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 private
foundations)
MediumBullet Do not enter social security numbers on this form as it may be made public.
MediumBullet Information about Form 990 and its instructions is at www.IRS.gov/form990.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2014
Open to Public Inspection
A For the 2014 calendar year, or tax year beginning 07-01-2014 , and ending 06-30-2015
BCheck if applicable:
CName of organization
GREAT PLAINS INSTITUTE FOR SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENTINC
Doing business as
 
 
Number and street (or P.O. box if mail is not delivered to street address)
2801 21ST AVENUE SOUTH
 
Room/suite
City or town, state or province, country, and ZIP or foreign postal code
MINNEAPOLIS, MN554071282
D Employer identification number

41-1921126
E Telephone number

G Gross receipts $ 4,318,350
F Name and address of principal officer:
ROLF NORDSTROM
2801 21ST AVENUE SOUTH
MINNEAPOLIS,MN554071282
I
Tax-exempt status: (   ) LeftBullet (insert no.) or
J
Website:MediumBullet
WWW.BETTERENERGY.ORG
H(a)
Is this a group return for
subordinates?
H(b)
Are all subordinates
included?
If "No," attach a list. (see instructions)
H(c)
Group exemption number MediumBullet  
K Form of organization:
 
L Year of formation: 1997
M State of legal domicile: MN
Part I
Summary
Activities  & Governance 1 Briefly describe the organization’s mission or most significant activities: GPI IS LEADING THE TRANSITION TO CLEAN, EFFICIENT AND SECURE ENERGY.
2 Check this box MediumBullet
3 Number of voting members of the governing body (Part VI, line 1a) ........ 3 9
4 Number of independent voting members of the governing body (Part VI, line 1b) ..... 4 8
5 Total number of individuals employed in calendar year 2014 (Part V, line 2a) ...... 5 18
6 Total number of volunteers (estimate if necessary) ............. 6 15
7a Total unrelated business revenue from Part VIII, column (C), line 12 ........ 7a 0
b Net unrelated business taxable income from Form 990-T, line 34 ......... 7b 0
Revenues Prior Year Current Year
8 Contributions and grants (Part VIII, line 1h) ......... 2,095,229 4,044,990
9 Program service revenue (Part VIII, line 2g) ......... 70,702 271,631
10 Investment income (Part VIII, column (A), lines 3, 4, and 7d ) .... 1,516 1,161
11 Other revenue (Part VIII, column (A), lines 5, 6d, 8c, 9c, 10c, and 11e) 12,121 568
12 Total revenue—add lines 8 through 11 (must equal Part VIII, column (A), line 12)................... 2,179,568 4,318,350
Expenses; 13 Grants and similar amounts paid (Part IX, column (A), lines 1–3 )... 0 0
14 Benefits paid to or for members (Part IX, column (A), line 4)..... 0 0
15 Salaries, other compensation, employee benefits (Part IX, column (A), lines 5–10) 990,919 1,212,721
16a Professional fundraising fees (Part IX, column (A), line 11e)..... 0 0
b Total fundraising expenses (Part IX, column (D), line 25) MediumBullet96,270    
17 Other expenses (Part IX, column (A), lines 11a–11d, 11f–24e).... 921,006 1,471,492
18 Total expenses. Add lines 13–17 (must equal Part IX, column (A), line 25) 1,911,925 2,684,213
19 Revenue less expenses. Subtract line 18 from line 12....... 267,643 1,634,137
Net Assets or Fund Balances; Beginning of Current Year End of Year
20 Total assets (Part X, line 16)............. 1,361,831 3,170,854
21 Total liabilities (Part X, line 26)............. 237,146 412,032
22 Net assets or fund balances. Subtract line 21 from line 20..... 1,124,685 2,758,822
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.
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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 (2014)
Form 990 (2014)
Page 2
Part III
Statement of Program Service Accomplishments
Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part III ..............
1
Briefly describe the organization’s mission: AS A NON-PARTISAN, NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION, THE GREAT PLAINS INSTITUTE TAKES A PRAGMATIC APPROACH TO SOLVING OUR ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE CHALLENGES WORKING WITH DIVERSE INTERESTS TO TRANSFORM THE WAY WE PRODUCE, DISTRIBUTE, AND CONSUME ENERGY.
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 $ 902,833 including grants of $   ) (Revenue $ 120,356 )
ELECTRIC GRID, REGIONAL & INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION:INCREASING RENEWABLES ON THE GRID:GPI IS WORKING WITH THE REGIONAL GRID OPERATOR - MIDCONTINENT INDEPENDENT SYSTEM OPERATOR (MISO) - TO FIGURE OUT WAYS TO INCREASE THE DEPLOYMENT OF RENEWABLE ELECTRICITY. THAT WORK INCLUDES SUPPORTING A BUILD-OUT OF TRANSMISSION LINES TO BRING WIND FROM THE AREAS WITH THE BEST RESOURCE (IN THE GREAT PLAINS) TO AREAS WITH MORE DEMAND (FURTHER EAST). WE WORK WITH MISO STAKEHOLDERS AND STAFF TO FIND INNOVATIVE WAYS TO DEPLOY ENERGY STORAGE AND DEMAND RESPONSE THAT WILL MAKE THE GRID MORE ADAPTIVE TO INTEGRATED VARIABLE SOURCES - LIKE WIND AND SOLAR - AT VERY HIGH LEVELS. WE ARE ALSO RESEARCHING THE MOST INNOVATIVE STORAGE AND DEMAND RESPONSE TECHNOLOGIES TO HELP DECISION-MAKERS UNDERSTAND THEIR OPTIONS.ADVANCING THE FRAMEWORK FOR MOVING TOWARD 'UTILITIES OF THE FUTURE': * MADISON GAS AND ELECTRIC (MGE). GPI HAS BEEN WORKING WITH MGE AS THEY PLAN TO INTRODUCE ADDITIONAL CLEAN ENERGY INTO THEIR PORTFOLIO AND LOOK AT POTENTIAL CHANGES TO THEIR FUTURE BUSINESS MODEL. GPI PREPARED A WORKBOOK FOR MGE TO USE AS PART OF THEIR PUBLIC WORKSHOPS, AND HAS BEEN FACILITATING DISCUSSIONS WITH MGE, CLEAN WISCONSIN AND THE CITIZENS UTILITY BOARD IN AN EFFORT TO DETERMINE WHICH PROJECTS SHOULD MOVE FORWARD. THIS HAS INVOLVED AN EXTENSIVE RESEARCH EFFORT INTO BEST PRACTICES AROUND THE COUNTRY. * E21 (ENERGY SYSTEM FOR THE 21ST CENTURY). E21 IS A STAKEHOLDER GROUP THAT IS WORKING TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS CONCERNING THE BUSINESS MODEL FOR MINNESOTA UTILITIES AS THEY DEAL WITH MORE DISTRIBUTED RESOURCES AND FLAT OR DECLINING DEMAND FOR ELECTRICITY. THE GROUP HAS BEEN MEETING FOR ALMOST TWO YEARS, AND IS COMPRISED OF UTILITIES, ENVIRONMENTAL NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS, MUNICIPAL POWER ORGANIZATIONS, POWER CO-OPS, STATE AND MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS, EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS AND OTHERS. IN 2014, THE GROUP RELEASED RECOMMENDATIONS TO DEVELOP A MORE CUSTOMER-CENTRIC AND SUSTAINABLE FRAMEWORK FOR UTILITY REGULATION IN MINNESOTA THAT BETTER ALIGNS HOW UTILITIES ARE COMPENSATED WITH PUBLIC POLICY GOALS, NEW CUSTOMER EXPECTATIONS, AND THE CHANGING TECHNOLOGY LANDSCAPE. IN 2015, THE GROUP DEVELOPED WHITE PAPERS TO INFORM POLICYMAKERS AND REGULATORS ON OPTIONS FOR PERFORMANCE-BASED REGULATION, GRID MODERNIZATION AND INTEGRATED SYSTEM PLANNING. THESE WHITE PAPERS ARE SCHEDULED FOR RELEASE IN THE SPRING OF 2016. EXPANDING EDUCATION, DIALOGUE & OUTREACH ON FEDERAL CARBON REGULATION IMPLEMENTATION: * MIDCONTINENT STATES ENVIRONMENTAL AND ENERGY REGULATORS (MSEER). GPI HAS BEEN FACILITATING - ALONG WITH THE BIPARTISAN POLICY CENTER (BPC) - A GROUP OF 13 STATES IN THE MISO FOOTPRINT IN A PROCESS TO HELP THE STATES UNDERSTAND THEIR COMPLIANCE OPTIONS UNDER THE CLEAN POWER PLAN (CCP), THE U.S. EPA'S GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSION REDUCTION PROGRAM. THE GROUP, WHICH HAS BEEN MEETING SINCE JUNE 2014, PROVIDED COMMENTS ON THE MULTI-STATE ASPECTS OF THE PROPOSED RULE, AND CONTINUES TO ASSIST STATES TO BETTER UNDERSTAND THE FINAL RULE, AND HOW THEY MIGHT COMPLY. MSEER IS COMPRISED OF STATE ENVIRONMENTAL AND PUBLIC UTILITY REGULATORS, AND DOES ITS WORK THROUGH A SERIES OF MEETINGS, WEBINARS, WORKSHOPS, AND MODELING WORK, WHICH IS LED BY BPC. * PJM STATES GROUP. GPI HAS BEEN FACILITATING (ALONG WITH THE NICHOLAS INSTITUTE AT DUKE UNIVERSITY) A GROUP OF 12 STATES IN THE PJM FOOTPRINT IN A PROCESS TO HELP THE STATES UNDERSTAND THEIR COMPLIANCE OPTIONS UNDER THE CLEAN POWER PLAN (CPP), THE U.S. EPA'S GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSION REDUCTION RULE. THE GROUP HAS BEEN MEETING SINCE JUNE 2015, AND CONTINUES TO MEET IN AN EFFORT TO HELP STATES BETTER UNDERSTAND THE FINAL RULE AND HOW THEY MIGHT COMPLY. THE PJM STATE GROUP IS COMPRISED OF STATE ENVIRONMENTAL AND PUBLIC UTILITY REGULATORS AND DOES ITS WORK THROUGH A SERIES OF MEETINGS, WEBINARS, AND MODELING THAT IS LED BY THE NICHOLAS INSTITUTE. * MIDWEST POWER SECTOR COLLABORATIVE (MPSC). GPI HAS BEEN FACILITATING THE MPSC SINCE 2011. MPSC IS A STAKEHOLDER GROUP COMPRISED OF UTILITIES, OTHER POWER GENERATORS, MUNICIPAL POWER COMPANIES, POWER CO-OPERATIVES, STATE REGULATORS, AND ENVIRONMENTAL NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS. ITS ORIGINAL GOAL WAS TO INFORM U.S. EPA AS TO WHAT SHOULD COMPRISE A GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSION REDUCTION RULE, AND THEN TO PROVIDE COMMENTS ON THE PROPOSED CLEAN POWER PLAN (CPP). IN ADDITION, MPSC PROVIDED ADDITIONAL COMMENTS TO EPA ON A "TRADING READY" APPROACH TO CPP COMPLIANCE, AND WAS (ALONG WITH MSEER) CREDITED BY EPA FOR THE TRADING READY CONCEPT BEING INCORPORATED INTO THE FINAL CPP. MPSC CONTINUES TO MEET, PROVIDING FEEDBACK TO EPA, AND WORK THROUGH COMPLIANCE OPTIONS TO HELP INFORM THE STATES AS TO VARIOUS CPP COMPLIANCE OPTIONS. * OTHER CLEAN POWER PLAN (CPP) WORK. IN ADDITION TO FACILITATING MSEER, THE PJM STATES GROUP AND MPSC, GPI HAS PLAYED A MAJOR ROLE IN THE NATIONAL DISCOURSE SURROUNDING THE CLEAN POWER PLAN (CPP). GPI REPRESENTATIVES HAVE BEEN ASKED TO SPEAK TO NUMEROUS GROUPS AND CONFERENCES THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY, INCLUDING THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF STATE LEGISLATORS, THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REGULATORY UTILITY COMMISSIONERS, THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONFERENCE OF THE STATES, AND THE GEORGETOWN CLIMATE CENTER. IN ADDITION, GPI HAS BEEN PART OF A NUMBER OF PAPERS AND DOCUMENTS DESIGNED TO HELP INTERESTED PARTIES TO BETTER UNDERSTAND THE CPP. AND, GPI HAS COLLABORATED WITH THE BIPARTISAN POLICY CENTER TO SPONSOR WORKSHOPS ON THE CPP, TO PROVIDE ANALYSIS AND BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE CPP.
4b (Code:   ) (Expenses $ 455,672 including grants of $   ) (Revenue $ 0 )
FOSSIL FUELS AND CLIMATE:SUPPORTING DEPLOYMENT OF CARBON CAPTURE AND SEQUESTRATION WITH ENHANCED OIL RECOVERY (CCS-EOR) THROUGH INCENTIVES & EDUCATION: * NATIONAL ENHANCED OIL RECOVERY INITIATIVE (NEORI). NEORI IS A FOUR-YEAR OLD INITIATIVE THAT HAS BEEN FOCUSED ON SECURING FEDERAL LEGISLATION TO PROVIDE TAX INCENTIVES FOR CCS-EOR. IT IS A STAKEHOLDER GROUP COMPRISED OF COAL COMPANIES, THOSE WHO PROVIDE AND UTILIZE CCS-EOR SERVICES, GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, LABOR AND ENVIRONMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS. LEGISLATION HAS RECENTLY BEEN INTRODUCED THAT INCORPORATES THE PRINCIPLES ADVOCATED BY NEORI. * STATE CCS-EOR GROUP. FORMED IN 2015, GPI IS WORKING WITH A GROUP OF STATES TO ATTAIN FEDERAL TAX INCENTIVES FOR CCS-EOR. IN ADDITION, THE GROUP IS FOCUSED ON BETTER UNDERSTANDING THE POTENTIAL FOR CCS-EOR IN THEIR STATES, AND IF THEY WISH, TO HELP STATES UNDERSTAND HOW CCS-EOR CAN HELP THEM WITH THEIR PLAN TO COMPLY WITH THE U.S. EPA CLEAN POWER PLAN. CURRENTLY, THERE ARE MORE THAN 10 STATES THAT ARE PART OF THIS INITIATIVE, WITH MORE ADDITIONS POSSIBLE.
4c (Code:   ) (Expenses $ 615,383 including grants of $   ) (Revenue $ 124,895 )
ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES:INCREASING ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND SUPPORTING SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES: * MINNESOTA GREENSTEP CITIES. GREENSTEP CITIES HAS TAKEN OFF IN THE LAST YEAR. THERE ARE NOW 90 CITIES AND ONE TRIBAL NATION ENROLLED (OVER 36% OF THE STATE'S POPULATION. CITIES ARE MAKING CHANGES ON THE GROUND AS A RESULT OF THEIR INVOLVEMENT, INCREASING COMPLETION OF BEST PRACTICES BY 1/3 OVER THE LAST YEAR. THE 28 VOLUNTARY BEST PRACTICES HELP CITIES ACHIEVE THEIR OWN SUSTAINABILITY AND QUALITY-OF-LIFE GOALS. CITY LEADERS USE THE GSC FRAMEWORK TO IMPROVE BUILDINGS, TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS, ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT, LAND USE, AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. GPI CO-DIRECTS THIS VOLUNTARY PUBLIC-PRIVATE CHALLENGE, ASSISTANCE AND RECOGNITION PROGRAM WITH THE MINNESOTA POLLUTION CONTROL AGENCY. OTHER PARTNERS INCLUDE THE LEAGUE OF MINNESOTA CITIES, THE CLEAN ENERGY RESOURCE TEAMS, THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, URBAN LAND INSTITUTE-MN, THE IZAAK WALTON LEAGUE, AND THE PRESERVATION ALLIANCE OF MINNESOTA. GPI IS ENSURING THAT GSC BEST PRACTICES AND METROPOLITAN COUNCIL GUIDANCE ON CLIMATE AND ENERGY ARE IN ALIGNMENT, IS HELPING TO DEVELOP A NEW RESILIENCE BEST PRACTICE AND A NEW METRICS BASED RECOGNITION LEVEL (STEP 4), PROVIDES DIRECT ASSISTANCE TO COMMUNITIES, ASSISTS WITH DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS, AND COORDINATES NGO PARTICIPATION. GPI IS ALSO A PART OF A GROWING NATIONAL NETWORK OF SIMILAR PROGRAMS, TAKING ADVANTAGE OF ACCELERATED LEARNING AND IMPLEMENTATION. * METRO CLEAN ENERGY RESOURCE TEAM. METRO CERT, PART OF THE STATEWIDE CERTS PARTNERSHIP, IS ONE OF SEVEN REGIONAL TEAMS IN MINNESOTA THAT IS WORKING TO CONNECT COMMUNITIES TO THE RESOURCES NEEDED TO IMPLEMENT LOCAL CLEAN ENERGY PROJECTS. IN 2015, WE LAUNCHED THE INAUGURAL YEAR OF THE "CLEAN ENERGY ACCELERATOR," A PROGRAM THAT IDENTIFIES AND PROVIDES TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO COMMUNITIES THAT ARE MOTIVATED TO IMPLEMENT A CLEAN ENERGY PROJECT. OVER 10 PROJECTS RECEIVED IN-DEPTH ASSISTANCE WITH DEPLOYING CLEAN ENERGY AT THE LOCAL LEVEL. * SMALL BUSINESS ENERGY COACHING. THROUGH METRO CERT, GPI IS WORKING WITH THE LAKE STREET COUNCIL, A LOCAL BUSINESS ASSOCIATION, AND ENERGY SMART, AN ENERGY EFFICIENCY ASSESSMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION SERVICE OF THE MN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, TO DEVELOP A NEW MODEL FOR HOW SMALL AND MINORITY-OWNED BUSINESS OWNERS HEAR ABOUT AND IMPLEMENT ENERGY EFFICIENCY. IN 2015 WE PILOTED THE "SMALL BUSINESS ENERGY COACHES" MODEL ON LAKE STREET, UTILIZING OUTREACH STAFF FROM THE LAKE STREET COUNCIL TO SERVE AS MESSENGERS AND TRUSTED 3RD-PARTY FACILITATORS IN CONNECTING BUSINESS OWNERS TO ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAMS. TO DATE, WE'VE COMPLETED 84 ENERGY ASSESSMENTS AT BUSINESSES AND ORGANIZATIONS ON LAKE STREET. OF THOSE, NEARLY HALF WERE BUSINESSES OWNED BY PEOPLE OF COLOR AND APPROXIMATELY 60% OF THE BUSINESS OWNERS REPORTED THAT THEY HAD NEVER PREVIOUSLY CONSIDERED SEEKING OUT AN ENERGY ASSESSMENT. OF THE BUSINESSES ASSESSED, 21 HAVE IMPLEMENTED MEASURES TO IMPROVE THEIR ENERGY EFFICIENCY. * RE-AMP ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND LOCAL SOLUTIONS WORKING GROUPS: GPI STAFF LED THE RE-AMP ENERGY EFFICIENCY WORKING GROUP, HELPING MIDWESTERN ENERGY EFFICIENCY ADVOCATES LEARN TOGETHER AND COORDINATE THEIR WORK ACROSS THE REGION. IN ADDITION, WE SPEARHEADED THE LAUNCH OF A NEW LOCAL SOLUTIONS WORKING GROUP, LEADING A STRATEGIC PLANNING PROCESS TO DEVELOP AN EFFECTIVE COORDINATED STRATEGY FOR ENGAGING LOCAL GOVERNMENTS ON ENERGY AND CLIMATE. RE-AMP IS AN ACTIVE NETWORK OF OVER 160 NONPROFITS AND FOUNDATIONS ACROSS EIGHT MIDWESTERN STATES WORKING ON CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENERGY POLICY WITH THE GOAL OF REDUCING GLOBAL WARMING POLLUTION ECONOMY-WIDE 80% BY 2050. GPI ALSO TOOK THE LEAD ON PLANNING AND FACILITATING THE RE-AMP ANNUAL MEETING. A GPI STAFF MEMBER, LOLA SCHOENRICH, IS AN ELECTED MEMBER OF THE STEERING COMMITTEE AND LEADS THE ENERGY EFFICIENCY WORKING GROUP.INCREASING DEPLOYMENT OF SOLAR ENERGY & TRANSFORMING LOCAL SOLAR ENERGY MARKETS * SOLAR GARDENS. THROUGH METRO CERT, GPI HAS WORKED ON 3 PROJECTS TO SUCCESSFULLY DEPLOY SOLAR GARDENS IN THE GREATER TWIN CITIES METROPOLITAN AREA. FIRST, WE PARTNERED WITH THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL, HENNEPIN COUNTY, RAMSEY COUNTY, AND THE CITY OF MINNEAPOLIS TO DEVELOP A COLLABORATIVE PROJECT THROUGH WHICH 30 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ENTITIES HAVE POOLED THEIR BUYING POWER TO PROCURE SOLAR GARDEN SUBSCRIPTIONS UNDER A SINGLE PROCUREMENT PROCESS, LED BY THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL. SECOND, WE PROVIDED SEED FUNDING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO THE CITY OF EDINA TO FACILITATE THE DEVELOPMENT OF A ROOFTOP SOLAR GARDEN ON THE CITY'S PUBLIC WORKS BUILDING. THIRD, WE WORKED WITH THE CITY OF MINNEAPOLIS TO HOST AN EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOP ON SOLAR GARDENS FOR NEIGHBORHOOD LEADERS FROM ACROSS THE CITY. * GROW SOLAR. SOLAR ENERGY IS THE FASTEST GROWING FORM OF CLEAN ENERGY IN THE COUNTRY. SO GPI EXPANDED ITS CLEAN ENERGY PROGRAM CAPACITY WITH THE ADDITION OF NEW STAFF AND A NEW PROGRAM, THE GROW SOLAR PARTNERSHIP THAT FOCUSES ON REDUCING BARRIERS TO SOLAR ENERGY DEVELOPMENT AT THE LOCAL AND REGIONAL LEVEL. GPI'S MARKET TRANSFORMATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM COVERS FOUR STATES AND IS WORKING WITH OVER TWO DOZEN "BETA" COMMUNITIES TO PREPARE FOR AND ENCOURAGE SOLAR ENERGY DEVELOPMENT ON ROOFTOPS AND SOLAR GARDENS. GPI DEVELOPED LOCAL GOVERNMENT SOLAR TOOLKITS FOR PLANNING, ZONING, AND PERMITTING BEST PRACTICES IN MINNESOTA, WISCONSIN, ILLINOIS, AND IOWA. SUPPLEMENTING THE TOOLKITS, GPI PROVIDES DIRECT TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND TRAINING TO CITIES AND COUNTIES TO BECOME "SOLAR READY" FOR DEVELOPMENT. CITIES ARE INCORPORATING SOLAR-READY BEST PRACTICES INTO COMPREHENSIVE PLANS, DEVELOPING SOLAR RESOURCE MAPS AND QUANTIFYING LOCAL SOLAR ENERGY RESERVES, STANDARDIZING DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS AND PERMITTING PROCESSES TO ENABLE BOTH ROOFTOP AND SOLAR FARM/ GARDEN DEVELOPMENT, AND ADAPTING LOCAL FINANCING AND EDUCATION AND OUTREACH PROGRAMS TO ENCOURAGE SUSTAINABLE USE OF THE SOLAR RESOURCE. PARTICIPATING LOCAL GOVERNMENTS INCLUDE MINNEAPOLIS, SAINT PAUL, ROCHESTER, AND DULUTH IN MINNESOTA, DES MOINES AND CEDAR RAPIDS IN IOWA, LAKE COUNTY AND URBANA IN ILLINOIS, AND CITIES ACROSS WISCONSIN FROM ASHLAND TO LACROSSE.IMPROVING LOCAL PLANNING PRACTICES TO SUPPORT CLEAN ENERGY DEPLOYMENTLOCAL PLANNING PRACTICE. CITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS ARE STARTING TO TAKE LEADERSHIP ROLES IN CREATING A CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE. IN RESPONSE, GPI HAS STARTED A LOCAL PLANNING PRACTICE AREA TO HELP CITIES INCORPORATES ENERGY PLANNING, CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION PLANNING, AND CLIMATE ADAPTATION AND RESILIENCE INTO THEIR PORTFOLIO OF PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION TOOLS. EARLY WORK IN THIS PRACTICE AREA INCLUDED HELPING DEVELOP THE MET COUNCIL'S LOCAL PLANNING HANDBOOK THAT WILL GUIDE 180 NEW COMPREHENSIVE PLANS IN THE METROPOLITAN AREA. GPI IS ALSO PROVIDING DIRECT ASSISTANCE TO SEVERAL LOCAL GOVERNMENTS THAT ARE UPDATING COMPREHENSIVE PLANS AND ZONING ORDINANCES, FROM THE NORTH SHORE COMMUNITY OF SILVER BAY TO THE CITY OF AUSTIN IN SOUTHEAST MINNESOTA. GPI DEVELOPED ONE OF MINNESOTA'S FIRST LOCAL RESILIENCY PLANS IN FALCON HEIGHTS AND IS COMPLETING A RENEWABLE ENERGY ASSESSMENT AND GHG REDUCTION PLAN IN SHOREWOOD.
(Code:   ) (Expenses $ 243,804 including grants of $   ) (Revenue $ 26,948 )
BIOENERGY AND TRANSPORTATION COMMERCIALIZING NEXT GENERATION FUELS AND CHEMICALS:THE BIOECONOMY COALITION OF MINNESOTA, CONVENED BY GREAT PLAINS INSTITUTE, HAS WORKED FOR THREE YEARS TO ACHIEVE ITS SIGNATURE PRIORITY: A PRODUCTION-BASED INCENTIVE FOR ADVANCED BIOFUEL, BIOBASED-CHEMICAL, AND BIOMASS THERMAL ENERGY PRODUCTION. THE COALITION SUCCEEDED IN 2015, WHEN THE MINNESOTA STATE LEGISLATURE PASSED THE BIOECONOMY PRODUCTION INCENTIVE. THIS POLICY IS ALREADY ACHIEVING RESULTS WITH THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF A NEW $70 MILLION BIOBASED CHEMICAL FACILITY FROM SWEETWATER ENERGY IN MOUNTAIN IRON, MN. ADVANCED BIOFUELS CAN OFFER DEEP GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTIONS RELATIVE TO PETROLEUM, AND USE INNOVATIVE FEEDSTOCKS SUCH AS WOOD RESIDUES, AND PERENNIAL GRASSES. BIOBASED CHEMICALS ARE HIGHER VALUE, DISPLACE CHEMICALS MADE FROM PETROLEUM, AND OFTEN DISPLACE CHEMICALS OF HUMAN HEALTH CONCERN. THESE TECHNOLOGIES CAN HELP TURN WASTE FROM CITIES INTO HIGHER VALUE MATERIALS -TRANSFORMING A DISPOSAL PROBLEM INTO A RESOURCE. PUTTING THE BIOECONOMY PRODUCTION INCENTIVE INTO LAW NOW MAKES MINNESOTA THE BEST PLACE IN THE WORLD TO GROW THESE INDUSTRIES, AND WE'RE JUST GETTING STARTED.ELECTRIFYING TRANSPORTATION:DRIVE ELECTRIC MINNESOTA (DEMN) IS THE STATE'S ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV) PARTNERSHIP, INITIALLY FOUNDED BY XCEL ENERGY AND THE MINNESOTA POLLUTION CONTROL AGENCY. IT HAS BEEN WORKING TO ELECTRIFY MINNESOTA'S TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM SINCE 2008. A DEMN SELECTION COMMITTEE CHOSE GPI TO TAKE OVER THE FACILITATION OF THIS PARTNERSHIP, WHICH INCLUDES ELECTRIC UTILITIES, STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT, CORPORATIONS, AUTOMAKERS, AUTO DEALERS, AND ENVIRONMENTAL NGOS. DEMN SPEARHEADED MUCH OF MINNESOTA'S CURRENT PUBLIC EV CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE. GPI WORKS WITH DEMN'S MEMBERS TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO TAKE THE WORK TO THE NEXT LEVEL. WE ARE WORKING WITH UTILITIES AND AUTO DEALERS TO FIGURE OUT WAYS TO MAKE IT EASIER TO SELL EVS. WE ALSO LED A TEAM THAT ORGANIZED MINNESOTA'S LARGEST DRIVE ELECTRIC WEEK EVENT TO DATE AND WE ARE WORKING TO PASS POLICIES AT THE STATE CAPITOL THAT WILL HELP INCREASE EV SALES. EVS OFFER DEEP GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSION REDUCTIONS AND COST SAVINGS FOR CONSUMERS. MORE IMPORTANTLY TO SOME - THEY ARE FUN TO DRIVE.IMPROVING THE "GREET" MODEL:THROUGH A CONTRACT WITH ARGONNE NATIONAL LAB, GPI WORKS TO MAKE THE "GREET" MODEL A MORE ROBUST AND USER-FRIENDLY TOOL. "GREET" STANDS FOR "GREENHOUSE GASES, REGULATED EMISSIONS, AND ENERGY USE IN TRANSPORTATION MODEL, AND IS THE WORLD'S PREMIER TOOL FOR CALCULATING LIFECYCLE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS FOR TRANSPORTATION FUELS. THROUGH ON-SITE VISITS AT ARGONNE NATIONAL LABORATORY AND ONLINE WORK EXCHANGES AT GPI'S MINNEAPOLIS OFFICE, GPI HAS CONTRIBUTED SIGNIFICANTLY TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW SOFTWARE PLATFORM FOR GREET THAT HAS MODERNIZED THE MODEL INTO AN EASY TO USE POINT-AND-CLICK INTERFACE. FOR THE NEW PLATFORM, GPI HAS DEVELOPED NEW COMPONENTS OF THE MODEL TO CALCULATE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS FROM LAND USE CHANGE AND OTHER SOURCES AND IS CURRENTLY WORKING TO CREATE MORE NEW COMPONENTS FOR OTHER APPLICATIONS. FINALLY, GPI HAS PRODUCED A NUMBER OF ONLINE TUTORIAL VIDEOS FOR OFFICIAL USE BY ARGONNE.
4d Other program services (Describe in Schedule O.)
(Expenses $ 243,804 including grants of $   ) (Revenue $ 26,948 )
4e Total program service expensesMediumBullet2,217,692
Form 990 (2014)
Form 990 (2014)
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 III
Click 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
 
No
f
Did the organization’s separate or consolidated financial statements for the tax year include a footnote that addresses the organization’s liability for uncertain tax positions under FIN 48 (ASC 740)? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part XClick to see attachment.........................
11f
Yes
 
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 other assistance to or for any foreign organization? 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 other assistance to or for foreign individuals? 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 (2014)
Form 990 (2014)
Page 4
Part IV
Checklist of Required Schedules (continued)
21
Did the organization report more than $5,000 of grants or other assistance to any domestic organization or domestic government 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 or other assistance to or for domestic individuals 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 25a................
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), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(29) 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
Did the organization report any amount on Part X, line 5, 6, or 22 for receivables from or payables to any current or former officers, directors, trustees, key employees, highest compensated employees, or disqualified persons? 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 (2014)
Form 990 (2014)
Page 5
Part V
Statements Regarding Other IRS Filings and Tax Compliance
Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part V ..............
Yes
No
1a
Enter the number reported in Box 3 of Form 1096 Enter -0- if not applicable ..
1a
7
b
Enter the number of Forms W-2G included in line 1a. Enter -0- if not applicable .
1b
0
c
Did the organization comply with backup withholding rules for reportable payments to vendors and reportable gaming (gambling) winnings to prize winners? ..................
1c
Yes
 
2a
Enter the number of employees reported on Form W-3, Transmittal of Wage and
Tax Statements, filed for the calendar year ending with or within the year covered by this return ..................
2a
18
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” to line 3b, 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 FinCEN Form 114, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR).
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.
Did a donor advised fund maintained by the sponsoring organization have excess business holdings at any time during the year?
.........................
8
 
No
9a
Did the sponsoring organization make any taxable distributions under section 4966?...
9a
 
No
b
Did the sponsoring organization make a distribution to a donor, donor advisor, or related person?...
9b
 
No
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
 
No
Form 990 (2014)
Form 990 (2014)
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 or note to any line 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
9
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
8
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
 
No
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
 
 
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
 
No
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 , IA , ND , SD , WI
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, address, and telephone number of the person who possesses the organization's books and records:
MediumBulletERIC SCHROEDER

2801 21ST AVENUE SOUTH SUITE 220
MINNEAPOLIS,MN55407 (612) 278-7150
Form 990 (2014)
Form 990 (2014)
Page 7
Part VII
Compensation of Officers, Directors,Trustees, Key Employees, Highest Compensated Employees, and Independent Contractors
Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line 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; OfficerInd; Key Employee; Highest compensated employee; FormerOfcrDirectorTrusteeInd;
(1) KATE COWARD........................................................................
DIRECTOR
5.00
.......................  
X           0 0 0
(2) AMY SKOCZLAS COLE........................................................................
DIRECTOR
5.00
.......................  
X           0 0 0
(3) LARRY GOODE........................................................................
TREASURER
5.00
.......................  
X   X       0 0 0
(4) DAN O'NEILL........................................................................
SECRETARY
5.00
.......................  
X   X       0 0 0
(5) KATHRYN DRAEGER........................................................................
DIRECTOR
5.00
.......................  
X           0 0 0
(6) WILL KAUL........................................................................
VICE CHAIRMAN
5.00
.......................  
X   X       0 0 0
(7) WINTHROP ROCKWELL........................................................................
CHAIRMAN
5.00
.......................  
X   X       0 0 0
(8) ROLF NORDSTROM........................................................................
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
40.00
.......................  
X   X       114,410 0 15,575
(9) JOHN BAUMGARTNER........................................................................
DIRECTOR
5.00
.......................  
X           0 0 0
(10) JULIE KETCHUM........................................................................
DIRECTOR
5.00
.......................  
X           0 0 0
(11) JOHN WELLS........................................................................
DIRECTOR
5.00
.......................  
X           0 0 0
(12) CHRIS NEHER........................................................................
DIRECTOR
5.00
.......................  
X           0 0 0
(13) ERIC SCHROEDER........................................................................
CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
40.00
.......................  
        X   100,993 0 14,463








Form 990 (2014)
Form 990 (2014)
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; OfficerInd; Key Employee; Highest compensated employee; FormerOfcrDirectorTrusteeInd;


























1b Sub-Total................MediumBullet
c Total from continuation sheets to Part VII, Section A....MediumBullet
d Total (add lines 1b and 1c)............MediumBullet 215,403 0 30,038
2
Total number of individuals (including but not limited to those listed above) who received more than $100,000 of reportable compensation from the organizationMediumBullet2
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
STRATEGIES FOR A GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT

2101 WILSON BLVD SUITE 550
ARLINGTON,VA22201
CONSULTING SERVICES 176,594
LITZ ENERGY STRATEGIES

1210 CARLYLE DRIVE
NISKAYUNA,NY12309
CONSULTING SERVICES 174,366
STABILITY CONSULTING

3215 ROSEWOOD LANE NORTH
PLYMOUTH,MN55441
CONSULTING SERVICES 122,736
2
Total number of independent contractors (including but not limited to those listed above) who received more than $100,000 of compensation from the organization MediumBullet3
Form 990 (2014)
Form 990 (2014)
Page 9
Part VIII
Statement of Revenue
Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part VIII .............
(A)
Total revenue
(B)
Related or
exempt
function
revenue
(C)
Unrelated
business
revenue
(D)
Revenue
excluded from
tax under sections
512-514
Contributions, Gifts, GrantAmt and OtherAmt Similar Amounts 1a Federated campaigns..1a  
b Membership dues....1b  
c Fundraising events....1c  
d Related organizations...1d  
e Government grants (contributions)1e 290,340
f All other contributions, gifts, grants, and
similar amounts not included above
1f
3,754,650
g Noncash contributions included in lines
1a-1f:$
 
h Total. Add lines 1a-1f.......MediumBullet 4,044,990
 Program Service RevenueAmt Business Code
2a CONTRACTS 561000 254,549 254,549    
b OTHER INCOME 900099 17,082 17,082    
c
d
e
f All other program service revenue .        
g Total. Add lines 2a–2f........MediumBullet 271,631
 OtherAmt RevenueAmt 3 Investment income (including dividends, interest, and other similar amounts).......MediumBullet 1,161     1,161
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 OTHER INCOME 561000 568 568    
b            
c            
d All other revenue ....        
e Total. Add lines 11a–11d ...... MediumBullet 568
12 Total revenue. See Instructions......MediumBullet 4,318,350 272,199 0 1,161
Form 990 (2014)
Form 990 (2014)
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 or note to any line 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 domestic organizations and domestic governments. See Part IV, line 21 ....    
2 Grants and other assistance to domestic individuals. See Part IV, line 22 ....    
3 Grants and other assistance to foreign organizations, foreign governments, and foreign individuals. See Part IV, lines 15 and 16 ............    
4 Benefits paid to or for members ....    
5 Compensation of current officers, directors, trustees, and key employees .... 127,227 43,219 59,669 24,339
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 .... 865,124 690,208 141,460 33,456
8 Pension plan accruals and contributions (include section 401(k) and 403(b) employer contributions) .... 71,181 55,521 12,101 3,559
9 Other employee benefits ....... 52,608 47,897 3,996 715
10 Payroll taxes ........... 96,581 71,103 19,724 5,754
11 Fees for services (non-employees):        
a Management ......        
b Legal ......... 4,011   4,011  
c Accounting ........... 6,750   6,750  
d Lobbying ........... 6,000 6,000    
e Professional fundraising services. See Part IV, line 17    
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) .... 1,018,634 993,799 10,434 14,401
12 Advertising and promotion ....        
13 Office expenses ....... 47,097 31,413 14,726 958
14 Information technology ...... 21,495 12,831 4,617 4,047
15 Royalties ..        
16 Occupancy ........... 66,419   66,419  
17 Travel ............ 139,842 134,924 1,827 3,091
18 Payments of travel or entertainment expenses for any federal, state, or local public officials ......        
19 Conferences, conventions, and meetings .... 141,110 129,926 8,868 2,316
20 Interest ...........        
21 Payments to affiliates .......        
22 Depreciation, depletion, and amortization ..... 10,428   10,428  
23 Insurance .............. 4,776   4,776  
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 EVENT HOSPITALITY 3,634     3,634
b TRAINING 1,114 800 314  
c MISCELLANEOUS 182 51 131  
d
e All other expenses        
25 Total functional expenses. Add lines 1 through 24e 2,684,213 2,217,692 370,251 96,270
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).        
Form 990 (2014)
Form 990 (2014)
Page 11
Part X Balance Sheet Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part X ..............
(A)
Beginning of year
(B)
End of year
Assets 1 Cash–non-interest-bearing ............. 378,607 1 1,071,288
2 Savings and temporary cash investments ......... 626,706 2 587,691
3 Pledges and grants receivable, net ........... 286,435 3 1,269,327
4 Accounts receivable, net ............. 59,192 4 210,436
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 .......... 3,724 9 3,724
10a Land, buildings, and equipment: cost or other basis. Complete Part VI of Schedule D 10a 92,339
b Less: accumulated depreciation ..... 10b 63,951 7,167 10c 28,388
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)...... 1,361,831 16 3,170,854
Liabilities 17 Accounts payable and accrued expenses ......... 237,146 17 412,032
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  
26 Total liabilities. Add lines 17 through 25......... 237,146 26 412,032
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 .............. 364,529 27 548,587
28 Temporarily restricted net assets ........... 760,156 28 2,210,235
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 ........... 1,124,685 33 2,758,822
34 Total liabilities and net assets/fund balances ........ 1,361,831 34 3,170,854
Form 990 (2014)
Form 990 (2014)
Page 12
Part XI
Reconcilliation of Net Assets
Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part XI ..............
1
Total revenue (must equal Part VIII, column (A), line 12) ............
1
4,318,350
2
Total expenses (must equal Part IX, column (A), line 25) ............
2
2,684,213
3
Revenue less expenses. Subtract line 2 from line 1 ..............
3
1,634,137
4
Net assets or fund balances at beginning of year (must equal Part X, line 33, column (A)) ..
4
1,124,685
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
0
10
Net assets or fund balances at end of year. Combine lines 3 through 9 (must equal Part X, line 33, column (B))
10
2,758,822
Part XII
Financial Statements and Reporting
Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line 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
 
No
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 (2014)
Form 990 (2014)
Page 13
Form 990, Special Condition Description:
Special Condition Description
Form 990 (2014)
Form 990 (2014)
Page 14
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 Information about Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) and its instructions is at www.irs.gov/form990.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2014
Open to Public
Inspection
Name of the organization
GREAT PLAINS INSTITUTE FOR SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENTINC
Employer identification number

41-1921126
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
a
b
c
d
e
f
Enter the number of supported organizations .............................  
g
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 listed in your governing document? (v) Amount of monetary support (see instructions) (vi) Amount of other support (see instructions)
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) 2014
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2014
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) 2010 (b) 2011 (c) 2012 (d) 2013 (e) 2014 (f) Total
1 Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grants.") .... 975,131 1,964,133 1,424,805 2,165,931 4,299,539 10,829,539
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 3 975,131 1,964,133 1,424,805 2,165,931 4,299,539 10,829,539
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).. 5,031,514
6 Public support. Subtract line 5 from line 4. 5,798,025
Section B. Total Support
Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in) right arrow (a) 2010 (b) 2011 (c) 2012 (d) 2013 (e) 2014 (f) Total
7 Amounts from line 4.. 975,131 1,964,133 1,424,805 2,165,931 4,299,539 10,829,539
8 Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources... 3,185 2,625 1,692 1,516 1,161 10,179
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 VI.)..            
11 Total support Add lines 7 through 10. 10,839,718
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 section 501(c)(3) organization, check this box and stop here........................................right arrow
Section C. Computation of Public Support Percentage
14
14
53.490 %
15
15
57.670 %
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) 2014
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2014
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) 2010 (b) 2011 (c) 2012 (d) 2013 (e) 2014 (f) Total
1 Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grants.") .            
2 Gross receipts from admissions, merchandise sold or services performed, or facilities furnished in any activity that is related to the organization's tax-exempt purpose......            
3 Gross receipts from activities that are not an unrelated trade or business under section 513..            
4 Tax revenues levied for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf...            
5 The value of services or facilities furnished by a governmental unit to the organization without charge..            
6 Total. Add lines 1 through 5.            
7a Amounts included on lines 1, 2, and 3 received from disqualified persons...            
b Amounts included on lines 2 and 3 received from other than disqualified persons that exceed the greater of $5,000 or 1% of the amount on line 13 for the year.            
c Add lines 7a and 7b..            
8 Public support (Subtract line 7c from line 6.)  
Section B. Total Support
Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in) right arrow (a) 2010 (b) 2011 (c) 2012 (d) 2013 (e) 2014 (f) Total
9 Amounts from line 6...            
10a Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources..            
b Unrelated business taxable income (less section 511 taxes) from businesses acquired after June 30, 1975.            
c Add lines 10a and 10b.            
11 Net income from unrelated business activities not included in line 10b, whether or not the business is regularly carried on.            
12 Other income. Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets (Explain in Part VI.) ..            
13 Total support. (Add lines 9, 10c, 11, and 12.)..            
14
Section C. Computation of Public Support Percentage
15
15
 
16
16
 
Section D. Computation of Investment Income Percentage
17
17
 
18
18
 
19a
b
20
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2014
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2014
Page 4
Part IV
Supporting Organizations
(Complete only if you checked a box on line 11 of Part I. If you checked 11a of Part I, complete Sections A and B. If you checked 11b of Part I, complete Sections A and C. If you checked 11c of Part I, complete Sections A, D, and E. If you checked 11d of Part I, complete Sections A and D, and complete Part V.)
Section A. All Supporting Organizations
Yes
No
1
Are all of the organization’s supported organizations listed by name in the organization’s governing documents?
If "No," describe in Part VI how the supported organizations are designated. If designated by class or purpose,
describe the designation. If historic and continuing relationship, explain.
1
 
 
2
Did the organization have any supported organization that does not have an IRS determination of status under section 509(a)(1) or (2)? If "Yes," explain in Part VI how the organization determined that the supported organization was described in section 509(a)(1) or (2).
2
 
 
3a
Did the organization have a supported organization described in section 501(c)(4), (5), or (6)? If "Yes," answer (b) and (c) below.
3a
 
 
b
Did the organization confirm that each supported organization qualified under section 501(c)(4), (5), or (6) and satisfied the public support tests under section 509(a)(2)? If "Yes," describe in Part VI when and how the organization made the determination.
3b
 
 
c
Did the organization ensure that all support to such organizations was used exclusively for section 170(c)(2)(B) purposes? If "Yes," explain in Part VI what controls the organization put in place to ensure such use.
3c
 
 
4a
Was any supported organization not organized in the United States ("foreign supported organization")? If “Yes” and if you checked 11a or 11b in Part I, answer (b) and (c) below.
4a
 
 
b
Did the organization have ultimate control and discretion in deciding whether to make grants to the foreign supported organization? If “Yes,” describe in Part VI how the organization had such control and discretion despite being controlled or supervised by or in connection with its supported organizations....
4b
 
 
c
Did the organization support any foreign supported organization that does not have an IRS determination under sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a)(1) or (2)? If “Yes,” explain in Part VI what controls the organization used to ensure that all support to the foreign supported organization was used exclusively for section 170(c)(2)(B) purposes.
4c
 
 
5a
Did the organization add, substitute, or remove any supported organizations during the tax year? If “Yes,” answer (b) and (c) below (if applicable). Also, provide detail in Part VI, including (i) the names and EIN numbers of the supported organizations added, substituted, or removed, (ii) the reasons for each such action, (iii) the authority under the organization's organizing document authorizing such action, and (iv) how the action was accomplished (such as by amendment to the organizing document).
5a
 
 
b
Type I or Type II only. Was any added or substituted supported organization part of a class already designated in the organization's organizing document?
5b
 
 
c
Substitutions only. Was the substitution the result of an event beyond the organization's control?
5c
 
 
6
Did the organization provide support (whether in the form of grants or the provision of services or facilities) to anyone other than (a) its supported organizations; (b) individuals that are part of the charitable class benefited by one or more of its supported organizations; or (c) other supporting organizations that also support or benefit one or more of the filing organization’s supported organizations? If “Yes,” provide detail in Part VI.
6
 
 
7
Did the organization provide a grant, loan, compensation, or other similar payment to a substantial contributor (defined in IRC 4958(c)(3)(C)), a family member of a substantial contributor, or a 35-percent controlled entity with regard to a substantial contributor? If “Yes,” complete Part I of Schedule L (Form 990) .
7
 
 
8
Did the organization make a loan to a disqualified person (as defined in section 4958) not described in line 7? If “Yes,” complete Part II of Schedule L (Form 990).
8
 
 
9a
Was the organization controlled directly or indirectly at any time during the tax year by one or more disqualified persons as defined in section 4946 (other than foundation managers and organizations described in section 509(a)(1) or (2))? If “Yes,” provide detail in Part VI.
9a
 
 
b
Did one or more disqualified persons (as defined in line 9(a)) hold a controlling interest in any entity in which the supporting organization had an interest? If “Yes,” provide detail in Part VI.
9b
 
 
c
Did a disqualified person (as defined in line 9(a)) have an ownership interest in, or derive any personal benefit from, assets in which the supporting organization also had an interest? If “Yes,” provide detail in Part VI.
9c
 
 
10a
Was the organization subject to the excess business holdings rules of IRC 4943 because of IRC 4943(f) (regarding certain Type II supporting organizations, and all Type III non-functionally integrated supporting organizations)? If “Yes,” answer b below.
10a
 
 
b
Did the organization have any excess business holdings in the tax year? (Use Schedule C, Form 4720, to determine whether the organization had excess business holdings).
10b
 
 
11
Has the organization accepted a gift or contribution from any of the following persons?
a
A person who directly or indirectly controls, either alone or together with persons described in (b) and (c) below, the governing body of a supported organization?
11a
 
 
b
A family member of a person described in (a) above?
11b
 
 
c
A 35% controlled entity of a person described in (a) or (b) above? If “Yes” to a, b, or c, provide detail in Part VI.
11c
 
 
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2014
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2014
Page 5
Part IV
Supporting Organizations (continued)

Section B. Type I Supporting Organizations
Yes
No
1
Did the directors, trustees, or membership of one or more supported organizations have the power to regularly appoint or elect at least a majority of the organization’s directors or trustees at all times during the tax year? If “No,” describe in Part VI how the supported organization(s) effectively operated, supervised, or controlled the organization’s activities. If the organization had more than one supported organization, describe how the powers to appoint and/or remove directors or trustees were allocated among the supported organizations and what conditions or restrictions, if any, applied to such powers during the tax year.
1
 
 
2
Did the organization operate for the benefit of any supported organization other than the supported organization(s) that operated, supervised, or controlled the supporting organization? If “Yes,” explain in Part VI how providing such benefit carried out the purposes of the supported organization(s) that operated, supervised or controlled the supporting organization.
2
 
 
Section C. Type II Supporting Organizations
Yes
No
1
Were a majority of the organization’s directors or trustees during the tax year also a majority of the directors or trustees of each of the organization’s supported organization(s)? If “No,” describe in Part VI how control or management of the supporting organization was vested in the same persons that controlled or managed the supported organization(s).
1
 
 
Section D. All Type III Supporting Organizations
Yes
No
1
Did the organization provide to each of its supported organizations, by the last day of the fifth month of the organization’s tax year, (1) a written notice describing the type and amount of support provided during the prior tax year, (2) a copy of the Form 990 that was most recently filed as of the date of notification, and (3) copies of the organization’s governing documents in effect on the date of notification, to the extent not previously provided?
1
 
 
2
Were any of the organization’s officers, directors, or trustees either (i) appointed or elected by the supported organization(s) or (ii) serving on the governing body of a supported organization? If "No," explain in Part VI how the organization maintained a close and continuous working relationship with the supported organization(s).
2
 
 
3
By reason of the relationship described in (2), did the organization’s supported organizations have a significant voice in the organization’s investment policies and in directing the use of the organization’s income or assets at all times during the tax year? If "Yes," describe in Part VI the role the organization’s supported organizations played in this regard.
3
 
 
Section E. Type III Functionally-Integrated Supporting Organizations
1
Check the box next to the method that the organization used to satisfy the Integral Part Test during the year (see instructions):
a
b
c
2
Activities Test. Answer (a) and (b) below.
Yes
No
a
Did substantially all of the organization’s activities during the tax year directly further the exempt purposes of the supported organization(s) to which the organization was responsive? If "Yes," then in Part VI identify those supported organizations and explain how these activities directly furthered their exempt purposes, how the organization was responsive to those supported organizations, and how the organization determined that these activities constituted substantially all of its activities.
2a
 
 
b
Did the activities described in (a) constitute activities that, but for the organization’s involvement, one or more of the organization’s supported organization(s) would have been engaged in? If "Yes," explain in Part VI the reasons for the organization’s position that its supported organization(s) would have engaged in these activities but for the organization’s involvement.
2b
 
 
3
Parent of Supported Organizations. Answer (a) and (b) below.
a
Did the organization have the power to regularly appoint or elect a majority of the officers, directors, or trustees of each of the supported organizations? Provide details in Part VI.
3a
 
 
b
Did the organization exercise a substantial degree of direction over the policies, programs and activities of each of its supported organizations? If "Yes," describe in Part VI the role played by the organization in this regard.
3b
 
 
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2014
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2014
Page 6
Part V – Type III Non-Functionally Integrated 509(a)(3) Supporting Organizations

1.   Check here if the organization satisfied the Integral Part Test as a qualifying trust on Nov. 20, 1970. See instructions. All other Type III non-functionally integrated supporting organizations must complete Sections A through E.
Section A - Adjusted Net Income (A) Prior Year (B) Current Year
(optional)
1 Net short-term capital gain 1    
2 Recoveries of prior-year distributions 2    
3 Other gross income (see instructions) 3    
4 Add lines 1 through 3 4    
5 Depreciation and depletion 5    
6 Portion of operating expenses paid or incurred for production or collection of gross income or for management, conservation, or maintenance of property held for production of income (see instructions) 6    
7 Other expenses (see instructions) 7    
8 Adjusted Net Income (subtract lines 5, 6 and 7 from line 4) 8    

Section B - Minimum Asset Amount (A) Prior Year (B) Current Year
(optional)
1 Aggregate fair market value of all non-exempt-use assets (see instructions for short tax year or assets held for part of year): 1
a Average monthly value of securities 1a    
b Average monthly cash balances 1b    
c Fair market value of other non-exempt-use assets 1c    
d Total (add lines 1a, 1b, and 1c) 1d    
e Discount claimed for blockage or other factors (explain in detail in Part VI):  
2 Acquisition indebtedness applicable to non-exempt use assets 2    
3 Subtract line 2 from line 1d 3    
4 Cash deemed held for exempt use. Enter 1-1/2% of line 3 (for greater amount, see instructions). 4    
5 Net value of non-exempt-use assets (subtract line 4 from line 3) 5    
6 Multiply line 5 by .035 6    
7 Recoveries of prior-year distributions 7    
8 Minimum Asset Amount (add line 7 to line 6) 8    

Section C - Distributable Amount Current Year
1 Adjusted net income for prior year (from Section A, line 8, Column A) 1  
2 Enter 85% of line 1 2  
3 Minimum asset amount for prior year (from Section B, line 8, Column A) 3  
4 Enter greater of line 2 or line 3 4  
5 Income tax imposed in prior year 5  
6 Distributable Amount. Subtract line 5 from line 4, unless subject to emergency temporary reduction (see instructions) 6  
7   Check here if the current year is the organization's first as a non-functionally-integrated Type III supporting organization (see instructions)
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2014
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2014
Page 7
Section D - Distributions Current Year
1 Amounts paid to supported organizations to accomplish exempt purposes  
2 Amounts paid to perform activity that directly furthers exempt purposes of supported organizations, in
excess of income from activity
 
3 Administrative expenses paid to accomplish exempt purposes of supported organizations  
4 Amounts paid to acquire exempt-use assets  
5 Qualified set-aside amounts (prior IRS approval required)  
6 Other distributions (describe in Part VI). See instructions  
7Total annual distributions. Add lines 1 through 6.  
8 Distributions to attentive supported organizations to which the organization is responsive (provide
details in Part VI). See instructions
 
9 Distributable amount for 2014 from Section C, line 6  
10 Line 8 amount divided by Line 9 amount  

Section E - Distribution Allocations (see instructions) (i)
Excess Distributions
(ii)
Underdistributions
Pre-2014
(iii)
Distributable
Amount for 2014
1 Distributable amount for 2014 from Section C, line
6
 
2 Underdistributions, if any, for years prior to 2014
(reasonable cause required--see instructions)
 
3 Excess distributions carryover, if any, to 2014:
a From 2009.......X
b From 2010.......X
c From 2011.......X
d From 2012.......X
e From 2013.......  
fTotal of lines 3a through e  
g Applied to underdistributions of prior years  
h Applied to 2014 distributable amount  
i Carryover from 2009 not applied (see
instructions)
j Remainder. Subtract lines 3g, 3h, and 3i from 3f.  
4Distributions for 2014 from Section D, line 7:
$  
a Applied to underdistributions of prior years  
b Applied to 2014 distributable amount  
c Remainder. Subtract lines 4a and 4b from 4.  
5 Remaining underdistributions for years prior to
2014, if any. Subtract lines 3g and 4a from line 2
(if amount greater than zero, see instructions)
 
6 Remaining underdistributions for 2014. Subtract
lines 3h and 4b from line 1 (if amount greater than
zero, see instructions)
 
7 Excess distributions carryover to 2015. Add lines
3j and 4c.
 
8 Breakdown of line 7:
a From 2010.......X
b From 2011.......X
c From 2012.......X
d From 2013.......  
e From 2014.......  
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) (2014)
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2014
Page 8
Part VI
Supplemental Information. Provide the explanations required by Part II, line 10; Part II, line 17a or 17b; Part III, line 12; Part IV, Section A, lines 1, 2, 3b, 3c, 4b, 4c, 5a, 6, 9a, 9b, 9c, 11a, 11b, and 11c; Part IV, Section B, lines 1 and 2; Part IV, Section C, line 1; Part IV, Section D, lines 2 and 3; Part IV, Section E, lines 1c, 2a, 2b, 3a and 3b; Part V, line 1; Part V, Section B, line 1e; Part V Section D, lines 5, 6, and 8; and Part V, Section E, lines 2, 5, and 6. Also complete this part for any additional information. (See instructions).
Facts And Circumstances Test
 
Return Reference Explanation
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2014

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.
Arrow Bullet Information about Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) and its instructions is at www.irs.gov/form990.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2014
Name of the organization
GREAT PLAINS INSTITUTE FOR SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENTINC
Employer identification number

41-1921126
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 its Form 990PF, Part I, line 2, 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) (2014)

Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2014)
Page 2
Name of organization
GREAT PLAINS INSTITUTE FOR SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENTINC
Employer identification number

41-1921126
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


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

   
 
 

$  


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

   
 
 

$  


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

   
 
 

$  


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

   
 
 

$  


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

   
 
 

$  


(Complete Part II for noncash contributions.)
Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2014)

Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2014)
Page 3
Name of organization
GREAT PLAINS INSTITUTE FOR SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENTINC
Employer identification number

41-1921126
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) (2014)

Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2014)
Page 4
Name of organization
GREAT PLAINS INSTITUTE FOR SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENTINC
Employer identification number

41-1921126
Part III
Exclusively religious, charitable, etc., contributions to organizations described in section 501(c)(7), (8), or (10)
that total more than $1,000 for the year from any one contributor. 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) (2014)

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 Information about Schedule C (Form 990 or 990-EZ) and its instructions is at www.irs.gov/form990.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2014
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) (see separate instructions) or Form 990-EZ, Part V, line 35c (Proxy Tax) (see separate instructions), then
Round Bullet Section 501(c)(4), (5), or (6) organizations: Complete Part III.
Name of the organization
GREAT PLAINS INSTITUTE FOR SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENTINC
Employer identification number

41-1921126
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) 2014

Schedule C (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2014
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) ......    
b Total lobbying expenditures to influence a legislative body (direct lobbying) ....... 6,000  
c Total lobbying expenditures (add lines 1a and 1b) ................... 6,000  
d Other exempt purpose expenditures ........................ 2,678,213  
e Total exempt purpose expenditures (add lines 1c and 1d) ............... 2,684,213  
f Lobbying nontaxable amount. Enter the amount from the following table in both
columns.
284,211  
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) ................. 71,053  
h Subtract line 1g from line 1a. If zero or less, enter -0-. ................ 0  
i Subtract line 1f from line 1c. If zero or less, enter -0-. ................ 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 separate instructions for lines 2a through 2f.)
Lobbying Expenditures During 4-Year Averaging Period
Calendar year (or fiscal year
beginning in)
(a) 2011 (b) 2012 (c) 2013 (d) 2014 (e) Total
2a Lobbying nontaxable amount 234,725 229,240 245,596 284,211 993,772
b Lobbying ceiling amount
(150% of line 2a, column(e))
1,490,658
c Total lobbying expenditures   1,819 40,000 6,000 47,819
d Grassroots nontaxable amount 58,681 57,310 61,399 71,053 248,443
e Grassroots ceiling amount
(150% of line 2d, column (e))
372,665
f Grassroots lobbying expenditures          
Schedule C (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2014


Schedule C (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2014
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
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, lines 1 and 2 (see instructions), and Part ll-B, line 1. Also, complete this part for any additional information.
Return Reference Explanation
Schedule C (Form 990 or 990EZ) 2014

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.
Information about Schedule D (Form 990) and its instructions is at www.irs.gov/form990.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2014
Open to Public Inspection
Name of the organization
GREAT PLAINS INSTITUTE FOR SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENTINC
Employer identification number

41-1921126
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 value of contributions to (during year)    
3 Aggregate value of 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)
Revenue 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
Revenue 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) 2014

Schedule D (Form 990) 2014
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, for escrow or custodial account liability?
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. Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' to Form 990, Part IV, line 11a. 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 ............   20,000 20,000 0
d Equipment ................   72,339 43,951 28,388
e Other .................        
Total. Add lines 1a through 1e. (Column (d) must equal Form 990, Part X, column (B), line 10(c).).......SchDMdBullet 28,388
Schedule D (Form 990) 2014

Schedule D (Form 990) 2014
Page 3
Part VII
Investments—Other Securities. Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' to Form 990, Part IV, line 11b. 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. Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' to Form 990, Part IV, line 11c. See Form 990, Part X, line 13.
(a) Description of investment (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. Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' to Form 990, Part IV, line 11d. 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. Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' to Form 990, Part IV, line 11e or 11f. See Form 990, Part X, line 25.
1.(a) Description of liability (b) Book value
Federal income taxes  








Total. (Column (b) must equal Form 990, Part X, col.(B) line 25.)Small Bullet  
2. Liability for uncertain tax positions. 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) 2014

Schedule D (Form 990) 2014
Page 4
Part XI Reconciliation of Revenue per Audited Financial Statements With Revenue per Return Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' to Form 990, Part IV, line 12a.
1 Total revenue, gains, and other support per audited financial statements ....... 1 4,318,350
2 Amounts included on line 1 but not on Form 990, Part VIII, line 12:
a Net unrealized gains (losses) 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 0
3 Subtract line 2e from line 1..................... 3 4,318,350
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 0
5 Total revenue. Add lines 3 and 4c. (This must equal Form 990, Part I, line 12.) ...... 5 4,318,350
Part XII Reconciliation of Expenses per Audited Financial Statements With Expenses per Return. Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' to Form 990, Part IV, line 12a.
1 Total expenses and losses per audited financial statements ........... 1 2,684,213
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 0
3 Subtract line 2e from line 1..................... 3 2,684,213
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 0
5 Total expenses. Add lines 3 and 4c. (This must equal Form 990, Part I, line 18.) ...... 5 2,684,213
Part XIII
Supplemental Information
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.
Return Reference Explanation
PART X, LINE 2: IGPI IS EXEMPT FROM INCOME TAXES UNDER INTERNAL REVENUE CODE SECTION 501(C)(3) AND APPLICABLE MINNESOTA STATUTES, EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT IT HAS TAXABLE INCOME THAT IS NOT RELATED TO ITS TAX EXEMPT PURPOSE. GPI DID NOT HAVE ANY UNRELATED BUSINESS INCOME IN 2015 AND 2014. GPI BELIEVES IT HAS APPROPRIATE SUPPORT FOR ANY TAX POSITIONS TAKEN AND, ACCORDINGLY, DOES NOT HAVE ANY UNCERTAIN TAX POSITIONS. FEDERAL AND STATE TAX AUTHORITIES GENERALLY HAVE THE RIGHT TO EXAMINE THE CURRENT AND THREE PREVIOUS YEARS' RETURNS. GPI IS NOT CURRENTLY UNDER EXAMINATION BY ANY TAXING JURISDICTION.
Schedule D (Form 990) 2014

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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 990-EZ or to provide any additional information.
MediumBullet Attach to Form 990 or 990-EZ.
MediumBullet Information about Schedule O (Form 990 or 990-EZ) and its instructions is at
www.irs.gov/form990.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2014
Open to Public
Inspection
Name of the organization
GREAT PLAINS INSTITUTE FOR SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENTINC
Employer identification number

41-1921126
Return Reference Explanation
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 11 THE 990 IS REVIEWED FIRST BY THE AUDIT COMMITIEE WHO WORKS WITH THE AUDITORS IN ITS PREPARATION. THE 990 IS THEN PROVIDE IN ELECTRONIC FORMAT PRIOR TO A REGULAR BOARD MEETING AT WHICH TIME THE BOARD DISCUSSES THE CONTENT WITH THE AUDIT COMMITIEE AND AUDITORS BEFORE A VOTE OF APPROVAL IS TAKEN THE 990 IS SIGNED ONLY AFTER A VOTE OF APPROVAL.
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 12C THE DIRECTORS ARE ASKED ANNUALLY TO DISCLOSE IN ADDITION TO ANY INSTANCE THAT MAY CONSTITUTE A CONFLICT IN ANY BOARD DISCUSSION, VOTE OR CONTRACT NEGOTIATION DIRECTORS ARE REQUESTED TO ABSTAIN FROM VOTING ON ANY DECLARED CONFLICT AND EMPLOYEES ARE REQUESTED TO REFRAIN FROM ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN ANY NEGOTIATION INVOLVING A DELCARED CONFLICT.
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 15A THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FILLS OUT A SELF-ASSESSMENT OF HIS/HER PERFORMANCE FOR THE PAST YEAR. THE CHAIR OF THE BOARD REVIEWS THE ED'S SELF-ASSESSMENT; CONSULTS OTHER MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, STAFF, FUNDERS OR OTHERS HE/SHE DEEMS TO HAVE USEFUL KNOWLEDGE OF THE ED'S PERFORMANCE, AND THEN ADDS HIS/HER OWN COMMENTS TO THE ED'S WRITTEN SELF-EVALUATION. THE BOARD CHAIR SENDS THE COMPLETED EVALUATION TO THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE WITH ANY PROPOSED SALARY ADJUSTMENTS. SALARY ADJUSTMENTS ARE BE BASED ON SOME COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF ED SALARIES FOR ORGANIZATIONS OF A SIMILAR BUDGET SIZE, IN THE SAME GENERAL FIELD AND GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION. THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORTS ITS FINAL EVALUATION TO THE FULL BOARD, INCLUDING ANY SALARY ADJUSTMENTS.
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION C, LINE 19 GPI'S AUDIT IS AVAILABLE ON ITS WEBSITE AT WWW.BETTERENERGY.ORG, OTHER DOCUMENTS ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.
FORM 990, PART IX, LINE 11G CONSULTANTS: PROGRAM SERVICE EXPENSES 978,485. MANAGEMENT AND GENERAL EXPENSES 1,140. FUNDRAISING EXPENSES 11,793. TOTAL EXPENSES 991,418. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES: PROGRAM SERVICE EXPENSES 15,314. MANAGEMENT AND GENERAL EXPENSES 9,294. FUNDRAISING EXPENSES 2,608. TOTAL EXPENSES 27,216.
FORM 990, PART XII, LINE 2C THE PROCESS HAS NOT CHANGED FROM THE PRIOR PERIOD.
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990 or 990-EZ.
Cat. No. 51056K
Schedule O (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2014

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