Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service does not meet the following 1 Standards for Charity Accountability:
Standard 14 (Budget)
Have a board-approved annual budget for its current fiscal year, outlining projected expenses for major program activities, fund raising, and administration.
MOSES does not meet this Standard because, when the organization provided 2022 budget information, it indicated that the budget:
- Did not identify total projected fundraising expenses.
Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service meets the remaining 19 Standards for Charity Accountability.
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Year, State Incorporated
1999, WI
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Stated Purpose
"to educate, inspire, and empower farmers to thrive in a sustainable, organic system of agriculture."
The Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES) reports that it provides education, resources, and practical advice to help farmers succeed in sustainable, organic production. The nonprofit organizes and hosts an annual organic farming conference each February in La Crosse, Wisconsin. MOSES publishes the Guidebook for Organic Certification, Midwest Organic Resource Directory, and Organic Broadcaster newspaper. The organization states that additional projects include the Farmer-to-Farmer Mentoring Program, "In Her Boots" which provides support for women who farm, the Organic Farming Podcast, and more. MOSES also runs the Organic Answer Line (888-90-MOSES or mosesorganic.org/ask), where specialists are available to answer farming and certification questions.
For the year ended August 31, 2020, Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service's program expenses were:
Program services |
$1,195,195 |
Total Program Expenses: |
$1,195,195 |
*2020 compensation, as reported by the charity, includes annual salary and, if applicable, benefit plans, expense accounts, and other allowances.
Note: Lori Stern became Executive Director in September 2020. In 2019, the previous Executive Director, Lauren Langworthy, received $71,250 in compensation.
Method(s) Used:
Direct mail appeals, Grant proposals, Internet, Planned giving arrangements, Print advertisements (newspapers, magazines, etc.)
Fundraising costs were 2% of related contributions. (Related contributions, which totaled $1,272,813, are donations received as a result of fundraising activities.)
This organization is tax-exempt under section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.It is eligible to receive contributions deductible as charitable donations for federal income tax purposes.
The following information is based on Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service's audited financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2020.
Source of Funds |
Special events |
$716,686 |
Government grants |
$195,623 |
Contributions |
$192,891 |
Program service fees |
$110,038 |
Contributions - Paycheck Protection Program loan |
$94,239 |
In-kind contributions |
$73,374 |
Interest |
$61 |
Total Income |
$1,382,912 |
- Programs: 87%
- Administrative: 12%
- Fundraising: Less than 1%
Total Income |
$1,382,912 |
Program expenses |
$1,195,195 |
Fundraising expenses |
$20,268 |
Administrative expenses |
$167,235 |
Other expenses |
$0 |
Total expenses: |
$1,382,698 |
Income in Excess of Expenses |
$214 |
Beginning Net Assets |
$500,391 |
Other Changes In Net Assets |
$0 |
Ending Net Assets |
$500,605 |
Total Liabilities |
$61,053 |
Total Assets |
$561,658 |
Note: According to the organization's audited financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2020, MOSES received in-kind contributions totaling $73,374 in the form of goods for use at the Organic Farming Conference.