First Quarter 2009

In this Issue:

Does the New IRS 990 Challenge Your Nonprofit and Your Board?
Or if You Can't Get There With Sugar, Try a Rap on the Knuckles
by Howard Barlow, Fargo
The Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) redesign of the Form 990 (effective for the 2008 tax year) is a major overhaul. While your accountant will no doubt have a handle on most of the items that change, it also may require your board and staff to be sure that they have used due diligence and looked ahead to changes that may be required to be in compliance. More

Boards Play Key Role in New 990 Preparation and Filing
by Lois Schmidt, Willmar
Just in case you haven’t been paying attention over the last several months, we have an important announcement: The IRS wants to know more about your nonprofit organization. And if you’re a board member of a nonprofit, it wants you to know more about your organization too. More

FAQ: Could the New 990 be an Opportunity?
by Holly Witt, Alexandria
Exploring frequently asked questions by nonprofits. This quarter, we take a look at the New Form 990. More

First Quarter Updates From our Individual Markets
Catch up on events, issues and trends taking place specific to our various markets. This quarter's issue includes updates from  Alexandria, International Falls, St. Cloud, Willmar and Wisconsin. More

Resource Center
Independent Sector has prepared more detailed documents, What Nonprofits Need to Know About the New Form 990, and What Nonprofits Need to Know About the Form 990-EZ, that outline some of the issues your organization should address before your tax year ends.

Internal Revenue Service/Charities & Nonprofits: Highlights significant changes to the Form 990 and instructions, helps organizations understand and complete the form, and explains the 2008 Form 990 redesign process.

Charities Review Council of Minnesota Smart Givers Network - New IRS Form fact sheets; includes the following samples: Conflict of Interest, Whistleblowers and Document Retention Policies.

Who We Are
Bremer’s Nonprofit Resource Specialists are dedicated to the local nonprofit community, helping organizations and coalitions develop their capacity to serve their clients and communities.

Join the conversation on our blog!

The Bremer Story
"When you choose to bank with Bremer, we deliver profits to our owner the Otto Bremer Foundation. The Otto Bremer Foundation then delivers those profits back to your community."

Bremer's Nonprofit Banking Business
At Bremer, we’re especially proud to serve nonprofits and foundations because of our unique ownership structure. We provide the valuable tools, special discounts, and meaningful benefits you need to meet your organization’s banking, investment, trust, and insurance needs. 

Contact Bremer Bank at:
1-800-908-BANK (2265)

Contact the Otto Bremer Foundation at:
(651) 227-8036 or
(888) 291-1123