Central Minnesota Legal Services

Learn about this cause: What are the reviews? Is it Legit? Do I like the mission? What is the CEO's salary?

EIN: 411299151 ✦ Minneapolis, MN ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

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Overview

What is Central Minnesota Legal Services?

Central Minnesota Legal Services, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for access to the civil justice system for low-income individuals. With a mission to improve lives by empowering self-advocacy skills through legal education, they provide comprehensive legal services across a 21-county service area, stretching from South Dakota to Wisconsin. Their focus areas include family law, housing, and volunteer attorney programs. In family law, they prioritize representing victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, as well as offering advice and representation to self-represented litigants. For housing cases, they work to prevent homelessness and preserve affordable housing. Their volunteer attorney program, operating in 19 out of 21 counties, facilitates pro bono cases and provides mediation services in family law cases. Central Minnesota Legal Services is committed to embedding equity into policies, processes, and practices, aiming to be a culturally competent organization.


Official website here: www.centralmnlegal.org

What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?

Rating from Charity Navigator: 96% (Four-Star out of Four Star rating)

Central Minnesota Legal Services has achieved a high rating of 96%, indicating strong performance in accountability and finance. This score reflects the organization's commitment to transparency and effective management, offering assurance to donors and stakeholders about its financial health and operational integrity.

The organization boasts a fully independent board, consisting of 18 members, which contributes to robust governance practices. Key aspects of accountability, such as the presence of an Audit and Oversight Committee and comprehensive policies addressing conflicts of interest and whistleblower protections, further enhance its credibility. Additionally, the program expense ratio of 85.82% suggests that a significant portion of its resources is directed towards its mission.

While the data highlights several strengths, it does not provide specific insights into the programs or impact of Central Minnesota Legal Services, which could offer a more comprehensive view of its community contributions. Nonetheless, the organization's strong financial practices and governance structure are notable, making it a trustworthy option for potential donors.


This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator.

Is Central Minnesota Legal Services legitimate?

Central Minnesota Legal Services is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Central Minnesota Legal Services submitted a form 990, which is a tax form used by tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., indicating its operational transparency and adherence to regulatory requirements. Donations to this organization are tax deductible.


Heare are some key statistics you may want to consider:

Executive Compensation: $214,587
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $2,098,459

For more financial information, click here


Official website here: www.centralmnlegal.org

What is the mission statement of Central Minnesota Legal Services?

Central Minnesota Legal Services is committed to advocating for access to the civil justice system for low-income individuals. They achieve this by providing high-quality legal services and promoting self-advocacy skills through legal education. As a poverty law firm, they offer comprehensive legal assistance to individuals experiencing various civil legal issues across a 21-county service area. The organization is dedicated to embedding equity into policies, processes, and practices, aiming to become a culturally competent organization with a high level of awareness, knowledge, and sensitivity towards all individuals, groups, and communities.


Official website here: www.centralmnlegal.org

What is the revenue of Central Minnesota Legal Services?

Central Minnesota Legal Services's revenue in 2023 was $3,954,685.


Official website here: www.centralmnlegal.org

Who are the executives of Central Minnesota Legal Services and what are their salaries?

The average compensation at Central Minnesota Legal Services during 2023 was $50,284. There are 46 employees and 51 volunteers at Central Minnesota Legal Services.

Here are 22 key members and their salaries:


Emily Lawrence (President)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Jonathan Wolf (Vice Preside)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Mark Vavreck (Treasurer)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Marycathleen Fenske (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Jon C Saunders (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Kristi Stanislawski (Director Unt)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Marna L Anderson (Director Beg)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Lyndsey Olson (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Travis Allen (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Ben Wagner (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Ann O'Reilly (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Tifanne Ee Wolter (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Sheena Beamon (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Kristine Wittmann (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Cathy Tessmer (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Josh Fisher (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Renee Ursprung (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Kimberly Thole-Reinke (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Calondra Chandler (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Jean A Lastine (Ex-Exec Dir)
  • Compensation: $93,339
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $31,572
Daniel Morris (Executive Di)
  • Compensation: $94,903
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $8,172
Pat O'Neill (Agency Admin)
  • Compensation: $102,496
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $27,799


Official website here: www.centralmnlegal.org

Where can I find the form 990 for Central Minnesota Legal Services?

Central Minnesota Legal Services's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2023 and can be accessed here.


Official website here: www.centralmnlegal.org

Learn more at the official website: www.centralmnlegal.org

Mission Statement of Central Minnesota Legal Services

Central Minnesota Legal Services, a poverty law firm, is committed to advocating for access to the civil justice system for low-income individuals. Their mission is to improve the lives of people living in poverty by providing high-quality legal services and empowering self-advocacy skills through legal education. The organization serves a diverse population across a 21-county service area, stretching from the western border with South Dakota to the eastern border with Wisconsin. Central Minnesota Legal Services is dedicated to embedding equity into policies, processes, and practices, aiming to become a culturally competent organization that reflects the highest level of awareness, knowledge, and sensitivity towards every individual, group, and community. Their ultimate goal is to provide comprehensive legal services to low-income people experiencing a range of civil legal problems.

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Impact




July, 2024

Central Minnesota Legal Services has a profound impact on low-income individuals living in poverty by providing high-quality legal services to improve their lives. Through advocacy and empowerment, CMLS enables self-advocacy skills through legal education, ensuring access to the civil justice system for those in need. With a focus on priority areas such as family law and housing, CMLS actively works to prevent homelessness, preserve access to safe housing, and represent victims/survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Additionally, their volunteer attorney program expands their reach and ability to provide legal assistance to individuals facing civil legal problems in rural counties within their service area. This organization's commitment to embedding equity into its practices reflects its dedication to serving every individual, group, and community with sensitivity and knowledge, making a significant difference in the lives of those they serve.




This information is meant to be a general summary of Central Minnesota Legal Services. Please take the time to review official sources before making any decisions based upon the content provided here.


Financials

This financial information is from Propublica.

Revenue
$3,954,685 (2023)
Expenses
$3,709,924 (2023)
Efficiency

Other financial information:

This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2023.

  • Investment Income: $20,680
  • Gross Receipts: $3,954,685

Assets and Liabilities:

  • Total Assets: $1,971,226
  • Total Liabilities: $400,720
  • Net Assets: $1,570,506

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Organization Details

Founding Year

1979

Principal Officer

Daniel Morris

NTEE Category

Code: I80 - Crime

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