLLBACKS OF CLEAN AIR ACT PROTECTIONS TO PUBLIC HEALTH. THESE ROLLBACKS WERE NEVER PASSED. AFFORDABLE HIGHER EDUCATION MPIRG'S CHAPTERS ARE WORKING TO FINALIZE DEBT YEARBOOKS, WHICH CONTAIN THE TESTIMONIALS OF HUNDREDS OF STUDENTS BURDENED WITH HIGHER EDUCATION DEBT. MPIRG CONTINUES TO WORK TO PROVIDE AN ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF A PROPOSED POLICY THAT INCREASES COLLEGE ACCESS AND DECREASES HIGHER EDUCATION DEBT BURDENS. OUR GOAL WOULD BE TO RELEASE THAT REPORT AND REACH OUT TO ELECTED OFFICIALS IN SUPPORT OF THAT POLICY DURING THE 2013 STATE LEGISLATIVE SESSION. CIVIC ENGAGEMENT DURING THE 2012 STATE LEGISLATIVE SESSION, MPIRG WORKED TO PREVENT PASSAGE OF A PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT ON VOTER PHOTO ID. MPIRG OPPOSED THIS BECAUSE OF ITS NEGATIVE IMPACT ON STUDENT VOTERS, MANY OF WHOM WOULD BE UNABLE TO CAST A BALLOT IN MINNESOTA IF THE PROPOSED CHANGES WERE ADOPTED. IN ADDITION, THE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT WOULD HAVE A SIMILAR IMPACT ON THOUSANDS OF SENIORS AND LOW-INCOME MINNESOTANS. STUDENTS TESTIFIED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS ON THE NEGATIVE IMPACT TO STUDENTS AND THE FAILURE OF THE POLICY TO ADDRESS FRAUD AS THE AUTHORS SUGGESTED. IN THE END, THE BILL WAS PASSED AND VOTERS WILL DECIDE ON NOVEMBER 6, 2012 WHETHER IT SHOULD BE PUT IN THE MINNESOTA CONSTITUTION. MPIRG'S FIELD CANVASS, PHONE CANVASS, AND CAMPUS ORGANIZING PROGRAM HAVE ALL TRANSITIONED TO AN EFFORT TO DEFEAT THIS CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT, AS WELL AS ONE BANNING SAME SEX MARRIAGE, AS BOTH OF THESE AMENDMENTS WOULD NEGATIVELY COMMUNITIES ACROSS MINNESOTA. RESEARCH AND PUBLIC EDUCATION IN MAY OF 2012, MPIRG CONDUCTED A STUDENT PUBLIC POLICY OPINION POLL ON EIGHT COLLEGE CAMPUSES STATEWIDE. THE POLL EXAMINED STUDENTS' PERSPECTIVES AND OPINIONS ON A WIDE VARIETY OF PUBLIC POLICY ISSUES. THE RESULTS OF THAT SURVEY HAVE BEEN SHARED WITH THE MEDIA, CANDIDATES FOR PUBLIC OFFICE, AND OTHER DECISION MAKERS AND OPINION LEADERS TO BETTER INFORM THEM AND THE COMMUNITY OF THE ISSUES MOST IMPORTANT TO THE YOUTH OF MINNESOTA. MPIRG HAS BEEN WORKING FOR A YEAR AND HALF ON AN ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF THE COSTS AND BENEFITS OF A POLICY PROPOSAL KNOWN AS "OPPORTUNITY MINNESOTA" WITH A PROFESSOR OF APPLIED ECONOMICS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA - TWIN CITIES CAMPUS. THE POLICY PROVIDES FOR STUDENT DEBT RELIEF FOR COLLEGE GRADUATES WHO STAY AND WORK IN MINNESOTA. THE RESULTS OF THAT ECONOMIC ANALYSIS, WHEN FINISHED, WILL BE USED TO PRODUCE A REPORT THAT MPIRG'S STUDENT LEADERS WILL SHARE WITH STATE LEGISLATORS TO RELIEVE THE INCREASING BURDEN OF STUDENT DEBT. FINALLY, MPIRG IS NEARING COMPLETION ON A REPORT WHICH OUTLINES THE CHALLENGES RELATED TO AN EXPANSION OF GARBAGE INCINERATION IN MINNEAPOLIS. MPIRG HOSTS NUMEROUS PUBLIC EDUCATION EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. MPIRG'S ORGANIZING WORK, AS DESCRIBED BELOW, HAS A PRIMARY PURPOSE OF PUBLIC EDUCATION ON KEY PUBLIC INTEREST ISSUES.
4d Other program services (Describe in Schedule O.)
(Expenses $   including grants of $   ) (Revenue $   )
4e Total program service expensesMediumBullet$ 742,375
Form 990 (2011)
Form 990 (2011)
Page 3
Part IV
Checklist of Required Schedules
Yes
No
1
Is the organization described in section 501(c)(3) or 4947(a)(1) (other than a private foundation)? If “Yes,” complete Schedule AClick to see attachment.....................
1
Yes
 
2
Is the organization required to complete Schedule B, Schedule of Contributors? Click to see attachment........
2
Yes
 
3
Did the organization engage in direct or indirect political campaign activities on behalf of or in opposition to candidates for public office? If “Yes,” complete Schedule C, Part IClick to see attachment..........
3
 
No
4
Section 501(c)(3) organizations. Did the organization engage in lobbying activities? If “Yes,” complete Schedule C,
Part IIClick to see attachment.........................
4
Yes
 
5
Is the organization a section 501(c)(4), 501(c)(5), or 501(c)(6) organization that receives membership dues, assessments, or similar amounts as defined in Revenue Procedure 98-19? If “Yes,” complete Schedule C, Part IIIClick to see attachment........................
5
 
No
6
Did the organization maintain any donor advised funds or any similar funds or accounts for which donors have the right to provide advice on the distribution or investment of amounts in such funds or accounts? If “Yes,” complete Schedule D, Part IClick to see attachment....................
6
 
No
7
Did the organization receive or hold a conservation easement, including easements to preserve open space,
the environment, historic land areas or historic structures? If “Yes,” complete Schedule D, Part IIClick to see attachment...
7
 
No
8
Did the organization maintain collections of works of art, historical treasures, or other similar assets? If “Yes,” complete Schedule D, Part III Click to see attachment....................
8
 
No
9
Did the organization report an amount in Part X, line 21; serve as a custodian for amounts not listed in Part X; or provide credit counseling, debt management, credit repair, or debt negotiation services? If “Yes,”
complete Schedule D, Part IVClick to see attachment...................
9
 
No
10
Did the organization, directly or through a related organization, hold assets in temporarily restricted endowments, permanent endowments, or quasi-endowments? If “Yes,” complete Schedule D, Part VClick to see attachment
10
 
No
11
If the organization’s answer to any of the following questions is ‘Yes,’ then complete Schedule D, Parts VI, VII, VIII, IX, or X as applicable:
a
Did the organization report an amount for land, buildings, and equipment in Part X, line10? If “Yes,” complete Schedule D, Part VI.Click to see attachment
11a
Yes
 
b
Did the organization report an amount for investments—other securities in Part X, line 12 that is 5% or more of its total assets reported in Part X, line 16? If “Yes,” complete Schedule D, Part VII.Click to see attachment
11b
 
No
c
Did the organization report an amount for investments—program related in Part X, line 13 that is 5% or more of its total assets reported in Part X, line 16? If “Yes,” complete Schedule D, Part VIII.Click to see attachment
11c
 
No
d
Did the organization report an amount for other assets in Part X, line 15 that is 5% or more of its total assets reported in Part X, line 16? If “Yes,” complete Schedule D, Part IX.Click to see attachment
11d
 
No
e
Did the organization report an amount for other liabilities in Part X, line 25? If “Yes,” complete Schedule D, Part X.Click to see attachment
11e
 
No
f
Did the organization’s separate or consolidated financial statements for the tax year include a footnote that addresses the organization’s liability for uncertain tax positions under FIN 48 (ASC 740)? If “Yes,” complete Schedule D, Part X.Click to see attachment
11f
 
No
12a
Did the organization obtain separate, independent audited financial statements for the tax year?
If “Yes,” complete Schedule D, Parts XI, XII, and XIII Click to see attachment
12a
Yes
 
b
Was the organization included in consolidated, independent audited financial statements for the tax year? If “Yes,” and if the organization answered ‘No’ to line 12a, then completing Schedule D, Parts XI, XII, and XIII is optional Click to see attachment
12b
 
No
13
Is the organization a school described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(ii)? If “Yes,” complete Schedule E
13
 
No
14a
Did the organization maintain an office, employees, or agents outside of the United States?....
14a
 
No
b
Did the organization have aggregate revenues or expenses of more than $10,000 from grantmaking, fundraising, business, investment, and program service activities outside the United States or aggregate foreign investments valued at $100,000 or more? If “Yes,” complete Schedule F, Part I.........
14b
 
No
15
Did the organization report on Part IX, column (A), line 3, more than $5,000 of grants or assistance to any organization or entity located outside the U.S.? If “Yes,” complete Schedule F, Part II..
15
 
No
16
Did the organization report on Part IX, column (A), line 3, more than $5,000 of aggregate grants or assistance to individuals located outside the U.S.? If “Yes,” complete Schedule F, Part III..
16
 
No
17
Did the organization report a total of more than $15,000, of expenses for professional fundraising services on Part IX, column (A), lines 6 and 11e? If “Yes,” complete Schedule G, Part I
17
 
No
18
Did the organization report more than $15,000 total of fundraising event gross income and contributions on Part VIII, lines 1c and 8a? If “Yes,” complete Schedule G, Part II..........
18
 
No
19
Did the organization report more than $15,000 of gross income from gaming activities on Part VIII, line 9a? If “Yes,” complete Schedule G, Part III...................
19
 
No
20a
Did the organization operate one or more hospitals? If “Yes,” complete Schedule H.....
20a
 
No
b
If “Yes” to line 20a, did the organization attach a copy of its audited financial statement to this return? Note. All Form 990 filers that operated one or more hospitals must attach audited financial statements.
20b
 
 
Form 990 (2011)
Form 990 (2011)
Page 4
Part IV
Checklist of Required Schedules (continued)
21
Did the organization report more than $5,000 of grants and other assistance to any government or organization in the United States on Part IX, column (A), line 1? If “Yes,” complete Schedule I, Parts I and II..
21
 
No
22
Did the organization report more than $5,000 of grants and other assistance to individuals in the United States on Part IX, column (A), line 2? If “Yes,” complete Schedule I, Parts I and III.....
22
 
No
23
Did the organization answer “Yes” to Part VII, Section A, questions 3, 4, or 5, about compensation of the organization’s current and former officers, directors, trustees, key employees, and highest compensated employees? If “Yes,” complete Schedule J................
23
 
No
24a
Did the organization have a tax-exempt bond issue with an outstanding principal amount of more than $100,000 as of the last day of the year, that was issued after December 31, 2002? If “Yes,” answer questions 24b–24d and complete Schedule K. If “No,” go to line 25................
24a
 
No
b
Did the organization invest any proceeds of tax-exempt bonds beyond a temporary period exception?...
24b
 
 
c
Did the organization maintain an escrow account other than a refunding escrow at any time during the year
to defease any tax-exempt bonds?......................
24c
 
 
d
Did the organization act as an “on behalf of” issuer for bonds outstanding at any time during the year?...
24d
 
 
25a
Section 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations. Did the organization engage in an excess benefit transaction with a disqualified person during the year? If “Yes,” complete Schedule L, Part I...... Click to see attachment
25a
 
No
b
Is the organization aware that it engaged in an excess benefit transaction with a disqualified person in a prior year, and that the transaction has not been reported on any of the organization’s prior Forms 990 or 990-EZ? If “Yes,” complete Schedule L, Part I................ Click to see attachment
25b
 
No
26
Was a loan to or by a current or former officer, director, trustee, key employee, highly compensated employee, or disqualified person outstanding as of the end of the organization’s tax year? If “Yes,” complete Schedule L,
Part II......................... Click to see attachment
26
 
No
27
Did the organization provide a grant or other assistance to an officer, director, trustee, key employee, substantial contributor or employee thereof, a grant selection committee member, or to a 35% controlled entity or family member of any of these persons? If “Yes,” complete Schedule L, Part III......... Click to see attachment
27
 
No
28
Was the organization a party to a business transaction with one of the following parties? (see Schedule L, Part IV instructions for applicable filing thresholds, conditions, and exceptions):
a
A current or former officer, director, trustee, or key employee? If “Yes,” complete Schedule L, Part IV ......................... Click to see attachment
28a
 
No
b
A family member of a current or former officer, director, trustee, or key employee? If “Yes,”
complete Schedule L, Part IV................... Click to see attachment
28b
Yes
 
c
An entity of which a current or former officer, director, trustee, or key employee (or a family member thereof) was an officer, director, trustee, or owner? If “Yes,” complete Schedule L, Part IV.. Click to see attachment
28c
 
No
29
Did the organization receive more than $25,000 in non-cash contributions? If “Yes,” complete Schedule M
29
 
No
30
Did the organization receive contributions of art, historical treasures, or other similar assets, or qualified conservation contributions? If “Yes,” complete Schedule M............
30
 
No
31
Did the organization liquidate, terminate, or dissolve and cease operations? If “Yes,” complete Schedule N,
Part I...........................
31
 
No
32
Did the organization sell, exchange, dispose of, or transfer more than 25% of its net assets? If “Yes,” complete Schedule N, Part II.......................
32
 
No
33
Did the organization own 100% of an entity disregarded as separate from the organization under Regulations sections 301.7701-2 and 301.7701-3? If “Yes,” complete Schedule R, Part I........
33
 
No
34
Was the organization related to any tax-exempt or taxable entity? If “Yes,” complete Schedule R, Parts II, III, IV, and V, line 1.....................
34
 
No
35a
Did the organization have a controlled entity within the meaning of section 512(b)(13)?
35a
 
No
b
If ‘Yes’ to line 35a, did the organization receive any payment from or engage in any transaction with a controlled entity within the meaning of section 512(b)(13)? If “Yes,” complete Schedule R, Part V, line 2...
35b
 
No
36
Section 501(c)(3) organizations. Did the organization make any transfers to an exempt non-charitable related organization? If “Yes,” complete Schedule R, Part V, line 2...........
36
 
No
37
Did the organization conduct more than 5% of its activities through an entity that is not a related organization and that is treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes? If “Yes,” complete Schedule R, Part VI
37
 
No
38
Did the organization complete Schedule O and provide explanations in Schedule O for Part VI, lines 11 and 19? Note. All Form 990 filers are required to complete Schedule O. ............
38
Yes
 
Form 990 (2011)
Form 990 (2011)
Page 5
Part V
Statements Regarding Other IRS Filings and Tax Compliance
Check if Schedule O contains a response to any question in this Part V .........
Yes
No
1a
Enter the number reported in Box 3 of Form 1096. Enter -0- if not applicable. .......
1a
0
b
Enter the number of Forms W-2G included in line 1a. Enter -0- if not applicable.
1b
0
c
Did the organization comply with backup withholding rules for reportable payments to vendors and reportable gaming (gambling) winnings to prize winners? ..................
1c
Yes
 
2a
Enter the number of employees reported on Form W-3, Transmittal of Wage and Tax Statements filed for the calendar year ending with or within the year covered by this return .....................
2a
77
b
If at least one is reported on line 2a, did the organization file all required federal employment tax returns?

Note. If the sum of lines 1a and 2a is greater than 250, you may be required to e-file. (see instructions)
2b
Yes
 
3a
Did the organization have unrelated business gross income of $1,000 or more during the year?.............................
3a
 
No
b
If “Yes,” has it filed a Form 990-T for this year? If “No,” provide an explanation in Schedule O.....
3b
 
 
4a
At any time during the calendar year, did the organization have an interest in, or a signature or other authority over, a financial account in a foreign country (such as a bank account or securities account)?.......................
4a
 
No
b
If "Yes," enter the name of the foreign country: MediumBullet
See instructions for filing requirements for Form TD F 90-22.1, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts.
5a
Was the organization a party to a prohibited tax shelter transaction at any time during the tax year?..
5a
 
No
b
Did any taxable party notify the organization that it was or is a party to a prohibited tax shelter transaction?
5b
 
No
c
If “Yes” to line 5a or 5b, did the organization file Form 8886-T? ........
5c
 
 
6a
Does the organization have annual gross receipts that are normally greater than $100,000, and did the organization solicit any contributions that were not tax deductible?..........
6a
 
No
b
If “Yes,” did the organization include with every solicitation an express statement that such contributions or gifts were not tax deductible?........................
6b
 
 
7
Organizations that may receive deductible contributions under section 170(c).
a
Did the organization receive a payment in excess of $75 made partly as a contribution and partly for goods and services provided to the payor?....................
7a
 
 
b
If “Yes,” did the organization notify the donor of the value of the goods or services provided?.....
7b
 
 
c
Did the organization sell, exchange, or otherwise dispose of tangible personal property for which it was required to file Form 8282?...........................
7c
 
 
d
If “Yes,” indicate the number of Forms 8282 filed during the year ....
7d
 
e
Did the organization receive any funds, directly or indirectly, to pay premiums on a personal benefit contract?..........................
7e
 
 
f
Did the organization, during the year, pay premiums, directly or indirectly, on a personal benefit contract?..
7f
 
 
g
If the organization received a contribution of qualified intellectual property, did the organization file Form 8899 as required?...................
7g
 
 
h
If the organization received a contribution of cars, boats, airplanes, or other vehicles, did the organization file a Form 1098-C?...............
7h
 
 
8
Sponsoring organizations maintaining donor advised funds and section 509(a)(3) supporting organizations. Did the supporting organization, or a donor advised fund maintained by a sponsoring organization, have excess business holdings at any time during the year?................
8
 
 
9
Sponsoring organizations maintaining donor advised funds.
a
Did the organization make any taxable distributions under section 4966?.........
9a
 
 
b
Did the organization make a distribution to a donor, donor advisor, or related person?......
9b
 
 
10
Section 501(c)(7) organizations. Enter:
a
Initiation fees and capital contributions included on Part VIII, line 12 ...
10a
 
b
Gross receipts, included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 12, for public use of club facilities
10b
 
11
Section 501(c)(12) organizations. Enter:
a
Gross income from members or shareholders .........
11a
 
b
Gross income from other sources (Do not net amounts due or paid to other sources against amounts due or received from them) ........
11b
 
12a
Section 4947(a)(1) non-exempt charitable trusts. Is the organization filing Form 990 in lieu of Form 1041?
12a
 
 
b
If “Yes,” enter the amount of tax-exempt interest received or accrued during the year.
12b
 
13
Section 501(c)(29) qualified nonprofit health insurance issuers.
a
Is the organization licensed to issue qualified health plans in more than one state?
Note. All 501(c)(29) organizations must list in Schedule O each state in which they are licensed to issue qualified health plans, the amount of reserves required by each state, and the amount of reserves the organization allocated to each state.
13a
 
 
b
Enter the aggregate amount of reserves the organization is required to maintain by the states in which the organization is licensed to issue qualified health plans.
13b
 
c
Enter the aggregate amount of reserves on hand.
13c
 
14a
Did the organization receive any payments for indoor tanning services during the tax year?.....
14a
 
 
b
If "Yes," has it filed a Form 720 to report these payments? If “No,” provide an explanation in Schedule O..
14b
 
 
Form 990 (2011)
Form 990 (2011)
Page 6
Part VI
Governance, Management, and Disclosure For each “Yes” response to lines 2 through 7b below, and for a “No” response to lines 8a, 8b, or 10b below, describe the circumstances, processes, or changes in Schedule O. See instructions.
Check if Schedule O contains a response to any question in this Part VI .........
Section A. Governing Body and Management
Yes
No
1a
Enter the number of voting members of the governing body at the end of the tax year
If the governing body delegated broad authority to an executive committee or similar committee, explain in Schedule O.
1a
20
b
Enter the number of voting members included in line 1a, above, who are independent .................
1b
20
2
Did any officer, director, trustee, or key employee have a family relationship or a business relationship with any other officer, director, trustee, or key employee? .................
2
 
No
3
Did the organization delegate control over management duties customarily performed by or under the direct supervision of officers, directors or trustees, or key employees to a management company or other person? .
3
 
No
4
Did the organization make any significant changes to its governing documents since the prior Form 990 was filed?
4
 
No
5
Did the organization become aware during the year of a significant diversion of the organization’s assets? .
5
 
No
6
Did the organization have members or stockholders? ................
6
 
No
7a
Did the organization have members, stockholders, or other persons who had the power to elect or appoint one or more members of the governing body? .................
7a
 
No
b
Are any governance decisions of the organization reserved to (or subject to approval by) members, stockholders, or persons other than the governing body? ............
7b
 
No
8
Did the organization contemporaneously document the meetings held or written actions undertaken during the year by the following:
a
The governing body? .........................
8a
Yes
 
b
Each committee with authority to act on behalf of the governing body? ..........
8b
Yes
 
9
Is there any officer, director, trustee, or key employee listed in Part VII, Section A, who cannot be reached at the organization’s mailing address? If “Yes,” provide the names and addresses in Schedule O .....
9
 
No
Section B. Policies (This Section B requests information about policies not required by the Internal
Revenue Code.)
Yes
No
10a
Did the organization have local chapters, branches, or affiliates? ............
10a
Yes
 
b
If “Yes,” did the organization have written policies and procedures governing the activities of such chapters, affiliates, and branches to ensure their operations are consistent with the organization's exempt purposes? ....
10b
 
No
11a
Has the organization provided a complete copy of this Form 990 to all members of its governing body before filing the form?
11a
Yes
 
b
Describe in Schedule O the process, if any, used by the organization to review the Form 990. .....
12a
Did the organization have a written conflict of interest policy? If “No,” go to line 13.......
12a
Yes
 
b
Were officers, directors or trustees, and key employees required to disclose annually interests that could give rise to conflicts? ........................
12b
Yes
 
c
Did the organization regularly and consistently monitor and enforce compliance with the policy? If “Yes,” describe in Schedule O how this was done ....................
12c
Yes
 
13
Did the organization have a written whistleblower policy? ...............
13
Yes
 
14
Did the organization have a written document retention and destruction policy? .........
14
Yes
 
15
Did the process for determining compensation of the following persons include a review and approval by independent persons, comparability data, and contemporaneous substantiation of the deliberation and decision?
a
The organization’s CEO, Executive Director, or top management official ...........
15a
Yes
 
b
Other officers or key employees of the organization ................
15b
Yes
 
If "Yes," to line 15a or 15b, describe the process in Schedule O (see instructions).
16a
Did the organization invest in, contribute assets to, or participate in a joint venture or similar arrangement with a taxable entity during the year? ......................
16a
 
No
b
If “Yes,” did the organization follow a written policy or procedure requiring the organization to evaluate its participation in joint venture arrangements under applicable federal tax law, and take steps to safeguard the organization’s exempt status with respect to such arrangements? ............
16b
 
 
Section C. Disclosure
17
List the States with which a copy of this Form 990 is required to be filedMediumBullet
MN
18
Section 6104 requires an organization to make its Form 1023 (or 1024 if applicable), 990, and 990-T (501(c)(3)s only) available for public inspection. Indicate how you made these available. Check all that apply.
19
Describe in Schedule O whether (and if so, how), the organization made its governing documents, conflict of interest policy, and financial statements available to the public during the tax year.
20
State the name, physical address, and telephone number of the person who possesses the books and records of the organization: MediumBullet
THE ORGANIZATION
1313 FIFTH STREET SE 111
MINNEAPOLIS,MN55414
(612) 627-4035
Form 990 (2011)
Form 990 (2011)
Page 7
Part VII
Compensation of Officers, Directors,Trustees, Key Employees, Highest Compensated Employees, and Independent Contractors
Check if Schedule O contains a response to any question in this Part VII .........
Section A. Officers, Directors, Trustees, Key Employees, and Highest Compensated Employees
1a Complete this table for all persons required to be listed. Report compensation for the calendar year ending with or within the organization’s tax year.
RoundBullet List all of the organization’s current officers, directors, trustees (whether individuals or organizations), regardless of amount
of compensation, and current key employees. Enter -0- in columns (D), (E), and (F) if no compensation was paid.

RoundBullet List all of the organization’s current key employees, if any. See instructions for definition of "key employee."
RoundBullet List the organization’s five current highest compensated employees (other than an officer, director, trustee or key employee)
who received reportable compensation (Box 5 of Form W-2 and/or Box 7 of Form 1099-MISC) of more than $100,000 from the
organization and any related organizations.

RoundBullet List all of the organization’s former officers, key employees, or highest compensated employees who received more than $100,000
of reportable compensation from the organization and any related organizations.

RoundBullet List all of the organization’s former directors or trustees that received, in the capacity as a former director or trustee of the
organization, more than $10,000 of reportable compensation from the organization and any related organizations.

List persons in the following order: individual trustees or directors; institutional trustees; officers; key employees; highest
compensated employees; and former such persons.
Check this box if neither the organization nor any related organizations compensated any current or former officer, director, or trustee.
(A)
Name and Title 		(B)
Average hours per week (describe hours for related organizations in Schedule O) 		(C)
Position (do not check more than one box, unless person is both an officer and a director/trustee) 		(D)
Reportable compensation from the organization (W- 2/1099-MISC) 		(E)
Reportable compensation from related organizations (W- 2/1099-MISC) 		(F)
Estimated amount of other compensation from the organization and related organizations
Individual Trustee or Director; Institutional Trustee; Officer; Key Employee; Highest compensated employee; Former;
(1) KATHY DEKREY
DIRECTOR
 1.00 X           0 0 0
(2) NATALIE COOK
DIRECTOR/CHA
 5.00 X   X       0 0 0
(3) HANNAH STARR
DIRECTOR/TRE
 2.00 X   X       0 0 0
(4) ELENA HAYNES
DIRECTOR/TRE
 2.00 X   X       0 0 0
(5) EMMA WRIGHT
DIRECTOR/CHA
 5.00 X   X       0 0 0
(6) KATE GOERDT
DIRECTOR
 1.00 X           0 0 0
(7) MARIANA GLITSOS
DIRECTOR/VIC
 2.00 X   X       0 0 0
(8) MARISA WOJCIK
DIRECTOR
 1.00 X           0 0 0
(9) LUCAS FELTS
DIRECTOR/VIC
 2.00 X   X       0 0 0
(10) ANNIE CHEN
DIRECTOR/SEC
 2.00 X   X       0 0 0
(11) OLIVER DYKSTRA
DIRECTOR
 1.00 X           0 0 0
(12) MOLLY DONOVAN
DIRECTOR/SEC
 2.00 X   X       0 0 0
(13) ABRAHM NEUSER
DIRECTOR
 1.00 X           0 0 0
(14) SAMANTHA WEISS
DIRECTOR
 1.00 X           0 0 0
(15) KRISTIAN NYBERG
DIRECTOR
 1.00 X           0 0 0
(16) KERRICK ROBINSON
DIRECTOR
 1.00 X           0 0 0
(17) LANAE SMITH
DIRECTOR
 1.00 X           0 0 0
Form 990 (2011)
Form 990 (2011)
Page 8
Part VII
Section A. Officers, Directors, Trustees, Key Employees, and Highest Compensated Employees (continued)
(A)
Name and Title 		(B)
Average hours per week (describe hours for related organizations in Schedule O) 		(C)
Position (do not check more than one box, unless person is both an officer and a director/trustee) 		(D)
Reportable compensation from the organization (W- 2/1099-MISC) 		(E)
Reportable compensation from related organizations (W- 2/1099-MISC) 		(F)
Estimated amount of other compensation from the organization and related organizations
Individual Trustee or Director; Institutional Trustee; Officer; Key Employee; Highest compensated employee; Former;
(18) SYDNEY JORDAN
DIRECTOR
 1.00 X           0 0 0
(19) MARGO WORMAN
DIRECTOR
 1.00 X           0 0 0
(20) SARAH ZIEKE
DIRECTOR
 1.00 X           0 0 0
(21) BEN SURMA
DIRECTOR
 1.00 X           0 0 0
(22) SAM BISOGNO
DIRECTOR
 1.00 X           0 0 0
(23) LANAE SMITH
DIRECTOR
   X           0 0 0
(24) AUSTIN DELMOND
DIRECTOR
 1.00 X           0 0 0
(25) KATE DOBSON
DIRECTOR
 1.00 X           0 0 0
(26) BRIAN DAILY
DIRECTOR
 1.00 X           0 0 0
(27) KARA RUD
DIRECTOR
 1.00 X           0 0 0
(28) BRIAN DOWNING
DIRECTOR
 1.00 X           0 0 0
(29) KATE MENSING
DIRECTOR
 1.00 X           0 0 0
(30) BREANNA BEMBOOM
DIRECTOR
 1.00 X           0 0 0
(31) LUCY NEIBOER
DIRECTOR
 1.00 X           0 0 0
(32) SEAN BURNS
DIRECTOR
 1.00 X           0 0 0
(33) KAMILLE ROCHA
DIRECTOR
 1.00 X           0 0 0
(34) MATTAHEW FREDERICKS
DIRECTOR
 1.00 X           0 0 0
(35) JOSHUA WINTERS
EXECUTIVE DI
 40.00     X       47,343 0 13,961
1b Sub-Total................MediumBullet
c Total from continuation sheets to Part VII, Section A....MediumBullet
d Total (add lines 1b and 1c)............MediumBullet 47,343   13,961
2
Total number of individuals (including but not limited to those listed above) who received more than $100,000 of reportable compensation from the organizationMediumBullet  
Yes
No
3
Did the organization list any former officer, director or trustee, key employee, or highest compensated employee on line 1a? If “Yes,” complete Schedule J for such individual .............
3
 
No
4
For any individual listed on line 1a, is the sum of reportable compensation and other compensation from the organization and related organizations greater than $150,000? If “Yes,” complete Schedule J for such individual...........................
4
 
No
5
Did any person listed on line 1a receive or accrue compensation from any unrelated organization or individual for services rendered to the organization? If “Yes,” complete Schedule J for such person .....
5
 
No
Section B. Independent Contractors
1
Complete this table for your five highest compensated independent contractors that received more than $100,000 of compensation from the organization. Report compensation for the calendar year ending with or within the organization’s tax year.
(A)
Name and business address 		(B)
Description of services 		(C)
Compensation
2
Total number of independent contractors (including but not limited to those listed above) who received more than $100,000 of compensation from the organization MediumBullet  
Form 990 (2011)
Form 990 (2011)
Page 9
Part VIII
Statement of Revenue
(A)
Total revenue 		(B)
Related or
exempt
function
revenue 		(C)
Unrelated
business
revenue 		(D)
Revenue
excluded from
tax under sections
512, 513, or 514
Contributions, Gifts, Grants and Other Similar Amounts 1a Federated campaigns..1a  
b Membership dues....1b 224,001
c Fundraising events....1c  
d Related organizations...1d  
e Government grants (contributions)1e  
f All other contributions, gifts, grants, and
similar amounts not included above1f 		775,126
g Noncash contributions included in lines 1a-1f:$  
h Total. Add lines 1a-1f.......MediumBullet 999,127
Program Service Revenue Business Code
2a TELEMARKETER CONTRACT 519,100 17,050   17,050  
b CONTRACT SERVICE FEES 900,099 9,995 9,995    
c
d
e
f All other program service revenue .        
g Total. Add lines 2a–2f........MediumBullet 27,045
Other Revenue 3 Investment income (including dividends, interest
and other similar amounts).....MediumBullet        
4 Income from investment of tax-exempt bond proceeds..MediumBullet        
5 Royalties............MediumBullet        
(i) Real (ii) Personal
6a Gross rents    
b Less: rental expenses    
c Rental income or (loss)    
d Net rental income or (loss).......MediumBullet        
(i) Securities (ii) Other
7a Gross amount from sales of assets other than inventory    
b Less: cost or other basis and sales expenses    
c Gain or (loss)    
d Net gain or (loss)..........MediumBullet        
8a Gross income from fundraising events (not including
$  
of contributions reported on line 1c). See Part IV, line 18 ...
a  
b Less: direct expenses ...b  
c Net income or (loss) from fundraising events..MediumBullet      
9a Gross income from gaming activities.
See Part IV, line 19 ...
a  
b Less: direct expenses ...b  
c Net income or (loss) from gaming activities...MediumBullet        
10a Gross sales of inventory, less
returns and allowances .
a  
b Less: cost of goods sold ..b  
c Net income or (loss) from sales of inventory..MediumBullet        
Miscellaneous Revenue Business Code
11a MISCELLANEOUS 900,099 206 206    
b            
c            
d All other revenue ....        
e Total. Add lines 11a–11d ......MediumBullet 206
12 Total revenue. See Instructions....MediumBullet 1,026,378 10,201 17,050  
Form 990 (2011)
Form 990 (2011)
Page 10
Part IX
Statement of Functional Expenses
Section 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations must complete all columns. All other organizations must complete column (A) but are not required to complete columns (B), (C), and (D).
Check if Schedule O contains a response to any question in this Part IX. .........
Do not include amounts reported on lines 6b,
7b, 8b, 9b, and 10b of Part VIII. 		(A)
Total expenses 		(B)
Program service expenses 		(C)
Management and general expenses 		(D)
Fundraising expenses
1 Grants and other assistance to governments and organizations in the United States. See Part IV, line 21    
2 Grants and other assistance to individuals in the United States. See Part IV, line 22    
3 Grants and other assistance to governments, organizations, and individuals outside the United States. See Part IV, lines 15 and 16    
4 Benefits paid to or for members    
5 Compensation of current officers, directors, trustees, and key employees .... 67,840 37,773 17,099 12,968
6 Compensation not included above, to disqualified persons (as defined under section 4958(f)(1)) and persons described in section 4958(c)(3)(B) ....        
7 Other salaries and wages 665,990 546,704 33,919 85,367
8 Pension plan accruals and contributions (include section 401(k) and 403(b) employer contributions) ....        
9 Other employee benefits ....... 13,044 11,015   2,029
10 Payroll taxes ........... 68,396 53,015 4,496 10,885
11 Fees for services (non-employees):        
a Management ......        
b Legal .........        
c Accounting ........... 5,931   5,931  
d Lobbying ...........        
e Professional fundraising. See Part IV, line 17..    
f Investment management fees ......        
g Other .......... 5,202 4,289 402 511
12 Advertising and promotion .... 1,504 1,504    
13 Office expenses ....... 29,064 23,499 709 4,856
14 Information technology ......        
15 Royalties ..        
16 Occupancy ........... 37,421 27,095 2,736 7,590
17 Travel ............ 13,358 12,433 236 689
18 Payments of travel or entertainment expenses for any federal, state, or local public officials ......        
19 Conferences, conventions, and meetings .... 1,312 1,055 123 134
20 Interest ........... 1,859   1,859  
21 Payments to affiliates .......        
22 Depreciation, depletion, and amortization ..... 3,062 2,160 260 642
23 Insurance .............. 4,429 3,044 868 517
24 Other expenses. Itemize expenses not covered above (List miscellaneous expenses in line 24f. If line 24f amount exceeds 10% of line 25, column (A) amount, list line 24f expenses on Schedule O.)
a COGS 16,556   16,556  
b BANK/CREDIT CARD CHARGES 9,828 6,872 1,248 1,708
c EQUIPMENT RENTAL/REPAIRS 7,735 6,239 249 1,247
d MISCELLANEOUS 7,282 5,678 1,599 5
e
f All other expenses        
25 Total functional expenses. Add lines 1 through 24f 959,813 742,375 88,290 129,148
26 Joint costs. Complete this line only if the organization reported in column (B) joint costs from a combined educational campaign and fundraising solicitation. Check here MediumBullet if following SOP 98-2 (ASC 958-720). 639,756 531,862   107,894
Form 990 (2011)
Form 990 (2011)
Page 11
Part X Balance Sheet
(A)
Beginning of year 		(B)
End of year
Assets 1 Cash—non-interest-bearing .......... 17,738 1 60,805
2 Savings and temporary cash investments .......   2  
3 Pledges and grants receivable, net .........   3 5,500
4 Accounts receivable, net .........   4 4,125
5 Receivables from current and former officers, directors, trustees, key employees, and highest compensated employees. Complete Part II of
Schedule L ..........   5  
6 Receivables from other disqualified persons (as defined under section 4958(f)(1)) and persons described in section 4958(c)(3)(B). Complete Part II of
Schedule L ..........   6  
7 Notes and loans receivable, net .............   7  
8 Inventories for sale or use ..............   8  
9 Prepaid expenses and deferred charges ............ 6,717 9 3,100
10a Land, buildings, and equipment: cost or other basis. Complete Part VI of Schedule D 10a 15,666
b Less: accumulated depreciation. ..... 10b 13,640 5,088 10c 2,026
11 Investments—publicly traded securities ..........   11  
12 Investments—other securities. See Part IV, line 11 ......   12  
13 Investments—program-related. See Part IV, line 11 ..   13  
14 Intangible assets .........   14  
15 Other assets. See Part IV, line 11 ...........   15  
16 Total assets. Add lines 1 through 15 (must equal line 34)... 29,543 16 75,556
Liabilities 17 Accounts payable and accrued expenses . 24,916 17 34,364
18 Grants payable ..........   18  
19 Deferred revenue ..........   19  
20 Tax-exempt bond liabilities ..........   20  
21 Escrow or custodial account liability. Complete Part IV of Schedule D..   21  
22 Payables to current and former officers, directors, trustees, key
employees, highest compensated employees, and disqualified
persons. Complete Part II of Schedule L..........   22  
23 Secured mortgages and notes payable to unrelated third parties ..   23  
24 Unsecured notes and loans payable to unrelated third parties ....   24  
25 Other liabilities (including federal income tax, payables to related third parties, and other liabilities not included on lines 17-24). Complete Part X of Schedule D..... 30,000 25  
26 Total liabilities. Add lines 17 through 25..... 54,916 26 34,364
Net Assets or Fund Balance Organizations that follow SFAS 117, check here MediumBullet and complete lines 27 through 29, and lines 33 and 34.
27 Unrestricted net assets ..... -25,373 27 -4,339
28 Temporarily restricted net assets .....   28 45,531
29 Permanently restricted net assets .....   29  
Organizations that do not follow SFAS 117, check here MediumBullet and complete lines 30 through 34.
30 Capital stock or trust principal, or current funds .....   30  
31 Paid-in or capital surplus, or land, building or equipment fund .....   31  
32 Retained earnings, endowment, accumulated income, or other funds   32  
33 Total net assets or fund balances ..... -25,373 33 41,192
34 Total liabilities and net assets/fund balances ..... 29,543 34 75,556
Form 990 (2011)
Form 990 (2011)
Page 12
Part XI
Reconcilliation of Net Assets
Check if Schedule O contains a response to any question in this Part XI .........
1
Total revenue (must equal Part VIII, column (A), line 12) ...
1
1,026,378
2
Total expenses (must equal Part IX, column (A), line 25) ....
2
959,813
3
Revenue less expenses. Subtract line 2 from line 1 ...
3
66,565
4
Net assets or fund balances at beginning of year (must equal Part X, line 33, column (A)) ..
4
-25,373
5
Other changes in net assets or fund balances (explain in Schedule O) ...
5
 
6
Net assets or fund balances at end of year. Combine lines 3, 4, and 5 (must equal Part X, line 33, column (B)) ....
6
41,192
Part XII
Financial Statements and Reporting
Check if Schedule O contains a response to any question in this Part XII .........
Yes
No
1
Accounting method used to prepare the Form 990:  
If the organization changed its method of accounting from a prior year or checked "Other," explain in
Schedule O.
2a
Were the organization’s financial statements compiled or reviewed by an independent accountant?....
2a
 
No
b
Were the organization’s financial statements audited by an independent accountant?........
2b
Yes
 
c
If “Yes,” to 2a or 2b, does the organization have a committee that assumes responsibility for oversight of the audit, review, or compilation of its financial statements and selection of an independent accountant? If the organization changed either its oversight process or selection process during the tax year, explain in Schedule O. ...........................
2c
Yes
 
d
If “Yes” to line 2a or 2b, check a box below to indicate whether the financial statements for the year were issued on a separate basis, consolidated basis, or both:
3a
As a result of a federal award, was the organization required to undergo an audit or audits as set forth in the Single Audit Act and OMB Circular A-133? ................
3a
 
 
b
If “Yes,” did the organization undergo the required audit or audits? If the organization did not undergo the required audit or audits, explain why in Schedule O and describe any steps taken to undergo such audits. ..
3b
 
 
Form 990 (2011)
Additional Data


Software ID:  
Software Version:  
Form 990, Special Condition Description:
Special Condition Description
SCHEDULE A
(Form 990 or 990EZ)

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.
right arrow Attach to Form 990 or Form 990-EZ. right arrow See separate instructions.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2011
Open to Public
Inspection
Name of the organization
MINNESOTA PUBLIC INTEREST RESEARCH
GROUP
Employer identification number

23-7389068
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
f
g
(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
(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.") ....            
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..            
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)..            
6 Public Support. Subtract line 5 from line 4.            
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..            
8 Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources..            
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).            
12
12
 
13
Section C. Computation of Public Support Percentage
14
14
 
15
15
 
16a
b
17a
b
18
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.") . 642,463 690,901 671,209 676,440 999,127 3,680,140
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...... 2,400 16,900 32,822 20,937 10,201 83,260
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. 644,863 707,801 704,031 697,377 1,009,328 3,763,400
7a Amounts included on lines 1, 2, and 3 received from disqualified persons... 129,000 32,820 27,000   31,600 220,420
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.. 129,000 32,820 27,000   31,600 220,420
8 Public Support (Subtract line 7c from line 6.)           3,542,980
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... 644,863 707,801 704,031 697,377 1,009,328 3,763,400
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.). 644,863 707,801 704,031 697,377 1,009,328 3,763,400
14
Section C. Computation of Public Support Percentage
15
15
94.140 %
16
16
93.120 %
Section D. Computation of Investment Income Percentage
17
17
0 %
18
18
 
19a
b
20
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:  
Schedule B
(Form 990, 990-EZ,
or 990-PF)
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Schedule of Contributors
Arrow Bullet Attach to Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2011
Name of organization
MINNESOTA PUBLIC INTEREST RESEARCH
GROUP
Employer identification number

23-7389068
Organization type (check one):
Filers of:
Section:
Form 990 or 990-EZ





Form 990-PF




Check if your organization is covered by the General Rule or a Special Rule.  
Note. Only a section 501(c)(7), (8), or (10) organization can check boxes for both the General Rule and a Special Rule. See instructions.
General Rule
Special Rules
......................... Arrow Bullet   $    
Caution. An Organization that is not covered by the General Rule and/or the Special Rules does not file Schedule B (Form 990,
990-EZ, or 990-PF), but it must answer “No” on Part IV, line 2, of its Form 990; or check the box on line H of its
Form 990-EZ or on Part I, line 2, of its Form 990-PF, to certify that it does not meet the filing requirements of Schedule B (Form 990,
990-EZ, or 990-PF).
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions
for Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF.
Cat. No. 30613XSchedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2011)

Page 2
Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2011)
Name of organization
MINNESOTA PUBLIC INTEREST RESEARCH
GROUP 		Employer identification number

23-7389068
Part I
Contributors (see Instructions). Use duplicate copies of Part I if additional space is needed.
     
(a)
No.		 (b)
Name, address, and ZIP + 4		 (c)
Total contributions		 (d)
Type of contribution
RESTRICTED
RESTRICTED
 

     
RESTRICTED
RESTRICTED  
RESTRICTED, RESTRICTED   RESTRICTED

$RESTRICTED




(Complete Part II if there is a noncash contribution.)
(a)
No.		 (b)
Name, address, and ZIP + 4		 (c)
Total contributions		 (d)
Type of contribution
 
 
 

     
 
   

$  




(Complete Part II if there is a noncash contribution.)
(a)
No.		 (b)
Name, address, and ZIP + 4		 (c)
Total contributions		 (d)
Type of contribution
 
 
 

     
 
   

$  




(Complete Part II if there is a noncash contribution.)
(a)
No.		 (b)
Name, address, and ZIP + 4		 (c)
Total contributions		 (d)
Type of contribution
 
 
 

     
 
   

$  




(Complete Part II if there is a noncash contribution.)
(a)
No.		 (b)
Name, address, and ZIP + 4		 (c)
Total contributions		 (d)
Type of contribution
 
 
 

     
 
   

$  




(Complete Part II if there is a noncash contribution.)
(a)
No.		 (b)
Name, address, and ZIP + 4		 (c)
Total contributions		 (d)
Type of contribution
 
 
 

     
 
   

$  




(Complete Part II if there is a noncash contribution.)
Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2011)

Page 3
Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2011)
Name of organization
MINNESOTA PUBLIC INTEREST RESEARCH
GROUP 		Employer identification number

23-7389068
Part II
Noncash Property (see Instructions). Use duplicate copies of Part II if additional space is needed.
     
(a) No.
from
Part I		 (b)
Description of noncash property given		 (c)
FMV (or estimate)
(see instructions). 		(d)
Date received
 
$    
(a) No.
from
Part I		 (b)
Description of noncash property given		 (c)
FMV (or estimate)
(see instructions). 		(d)
Date received
 
$    
(a) No.
from
Part I		 (b)
Description of noncash property given		 (c)
FMV (or estimate)
(see instructions). 		(d)
Date received
 
$    
(a) No.
from
Part I		 (b)
Description of noncash property given		 (c)
FMV (or estimate)
(see instructions). 		(d)
Date received
 
$    
(a) No.
from
Part I		 (b)
Description of noncash property given		 (c)
FMV (or estimate)
(see instructions). 		(d)
Date received
 
$    
(a) No.
from
Part I		 (b)
Description of noncash property given		 (c)
FMV (or estimate)
(see instructions). 		(d)
Date received
 
$    
Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2011)

Page 4
Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2011)
Name of organization
MINNESOTA PUBLIC INTEREST RESEARCH
GROUP 		Employer identification number

23-7389068
Part III
Exclusively religious, charitable, etc., individual contributions to section 501(c)(7), (8), or (10) organizations
that total more than $1,000 for the year. Complete columns (a) through (e) and the following line entry.
For organizations completing Part III, enter the total of exclusively religious, charitable, etc.,
contributions of $1,000 or less for the year. (Enter this information once. See instructions.) Arrow Bullet $  
Use duplicate copies of Part III if additional space is needed
(a) No.
from
Part I		 (b)
Purpose of gift		 (c)
Use of gift		 (d)
Description of how gift is held
 
(e)
Transfer of gift
Transferee's name, address, and ZIP 4 Relationship of transferor to transferee
 
 
       
 
(a) No.
from
Part I		 (b)
Purpose of gift		 (c)
Use of gift		 (d)
Description of how gift is held
 
(e)
Transfer of gift
Transferee's name, address, and ZIP 4 Relationship of transferor to transferee
 
 
       
 
(a) No.
from
Part I		 (b)
Purpose of gift		 (c)
Use of gift		 (d)
Description of how gift is held
 
(e)
Transfer of gift
Transferee's name, address, and ZIP 4 Relationship of transferor to transferee
 
 
       
 
(a) No.
from
Part I		 (b)
Purpose of gift		 (c)
Use of gift		 (d)
Description of how gift is held
 
(e)
Transfer of gift
Transferee's name, address, and ZIP 4 Relationship of transferor to transferee
 
 
       
 
Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2011)

Additional Data


Software ID:  
Software Version:  
SCHEDULE C
(Form 990 or 990-EZ)

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Political Campaign and Lobbying Activities

For Organizations Exempt From Income Tax Under section 501(c) and section 527
SchCMd Bullet Complete if the organization is described below.
SchCMd Bullet Attach to Form 990 or Form 990-EZ. SchCMd Bullet See separate instructions.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2011
Open to Public
Inspection
If the organization answered “Yes” to Form 990, Part IV, Line 3, or Form 990-EZ, Part V, line 46 (Political Campaign Activities), then
Round Bullet Section 501(c)(3) organizations: Complete Parts I-A and B. Do not complete Part I-C.
Round Bullet Section 501(c) (other than section 501(c)(3)) organizations: Complete Parts I-A and C below. Do not complete Part I-B.
Round Bullet Section 527 organizations: Complete Part I-A only.
If the organization answered “Yes” to Form 990, Part IV, Line 4, or Form 990-EZ, Part VI, line 47 (Lobbying Activities), then
Round Bullet Section 501(c)(3) organizations that have filed Form 5768 (election under section 501(h)) Complete Part II-A. Do not complete Part II-B.
Round Bullet Section 501(c)(3) organizations that have NOT filed Form 5768 (election under section 501(h)): Complete Part II-B. Do not complete Part II-A.
If the organization answered “Yes” to Form 990, Part IV, Line 5 (Proxy Tax) or Form 990-EZ, line 35c (Proxy Tax), then
Round Bullet Section 501(c)(4), (5), or (6) organizations: Complete Part III.
Name of the organization
MINNESOTA PUBLIC INTEREST RESEARCH
GROUP
Employer identification number

23-7389068
Part I-A
Complete if the organization is exempt under section 501(c) or is a section 527 organization.

1
Provide a description of the organization’s direct and indirect political campaign activities in Part IV.
2
Political expenditures ....................................SchCMd Bullet
$  
3
Volunteer hours ........................................
 

Part I-B
Complete if the organization is exempt under section 501(c)(3).
1
Enter the amount of any excise tax incurred by the organization under section 4955 .........SchCMd Bullet
$  
2
Enter the amount of any excise tax incurred by organization managers under section 4955 ......SchCMd Bullet
$  
3
If the organization incurred a section 4955 tax, did it file Form 4720 for this year? ..............
4a
Was a correction made? .........................................
b
If "Yes," describe in Part IV.
Part I-C
Complete if the organization is exempt under section 501(c) except section 501(c)(3).
1
Enter the amount directly expended by the filing organization for section 527 exempt function activities SchCMd Bullet
$  
2
Enter the amount of the filing organization's funds contributed to other organizations for section 527 exempt function activities ...................................SchCMd Bullet

$  
3
Total exempt function expenditures. Add lines 1 and 2. Enter here and on Form 1120-POL, line 17b..SchCMd Bullet

$  
4
Did the filing organization file Form 1120-POL for this year? ..........................
5
Enter the names, addresses and employer identification number (EIN) of all section 527 political organizations to which the filing
organization made payments. For each organization listed, enter the amount paid from the filing organization’s funds. Also enter the amount of political contributions received that were promptly and directly delivered to a separate political organization, such as a separate segregated fund or a political action committee (PAC). If additional space is needed, provide information in Part IV.
(a) Name (b) Address (c) EIN (d) Amount paid from filing organization's funds. If none, enter -0-. (e) Amount of political contributions received and promptly and directly delivered to a separate political organization. If none, enter -0-.










For Privacy Act and Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the instructions for Form 990.
Cat. No. 50084S
Schedule C (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2011

Schedule C (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2011
Page 2
Part II-A
Complete if the organization is exempt under section 501(c)(3) and filed Form 5768 (election under section 501(h)).
A Check expenses, and share of excess lobbying expenditures).
B Check
Limits on Lobbying Expenditures
(The term "expenditures" means amounts paid or incurred.) 		(a) Filing
organization's
totals 		(b) Affiliated group
totals
1a Total lobbying expenditures to influence public opinion (grass roots lobbying) ...... 1,411  
b Total lobbying expenditures to influence a legislative body (direct lobbying) ....... 144,169  
c Total lobbying expenditures (add lines 1a and 1b) ................... 145,580  
d Other exempt purpose expenditures ........................ 814,233  
e Total exempt purpose expenditures (add lines 1c and 1d) ............... 959,813  
f Lobbying nontaxable amount. Enter the amount from the following table in both
columns.		 168,972  
  If the amount on line 1e, column (a) or (b) is:The lobbying nontaxable amount is:    
  Not over $500,00020% of the amount on line 1e.    
  Over $500,000 but not over $1,000,000$100,000 plus 15% of the excess over $500,000.    
  Over $1,000,000 but not over $1,500,000$175,000 plus 10% of the excess over $1,000,000.    
  Over $1,500,000 but not over $17,000,000$225,000 plus 5% of the excess over $1,500,000.    
  Over $17,000,000$1,000,000.    
       
g Grassroots nontaxable amount (enter 25% of line 1f) ................. 42,243  
h Subtract line 1g from line 1a. If zero or less, enter -0-. ................    
i Subtract line 1f from line 1c. If zero or less, enter -0-. ................    
j If there is an amount other than zero on either line 1h or line 1i, did the organization file Form 4720 reporting
section 4911 tax for this year? ......................................

4-Year Averaging Period Under Section 501(h)
(Some organizations that made a section 501(h) election do not have to complete all of the five
columns below. See the instructions for lines 2a through 2f on page 4.)
Lobbying Expenditures During 4-Year Averaging Period
  Calendar year (or fiscal year
beginning in) 		(a) 2008 (b) 2009 (c) 2010 (d) 2011 (e) Total
             
2a Lobbying non-taxable amount 146,926 132,858 138,753 168,972 587,509
             
b Lobbying ceiling amount
(150% of line 2a, column(e)) 		        881,264
             
c Total lobbying expenditures 42,953 59,489 23,524 145,580 271,546
             
d Grassroots nontaxable amount 36,732 33,215 34,688 42,243 146,878
             
e Grassroots ceiling amount
(150% of line 2d, column (e))		         220,317
             
f Grassroots lobbying expenditures 27,359 31,607 1,309 1,411 61,686
Schedule C (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2011


Schedule C (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2011
Page 3
Part II-B
Complete if the organization is exempt under section 501(c)(3) and has NOT filed Form 5768 (election under section 501(h)).
For each “Yes” response to lines 1a through 1i below, provide in Part IV a detailed description of the lobbying activity.
(a)
Yes
No
(b)
Amount
1
During the year, did the filing organization attempt to influence foreign, national, state or local legislation, including any attempt to influence public opinion on a legislative matter or referendum, through the use of:
a
Volunteers? .........................................
 
No
b
Paid staff or management (include compensation in expenses reported on lines 1c through 1i)? ....
 
No
c
Media advertisements? ....................................
 
No
 
d
Mailings to members, legislators, or the public? .........................
 
No
 
e
Publications, or published or broadcast statements? .......................
 
No
 
f
Grants to other organizations for lobbying purposes? .......................
 
No
 
g
Direct contact with legislators, their staffs, government officials, or a legislative body? ........
 
No
 
h
Rallies, demonstrations, seminars, conventions, speeches, lectures, or any similar means? ......
 
No
 
i
Other activities? ..........................
 
No
 
j
Total. Add lines 1c through 1i ...............................
 
2a
Did the activities in line 1 cause the organization to be not described in section 501(c)(3)? .....
 
No
b
If "Yes," enter the amount of any tax incurred under section 4912 .................
 
c
If "Yes," enter the amount of any tax incurred by organization managers under section 4912 .....
 
d
If the filing organization incurred a section 4912 tax, did it file Form 4720 for this year? .......
 
No
Part III-A
Complete if the organization is exempt under section 501(c)(4), section 501(c)(5), or section 501(c)(6).
Yes
No
1
Were substantially all (90% or more) dues received nondeductible by members? ................
1
 
No
2
Did the organization make only in-house lobbying expenditures of $2,000 or less? ................
2
 
No
3
Did the organization agree to carry over lobbying and political expenditures from the prior year? ..........
3
 
No
Part III-B
Complete if the organization is exempt under section 501(c)(4), section 501(c)(5), or section 501(c)(6) and if either (a) BOTH Part III-A, lines 1 and 2 are answered “No” OR (b) Part III-A, line 3 is answered “Yes”.
1
Dues, assessments and similar amounts from members .....................
1
 
2
Section 162(e) nondeductible lobbying and political expenditures (do not include amounts of political
expenses for which the section 527(f) tax was paid).
a
Current year .........................................
2a
 
b
Carryover from last year ....................................
2b
 
c
Total ...........................................
2c
 
3
Aggregate amount reported in section 6033(e)(1)(A) notices of nondeductible section 162(e) dues .
3
 
4
If notices were sent and the amount on line 2c exceeds the amount on line 3, what portion of the excess does the organization agree to carryover to the reasonable estimate of nondeductible lobbying and political expenditure next year? ................................
4
 
5
Taxable amount of lobbying and political expenditures (see instructions) ..............
5
 
Part IV
Supplemental Information
Complete this part to provide the descriptions required for Part l-A, line 1; Part l-B, line 4; Part l-C, Part II-A; line 5; and Part ll-B, line 1.
Also, complete this part for any additional information.
Identifier Return Reference Explanation
Schedule C (Form 990 or 990EZ) 2011

Additional Data


Software ID:  
Software Version:  

SCHEDULE D
(Form 990)
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Supplemental Financial Statements
SchDMd Bullet Complete if the organization answered "Yes," to Form 990,
Part IV, line 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, 11f, 12a, or 12b
SchDMd Bullet Attach to Form 990. SchDMd Bullet See separate instructions.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2011
Open to Public Inspection
Name of the organization
MINNESOTA PUBLIC INTEREST RESEARCH
GROUP
Employer identification number

23-7389068
Part I
Organizations Maintaining Donor Advised Funds or Other Similar Funds or Accounts. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" to Form 990, Part IV, line 6.
(a) Donor advised funds (b) Funds and other accounts
1 Total number at end of year .......    
2 Aggregate contributions to (during year) ...    
3 Aggregate grants from (during year) ...    
4 Aggregate value at end of year .......    
5
Did the organization inform all donors and donor advisors in writing that the assets held in donor advised
funds are the organization's property, subject to the organization's exclusive legal control? ............
6
Did the organization inform all grantees, donors, and donor advisors in writing that grant funds can be
used only for charitable purposes and not for the benefit of the donor or donor advisor, or for any other purpose conferring impermissible private benefit? ...................................
Part II
Conservation Easements. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" to Form 990, Part IV, line 7.
1
Purpose(s) of conservation easements held by the organization (check all that apply).
2
Complete lines 2a through 2d if the organization held a qualified conservation contribution in the form of a conservation easement on the last day of the tax year.
Held at the End of the Year
a Total number of conservation easements ....................... 2a  
b Total acreage restricted by conservation easements .................. 2b  
c Number of conservation easements on a certified historic structure included in (a) ..... 2c  
d Number of conservation easements included in (c) acquired after 8/17/06, and not on a historic structure listed in the National Register .................... 2d  
3
Number of conservation easements modified, transferred, released, extinguished, or terminated by the organization during
the tax year SchDMd Bullet  
4
Number of states where property subject to conservation easement is located SchDMd Bullet  
5
Does the organization have a written policy regarding the periodic monitoring, inspection, handling of violations, and
enforcement of the conservation easements it holds? .............................
6
Staff and volunteer hours devoted to monitoring, inspecting and enforcing conservation easements during the year SchDMd Bullet  
7
Amount of expenses incurred in monitoring, inspecting, and enforcing conservation easements during the year
SchDMd Bullet $  
8
Does each conservation easement reported on line 2(d) above satisfy the requirements of section
170(h)(4)(B)(i) and 170(h)(4)(B)(ii)? ....................................
9
In Part XIV, describe how the organization reports conservation easements in its revenue and expense statement, and
balance sheet, and include, if applicable, the text of the footnote to the organization’s financial statements that describes
the organization’s accounting for conservation easements.
Part III
Organizations Maintaining Collections of Art, Historical Treasures, or Other Similar Assets.
Complete if the organization answered "Yes" to Form 990, Part IV, line 8.
1a
If the organization elected, as permitted under SFAS 116 (ASC 958), not to report in its revenue statement and balance sheet works of
art, historical treasures, or other similar assets held for public exhibition, education or research in furtherance of public service,
provide, in Part XIV, the text of the footnote to its financial statements that describes these items.
b
If the organization elected, as permitted under SFAS 116 (ASC 958), to report in its revenue statement and balance sheet works of art,
historical treasures, or other similar assets held for public exhibition, education, or research in furtherance of public service,
provide the following amounts relating to these items:
(i)
Revenues included in Form 990, Part VIII, line 1 ........................SchDMd Bullet $  
(ii)
Assets included in Form 990, Part X ..............................SchDMd Bullet $  
2
If the organization received or held works of art, historical treasures, or other similar assets for financial gain, provide the
following amounts required to be reported under SFAS 116 (ASC 958), relating to these items:
a
Revenues included in Form 990, Part VIII, line 1 ..........................SchDMd Bullet $  
b
Assets included in Form 990, Part X ...............................SchDMd Bullet $  
For Privacy Act and Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Intructions for Form 990
Cat. No. 52283D
Schedule D (Form 990) 2011

Schedule D (Form 990) 2011
Page 2
Part III
Organizations Maintaining Collections of Art, Historical Treasures, or Other Similar Assets (continued)
3
Using the organization’s accession and other records, check any of the following that are a significant use of its collection
items (check all that apply):
a
d
b
e
 
c
4
Provide a description of the organization’s collections and explain how they further the organization’s exempt purpose in
Part XIV.
5
During the year, did the organization solicit or receive donations of art, historical treasures or other similar
assets to be sold to raise funds rather than to be maintained as part of the organization’s collection?........
Part IV
Escrow and Custodial Arrangements. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" to Form 990,
Part IV, line 9, or reported an amount on Form 990, Part X, line 21.
1a
Is the organization an agent, trustee, custodian or other intermediary for contributions or other assets not
included on Form 990, Part X? ....................................
b
If "Yes," explain the arrangement in Part XIV and complete the following table:
Amount
c Beginning balance ................................. 1c  
d Additions during the year .............................. 1d  
e Distributions during the year ............................. 1e  
f Ending balance ................................... 1f  
2a
Did the organization include an amount on Form 990, Part X, line 21? .....................
b
If “Yes,” explain the arrangement in Part XIV.
Part V
Endowment Funds. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" to Form 990, Part IV, line 10.
(a)Current Year (b)Prior Year (c)Two Years Back (d)Three Years Back (e)Four Years Back
1a Beginning of year balance ....        
b Contributions ........        
c Net investment earnings, gains, and losses ...        
d Grants or scholarships .....        
e Other expenditures for facilities
and programs ........ 		       
f Administrative expenses ....        
g End of year balance ......        
2
Provide the estimated percentage of the year end balance (line 1g) held as:
a
Board designated or quasi-endowment SchDMd Bullet  
b
Permanent endowment SchDMd Bullet  
c
Temporarily restricted endowment SchDMd Bullet  
The percentages in lines 2a, 2b, and 2c should equal 100%.
3a
Are there endowment funds not in the possession of the organization that are held and administered for the
organization by:

Yes
No
(i) unrelated organizations ........................
3a(i)
 
No
(ii) related organizations ........................
3a(ii)
 
No
b
If "Yes" to 3a(ii), are the related organizations listed as required on Schedule R? .........
3b
 
No
4
Describe in Part XIV the intended uses of the organization's endowment funds.
Part VI
Land, Buildings, and Equipment. See Form 990, Part X, line 10.
Description of property (a) Cost or other basis (investment) (b)Cost or other basis (other) (c) Accumulated depreciation (d) Book value
1a Land .................      
b Buildings ................        
c Leasehold improvements ............        
d Equipment ................        
e Other .................   15,666 13,640 2,026
Total. Add lines 1a through 1e. (Column (d) must equal Form 990, Part X, column (B), line 10(c).).......SchDMdBullet 2,026
Schedule D (Form 990) 2011

Schedule D (Form 990) 2011
Page 3
Part VII
Investments—Other Securities. See Form 990, Part X, line 12.
(a) Description of security or category
(including name of security)		 (b)Book value (c) Method of valuation:
Cost or end-of-year market value
(1)Financial derivatives    
(2)Closely-held equity interests    
Other








Total. (Column (b) must equal Form 990, Part X, col. (B) line 12.)Small Bullet  
Part VIII
Investments—Program Related. See Form 990, Part X, line 13.
(a) Description of investment type (b) Book value (c) Method of valuation:
Cost or end-of-year market value








Total. (Column (b) must equal Form 990, Part X, col.(B) line 13.)Small Bullet  
Part IX
Other Assets. See Form 990, Part X, line 15.
(a) Description (b) Book value








Total. (Column (b) must equal Form 990, Part X, col.(B) line 15.)...........Small Bullet  
Part X
Other Liabilities. See Form 990, Part X, line 25.
1.(a) Description of Liability (b) Book value
Federal Income Taxes  








Total. (Column (b) must equal Form 990, Part X, col.(B) line 25.)Small Bullet  
2. Fin 48 (ASC 740) Footnote. In Part XIV, provide the text of the footnote to the organization's financial statements that reports the organization's liability for uncertain tax positions under FIN 48 (ASC740).
Schedule D (Form 990) 2011

Schedule D (Form 990) 2011
Page 4
Part XI Reconciliation of Change in Net Assets from Form 990 to Financial Statements
1 Total revenue (Form 990, Part VIII, column (A), line 12) .................... 1 1,026,378
2 Total expenses (Form 990, Part IX, column (A), line 25) ..................... 2 959,813
3 Excess or (deficit) for the year. Subtract line 2 from line 1 ............. 3 66,565
4 Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments .......................... 4  
5 Donated services and use of facilities ............................. 5  
6 Investment expenses ................................... 6  
7 Prior period adjustments .................................. 7  
8 Other (Describe in Part XIV.) ................................. 8  
9 Total adjustments (net). Add lines 4 through 8 ......................... 9  
10 Excess or (deficit) for the year per financial statements. Combine lines 3 and 9 ......... 10 66,565
Part XII Reconciliation of Revenue per Audited Financial Statements With Revenue per Return
1 Total revenue, gains, and other support per audited financial statements ....... 1 1,009,328
2 Amounts included on line 1 but not on Form 990, Part VIII, line 12:
a Net unrealized gains on investments .......... 2a  
b Donated services and use of facilities ......... 2b  
c Recoveries of prior year grants ........... 2c  
d Other (Describe in Part XIV.) ............ 2d  
e Add lines 2a through 2d ..................... 2e  
3 Subtract line 2e from line 1..................... 3 1,009,328
4 Amounts included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 12, but not on line 1:
a Investment expenses not included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 7b . 4a  
b Other (Describe in Part XIV.) ........... 4b 17,050
c Add lines 4a and 4b....................... 4c 17,050
5 Total Revenue. Add lines 3 and 4c. (This must equal Form 990, Part I, line 12.) ...... 5 1,026,378
Part XIII Reconciliation of Expenses per Audited Financial Statements With Expenses per Return
1 Total expenses and losses per audited financial statements ............. 1 943,257
2 Amounts included on line 1 but not on Form 990, Part IX, line 25:
a Donated services and use of facilities .......... 2a  
b Prior year adjustments .............. 2b  
c Other losses ................ 2c  
d Other (Describe in Part XIV.) ............ 2d  
e Add lines 2a through 2d...................... 2e  
3 Subtract line 2e from line 1..................... 3 943,257
4 Amounts included on Form 990, Part IX, line 25, but not on line 1:
a Investment expenses not included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 7b .. 4a  
b Other (Describe in Part XIV.) ............ 4b 16,556
c Add lines 4a and 4b....................... 4c 16,556
5 Total expenses. Add lines 3 and 4c. (This must equal Form 990, Part I, line 18.) ...... 5 959,813
Part XIV
Supplemental Information
Complete this part to provide the descriptions required for Part II, lines 3, 5, and 9; Part III, lines 1a and 4; Part lV, lines 1b and 2b;
Part V, line 4; Part X; Part XI, line 8; Part XII, lines 2d and 4b; and Part XIII, lines 2d and 4b. Also complete this part to provide any additional information.
Identifier Return Reference Explanation
RECONCILIATION OF CHANGES - OTHER SCHEDULE D, PAGE 4, PART XI, LINE 8 TELEMARKETER CONTRACT GROSS REVENUE -17,050 TELEMARKETER CONTRACT GROSS EXPENSES 16,556
REVENUE AMOUNTS INCLUDED ON RETURN - OTHER SCHEDULE D, PAGE 4, PART XII, LINE 4B TELEMARKETER CONTRACT GROSS REVENUE 17,050
EXPENSE AMOUNTS INCLUDED ON RETURN - OTHER SCHEDULE D, PAGE 4, PART XIII, LINE 4B TELEMARKETER CONTRACT GROSS EXPENSES 16,556
Schedule D (Form 990) 2011

Additional Data


Software ID:  
Software Version:  




Schedule L
(Form 990 or 990-EZ)
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Transactions with Interested Persons
MediumBullet Complete if the organization answered
"Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, lines 25a, 25b, 26, 27, 28a, 28b, or 28c,
or Form 990-EZ, Part V lines 38a or 40b.
MediumBullet Attach to Form 990 or Form 990-EZ. MediumBulletSee separate instructions.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2011
Open to Public Inspection
Name of the organization
MINNESOTA PUBLIC INTEREST RESEARCH
GROUP
Employer identification number

23-7389068
Part I
Excess Benefit Transactions (section 501(c)(3) and section 501 (c)(4) organizations only).
Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 25a or 25b, or Form 990-EZ, Part V, line 40b.
1(a) Name of disqualified person (b) Description of transaction (c) Corrected?
Yes No





2
Enter the amount of tax imposed on the organization managers or disqualified persons during the year under section 4958. ......................... Bullet Image$
 
3
Enter the amount of tax, if any, on line 2, above, reimbursed by the organization ....... Bullet Image$
 

Part II
Loans to and/or From Interested Persons.
Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 26, or Form 990-EZ, Part V, line 38a.
(a) Name of interested person and purpose (b) Loan to or from the organization? (c)Original principal amount (d)Balance due (e) In default? (f) Approved by board or committee? (g)Written agreement?
To From Yes No Yes No Yes No
Total ...............Small Bullet $  
Part III
Grants or Assistance Benefitting Interested Persons.
Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 27.
(a) Name of interested person (b)Relationship between interested person and the organization (c)Amount of grant or type of assistance
For Privacy Act and Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the
Instructions for Form 990 or 990-EZ.
Cat. No. 50056A
Schedule L (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2011
Schedule L (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2011
Page 2
Part IV
Business Transactions Involving Interested Persons.
Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 28a, 28b, or 28c.
(a) Name of interested person (b) Relationship between interested person and the organization (c) Amount of transaction (d) Description of transaction (e) Sharing of organization's revenues?
Yes No
(1) OLIVER DYKSTRA DIRCTR/EMPLOYEE 17,050 CONTRACT SERVICES   No
Part V
Supplemental Information
Complete this part to provide additional information for responses to questions on Schedule L (see instructions).
Identifier Return Reference Explanation
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SCHEDULE L PART V IN 2012 MPIRG HAD A CONTRACT WITH A COMPANY WHOSE OWNER IS A DIRECTORS PARENT MPIRG PROVIDED TELEMARKETING SERVICES TO THAT ORGANIZATION AND WAS PAID 17050 COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE CONTRACT WERE 16556 AND MPIRG REALIZED A NET PROFIT OF 494
Schedule L (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2011

Additional Data


Software ID:  
Software Version:  




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.
MediumBullet Attach to Form 990 or 990-EZ.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2011
Open to Public
Inspection
Name of the organization
MINNESOTA PUBLIC INTEREST RESEARCH
GROUP
Employer identification number

23-7389068
Identifier Return Reference Explanation
FIRST ACCOMPLISHMENT DESCRIPTION FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4A MAKERS IN SUPPORT OF OUR CAMPAIGNS. THE PHONE CANVASS PROGRAM REACHED OVER 16,707 OF MPIRG'S MEMBERS, EDUCATED THEM ON THE BENEFITS OF THE RECYCLING REFUND ACT AND ENCOURAGED THEM TO VOTE "NO" ON THE TWO CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS, AND HAD OVER 5,202 MEMBERS MAKE CALLS TO THEIR ELECTED OFFICIALS IN SUPPORT OF CHEMICAL POLICY REFORM AND A SINGLE PAYER HEALTH CARE SYSTEM. IN TOTAL, MPIRG'S COMMUNITY ORGANIZING PROGRAM MADE OVER 83,214 DIRECT CONTACTS - EDUCATING THEM ON MPIRG'S PUBLIC INTEREST ISSUES - AND GENERATED OVER 5,729 CONTACTS TO ELECTED OFFICIALS IN SUPPORT OF THOSE SAME ISSUES.
SECOND ACCOMPLISHMENT DESCRIPTION FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4B GREEN ECONOMY MPIRG STUDENTS ACTIVELY SUPPORTED THE TRANSITION TO A GREEN ECONOMY. THEY HELD NUMEROUS EVENTS TO ENGAGE THE STUDENT BODY IN UTILIZING TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES, SUCH AS BIKING, WALKING AND TRANSIT, PROMOTED GREEN CLEANING SUPPLIES, ENERGY EFFICIENCY, SUSTAINABLE LIVING, AND THE GREEN JOB REVOLUTION. STUDENTS WORKED AGGRESSIVELY TO SEE THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA BECOME A SUPPORTER OF SECURING STATE BONDING SUPPORT FOR SOLAR PROJECTS. WHILE PROGRESS WAS MADE, WE CAME UP SHORT OF OBTAINING OFFICIAL SUPPORT FOR SOLAR IN MINNESOTA. AT THE CAPITOL, STUDENTS SUPPORTED A SOLAR ELECTRICITY STANDARD OF 10% BY 2030 BY LOBBYING THEIR ELECTED OFFICIALS AS WELL AS DELIVERING 100S OF POSTCARDS IN SUPPORT OF THE POLICY. STUDENTS ALSO WORKED TO "BAN THE BOTTLE" AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA BY DRAWING ATTENTION TO THE WASTE OF PLASTIC BOTTLES AS WELL AS THE EXTREMELY HIGH QUALITY OF MINNEAPOLIS WATER. MPIRG STUDENTS ALSO WORKED TO EXPAND RECYCLING BY FRATERNITY AND SORORITIES AT THE U. FAIR TRADE MPIRG STUDENTS PROVIDED NUMEROUS EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES ABOUT FAIR TRADE ISSUES, INCLUDING HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES, FAIR TRADE PRACTICES, FAIR TRADE PRODUCTS, AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES. THE BULK OF THIS WORK TOOK PLACE DURING FAIR TRADE WEEK IN OCTOBER. DEMOCRACY MPIRG STUDENTS WERE ACTIVE IN PROMOTING STUDENT PARTICIPATION IN THE SENATE DISTRICT 59 SENATE SPECIAL ELECTION. THIS NONPARTISAN ELECTION EFFORT INVOLVED VOTER REGISTRATION, VOTER EDUCATION EVENTS, AND A PUSH TO GET YOUNG PEOPLE TO THE POLLS ON ELECTION DAY. STUDENTS THEN HELD AN IN-DISTRICT MEETING WITH THE ELECTED SENATOR DZIEDZIC TO DISCUSS STUDENTS' LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES. AT THE SAME TIME, MPIRGERS WORKED TO ESTABLISH A POLICY THAT WOULD PROVIDE FOR AN EXCUSED ABSENCE FROM CLASS FOR VOTING, WHICH WAS ADOPTED BY THE POLITICAL SCIENCE DEPARTMENT AND RESULTED IN MANY PROFESSORS PROMOTING ACTIVE STUDENT ENGAGEMENT IN THE DEMOCRATIC PROCESS. STUDENTS IN THIS CHAPTER WE VERY ENGAGED IN MPIRG'S EFFORTS AT THE CAPITOL TO OPPOSE VOTER ID CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT, INCLUDING TESTIMONY AND RALLIES. ON CAMPUS, STUDENTS WORKED TO FORM KEY ALLIANCES WITH OTHER STUDENT GROUPS IN OPPOSITION TO THE ANTI-MARRIAGE AMENDMENT AND BEGAN PLEDGING STUDENTS TO VOTE "NO" ON THIS HARMFUL AMENDMENT. UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA - DULUTH 26 EVENTS, 3112 REACHED, AND 658 VOLUNTEER HOURS. GREEN ECONOMY MPIRG STUDENTS ACTIVELY SUPPORTED THE TRANSITION TO A GREEN ECONOMY. THEY HELD NUMEROUS EVENTS TO ENGAGE THE STUDENT BODY IN UTILIZING TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES, SUCH AS BIKING, WALKING AND TRANSIT, AND PROMOTED SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH EDUCATIONAL EVENTS AND MATERIALS. BECAUSE OF A GRANT FROM THE DULUTH SUPERIOR AREA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION, MPIRG FORMED A PARTNERSHIP WITH THE DULUTH TRANSIT AUTHORITY AND THE CITY OF DULUTH TO CONDUCT A SURVEY OF STUDENTS AND PROPOSE IMPROVEMENTS TO TRANSIT SYSTEM THAT BETTER SERVE THIS POPULATION. THE FIRST PHASE IS COMPLETE AND INVOLVED 1) AN ON-BUS SURVEY OF TRANSIT RIDERS AND 2) A SURVEY OF STUDENTS LIVING IN CAMPUS HOUSING. THIS WORK IS ONGOING AND WILL ENTER THE SECOND PHASE IN THE NEXT ACADEMIC YEAR. DEMOCRACY MPIRG STUDENTS WERE ACTIVE IN FORMING KEY ALLIANCES WITH OTHER STUDENT GROUPS IN OPPOSITION TO THE ANTI-MARRIAGE AMENDMENT AND BEGAN PLEDGING STUDENTS TO VOTE "NO" ON THIS HARMFUL AMENDMENT. THEY PRODUCED A VIDEO ENCOURAGING THEIR PEERS TO VOTE "NO" THAT WAS WELL RECEIVED VIA SOCIAL MEDIA. THE CHAPTER ALSO WORKED AGGRESSIVELY TO STOP THE PASSAGE OF THE VOTER ID CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT, INCLUDING TESTIFYING AT THE STATE LEGISLATURE AND HOSTING SEVERAL CAMPUS EDUCATIONAL EVENTS IN THE AMENDMENTS HARMFUL IMPACTS TO STUDENTS, SENIORS, LOW-INCOME MINNESOTANS, AND MILITARY PERSONNEL. UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA - MORRIS 10 EVENTS, 476 REACHED, 97 VOLUNTEER HOURS GREEN ECONOMY MPIRG STUDENTS IN MORRIS PRODUCED AN EXTENSIVE BUYER'S GUIDE FOR THE MORRIS AREA, WHICH INCLUDED INFORMATION ABOUT VENDORS AND THEIR PRODUCTS: ORGANIC OPTIONS, FAIR TRADE PRODUCTS, FREE-RANGE/GRASS-FED MEAT, LOCALLY GROWN/MADE FOOD, AND OTHER SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS. THESE GUIDES WERE DISTRIBUTED WIDELY ON CAMPUS AND IN THE COMMUNITY. HIGHER EDUCATION MORRIS MPIRGERS PILOTED AN EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAM TO DISCOVER SMART BUYING PRACTICES FOR STUDENTS. THIS PROGRAM INCLUDED INNOVATIVE OPTION SUCH AS BULK BUYING FOR DORM FLOORS AND SHARED HOUSES, TIPS ON HOW TO SAVE MONEY AS A COLLEGE STUDENT, AND MORE. AUGSBURG COLLEGE 14 EVENTS, 805 REACHED, AND 133 VOLUNTEER HOURS DEMOCRACY MPIRG STUDENTS WERE ACTIVE IN FORMING KEY ALLIANCES WITH OTHER STUDENT GROUPS IN OPPOSITION TO THE ANTI-MARRIAGE AMENDMENT AND BEGAN PLEDGING STUDENTS TO VOTE "NO" ON THIS HARMFUL AMENDMENT. THEY HOSTED SEVERAL CAMPUS WIDE TRAININGS ON HOW TO ENGAGE THE COMMUNITY IN OPPOSITION TO THE ANTI-MARRIAGE AMENDMENT. THE CHAPTER ALSO WORKED AGGRESSIVELY TO STOP THE PASSAGE OF THE VOTER ID CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT BY HOSTING A CALL-IN DAY FOR STUDENTS TO THEIR ELECTED OFFICIALS. FINALLY, STUDENTS HELD AN IN-DISTRICT MEETING WITH REPRESENTATIVE KAHN TO DISCUSS STUDENTS' LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES. GREEN ECONOMY AUGSBURG MPIRGERS WERE ACTIVE PROPONENTS OF OUR TRANSITION TO A GREEN ECONOMY. THEY HOSTED SEVERAL EVENTS TO PROMOTE TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES AND BETTER WASTE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES. THEY HOSTED A "SOLAR PANEL" WHICH INCLUDED KEY ADVOCATES AND SPEAKERS IN SUPPORT OF MORE SOLAR ENERGY IN MINNESOTA'S RENEWABLE ENERGY MIX. THEY ALSO GARNERED STUDENT OPPOSITION TO ATTACKS ON THE CLEAN AIR ACT THROUGH TABLING AND CALLS TO ELECTED OFFICIALS. FINALLY, THEY ALSO WORKED TO "BAN THE BOTTLE" THROUGH STARTING A PETITION IN SUPPORT OF BANNING BOTTLED WATER ON CAMPUS. AWARDS THE AUGSBURG MPIRG CHAPTER RECEIVED TWO AWARDS THIS PAST ACADEMIC YEAR: STUDENT GROUP OF THE YEAR AWARD AND ONE FOR THEIR WORK MAKING THE COMMUNITY A BETTER PLACE FOR THE LGBTQIA COMMUNITY. ST. CATHERINE UNIVERSITY 10 EVENTS, 241 REACHED, 73 VOLUNTEER HOURS GREEN ECONOMY MPIRGERS AT ST. KATE'S WORKED ALONGSIDE OTHER CHAPTERS IN GENERATING OPPOSITION TO PROPOSED ROLLBACKS OF CLEAN AIR ACT PROTECTIONS. GENDER AND SEXUALITY INITIATIVES THE ST. KATE'S CHAPTER CONTINUED TO LEAD THE WAY ON AWARENESS AROUND ISSUES RELATED TO GENDER AND SEXUALITY. THEY HOSTED SEVERAL CAMPUS EDUCATIONAL EVENTS PROMOTING HEALTHY BODY IMAGE AND DISCUSSING IMPORTANT WOMEN'S RIGHTS ISSUES. FOOD JUSTICE ST. KATE'S MPIRGERS ALSO WORKED TO RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT THE FOOD WE EAT, WHERE IT COMES FROM, AND THE IMPACTS OUR FOOD DECISIONS HAVE ON OUR LIVES AND THE LIVES OF THOSE WHO PRODUCE. THEY HOSTED SEVERAL EDUCATION EVENTS ON THIS TOPIC AND FORMED A CAMPUS COALITION TO BROADEN THEIR REACH AND IMPACT OF THIS CAMPAIGN. DEMOCRACY STUDENTS HELD AN IN-DISTRICT MEETING WITH REPRESENTATIVE PAYMAR TO DISCUSS STUDENTS' LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES. HAMLINE UNIVERSITY 14 EVENTS, 730 REACHED, AND 113 VOLUNTEER HOURS DEMOCRACY MPIRG STUDENTS WERE ACTIVE IN FORMING KEY ALLIANCES WITH OTHER STUDENT GROUPS IN OPPOSITION TO THE ANTI-MARRIAGE AMENDMENT AND BEGAN PLEDGING STUDENTS TO VOTE "NO" ON THIS HARMFUL AMENDMENT. THEY HOSTED SEVERAL EDUCATION EVENTS, INCLUDING A VERY SUCCESSFUL SPEAKOUT OPEN MIC EVENT IN OPPOSITION TO THE ANTI-MARRIAGE AMENDMENT. THE CHAPTER HELD VOTER ID DEMONSTRATIONS THAT INCLUDED VIDEOS, MULTIMEDIA, AND INTERACTIVE GAMES TO PROMOTE AWARENESS ABOUT THE CHALLENGES VOTER ID WOULD PRESENT TO STUDENTS. HAMLINE MPIRGERS ALSO WORKED TO EDUCATE THEIR PEERS ABOUT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF RANKED CHOICE VOTING (RCV) IN THE LOCAL ST. PAUL CITY ELECTIONS. GREEN ECONOMY THE HAMLINE CHAPTER, MUCH LIKE OTHER MPIRG CHAPTERS, WORKED TO PROTECT THE INTEGRITY OF THE FEDERAL CLEAN AIR ACT THROUGH GRASSROOTS ACTION. FINALLY, THEY ALSO WORKED TO "BAN THE BOTTLE" AND CONDUCTED WATER TASTE TESTS THAT DEMONSTRATED THAT STUDENTS ACTUALLY PREFERRED TAP TO BOTTLED WATER. FAIR TRADE THE CHAPTER CONTINUED ITS EFFORTS TO PROMOTE FAIR TRADE PRODUCTS, SUCH AS ALTA GRACIA, A SWEAT-SHOP FREE APPAREL COMPANY. THEY SUCCEED IN GETTING ALTA GRACIA IN THE CAMPUS BOOKSTORE. MACALESTER COLLEGE 19 EVENTS, 907 REACHED, 218 VOLUNTEER HOURS HEALTH CARE MACPIRG WAS ACTIVE HOSTING EDUCATIONAL EVENTS ON HEALTH CARE IN AMERICA RELATIVE TO OTHER COUNTRIES, AS WELL AS HEALTH CARE IMPLEMENTATION INFORMATION. CORPORATE ACCOUNTABILITY MPIRG STUDENTS WORKED TO ESTABLISH BETTER PROCUREMENT PRACTICES BY MACALESTER COLLEGE WITH RESPECT TO HOTELS THE COLLEGE USES TO HOUSE TRAVELING STAFF AND/OR VISITORS. THE ALSO BEGAN INVESTIGATING THE SIZE AND BENEFICIARIES OF THE COLLEGE'S ENDOWMENTS TO ENSURE ALIGNMENT WITH THE COLLEGE'S MISSION. DEMOCRACY MPIRG STUDENTS WERE ACTIVE IN FORMING KEY ALLIANCES WITH OTHER STUDENT GROUPS IN OPPOSITION TO THE ANTI-MARRIAGE AMENDMENT AND BEGAN PLEDGING STUDENTS TO VOTE "NO" ON THIS HARMFUL AMENDMENT. THEY HAD A VERY SUCCESSFUL RALLY, WITH KEYNOTE SPEAKER REPRESENTATIVE ERIN MURPHY, TO DEFEAT THE ANTI-MARRIAGE AMENDMENT THAT HAD OVER 150 ATTENDEES. MACPIRG HELD AN IN-DISTRICT MEETING WITH REPRESENTATIVE MURPHY TO DISCUSS STUDENTS' STATE LEGISLATIVE P
THIRD ACCOMPLISHMENT DESCRIPTION FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4C THIS PAST YEAR, MPIRG HAS WORKED ACTIVELY TO ESTABLISH CURBSIDE COLLECTION OF COMPOSTABLE MATERIALS IN MINNEAPOLIS AND ST. PAUL. MPIRG HAS ENGAGED THOUSANDS OF COMMUNITY MEMBERS IN THE TWIN CITIES IN SUPPORT OF THESE POLICIES. IN ST. PAUL, MPIRG HAS WORKED TO SEE CURBSIDE COLLECTION OF COMPOST PUT INTO THE CITY BUDGET. IN MINNEAPOLIS, MPIRG HAS WORKED TO ENCOURAGE CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS TO ESTABLISH AN ORDINANCE TO BEGIN CURBSIDE COLLECTION OF COMPOSTABLES. IN ADDITION, MPIRG AND OUR STUDENT LEADERS HAVE BEEN WORKING TO OPPOSE THE PROPOSED EXPANSION OF GARBAGE INCINERATION AT THE HENNEPIN ENERGY RECOVERY CENTER (HERC) AND HAVE REPORT FORTHCOMING OUTLINING CONCERNS OF SUCH AN EXPANSION. AT THE CAPITOL, MPIRG STUDENTS SUPPORTED A SOLAR ELECTRICITY STANDARD OF 10% BY 2030. AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL, MPIRG'S CHAPTERS COLLECTIVELY GARNERED OVER 1,500 SIGNATURES FROM STUDENTS IN OPPOSITION TO PROPOSED ROLLBACKS OF CLEAN AIR ACT PROTECTIONS TO PUBLIC HEALTH. THESE ROLLBACKS WERE NEVER PASSED. AFFORDABLE HIGHER EDUCATION MPIRG'S CHAPTERS ARE WORKING TO FINALIZE DEBT YEARBOOKS, WHICH CONTAIN THE TESTIMONIALS OF HUNDREDS OF STUDENTS BURDENED WITH HIGHER EDUCATION DEBT. MPIRG CONTINUES TO WORK TO PROVIDE AN ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF A PROPOSED POLICY THAT INCREASES COLLEGE ACCESS AND DECREASES HIGHER EDUCATION DEBT BURDENS. OUR GOAL WOULD BE TO RELEASE THAT REPORT AND REACH OUT TO ELECTED OFFICIALS IN SUPPORT OF THAT POLICY DURING THE 2013 STATE LEGISLATIVE SESSION. CIVIC ENGAGEMENT DURING THE 2012 STATE LEGISLATIVE SESSION, MPIRG WORKED TO PREVENT PASSAGE OF A PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT ON VOTER PHOTO ID. MPIRG OPPOSED THIS BECAUSE OF ITS NEGATIVE IMPACT ON STUDENT VOTERS, MANY OF WHOM WOULD BE UNABLE TO CAST A BALLOT IN MINNESOTA IF THE PROPOSED CHANGES WERE ADOPTED. IN ADDITION, THE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT WOULD HAVE A SIMILAR IMPACT ON THOUSANDS OF SENIORS AND LOW-INCOME MINNESOTANS. STUDENTS TESTIFIED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS ON THE NEGATIVE IMPACT TO STUDENTS AND THE FAILURE OF THE POLICY TO ADDRESS FRAUD AS THE AUTHORS SUGGESTED. IN THE END, THE BILL WAS PASSED AND VOTERS WILL DECIDE ON NOVEMBER 6, 2012 WHETHER IT SHOULD BE PUT IN THE MINNESOTA CONSTITUTION. MPIRG'S FIELD CANVASS, PHONE CANVASS, AND CAMPUS ORGANIZING PROGRAM HAVE ALL TRANSITIONED TO AN EFFORT TO DEFEAT THIS CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT, AS WELL AS ONE BANNING SAME SEX MARRIAGE, AS BOTH OF THESE AMENDMENTS WOULD NEGATIVELY COMMUNITIES ACROSS MINNESOTA. RESEARCH AND PUBLIC EDUCATION IN MAY OF 2012, MPIRG CONDUCTED A STUDENT PUBLIC POLICY OPINION POLL ON EIGHT COLLEGE CAMPUSES STATEWIDE. THE POLL EXAMINED STUDENTS' PERSPECTIVES AND OPINIONS ON A WIDE VARIETY OF PUBLIC POLICY ISSUES. THE RESULTS OF THAT SURVEY HAVE BEEN SHARED WITH THE MEDIA, CANDIDATES FOR PUBLIC OFFICE, AND OTHER DECISION MAKERS AND OPINION LEADERS TO BETTER INFORM THEM AND THE COMMUNITY OF THE ISSUES MOST IMPORTANT TO THE YOUTH OF MINNESOTA. MPIRG HAS BEEN WORKING FOR A YEAR AND HALF ON AN ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF THE COSTS AND BENEFITS OF A POLICY PROPOSAL KNOWN AS "OPPORTUNITY MINNESOTA" WITH A PROFESSOR OF APPLIED ECONOMICS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA - TWIN CITIES CAMPUS. THE POLICY PROVIDES FOR STUDENT DEBT RELIEF FOR COLLEGE GRADUATES WHO STAY AND WORK IN MINNESOTA. THE RESULTS OF THAT ECONOMIC ANALYSIS, WHEN FINISHED, WILL BE USED TO PRODUCE A REPORT THAT MPIRG'S STUDENT LEADERS WILL SHARE WITH STATE LEGISLATORS TO RELIEVE THE INCREASING BURDEN OF STUDENT DEBT. FINALLY, MPIRG IS NEARING COMPLETION ON A REPORT WHICH OUTLINES THE CHALLENGES RELATED TO AN EXPANSION OF GARBAGE INCINERATION IN MINNEAPOLIS. MPIRG HOSTS NUMEROUS PUBLIC EDUCATION EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. MPIRG'S ORGANIZING WORK, AS DESCRIBED BELOW, HAS A PRIMARY PURPOSE OF PUBLIC EDUCATION ON KEY PUBLIC INTEREST ISSUES.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES GOVERNING CHAPTERS FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 10B MOST LOCAL CHAPTERS HAVE THEIR OWN BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND OPERATE AUTONOMOUSLY. MPIRG IS IN THE PROCESS OF REVIEWING THIS PROCESS.
ORGANIZATION'S PROCESS USED TO REVIEW FORM 990 FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 11B EVERY YEAR, AFTER MPIRG'S AUDITOR PREPARES THE ORGANIZATION'S 990, THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS REVIEWS THE DOCUMENT WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE AUDITOR, WHO IS ALSO PRESENT TO ANSWER QUESTIONS FROM THE BOARD MEMBERS. BOARD MEMBERS ARE GIVEN A DRAFT COPY OF THE 990 PRIOR TO THE BOARD MEETING FOR REVIEW. ANY AND ALL QUESTIONS ARE RAISED DURING THAT MEETING AND, IF NECESSARY, REVISIONS ARE MADE TO 990. UPON COMPLETION OF THE REVIEW PROCESS, THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FORMALLY APPROVES THE 990 FOR SUBMISSION TO THE IRS.
ENFORCEMENT OF CONFLICTS POLICY FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 12C BEFORE EACH BOARD MEMBER'S FIRST MEETING, THEY ARE REQUIRED TO READ OUR THREE-PAGE CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY AND SIGN A STATEMENT CERTIFYING THAT THEY UNDERSTAND THE POLICY, AGREEING TO DISCLOSE ANY POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST THAT MAY ARISE IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THEIR DUTIES. THERE IS ALSO AN AGENDA ITEM DEDICATED TO CONFLICT OF INTEREST REVIEW AT THE BEGINNING OF EACH BOARD MEETING, REMINDING BOARD MEMBERS TO DISCLOSE ANY POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTERESTS WITH THE ITEMS ON THAT WEEK'S AGENDA. IF A BOARD MEMBER RAISES A POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST, THE ENTIRE BOARD DISCUSSES WHETHER THERE IS A CONFLICT PRESENT, DECIDING BY MAJORITY VOTE (WITH THE CHAIR AND MEMBER IN QUESTION NOT VOTING) IF NECESSARY. IF A CONFLICT OF INTEREST IS FOUND IN REGARDS TO A SPECIFIC ITEM, THEN THAT BOARD MEMBER ABSTAINS FROM PARTICIPATING DURING THAT AGENDA ITEM.
COMPENSATION PROCESS FOR TOP OFFICIAL FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 15A FOR THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (ED), THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS IS CHARGED WITH RECOMMENDING A SALARY RANGE FOR THE POSITION BASED ON COMPARABILITY DATA AND RESEARCH INTO ED COMPENSATION LEVELS OF ORGANIZATIONS WITH SIMILAR MISSIONS AND SIZE. MORE SPECIFICALLY, THE SALARY AND BENEFITS SURVEY FROM THE MINNESOTA COUNCIL OF NONPROFITS WAS USED ALONG WITH RESEARCH INTO ADVOCACY ORGANIZATIONS, SUCH AS CLEAN WATER ACTION AND OTHER STATE PUBLIC INTEREST RESEARCH GROUPS ACROSS THE COUNTRY, TO DETERMINE OVERALL SALARY RANGES FOR THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. IN ADDITION TO THESE CONSIDERATIONS, BOARD MEMBERS ALSO TOOK INTO ACCOUNT PAST COMPENSATION LEVELS FOR THE POSITION AND WHETHER OR NOT THE RECOMMENDED COMPENSATION LEVEL COULD BE SUPPORTED UNDER THE BUDGET. THEN, BASED ON THE SALARY RANGE PROVIDED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, THE HIRING COMMITTEE DETERMINES THE APPROPRIATE LEVEL OF COMPENSATION BASED ON THE APPLICANTS WORK EXPERIENCE. FOR A RETURNING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, RAISES AND COMPENSATION LEVELS FOR THE COMING YEAR ARE INTEGRATED INTO THE BUDGET APPROVAL PROCESS. COMPENSATION INCREASES ARE DISCUSSED BY THE ENTIRE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND SUGGESTED INCREASES ARE INCORPORATED INTO THE BUDGET.
COMPENSATION PROCESS FOR OFFICERS FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 15B FOR KEY EMPLOYEES, A SIMILAR PROCESS IS USED. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS IS CHARGED WITH RECOMMENDING SALARY RANGES FOR THESE POSITIONS BASED ON COMPARABILITY DATA AND RESEARCH INTO THE COMPENSATION LEVELS IN ORGANIZATIONS WITH SIMILAR MISSIONS AND SIZE. MORE SPECIFICALLY, THE SALARY AND BENEFITS SURVEY FROM THE MINNESOTA COUNCIL OF NONPROFITS WAS USED ALONG WITH RESEARCH INTO ADVOCACY ORGANIZATIONS, SUCH AS CLEAN WATER ACTION AND OTHER STATE PUBLIC INTEREST RESEARCH GROUPS ACROSS THE COUNTRY, TO DETERMINE OVERALL SALARY RANGES FOR ALL KEY EMPLOYEES. IN ADDITION TO THESE CONSIDERATIONS, BOARD MEMBERS ALSO TOOK INTO ACCOUNT PAST COMPENSATION LEVELS FOR THE POSITION AND WHETHER OR NOT THE RECOMMENDED COMPENSATION LEVEL COULD BE SUPPORTED UNDER THE BUDGET. THEN, BASED ON THE SALARY RANGE PROVIDED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, THE HIRING COMMITTEE DETERMINES THE APPROPRIATE LEVEL OF COMPENSATION BASED ON THE APPLICANTS WORK EXPERIENCE. FOR RETURNING EMPLOYEES, RAISES AND COMPENSATION LEVELS FOR THE COMING YEAR ARE INTEGRATED INTO THE BUDGET APPROVAL PROCESS. COMPENSATION INCREASES ARE DISCUSSED BY THE ENTIRE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND SUGGESTED INCREASES ARE INCORPORATED INTO THE BUDGET.
GOVERNING DOCUMENTS DISCLOSURE EXPLANATION FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 19 UPON REQUEST THE ORGANIZATION WILL PROVIDE COPIES OF ITS GOVERNING DOCUMENTS, CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990 or 990-EZ.
Cat. No. 51056K
Schedule O (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2011

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