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
2012
Open to Public Inspection
A For the 2012 calendar year, or tax year beginning 07-01-2012 , 2012, and ending 06-30-2013
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)
2722 UNIVERSITY AVENUE
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 $ 976,391
F Name and address of principal officer:
KRISTIAN NYBERG
2722 UNIVERSITY AVENUE
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 21
4 Number of independent voting members of the governing body (Part VI, line 1b) ..... 4 21
5 Total number of individuals employed in calendar year 2011 (Part V, line 2a) ...... 5 86
6 Total number of volunteers (estimate if necessary) ............. 6 1,437
7a Total unrelated business revenue from Part VIII, column (C), line 12 ........ 7a 6,827
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) ......... 999,127 958,655
9 Program service revenue (Part VIII, line 2g) ......... 27,045 12,567
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) 206 5,169
12 Total revenue—add lines 8 through 11 (must equal Part VIII, column (A), line 12)................... 1,026,378 976,391
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) 815,270 869,009
16a Professional fundraising fees (Part IX, column (A), line 11e).....   3,333
b Total fundraising expenses (Part IX, column (D), line 25) MediumBullet162,471    
17 Other expenses (Part IX, column (A), lines 11a–11d, 11f–24e).... 144,543 172,239
18 Total expenses. Add lines 13–17 (must equal Part IX, column (A), line 25) 959,813 1,044,581
19 Revenue less expenses. Subtract line 18 from line 12....... 66,565 -68,190
Net Assets or Fund Balances; Beginning of Current Year End of Year
20 Total assets (Part X, line 16)............. 75,556 49,295
21 Total liabilities (Part X, line 26)............. 34,364 76,293
22 Net assets or fund balances. Subtract line 21 from line 20..... 41,192 -26,998
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
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Signature of officer Date
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Type or print name and title
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Preparer's signature
Date
PTIN
Firm's name MediumBullet

Firm's EIN MediumBullet
Firm's address MediumBullet



Phone no.
May the IRS discuss this return with the preparer shown above? (see instructions) ............
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the separate instructions.
Cat. No. 11282Y
Form 990 (2012)
Form 990 (2012)
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 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 $ 457,824 including grants of $   ) (Revenue $ 587,503 )
COMMUNITY ORGANIZING MPIRG'S FIELD AND PHONE CANVASS COMMUNITY OUTREACH DEPARTMENTS FOCUSED THEIR ACTIVITIES FROM JULY UNTIL ELECTION DAY EXCLUSIVELY ON COMMUNITY EDUCATION AND ENGAGEMENT IN OPPOSITION TO THE TWO PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS. OVER THE COURSE OF THE CAMPAIGN, MPIRG'S FIELD CANVASS KNOCKED ON 139,522 DOORS AND DISCUSSED THE ISSUE WITH 51,534 MINNESOTANS ACROSS THE STATE.OUR PHONE CANVASS MADE 75,380 ATTEMPTS TO REACH COMMUNITY MEMBERS, YIELDING 11,307 DISCUSSIONS WITH COMMUNITY MEMBERS ABOUT THE IMPLICATIONS OF BOTH AMENDMENTS. IN TOTAL, MPIRG'S COMMUNITY ORGANIZING PROGRAM MADE OVER 214,902OUTREACH ATTEMPTS THAT RESULTED IN 62,841 CONVERSATIONS ABOUT HARM THAT THE TWO PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS WOULD BRING TO MINNESOTANS. AFTER ELECTION DAY, MPIRG'S COMMUNITY ORGANIZING DEPARTMENT DID EXTENSIVE OUTREACH TO EDUCATE MINNESOTANS ON ESTABLISHING A RENEWABLE ENERGY STANDARD OF 40% BY 2030, A SOLAR ELECTRICITY STANDARD OF 10% BY 2030, AND OTHER RENEWABLE ENERGY AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY INCENTIVES. IN THE END, MPIRG AND OUR COALITION PARTNERS WERE SUCCESSFUL IN ESTABLISHING THE FIRST STEP TOWARDS OUR SOLAR ELECTRICITY STANDARD, BY ESTABLISHING A GOAL OF 1.5% BY 2030. ADDITIONAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY INCENTIVES WERE ALSO PASSED INTO LAW. AT THE SAME TIME, THE FIELD CANVASS REACHED OUT TO MINNEAPOLITANS AND ST. PAULITES TO GAIN CITIZEN SUPPORT FOR CURBSIDE COLLECTION OF COMPOSTABLE WASTE AND TO OPPOSE THE EXPANSION OF THE DOWNTOWN GARBAGE BURNER, THE HENNEPIN ENERGY RECOVERY CENTER (HERC). THE FIELD AND PHONE CANVASSES ALSO EDUCATED, ENGAGED, AND ACTIVATED MINNEAPOLIS RESIDENTS IN SUPPORT OF TAKING CHARGE OF THE CITY'S ENERGY FUTURE. MPIRG KNOCKED ON OVER 55,000 DOORS, DISCUSSED THE ISSUE WITH OVER 18,000 RESIDENTS, AND SECURED OVER 3,500 CALLS TO ACTION FROM MINNEAPOLIS RESIDENTS. AS A RESULT, MPIRG SECURED COMMITMENTS FROM BOTH MAJOR UTILITIES TO DO MORE FOR THE CITY'S RESIDENTS.
4b (Code:   ) (Expenses $ 254,735 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 45 EVENTS, 9,301 REACHED, AND 951 VOLUNTEER HOURS. DEMOCRACY - VOTE NOVEMBER 6 TO PREPARE STUDENTS FOR THE 2012 ELECTIONS, MPIRGSTUDENTS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA - TWIN CITIESLAUNCHED A NONPARTISAN VOTER ENGAGEMENT EFFORT THAT REGISTERED OR PLEDGED TO VOTE 7,624 STUDENTS ON CAMPUS, EDUCATED 915 THROUGH DIRECT COMMUNICATION AND ELECTION ISSUES RELATED PROGRAMMING, AND MADE 18,110 DIRECT CONTACTS REMINDING STUDENTS OF THEIR POLLING PLACES AND TO GO VOTE ON ELECTION DAY. WHILE DOING THIS WORK, MPIRGERSENGAGED THEIR PEERS IN OPPOSITION TO THE TWO PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS: 1) THE ANTI-MARRIAGE AMENDMENT AND 2) THE VOTER RESTRICTION AMENDMENT. AFFORDABLE HIGHER EDUCATION MPIRGERS AT UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA - TWIN CITIES ENGAGED THEIR PEERS AND LEGISLATORS AT THE STATE CAPITOL IN SUPPORT OF AN AFFORDABLE HIGHER EDUCATION. TWO STUDENTS FROM THE CHAPTER BECAME LEGISLATIVE INTERNS WITH MPIRG AND THEN WORKED WITH THE MINNESOTA SENATE AND HOUSE TO INTRODUCE HIGHER EDUCATION DEBT RELIEF LEGISLATION. IN ADDITION, MPIRG STUDENTS WORKED WITH AN APPLIED ECONOMIST TO RELEASE A REPORT, AND TESTIFY, ON THE POSITIVE ECONOMIC BENEFITS THAT WOULD ACCRUE TO MINNESOTA UNDER THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION. THIS REPORT WAS RELEASED ALONG WITH A DEBT YEARBOOK IN WHICH THE FACES OF STUDENTS ACROSS THE STATE AND THEIR HIGHER EDUCATION DEBT BURDEN WERE SHOWN TO HIGHLIGHT THE REAL, PERSONAL IMPACT THIS DEBT IS HAVING. THEY ALSO ADVOCATED IN SUPPORT OF INCREASING STATE INVESTMENTS IN PUBLIC HIGHER EDUCATION AND THE STATE GRANT PROGRAM, WHICH ULTIMATELY LED TO BUDGET ALLOCATIONS THAT FROZE TUITION FOR THE FIRST TIME IN OVER A DECADE. ENVIRONOMICS MPIRG STUDENTS WERE ENGAGED AND ACTIVE IN SUPPORT OF THE CLEAN ENERGY AND JOBS CAMPAIGN, A COALITION OF OVER 30 NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS THAT PUSHED FOR A SOLAR ELECTRICITY STANDARD OF 10% BY 2030. THE COALITION WAS SUCCESSFUL IN GETTING A START ON THIS OBJECTIVE BY ESTABLISHING A 1.5% SOLAR ELECTRICITY STANDARD, WHILE ALSO ADVANCING ENERGY EFFICIENCY GOALS, AND OTHER POLICIES THAT CREATE THE RIGHT INCENTIVES AND BEGIN THE TRANSITION TO A CLEAN ENERGY ECONOMY. SEVERAL STUDENTS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA - TWIN CITIES CAMPUS WERE DIRECTLY INVOLVED IN THE MINNEAPOLIS ENERGY OPTIONS CAMPAIGN TO BRING CLEAN, LOCAL, EFFICIENT, AFFORDABLE, AND RELIABLE ENERGY TO THE CITY. THEY ASSISTED IN DIRECT ADVOCACY, COMMUNICATIONS, AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH EFFORTS. CORPORATE ACCOUNTABILITY MPIRGERS CONTINUED TO PUSH FOR GREATER CORPORATE ACCOUNTABILITY ON CAMPUS BY RAISING AWARENESS AND TAKING ACTION TO MOVE AWAY FROM PREDATORY BANKS TO MORE RESPONSIBLE BANKING OPTIONS. THE ALSO BEGAN WORK TO EXAMINE THE SIZE AND NATURE OF THE INVESTMENTS IN THE ENDOWMENT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA - TWIN CITIES. THE ULTIMATE GOAL IS IDENTIFY THOSE INVESTMENTS WHICH RUN COUNTER TO THE VALUES OF STUDENTS, AND THE UNIVERSITY AS A WHOLE, AND TO TRANSITION TO MORE SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE INVESTMENTS. UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA - DULUTH 44 EVENTS, 7,378 REACHED, AND 432 VOLUNTEER HOURS. DEMOCRACY - VOTE NOVEMBER 6 TO PREPARE STUDENTS FOR THE 2012 ELECTIONS, MPIRG STUDENTS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA - DULUTH LAUNCHED A NONPARTISAN VOTER ENGAGEMENT EFFORT THAT REGISTERED OR PLEDGED TO VOTE 2,514 STUDENTS ON CAMPUS, EDUCATED 100S THROUGH DIRECT COMMUNICATION AND ELECTION ISSUES RELATED PROGRAMMING, AND MADE 1000S OF DIRECT CONTACTS REMINDING STUDENTS OF THEIR POLLING PLACES AND TO GO VOTE ON ELECTION DAY. WHILE DOING THIS WORK, MPIRGERS ENGAGED THEIR PEERS IN OPPOSITION TO THE TWO PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS: 1) THE ANTI-MARRIAGE AMENDMENT AND 2) THE VOTER RESTRICTION AMENDMENT. ENVIRONOMICS MPIRGERS COMPLETED THEIR WORK SURVEYING STUDENT NEEDS FOR THE TRANSIT SYSTEM IN DULUTH. PRELIMINARY RECOMMENDATIONS WERE SHARED WITH THE DULUTH TRANSIT AUTHORITY, THE CITY OF DULUTH, AND THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA - DULUTH ADMINISTRATION. STUDENTS ARE CURRENTLY WORKING TO COMPLETE A REPORT ON THE FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY AND ADVOCATE FOR REASONABLE REFORMS THAT IMPROVE THE ALIGNMENT BETWEEN TRANSIT AND CLASS SCHEDULES. THE TASK FORCE AT THE CHAPTER ALSO BEGAN WORK TO SUPPORT FOSSIL FUEL DIVESTMENT BY THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA - DULUTH TO MORE SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE INVESTMENTS. AFFORDABLE HIGHER EDUCATION MPIRGERS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA - DULUTH ENGAGED THEIR PEERS AND LEGISLATORS AT THE STATE CAPITOL IN SUPPORT OF AN AFFORDABLE HIGHER EDUCATION. THEY PARTICIPATED IN THE DEBT YEARBOOK IN WHICH THE FACES OF STUDENTS ACROSS THE STATE AND THEIR HIGHER EDUCATION DEBT BURDEN WERE SHOWN TO HIGHLIGHT THE REAL, PERSONAL IMPACT THIS DEBT IS HAVING. THEY ALSO ADVOCATED IN SUPPORT OF INCREASING STATE INVESTMENTS IN PUBLIC HIGHER EDUCATION AND THE STATE GRANT PROGRAM, WHICH ULTIMATELY LED TO BUDGET ALLOCATIONS THAT FROZE TUITION FOR THE FIRST TIME IN OVER A DECADE. CORPORATE ACCOUNTABILITY MPIRGERS CONTINUED TO PUSH FOR GREATER CORPORATE ACCOUNTABILITY ON CAMPUS BY RAISING AWARENESS AND TAKING ACTION TO MOVE AWAY FROM PREDATORY BANKS TO MORE RESPONSIBLE BANKING OPTIONS. THE ALSO BEGAN WORK TO EXAMINE THE SIZE AND NATURE OF THE INVESTMENTS IN THE ENDOWMENT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA. THE ULTIMATE GOAL IS IDENTIFY THOSE INVESTMENTS WHICH RUN COUNTER TO THE VALUES OF STUDENTS, AND THE UNIVERSITY AS A WHOLE, AND TO TRANSITION TO MORE SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE INVESTMENTS. UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA - MORRIS 42 EVENTS, 1,703 REACHED, 494 VOLUNTEER HOURS DEMOCRACY - VOTE NOVEMBER 6 TO PREPARE STUDENTS FOR THE 2012 ELECTIONS, MPIRG STUDENTS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA - MORRIS LAUNCHED A NONPARTISAN VOTER ENGAGEMENT EFFORT THAT REGISTERED OR PLEDGED TO VOTE 713 STUDENTS ON CAMPUS, EDUCATED 100S THROUGH DIRECT COMMUNICATION AND ELECTION ISSUES RELATED PROGRAMMING, AND MADE 100S OF DIRECT CONTACTS REMINDING STUDENTS OF THEIR POLLING PLACES AND TO GO VOTE ON ELECTION DAY. WHILE DOING THIS WORK, MPIRGERS ENGAGED THEIR PEERS IN OPPOSITION TO THE TWO PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS: 1) THE ANTI-MARRIAGE AMENDMENT AND 2) THE VOTER RESTRICTION AMENDMENT. MPIRGERS CARRIED FORWARD THEIR INTEREST IN DEMOCRACY ISSUES TO THE STATE LEGISLATIVE SESSION, IN WHICH THEY SUPPORTED SEVERAL VOTING REFORMS THAT WOULD IMPROVE THE EXPERIENCE OF STUDENTS AND THE BROADER COMMUNITY IN THE DEMOCRATIC PROCESS. ENVIRONOMICS MPIRG STUDENTS WERE ENGAGED AND ACTIVE IN SUPPORT OF THE CLEAN ENERGY AND JOBS CAMPAIGN, A COALITION OF OVER 30 NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS THAT PUSHED FOR A SOLAR ELECTRICITY STANDARD OF 10% BY 2030. THE COALITION WAS SUCCESSFUL IN GETTING A START ON THIS OBJECTIVE BY ESTABLISHING A 1.5% SOLAR ELECTRICITY STANDARD, WHILE ALSO ADVANCING ENERGY EFFICIENCY GOALS, AND OTHER POLICIES THAT CREATE THE RIGHT INCENTIVES AND BEGIN THE TRANSITION TO A CLEAN ENERGY ECONOMY. AFFORDABLE HIGHER EDUCATION MPIRGERS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA - MORRIS ENGAGED THEIR PEERS AND LEGISLATORS AT THE STATE CAPITOL IN SUPPORT OF AN AFFORDABLE HIGHER EDUCATION. THEY PARTICIPATED IN THE DEBT YEARBOOK IN WHICH THE FACES OF STUDENTS ACROSS THE STATE AND THEIR HIGHER EDUCATION DEBT BURDEN WERE SHOWN TO HIGHLIGHT THE REAL, PERSONAL IMPACT THIS DEBT IS HAVING. THEY ALSO ADVOCATED IN SUPPORT OF INCREASING STATE INVESTMENTS IN PUBLIC HIGHER EDUCATION AND THE STATE GRANT PROGRAM, WHICH ULTIMATELY LED TO BUDGET ALLOCATIONS THAT FROZE TUITION FOR THE FIRST TIME IN OVER A DECADE. CORPORATE ACCOUNTABILITY MPIRGERS CONTINUED TO PUSH FOR GREATER CORPORATE ACCOUNTABILITY ON CAMPUS BY RAISING AWARENESS AND TAKING ACTION TO MOVE AWAY FROM PREDATORY BANKS TO MORE RESPONSIBLE BANKING OPTIONS. THE ALSO BEGAN WORK TO EXAMINE THE SIZE AND NATURE OF THE INVESTMENTS IN THE ENDOWMENT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA. THE ULTIMATE GOAL IS IDENTIFY THOSE INVESTMENTS WHICH RUN COUNTER TO THE VALUES OF STUDENTS, AND THE UNIVERSITY AS A WHOLE, AND TO TRANSITION TO MORE SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE INVESTMENTS. AUGSBURG COLLEGE 28 EVENTS, 1,081 REACHED, AND 305 VOLUNTEER HOURS DEMOCRACY - VOTE NOVEMBER 6 TO PREPARE STUDENTS FOR THE 2012 ELECTIONS, MPIRG STUDENTS AT AUGSBURG COLLEGE LAUNCHED A NONPARTISAN VOTER ENGAGEMENT EFFORT THAT REGISTERED OR PLEDGED TO VOTE 791 STUDENTS ON CAMPUS, EDUCATED 100S THROUGH DIRECT COMMUNICATION AND ELECTION ISSUES RELATED PROGRAMMING, AND MADE 100S OF DIRECT CONTACTS REMINDING STUDENTS OF THEIR POLLING PLACES AND TO GO VOTE ON ELECTION DAY. WHILE DOING THIS WORK, MPIRGERS ENGAGED THEIR PEERS IN OPPOSITION TO THE TWO PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS: 1) THE ANTI- MARRIAGE AMENDMENT AND 2) THE VOTER RESTRICTION AMENDMENT. AFFORDABLE HIGHER EDUCATION MPIRGERS AT AUGSBURG COLLEGE ENGAGED THEIR PEERS AND LEGISLATORS AT THE
4c (Code:   ) (Expenses $ 57,778 including grants of $   ) (Revenue $ 5,740 )
ISSUE ADVOCACY ENVIRONOMICS MPIRG CONTINUED TO WORK ACTIVELY TO ESTABLISH CURBSIDE COLLECTION OF COMPOSTABLE MATERIALS IN MINNEAPOLIS AND ST. PAUL. MPIRG ONCE AGAIN 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 COUNCILMEMBERS 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 HENNEPINENERGY RECOVERY CENTER (HERC). A REPORT OUTLINING THE PUBLIC HEALTH CONCERNS, THE DISPROPORTIONATE IMPACT THE GARBAGE BURNER HAS ON LOW-INCOME COMMUNITIES AND COMMUNITIES OF COLOR, THE GLOBAL WARMING IMPACTS, AND THE ALTERNATIVES TO APPROVING SUCH AN EXPANSION WAS FINALIZED FOR RELEASE IN LATE 2013. MPIRG EDUCATED, ENGAGED, AND ACTIVATED MINNEAPOLIS RESIDENTS IN SUPPORT OF TAKING CHARGE OF THE CITY'S ENERGY FUTURE IN A CAMPAIGN CALLED MINNEAPOLIS ENERGY OPTIONS. THE GOAL WAS CLEAN, AFFORDABLE, RELIABLE, AND LOCAL ENERGY THAT BENEFITS ALL COMMUNITIES. THE CAMPAIGN GREW OUT OF A COALITION THAT WANTED TO EMPLOY A NEW STRATEGY TO ACCELERATE THE TRANSITION TO A CLEAN ENERGY ECONOMY. THE CAMPAIGN CONNECTED MINNEAPOLIS RESIDENTS WITH THE CITY COUNCIL IN SUPPORT OF GREATER FREEDOM IN FRANCHISE NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE CITY'S TWO MAJOR UTILITY PROVIDERS, XCEL ENERGY FOR ELECTRICITY AND CENTERPOINT ENERGY FOR GAS. MPIRG KNOCKED ON OVER 55,000 DOORS, DISCUSSED THE ISSUE WITH OVER 18,000 RESIDENTS, AND SECURED OVER 3,500 CALLS TO ACTION FROM MINNEAPOLIS RESIDENTS. AS A RESULT, MPIRG SECURED A COMMITMENT AND MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH CENTERPOINT ENERGY TO REDUCE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS BY 25% BY 2030, REDUCING HIRING DISPARITIES, AND WORK TO ENHANCE THEIR ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAMS. THESE EFFORTS ALSO BROUGHT XCEL ENERGY TO THE TABLE TO NEGOTIATE WITH CITY LEADERS ABOUT HOW THEY CAN SUPPORT LOCAL CLEAN ENERGY DEPLOYMENT, PROMOTE AND ACHIEVE ENERGY EFFICIENCY GOALS, AND PROVIDE GREATER TRANSPARENCY IN ENERGY USAGE DATA TO FACILITATE ACHIEVING THESE GOALS. AT THE CAPITOL, MPIRG STUDENTS, AS PARTNERS IN THE CLEAN ENERGY AND JOBS COALITION, SUPPORTED A SOLAR ELECTRICITY STANDARD OF 10% BY 2030. THE COALITION WAS SUCCESSFUL IN GETTING A START ON THIS OBJECTIVE BY ESTABLISHING A 1.5% SOLAR ELECTRICITY STANDARD, WHILE ALSO ADVANCING ENERGY EFFICIENCY GOALS, AND OTHER POLICIES THAT CREATE THE RIGHT INCENTIVES AND BEGIN THE TRANSITION TO A CLEAN ENERGY ECONOMY. AFFORDABLE HIGHER EDUCATION MPIRG WORKED WITH LEGISLATORS AT THE STATE CAPITOL TO INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO REDUCE THE HIGHER EDUCATION DEBT BURDEN FELT BY SO MANY STUDENTS IN MINNESOTA. THE LEGISLATION, KNOWN AS OPPORTUNITY MINNESOTA, CREATES A TAX CREDIT FOR PAYMENTS MADE ON ELIGIBLE HIGHER EDUCATION DEBT PAYMENTS FOR STUDENTS FROM HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS IN MINNESOTA THAT CONTINUE TO LIVE IN THE STATE POST-GRADUATION. MPIRG WAS SUCCESSFUL IN MOVING THE LEGISLATION THROUGH TWO KEY COMMITTEES IN THE SENATE, BUT WORK REMAINS TO ADVANCE THE BILL IN THE STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. ACCOMPANYING THE INTRODUCTION OF THE LEGISLATION AND COMMITTEE ACTION, MPIRG FINALIZED AND RELEASED AN ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF THE POLICY THAT SHOWED HOW THE BILL WOULD, IN THE LONG TERM, PAY FOR ITSELF BY INCREASING THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS WHO WOULD PURSUE AND OBTAIN A HIGHER EDUCATION. MPIRG WORKED CLOSELY WITH AN APPLIED ECONOMIST AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA WHO PROVIDED THE OVERALL DIRECTION AND FINAL ANALYSIS OF THE POLICY PROPOSAL. MPIRG RELEASED A DEBT YEARBOOK IN WHICH THE FACES OF STUDENTS ACROSS THE STATE AND THEIR HIGHER EDUCATION DEBT BURDEN WERE SHOWN TO HIGHLIGHT THE REAL, PERSONAL IMPACT THIS DEBT IS HAVING ON STUDENTS IN MINNESOTA. CIVIC ENGAGEMENT - VOTE NOVEMBER 6 MPIRG WORKED WITH STUDENTS AT OUR SEVEN COLLEGE CAMPUSES AND ENGAGED COMMUNITY MEMBERS TO OPPOSE TWO PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS: 1) THE ANTI-MARRIAGE AMENDMENT AND 2) THE VOTER RESTRICTION AMENDMENT. MPIRG'S WORK IN OPPOSITION TO THE VOTER RESTRICTION AND ANTI-MARRIAGE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES WAS A CRITICAL FACTOR IN THEIR ULTIMATE REJECTION BY MINNESOTANS. WHILE OVERALL OPPOSITION TO THE VOTER RESTRICTION AMENDMENT ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES WAS 69.5%, CAMPUSES WITH MPIRG CHAPTERS WERE 12 POINTS MORE LIKELY TO VOTE AGAINST IT, AVERAGING 76.9% VOTING "NO". LIKEWISE, OVERALL OPPOSITION TO THE ANTI-MARRIAGE AMENDMENT ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES WAS 78.8%, CAMPUSES WITH MPIRG CHAPTERS WERE 7 POINTS MORE LIKELY TO VOTE AGAINST IT, AVERAGING 82.8% VOTING "NO". THIS REFLECTS THE BROAD OPPOSITION BY YOUNGER GENERATIONS TO RESTRICTIONS ON LOVING RELATIONSHIPS AND RESTRICTIONS ON EXERCISING THEIR FRANCHISE TO VOTE. RESEARCH AND PUBLIC EDUCATION AS NOTED IN PROGRAM SERVICE ONE, MPIRG RELEASED AN ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF OUR PROPOSED LEGISLATION TO REDUCE THE HIGHER EDUCATION DEBT BURDEN FOR COLLEGE GRADUATES IN MINNESOTA. MPIRG ALSO FINALIZED A REPORT, FOR RELEASE IN LATE 2013, THAT EXAMINES SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT IN MINNEAPOLIS AND THE MANY CONCERNS ASSOCIATED WITH A PROPOSED INCREASE TO GARBAGE INCINERATION IN THE DOWNTOWN AREA. KEY FINDINGS AND CONCERNS CONTAINED IN THE REPORT OUTLINE THE PUBLIC HEALTH CONCERNS, THE DISPROPORTIONATE IMPACT THE GARBAGE BURNER HAS ON LOW-INCOME COMMUNITIES AND COMMUNITIES OF COLOR, THE GLOBAL WARMING IMPACTS, AN ANALYSIS OF THE MOST COST EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES, AND THE ALTERNATIVES TO APPROVING SUCH AN EXPANSION. ALSO NOTED IN PROGRAM SERVICE ONE, MPIRG FINALIZED AND RELEASED AN ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF THE HIGHER EDUCATION DEBT RELIEF POLICY THAT SHOWED HOW THE BILL WOULD, IN THE LONG TERM, PAY FOR ITSELF BY INCREASING THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS WHO WOULD PURSUE AND OBTAIN A HIGHER EDUCATION. MPIRG WORKED CLOSELY WITH AN APPLIED ECONOMIST AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA WHO PROVIDED THE OVERALL DIRECTION AND FINAL ANALYSIS OF THE POLICY PROPOSAL. 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 expensesMediumBullet770,337
Form 990 (2012)
Form 990 (2012)
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 (see instructions)? 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, or have a section 501(h) election in effect during the tax year? 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 for escrow or custodial account liability; 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, line 10?
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 VIIClick 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 VIIIClick 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 IXClick 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 XClick to see attachment
11e
Yes
 
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 XClick 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 and XII 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 and XII 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, Parts I and IV.........
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 United States? If “Yes,” complete Schedule F, Parts II and IV
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 United States? If “Yes,” complete Schedule F, Parts III and IV...
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 (see instructions)....
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 hospital facilities? If “Yes,” complete Schedule H....
20a
 
No
b
If “Yes” to line 20a, did the organization attach a copy of its audited financial statements to this return?
20b
 
 
Form 990 (2012)
Form 990 (2012)
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, line 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 lines 24b through 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........
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...................
25b
 
No
26
Was a loan to or by a current or former officer, director, trustee, key employee, highest compensated employee, or disqualified person outstanding as of the end of the organization’s tax year? If “Yes,” complete Schedule L,
Part II..........................
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.........
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 ..........................
28a
 
No
b
A family member of a current or former officer, director, trustee, or key employee? If “Yes,”
complete Schedule L, Part IV.....................
28b
 
No
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 direct or indirect owner? If “Yes,” complete Schedule L, Part IV...
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, Part II, III, or IV, and Part 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
 
 
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 11b and 19? Note. All Form 990 filers are required to complete Schedule O. ............
38
Yes
 
Form 990 (2012)
Form 990 (2012)
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
 
 
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
86
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, securities account, or other financial 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 as charitable contributions?...
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
 
No
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
 
No
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
 
No
f
Did the organization, during the year, pay premiums, directly or indirectly, on a personal benefit contract?..
7f
 
No
g
If the organization received a contribution of qualified intellectual property, did the organization file Form 8899 as required?............................
7g
 
No
h
If the organization received a contribution of cars, boats, airplanes, or other vehicles, did the organization file a Form 1098-C?..........................
7h
 
No
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. See the instructions for additional information the organization must report on Schedule O.
13a
 
 
b
Enter the 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 amount of reserves on hand ............
13c
 
14a
Did the organization receive any payments for indoor tanning services during the tax year?.....
14a
 
No
b
If "Yes," has it filed a Form 720 to report these payments? If “No,” provide an explanation in Schedule O..
14b
 
 
Form 990 (2012)
Form 990 (2012)
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 .....................
1a
21
If there are material differences in voting rights among members of the governing body, or if the governing body delegated broad authority to an executive committee or similar committee, explain in Schedule O.
b
Enter the number of voting members included in line 1a, above, who are independent ...................
1b
21
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 this 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:
MediumBulletTHE ORGANIZATION1313 FIFTH STREET SE 111MINNEAPOLISMN55414 (612) 627-4035
Form 990 (2012)
Form 990 (2012)
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. 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 organization compensated any current officer, director, or trustee.
(A)
Name and Title 		(B)
Average hours per week (list any hours for related organizations below dotted line) 		(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) SYDNEY JORDAN........................................................................
DIRECTOR
 1.00
.......................   		X           7,940 0 0
(2) JONATHAN MCJUNKIN........................................................................
DIRECTOR/SEC
 2.00
.......................   		X   X       4,113 0 0
(3) MATT FREDERICKS........................................................................
DIRECTOR/CHA
 5.00
.......................   		X   X       3,408 0 0
(4) LEEWANA THOMAS........................................................................
DIRECTOR
 1.00
.......................   		X           2,439 0 0
(5) SARAH ZIEKE........................................................................
DIRECTOR
 1.00
.......................   		X           1,198 0 0
(6) MOLLY DONOVAN........................................................................
DIRECTOR/SEC
 2.00
.......................   		X   X       1,105 0 0
(7) MARIANA GLITSOS........................................................................
DIRECTOR/VIC
 2.00
.......................   		X   X       0 0 0
(8) ALEX HERR........................................................................
DIRECTOR
 1.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(9) ELENA HAYNES........................................................................
DIRECTOR/TRE
 2.00
.......................   		X   X       0 0 0
(10) EMMA WRIGHT........................................................................
DIRECTOR/CHA
 5.00
.......................   		X   X       0 0 0
(11) MICHELLE THIMIOS........................................................................
DIRECTOR
 1.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(12) MITCH MENIGO........................................................................
DIRECTOR
 1.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(13) MATT SCHIRBER........................................................................
DIRECTOR
 1.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(14) CORA ELLENSON-MYERS........................................................................
DIRECTOR
 1.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(15) EMILY BULLIVANT........................................................................
DIRECTOR
 1.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(16) ABRAHM NEUSER........................................................................
DIRECTOR
  
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(17) SAMANTHA WEISS........................................................................
DIRECTOR
 1.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
Form 990 (2012)
Form 990 (2012)
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 (list any hours for related organizations below dotted line) 		(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) KRISTIAN NYBERG........................................................................
DIRECTOR/TRE
 2.00
.......................   		X   X       0 0 0
(19) LAUREN MALLERY........................................................................
DIRECTOR
 1.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(20) LANAE SMITH........................................................................
DIRECTOR
 1.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(21) MARGO WORMAN........................................................................
DIRECTOR
 1.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(22) BEN SURMA........................................................................
DIRECTOR
 1.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(23) SAM BISOGNO........................................................................
DIRECTOR
 1.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(24) CARLA CARDENAS........................................................................
DIRECTOR
 1.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(25) LOGAN BAILEY........................................................................
DIRECTOR
 1.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(26) KATE DOBSON........................................................................
DIRECTOR
 1.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(27) BRIAN DAILY........................................................................
DIRECTOR/VIC
 2.00
.......................   		X   X       0 0 0
(28) KARA RUD........................................................................
DIRECTOR
 1.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(29) BRIAN DOWNING........................................................................
DIRECTOR
 1.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(30) KATE MENSING........................................................................
DIRECTOR
 1.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(31) BREANNA BEMBOOM........................................................................
DIRECTOR
 1.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(32) LUCY NIEBOER........................................................................
DIRECTOR
 1.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(33) AARON WAGNER........................................................................
DIRECTOR
 1.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(34) KAMILLE ROCHA........................................................................
DIRECTOR
 1.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(35) JEFF GARCIA........................................................................
DIRECTOR
 1.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(36) JOEY DANIEWICZ........................................................................
DIRECTOR
 1.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(37) HALEY VAN CLEVE........................................................................
DIRECTOR
 1.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(38) KERRICK ROBINSON........................................................................
DIRECTOR
 1.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(39) JOSHUA WINTERS........................................................................
EXECUTIVE DI
 40.00
.......................   		    X       47,765 0 14,077
1b Sub-Total................MediumBullet
c Total from continuation sheets to Part VII, Section A....MediumBullet
d Total (add lines 1b and 1c)............MediumBullet 67,968   14,077
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 $100,000 of compensation from the organization MediumBullet  
Form 990 (2012)
Form 990 (2012)
Page 9
Part VIII
Statement of Revenue
Check if Schedule O contains a response to any question in this Part VIII ..............
(A)
Total revenue 		(B)
Related or
exempt
function
revenue 		(C)
Unrelated
business
revenue 		(D)
Revenue
excluded from
tax under sections
512, 513, or 514
Contributions, Gifts, Grants and Other Similar Amounts 1a Federated campaigns..1a  
b Membership dues....1b 266,483
c Fundraising events....1c  
d Related organizations...1d  
e Government grants (contributions)1e  
f All other contributions, gifts, grants, and
similar amounts not included above1f 		692,172
g Noncash contributions included in lines
1a-1f:$ 		 
h Total. Add lines 1a-1f.......MediumBullet 958,655
Program Service Revenue Business Code
2a TELEMARKETER CONTRACT 900099 6,827   6,827  
b CONTRACT SERVICE FEES   5,740 5,740    
c
d
e
f All other program service revenue .        
g Total. Add lines 2a–2f........MediumBullet 12,567
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 900099 5,169     5,169
b            
c            
d All other revenue ....        
e Total. Add lines 11a–11d ...... MediumBullet 5,169
12 Total revenue. See Instructions......MediumBullet 976,391 5,740 6,827 5,169
Form 990 (2012)
Form 990 (2012)
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).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 .... 95,289 63,391 18,544 13,354
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 681,010 510,687 60,966 109,357
8 Pension plan accruals and contributions (include section 401(k) and 403(b) employer contributions) ....        
9 Other employee benefits ....... 21,587 15,751 916 4,920
10 Payroll taxes ........... 71,123 51,637 8,639 10,847
11 Fees for services (non-employees):        
a Management ......        
b Legal .........        
c Accounting ........... 5,743   5,743  
d Lobbying ...........        
e Professional fundraising services. See Part IV, line 17 3,333 3,333
f Investment management fees ......        
g Other (If line 11g amount exceeds 10% of line 25, column (A) amount, list line 11g expenses on Schedule O) ........ 6,311 5,156 430 725
12 Advertising and promotion .... 6,832 6,811   21
13 Office expenses ....... 49,487 42,415 1,788 5,284
14 Information technology ......        
15 Royalties ..        
16 Occupancy ........... 37,303 25,804 1,953 9,546
17 Travel ............ 13,377 12,542 299 536
18 Payments of travel or entertainment expenses for any federal, state, or local public officials ......        
19 Conferences, conventions, and meetings .... 18,403 16,811 1,399 193
20 Interest ........... 578   578  
21 Payments to affiliates .......        
22 Depreciation, depletion, and amortization ..... 2,070 940 820 310
23 Insurance .............. 7,705 4,330 1,775 1,600
24 Other expenses. Itemize expenses not covered above (List miscellaneous expenses in line 24e. If line 24e amount exceeds 10% of line 25, column (A) amount, list line 24e expenses on Schedule O.)
a BANK/CREDIT CARD CHARGES 8,371 5,827 1,074 1,470
b EQUIPMENT RENTAL/REPAIRS 7,743 6,779   964
c COGS 6,535   6,535  
d MISCELLANEOUS 1,781 1,456 314 11
e All other expenses        
25 Total functional expenses. Add lines 1 through 24e 1,044,581 770,337 111,773 162,471
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). 551,899 457,825   94,074
Form 990 (2012)
Form 990 (2012)
Page 11
Part X Balance Sheet Check if Schedule O contains a response to any question in this Part X ...............
(A)
Beginning of year 		(B)
End of year
Assets 1 Cash—non-interest-bearing ............. 60,805 1 40,599
2 Savings and temporary cash investments .........   2  
3 Pledges and grants receivable, net ........... 5,500 3  
4 Accounts receivable, net ............. 4,125 4  
5 Loans and other receivables from current and former officers, directors, trustees, key employees, and highest compensated employees. Complete Part II of
Schedule L ..................
  5  
6 Loans and other receivables from other disqualified persons (as defined under section 4958(f)(1)), persons described in section 4958(c)(3)(B), and contributing employers and sponsoring organizations of section 501(c)(9) voluntary employees' beneficiary organizations (see instructions) 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 .......... 3,100 9 3,540
10a Land, buildings, and equipment: cost or other basis. Complete Part VI of Schedule D 10a 20,866
b Less: accumulated depreciation ..... 10b 15,710 2,026 10c 5,156
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)...... 75,556 16 49,295
Liabilities 17 Accounts payable and accrued expenses ......... 34,364 17 36,293
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 Loans and other 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....................   25 40,000
26 Total liabilities. Add lines 17 through 25......... 34,364 26 76,293
Net Assets or Fund Balance Organizations that follow SFAS 117 (ASC 958), check here MediumBullet and complete lines 27 through 29, and lines 33 and 34.
27 Unrestricted net assets .............. -4,339 27 -54,498
28 Temporarily restricted net assets ........... 45,531 28 27,500
29 Permanently restricted net assets ...........   29  
Organizations that do not follow SFAS 117 (ASC 958), 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 ........... 41,192 33 -26,998
34 Total liabilities and net assets/fund balances ........ 75,556 34 49,295
Form 990 (2012)
Form 990 (2012)
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
976,391
2
Total expenses (must equal Part IX, column (A), line 25) ............
2
1,044,581
3
Revenue less expenses. Subtract line 2 from line 1 ..............
3
-68,190
4
Net assets or fund balances at beginning of year (must equal Part X, line 33, column (A)) ..
4
41,192
5
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments ...............
5
 
6
Donated services and use of facilities .................
6
 
7
Investment expenses .....................
7
 
8
Prior period adjustments .....................
8
 
9
Other changes in net assets or fund balances (explain in Schedule O) ........
9
 
10
Net assets or fund balances at end of year. Combine lines 3 through 9 (must equal Part X, line 33, column (B))
10
-26,998
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
If ‘Yes,’ check a box below to indicate whether the financial statements for the year were compiled or reviewed on a separate basis, consolidated basis, or both:
b
Were the organization’s financial statements audited by an independent accountant?
2b
Yes
 
If ‘Yes,’ check a box below to indicate whether the financial statements for the year were audited on a separate basis, consolidated basis, or both:
c
If “Yes,” to line 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?
2c
Yes
 
If the organization changed either its oversight process or selection process during the tax year, explain in Schedule O.
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 (2012)
Form 990, Special Condition Description:
Special Condition Description
Additional Data


Software ID:  
Software Version:  
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
2012
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 supported organization? ................
11g(i)
 
 
(ii) A family member of a person described in (i) above? ......................
11g(ii)
 
 
(iii) A 35% controlled entity of a person described in (i) or (ii) above? ................
11g(iii)
 
 
h
Provide the following information about the supported organization(s).
(i) Name of supported organization (ii) EIN (iii) Type of organization (described on lines 1- 9 above or IRC section (see instructions)) (iv) Is the organization in col. (i) listed in your governing document? (v) Did you notify the organization in col. (i) of your support? (vi) Is the organization in col. (i) organized in the U.S.? (vii) Amount of monetary support
Yes No Yes No Yes No
Total                  

For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990 or 990EZ.
Cat. No. 11285F
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2012
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2012
Page 2
Part II
Support Schedule for Organizations Described in Sections 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) right arrow (a) 2008 (b) 2009 (c) 2010 (d) 2011 (e) 2012 (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) right arrow (a) 2008 (b) 2009 (c) 2010 (d) 2011 (e) 2012 (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. Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets (Explain in Part IV.)..            
11 Total support (Add lines 7 through 10).            
12
12
 
13
First five years. If the Form 990 is for the organization's first, second, third, fourth, or fifth tax year as a 501(c)(3) organization, check this box and stop here........................................right arrow
Section C. Computation of Public Support Percentage
14
14
 
15
15
 
16a
b
17a
b
18
Private foundation. If the organization did not check a box on line 13, 16a, 16b, 17a, or 17b, check this box and see
instructions ..................................................... right arrow
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2012
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2012
Page 3
Part III
Support Schedule for Organizations Described in Section 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) right arrow (a) 2008 (b) 2009 (c) 2010 (d) 2011 (e) 2012 (f) Total
1 Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grants.") . 690,901 671,209 676,440 999,127 958,655 3,996,332
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...... 16,900 32,822 20,937 10,201 5,740 86,600
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. 707,801 704,031 697,377 1,009,328 964,395 4,082,932
7a Amounts included on lines 1, 2, and 3 received from disqualified persons... 32,820 27,000   31,600 20,000 111,420
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.. 32,820 27,000   31,600 20,000 111,420
8 Public support (Subtract line 7c from line 6.)           3,971,512
Section B. Total Support
Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in) right arrow (a) 2008 (b) 2009 (c) 2010 (d) 2011 (e) 2012 (f) Total
9 Amounts from line 6... 707,801 704,031 697,377 1,009,328 964,395 4,082,932
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.         4,461 4,461
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.).. 707,801 704,031 697,377 1,009,328 968,856 4,087,393
14
Section C. Computation of Public Support Percentage
15
15
97.160 %
16
16
94.140 %
Section D. Computation of Investment Income Percentage
17
17
0 %
18
18
 
19a
b
20
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2012
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2012
Page 4
Part IV
Supplemental Information. Complete this part to provide the explanations required by Part II, line 10; Part II, line 17a or 17b; and 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) 2012

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
2012
Name of the 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) (2012)

Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2012)
Page 2
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) (2012)

Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2012)
Page 3
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) (2012)

Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2012)
Page 4
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) (2012)

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
2012
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, Part V, 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 Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the instructions for Form 990 or 990-EZ.
Cat. No. 50084S
Schedule C (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2012

Schedule C (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2012
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 SchCMd Bulletexpenses, and share of excess lobbying expenditures).
B Check SchCMd Bullet
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) ...... 7,825  
b Total lobbying expenditures to influence a legislative body (direct lobbying) ....... 34,048  
c Total lobbying expenditures (add lines 1a and 1b) ................... 41,873  
d Other exempt purpose expenditures ........................ 996,173  
e Total exempt purpose expenditures (add lines 1c and 1d) ............... 1,038,046  
f Lobbying nontaxable amount. Enter the amount from the following table in both
columns.		 178,805  
  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) ................. 44,701  
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) 2009 (b) 2010 (c) 2011 (d) 2012 (e) Total
             
2a Lobbying nontaxable amount 132,858 138,753 168,972 178,805 619,388
             
b Lobbying ceiling amount
(150% of line 2a, column(e)) 		        929,082
             
c Total lobbying expenditures 59,489 23,524 145,580 41,873 270,466
             
d Grassroots nontaxable amount 33,215 34,688 42,243 44,701 154,847
             
e Grassroots ceiling amount
(150% of line 2d, column (e))		         232,271
             
f Grassroots lobbying expenditures 31,607 1,309 1,411 7,825 42,152
Schedule C (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2012


Schedule C (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2012
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)
No
Yes
(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? .........................................
 
 
b
Paid staff or management (include compensation in expenses reported on lines 1c through 1i)? ....
 
 
c
Media advertisements? ....................................
 
 
 
d
Mailings to members, legislators, or the public? .........................
 
 
 
e
Publications, or published or broadcast statements? .......................
 
 
 
f
Grants to other organizations for lobbying purposes? .......................
 
 
 
g
Direct contact with legislators, their staffs, government officials, or a legislative body? ........
 
 
 
h
Rallies, demonstrations, seminars, conventions, speeches, lectures, or any similar means? ......
 
 
 
i
Other activities? ..........................
 
 
 
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)? .....
 
 
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? .......
 
 
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
 
 
2
Did the organization make only in-house lobbying expenditures of $2,000 or less? ................
2
 
 
3
Did the organization agree to carry over lobbying and political expenditures from the prior year? ..........
3
 
 
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, line 5; Part II-A (affiliated group list); Part II-A, line 2; and Part ll-B, line 1. Also, complete this part for any additional information.
Identifier Return Reference Explanation
Schedule C (Form 990 or 990EZ) 2012

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
2012
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 section 170(h)(4)(B)(ii)? .......................................
9
In Part XIII, 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 XIII, 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 Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990.
Cat. No. 52283D
Schedule D (Form 990) 2012

Schedule D (Form 990) 2012
Page 2
Part III
Organizations Maintaining Collections of Art, Historical Treasures, or Other Similar Assets (continued)
3
Using the organization’s acquisition, 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 XIII.
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 XIII 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 XIII. Check here if the explanation has been provided in Part XIII ........
Part V
Endowment Funds. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" to Form 990, Part IV, line 10.
(a)Current year (b)Prior year b (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 current year end balance (line 1g, column (a)) 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)
 
 
(ii) related organizations ........................
3a(ii)
 
 
b
If "Yes" to 3a(ii), are the related organizations listed as required on Schedule R? .........
3b
 
 
4
Describe in Part XIII 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 .................   20,866 15,710 5,156
Total. Add lines 1a through 1e. (Column (d) must equal Form 990, Part X, column (B), line 10(c).).......SchDMdBullet 5,156
Schedule D (Form 990) 2012

Schedule D (Form 990) 2012
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  
BANK LINE OF CREDIT 40,000








Total. (Column (b) must equal Form 990, Part X, col.(B) line 25.)Small Bullet 40,000
2. Fin 48 (ASC 740) Footnote. In Part XIII, 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 (ASC 740). Check here if the text of the footnote has been provided in Part XIII .....................................................
Schedule D (Form 990) 2012

Schedule D (Form 990) 2012
Page 4
Part XI Reconciliation of Revenue per Audited Financial Statements With Revenue per Return
1 Total revenue, gains, and other support per audited financial statements ....... 1 976,391
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 XIII.) ............ 2d  
e Add lines 2a through 2d ..................... 2e  
3 Subtract line 2e from line 1..................... 3 976,391
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 XIII.) ........... 4b  
c Add lines 4a and 4b....................... 4c  
5 Total revenue. Add lines 3 and 4c. (This must equal Form 990, Part I, line 12.) ...... 5 976,391
Part XII Reconciliation of Expenses per Audited Financial Statements With Expenses per Return
1 Total expenses and losses per audited financial statements ........... 1 1,044,581
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 XIII.) ............ 2d  
e Add lines 2a through 2d...................... 2e  
3 Subtract line 2e from line 1..................... 3 1,044,581
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 XIII.) ............ 4b  
c Add lines 4a and 4b....................... 4c  
5 Total expenses. Add lines 3 and 4c. (This must equal Form 990, Part I, line 18.) ...... 5 1,044,581
Part XIII
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, line 2; Part XI, lines 2d and 4b; and Part XII, lines 2d and 4b. Also complete this part to provide any additional information.
Identifier Return Reference Explanation
Schedule D (Form 990) 2012

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
2012
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 MINNESOTANS. AFTER ELECTION DAY, MPIRG'S COMMUNITY ORGANIZING DEPARTMENT DID EXTENSIVE OUTREACH TO EDUCATE MINNESOTANS ON ESTABLISHING A RENEWABLE ENERGY STANDARD OF 40% BY 2030, A SOLAR ELECTRICITY STANDARD OF 10% BY 2030, AND OTHER RENEWABLE ENERGY AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY INCENTIVES. IN THE END, MPIRG AND OUR COALITION PARTNERS WERE SUCCESSFUL IN ESTABLISHING THE FIRST STEP TOWARDS OUR SOLAR ELECTRICITY STANDARD, BY ESTABLISHING A GOAL OF 1.5% BY 2030. ADDITIONAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY INCENTIVES WERE ALSO PASSED INTO LAW. AT THE SAME TIME, THE FIELD CANVASS REACHED OUT TO MINNEAPOLITANS AND ST. PAULITES TO GAIN CITIZEN SUPPORT FOR CURBSIDE COLLECTION OF COMPOSTABLE WASTE AND TO OPPOSE THE EXPANSION OF THE DOWNTOWN GARBAGE BURNER, THE HENNEPIN ENERGY RECOVERY CENTER (HERC). THE FIELD AND PHONE CANVASSES ALSO EDUCATED, ENGAGED, AND ACTIVATED MINNEAPOLIS RESIDENTS IN SUPPORT OF TAKING CHARGE OF THE CITY'S ENERGY FUTURE. MPIRG KNOCKED ON OVER 55,000 DOORS, DISCUSSED THE ISSUE WITH OVER 18,000 RESIDENTS, AND SECURED OVER 3,500 CALLS TO ACTION FROM MINNEAPOLIS RESIDENTS. AS A RESULT, MPIRG SECURED COMMITMENTS FROM BOTH MAJOR UTILITIES TO DO MORE FOR THE CITY'S RESIDENTS.
SECOND ACCOMPLISHMENT DESCRIPTION FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4B TO PREPARE STUDENTS FOR THE 2012 ELECTIONS, MPIRGSTUDENTS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA - TWIN CITIESLAUNCHED A NONPARTISAN VOTER ENGAGEMENT EFFORT THAT REGISTERED OR PLEDGED TO VOTE 7,624 STUDENTS ON CAMPUS, EDUCATED 915 THROUGH DIRECT COMMUNICATION AND ELECTION ISSUES RELATED PROGRAMMING, AND MADE 18,110 DIRECT CONTACTS REMINDING STUDENTS OF THEIR POLLING PLACES AND TO GO VOTE ON ELECTION DAY. WHILE DOING THIS WORK, MPIRGERSENGAGED THEIR PEERS IN OPPOSITION TO THE TWO PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS: 1) THE ANTI-MARRIAGE AMENDMENT AND 2) THE VOTER RESTRICTION AMENDMENT. AFFORDABLE HIGHER EDUCATION MPIRGERS AT UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA - TWIN CITIES ENGAGED THEIR PEERS AND LEGISLATORS AT THE STATE CAPITOL IN SUPPORT OF AN AFFORDABLE HIGHER EDUCATION. TWO STUDENTS FROM THE CHAPTER BECAME LEGISLATIVE INTERNS WITH MPIRG AND THEN WORKED WITH THE MINNESOTA SENATE AND HOUSE TO INTRODUCE HIGHER EDUCATION DEBT RELIEF LEGISLATION. IN ADDITION, MPIRG STUDENTS WORKED WITH AN APPLIED ECONOMIST TO RELEASE A REPORT, AND TESTIFY, ON THE POSITIVE ECONOMIC BENEFITS THAT WOULD ACCRUE TO MINNESOTA UNDER THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION. THIS REPORT WAS RELEASED ALONG WITH A DEBT YEARBOOK IN WHICH THE FACES OF STUDENTS ACROSS THE STATE AND THEIR HIGHER EDUCATION DEBT BURDEN WERE SHOWN TO HIGHLIGHT THE REAL, PERSONAL IMPACT THIS DEBT IS HAVING. THEY ALSO ADVOCATED IN SUPPORT OF INCREASING STATE INVESTMENTS IN PUBLIC HIGHER EDUCATION AND THE STATE GRANT PROGRAM, WHICH ULTIMATELY LED TO BUDGET ALLOCATIONS THAT FROZE TUITION FOR THE FIRST TIME IN OVER A DECADE. ENVIRONOMICS MPIRG STUDENTS WERE ENGAGED AND ACTIVE IN SUPPORT OF THE CLEAN ENERGY AND JOBS CAMPAIGN, A COALITION OF OVER 30 NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS THAT PUSHED FOR A SOLAR ELECTRICITY STANDARD OF 10% BY 2030. THE COALITION WAS SUCCESSFUL IN GETTING A START ON THIS OBJECTIVE BY ESTABLISHING A 1.5% SOLAR ELECTRICITY STANDARD, WHILE ALSO ADVANCING ENERGY EFFICIENCY GOALS, AND OTHER POLICIES THAT CREATE THE RIGHT INCENTIVES AND BEGIN THE TRANSITION TO A CLEAN ENERGY ECONOMY. SEVERAL STUDENTS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA - TWIN CITIES CAMPUS WERE DIRECTLY INVOLVED IN THE MINNEAPOLIS ENERGY OPTIONS CAMPAIGN TO BRING CLEAN, LOCAL, EFFICIENT, AFFORDABLE, AND RELIABLE ENERGY TO THE CITY. THEY ASSISTED IN DIRECT ADVOCACY, COMMUNICATIONS, AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH EFFORTS. CORPORATE ACCOUNTABILITY MPIRGERS CONTINUED TO PUSH FOR GREATER CORPORATE ACCOUNTABILITY ON CAMPUS BY RAISING AWARENESS AND TAKING ACTION TO MOVE AWAY FROM PREDATORY BANKS TO MORE RESPONSIBLE BANKING OPTIONS. THE ALSO BEGAN WORK TO EXAMINE THE SIZE AND NATURE OF THE INVESTMENTS IN THE ENDOWMENT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA - TWIN CITIES. THE ULTIMATE GOAL IS IDENTIFY THOSE INVESTMENTS WHICH RUN COUNTER TO THE VALUES OF STUDENTS, AND THE UNIVERSITY AS A WHOLE, AND TO TRANSITION TO MORE SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE INVESTMENTS. UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA - DULUTH 44 EVENTS, 7,378 REACHED, AND 432 VOLUNTEER HOURS. DEMOCRACY - VOTE NOVEMBER 6 TO PREPARE STUDENTS FOR THE 2012 ELECTIONS, MPIRG STUDENTS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA - DULUTH LAUNCHED A NONPARTISAN VOTER ENGAGEMENT EFFORT THAT REGISTERED OR PLEDGED TO VOTE 2,514 STUDENTS ON CAMPUS, EDUCATED 100S THROUGH DIRECT COMMUNICATION AND ELECTION ISSUES RELATED PROGRAMMING, AND MADE 1000S OF DIRECT CONTACTS REMINDING STUDENTS OF THEIR POLLING PLACES AND TO GO VOTE ON ELECTION DAY. WHILE DOING THIS WORK, MPIRGERS ENGAGED THEIR PEERS IN OPPOSITION TO THE TWO PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS: 1) THE ANTI-MARRIAGE AMENDMENT AND 2) THE VOTER RESTRICTION AMENDMENT. ENVIRONOMICS MPIRGERS COMPLETED THEIR WORK SURVEYING STUDENT NEEDS FOR THE TRANSIT SYSTEM IN DULUTH. PRELIMINARY RECOMMENDATIONS WERE SHARED WITH THE DULUTH TRANSIT AUTHORITY, THE CITY OF DULUTH, AND THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA - DULUTH ADMINISTRATION. STUDENTS ARE CURRENTLY WORKING TO COMPLETE A REPORT ON THE FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY AND ADVOCATE FOR REASONABLE REFORMS THAT IMPROVE THE ALIGNMENT BETWEEN TRANSIT AND CLASS SCHEDULES. THE TASK FORCE AT THE CHAPTER ALSO BEGAN WORK TO SUPPORT FOSSIL FUEL DIVESTMENT BY THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA - DULUTH TO MORE SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE INVESTMENTS. AFFORDABLE HIGHER EDUCATION MPIRGERS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA - DULUTH ENGAGED THEIR PEERS AND LEGISLATORS AT THE STATE CAPITOL IN SUPPORT OF AN AFFORDABLE HIGHER EDUCATION. THEY PARTICIPATED IN THE DEBT YEARBOOK IN WHICH THE FACES OF STUDENTS ACROSS THE STATE AND THEIR HIGHER EDUCATION DEBT BURDEN WERE SHOWN TO HIGHLIGHT THE REAL, PERSONAL IMPACT THIS DEBT IS HAVING. THEY ALSO ADVOCATED IN SUPPORT OF INCREASING STATE INVESTMENTS IN PUBLIC HIGHER EDUCATION AND THE STATE GRANT PROGRAM, WHICH ULTIMATELY LED TO BUDGET ALLOCATIONS THAT FROZE TUITION FOR THE FIRST TIME IN OVER A DECADE. CORPORATE ACCOUNTABILITY MPIRGERS CONTINUED TO PUSH FOR GREATER CORPORATE ACCOUNTABILITY ON CAMPUS BY RAISING AWARENESS AND TAKING ACTION TO MOVE AWAY FROM PREDATORY BANKS TO MORE RESPONSIBLE BANKING OPTIONS. THE ALSO BEGAN WORK TO EXAMINE THE SIZE AND NATURE OF THE INVESTMENTS IN THE ENDOWMENT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA. THE ULTIMATE GOAL IS IDENTIFY THOSE INVESTMENTS WHICH RUN COUNTER TO THE VALUES OF STUDENTS, AND THE UNIVERSITY AS A WHOLE, AND TO TRANSITION TO MORE SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE INVESTMENTS. UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA - MORRIS 42 EVENTS, 1,703 REACHED, 494 VOLUNTEER HOURS DEMOCRACY - VOTE NOVEMBER 6 TO PREPARE STUDENTS FOR THE 2012 ELECTIONS, MPIRG STUDENTS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA - MORRIS LAUNCHED A NONPARTISAN VOTER ENGAGEMENT EFFORT THAT REGISTERED OR PLEDGED TO VOTE 713 STUDENTS ON CAMPUS, EDUCATED 100S THROUGH DIRECT COMMUNICATION AND ELECTION ISSUES RELATED PROGRAMMING, AND MADE 100S OF DIRECT CONTACTS REMINDING STUDENTS OF THEIR POLLING PLACES AND TO GO VOTE ON ELECTION DAY. WHILE DOING THIS WORK, MPIRGERS ENGAGED THEIR PEERS IN OPPOSITION TO THE TWO PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS: 1) THE ANTI-MARRIAGE AMENDMENT AND 2) THE VOTER RESTRICTION AMENDMENT. MPIRGERS CARRIED FORWARD THEIR INTEREST IN DEMOCRACY ISSUES TO THE STATE LEGISLATIVE SESSION, IN WHICH THEY SUPPORTED SEVERAL VOTING REFORMS THAT WOULD IMPROVE THE EXPERIENCE OF STUDENTS AND THE BROADER COMMUNITY IN THE DEMOCRATIC PROCESS. ENVIRONOMICS MPIRG STUDENTS WERE ENGAGED AND ACTIVE IN SUPPORT OF THE CLEAN ENERGY AND JOBS CAMPAIGN, A COALITION OF OVER 30 NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS THAT PUSHED FOR A SOLAR ELECTRICITY STANDARD OF 10% BY 2030. THE COALITION WAS SUCCESSFUL IN GETTING A START ON THIS OBJECTIVE BY ESTABLISHING A 1.5% SOLAR ELECTRICITY STANDARD, WHILE ALSO ADVANCING ENERGY EFFICIENCY GOALS, AND OTHER POLICIES THAT CREATE THE RIGHT INCENTIVES AND BEGIN THE TRANSITION TO A CLEAN ENERGY ECONOMY. AFFORDABLE HIGHER EDUCATION MPIRGERS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA - MORRIS ENGAGED THEIR PEERS AND LEGISLATORS AT THE STATE CAPITOL IN SUPPORT OF AN AFFORDABLE HIGHER EDUCATION. THEY PARTICIPATED IN THE DEBT YEARBOOK IN WHICH THE FACES OF STUDENTS ACROSS THE STATE AND THEIR HIGHER EDUCATION DEBT BURDEN WERE SHOWN TO HIGHLIGHT THE REAL, PERSONAL IMPACT THIS DEBT IS HAVING. THEY ALSO ADVOCATED IN SUPPORT OF INCREASING STATE INVESTMENTS IN PUBLIC HIGHER EDUCATION AND THE STATE GRANT PROGRAM, WHICH ULTIMATELY LED TO BUDGET ALLOCATIONS THAT FROZE TUITION FOR THE FIRST TIME IN OVER A DECADE. CORPORATE ACCOUNTABILITY MPIRGERS CONTINUED TO PUSH FOR GREATER CORPORATE ACCOUNTABILITY ON CAMPUS BY RAISING AWARENESS AND TAKING ACTION TO MOVE AWAY FROM PREDATORY BANKS TO MORE RESPONSIBLE BANKING OPTIONS. THE ALSO BEGAN WORK TO EXAMINE THE SIZE AND NATURE OF THE INVESTMENTS IN THE ENDOWMENT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA. THE ULTIMATE GOAL IS IDENTIFY THOSE INVESTMENTS WHICH RUN COUNTER TO THE VALUES OF STUDENTS, AND THE UNIVERSITY AS A WHOLE, AND TO TRANSITION TO MORE SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE INVESTMENTS. AUGSBURG COLLEGE 28 EVENTS, 1,081 REACHED, AND 305 VOLUNTEER HOURS DEMOCRACY - VOTE NOVEMBER 6 TO PREPARE STUDENTS FOR THE 2012 ELECTIONS, MPIRG STUDENTS AT AUGSBURG COLLEGE LAUNCHED A NONPARTISAN VOTER ENGAGEMENT EFFORT THAT REGISTERED OR PLEDGED TO VOTE 791 STUDENTS ON CAMPUS, EDUCATED 100S THROUGH DIRECT COMMUNICATION AND ELECTION ISSUES RELATED PROGRAMMING, AND MADE 100S OF DIRECT CONTACTS REMINDING STUDENTS OF THEIR POLLING PLACES AND TO GO VOTE ON ELECTION DAY. WHILE DOING THIS WORK, MPIRGERS ENGAGED THEIR PEERS IN OPPOSITION TO THE TWO PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS: 1) THE ANTI- MARRIAGE AMENDMENT AND 2) THE VOTER RESTRICTION AMENDMENT. AFFORDABLE HIGHER EDUCATION MPIRGERS AT AUGSBURG COLLEGE ENGAGED THEIR PEERS AND LEGISLATORS AT THE STATE CAPITOL IN SUPPORT OF AN AFFORDABLE HIGHER EDUCATION. THEY PARTICIPATED IN THE DEBT YEARBOOK IN WHICH THE FACES OF STUDENTS ACROSS THE STATE AND THEIR HIGHER EDUCATION DEBT BURDEN WERE SHOWN TO HIGHLIGHT THE REAL, PERSONAL IMPACT THIS DEBT IS HAVING. THEY ALSO ADVOCATED IN SUPPORT OF INCREASING STATE INVESTMENTS IN PUBLIC HIGHER EDUCATION AND THE STATE GRANT PROGRAM, WHICH ULTIMATELY LED TO BUDGET ALLOCATIONS THAT FROZE TUITION FOR THE FIRST TIME IN OVER A DECADE
THIRD ACCOMPLISHMENT DESCRIPTION FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4C AT THE HENNEPINENERGY RECOVERY CENTER (HERC). A REPORT OUTLINING THE PUBLIC HEALTH CONCERNS, THE DISPROPORTIONATE IMPACT THE GARBAGE BURNER HAS ON LOW-INCOME COMMUNITIES AND COMMUNITIES OF COLOR, THE GLOBAL WARMING IMPACTS, AND THE ALTERNATIVES TO APPROVING SUCH AN EXPANSION WAS FINALIZED FOR RELEASE IN LATE 2013. MPIRG EDUCATED, ENGAGED, AND ACTIVATED MINNEAPOLIS RESIDENTS IN SUPPORT OF TAKING CHARGE OF THE CITY'S ENERGY FUTURE IN A CAMPAIGN CALLED MINNEAPOLIS ENERGY OPTIONS. THE GOAL WAS CLEAN, AFFORDABLE, RELIABLE, AND LOCAL ENERGY THAT BENEFITS ALL COMMUNITIES. THE CAMPAIGN GREW OUT OF A COALITION THAT WANTED TO EMPLOY A NEW STRATEGY TO ACCELERATE THE TRANSITION TO A CLEAN ENERGY ECONOMY. THE CAMPAIGN CONNECTED MINNEAPOLIS RESIDENTS WITH THE CITY COUNCIL IN SUPPORT OF GREATER FREEDOM IN FRANCHISE NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE CITY'S TWO MAJOR UTILITY PROVIDERS, XCEL ENERGY FOR ELECTRICITY AND CENTERPOINT ENERGY FOR GAS. MPIRG KNOCKED ON OVER 55,000 DOORS, DISCUSSED THE ISSUE WITH OVER 18,000 RESIDENTS, AND SECURED OVER 3,500 CALLS TO ACTION FROM MINNEAPOLIS RESIDENTS. AS A RESULT, MPIRG SECURED A COMMITMENT AND MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH CENTERPOINT ENERGY TO REDUCE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS BY 25% BY 2030, REDUCING HIRING DISPARITIES, AND WORK TO ENHANCE THEIR ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAMS. THESE EFFORTS ALSO BROUGHT XCEL ENERGY TO THE TABLE TO NEGOTIATE WITH CITY LEADERS ABOUT HOW THEY CAN SUPPORT LOCAL CLEAN ENERGY DEPLOYMENT, PROMOTE AND ACHIEVE ENERGY EFFICIENCY GOALS, AND PROVIDE GREATER TRANSPARENCY IN ENERGY USAGE DATA TO FACILITATE ACHIEVING THESE GOALS. AT THE CAPITOL, MPIRG STUDENTS, AS PARTNERS IN THE CLEAN ENERGY AND JOBS COALITION, SUPPORTED A SOLAR ELECTRICITY STANDARD OF 10% BY 2030. THE COALITION WAS SUCCESSFUL IN GETTING A START ON THIS OBJECTIVE BY ESTABLISHING A 1.5% SOLAR ELECTRICITY STANDARD, WHILE ALSO ADVANCING ENERGY EFFICIENCY GOALS, AND OTHER POLICIES THAT CREATE THE RIGHT INCENTIVES AND BEGIN THE TRANSITION TO A CLEAN ENERGY ECONOMY. AFFORDABLE HIGHER EDUCATION MPIRG WORKED WITH LEGISLATORS AT THE STATE CAPITOL TO INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO REDUCE THE HIGHER EDUCATION DEBT BURDEN FELT BY SO MANY STUDENTS IN MINNESOTA. THE LEGISLATION, KNOWN AS OPPORTUNITY MINNESOTA, CREATES A TAX CREDIT FOR PAYMENTS MADE ON ELIGIBLE HIGHER EDUCATION DEBT PAYMENTS FOR STUDENTS FROM HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS IN MINNESOTA THAT CONTINUE TO LIVE IN THE STATE POST-GRADUATION. MPIRG WAS SUCCESSFUL IN MOVING THE LEGISLATION THROUGH TWO KEY COMMITTEES IN THE SENATE, BUT WORK REMAINS TO ADVANCE THE BILL IN THE STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. ACCOMPANYING THE INTRODUCTION OF THE LEGISLATION AND COMMITTEE ACTION, MPIRG FINALIZED AND RELEASED AN ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF THE POLICY THAT SHOWED HOW THE BILL WOULD, IN THE LONG TERM, PAY FOR ITSELF BY INCREASING THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS WHO WOULD PURSUE AND OBTAIN A HIGHER EDUCATION. MPIRG WORKED CLOSELY WITH AN APPLIED ECONOMIST AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA WHO PROVIDED THE OVERALL DIRECTION AND FINAL ANALYSIS OF THE POLICY PROPOSAL. MPIRG RELEASED A DEBT YEARBOOK IN WHICH THE FACES OF STUDENTS ACROSS THE STATE AND THEIR HIGHER EDUCATION DEBT BURDEN WERE SHOWN TO HIGHLIGHT THE REAL, PERSONAL IMPACT THIS DEBT IS HAVING ON STUDENTS IN MINNESOTA. CIVIC ENGAGEMENT - VOTE NOVEMBER 6 MPIRG WORKED WITH STUDENTS AT OUR SEVEN COLLEGE CAMPUSES AND ENGAGED COMMUNITY MEMBERS TO OPPOSE TWO PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS: 1) THE ANTI-MARRIAGE AMENDMENT AND 2) THE VOTER RESTRICTION AMENDMENT. MPIRG'S WORK IN OPPOSITION TO THE VOTER RESTRICTION AND ANTI-MARRIAGE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES WAS A CRITICAL FACTOR IN THEIR ULTIMATE REJECTION BY MINNESOTANS. WHILE OVERALL OPPOSITION TO THE VOTER RESTRICTION AMENDMENT ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES WAS 69.5%, CAMPUSES WITH MPIRG CHAPTERS WERE 12 POINTS MORE LIKELY TO VOTE AGAINST IT, AVERAGING 76.9% VOTING "NO". LIKEWISE, OVERALL OPPOSITION TO THE ANTI-MARRIAGE AMENDMENT ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES WAS 78.8%, CAMPUSES WITH MPIRG CHAPTERS WERE 7 POINTS MORE LIKELY TO VOTE AGAINST IT, AVERAGING 82.8% VOTING "NO". THIS REFLECTS THE BROAD OPPOSITION BY YOUNGER GENERATIONS TO RESTRICTIONS ON LOVING RELATIONSHIPS AND RESTRICTIONS ON EXERCISING THEIR FRANCHISE TO VOTE. RESEARCH AND PUBLIC EDUCATION AS NOTED IN PROGRAM SERVICE ONE, MPIRG RELEASED AN ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF OUR PROPOSED LEGISLATION TO REDUCE THE HIGHER EDUCATION DEBT BURDEN FOR COLLEGE GRADUATES IN MINNESOTA. MPIRG ALSO FINALIZED A REPORT, FOR RELEASE IN LATE 2013, THAT EXAMINES SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT IN MINNEAPOLIS AND THE MANY CONCERNS ASSOCIATED WITH A PROPOSED INCREASE TO GARBAGE INCINERATION IN THE DOWNTOWN AREA. KEY FINDINGS AND CONCERNS CONTAINED IN THE REPORT OUTLINE THE PUBLIC HEALTH CONCERNS, THE DISPROPORTIONATE IMPACT THE GARBAGE BURNER HAS ON LOW-INCOME COMMUNITIES AND COMMUNITIES OF COLOR, THE GLOBAL WARMING IMPACTS, AN ANALYSIS OF THE MOST COST EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES, AND THE ALTERNATIVES TO APPROVING SUCH AN EXPANSION. ALSO NOTED IN PROGRAM SERVICE ONE, MPIRG FINALIZED AND RELEASED AN ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF THE HIGHER EDUCATION DEBT RELIEF POLICY THAT SHOWED HOW THE BILL WOULD, IN THE LONG TERM, PAY FOR ITSELF BY INCREASING THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS WHO WOULD PURSUE AND OBTAIN A HIGHER EDUCATION. MPIRG WORKED CLOSELY WITH AN APPLIED ECONOMIST AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA WHO PROVIDED THE OVERALL DIRECTION AND FINAL ANALYSIS OF THE POLICY PROPOSAL. 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) 2012

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