Charity Report

  • Issued: January 2021
  • Expires: July 2023

Community Connection of Northeast Oregon Inc

Accredited Charity

Meets Standards

541-963-3186

2802 Adams Ave
La Grande, OR 97850-5267

https://ccno.org

541-963-3186

2802 Adams Ave
La Grande, OR 97850-5267

https://ccno.org

Accredited Charity

Meets Standards

Standards For Charity Accountability

Governance

  1. Board Oversight

    Oversight of Operations and Staff: Standard 1

    Description
    Organizations shall have a board of directors that provides adequate oversight of the charity's operations and its staff. Indication of adequate oversight includes, but is not limited to, regularly scheduled appraisals of the CEO's performance, evidence of disbursement controls such as board approval of the budget, fundraising practices, establishment of a conflict of interest policy, and establishment of accounting procedures sufficient to safeguard charity finances.

    The organization meets this standard.

  2. Board Size

    Number of Board Members: Standard 2

    Description
    Soliciting organizations shall have a board of directors with a minimum of five voting members.

    The organization meets this standard.

  3. Board Meetings

    Frequency and Attendance of Board Meetings: Standard 3

    Description
    An organization shall have a minimum of three evenly spaced meetings per year of the full governing body with a majority in attendance, with face-to-face participation. A conference call of the full board can substitute for one of the three meetings of the governing body. For all meetings, alternative modes of participation are acceptable for those with physical disabilities.

    The organization meets this standard.

  4. Board Compensation

    Compensated Board Members: Standard 4

    Description
    Not more than one or 10% (whichever is greater) directly or indirectly compensated person(s) serving as voting member(s) of the board. Compensated members shall not serve as the board's chair or treasurer.

    The organization meets this standard.

  5. Conflict of Interest

    Conflict of Interest: Standard 5

    Description
    No transaction(s) in which any board or staff members have material conflicting interests with the charity resulting from any relationship or business affiliation. Factors that will be considered when concluding whether or not a related party transaction constitutes a conflict of interest and if such a conflict is material, include, but are not limited to: any arm's length procedures established by the charity; the size of the transaction relative to like expenses of the charity; whether the interested party participated in the board vote on the transaction; if competitive bids were sought and whether the transaction is one-time, recurring or ongoing.

    The organization meets this standard.

Measuring Effectiveness

  1. Effectiveness Policy

    Board Policy on Effectiveness: Standard 6

    Description
    Have a board policy of assessing, no less than every two years, the organization's performance and effectiveness and of determining future actions required to achieve its mission.

    The organization meets this standard.

  2. Effectiveness Report

    Board Approval of Written Report on Effectiveness: Standard 7

    Description
    Submit to the organization's governing body, for its approval, a written report that outlines the results of the aforementioned performance and effectiveness assessment and recommendations for future actions.

    The organization meets this standard.

Finances

  1. Program Expenses

    Program Service Expense Ratio: Standard 8

    Description
    Spend at least 65% of its total expenses on program activities.

    The organization meets this standard.

  2. Fundraising Expenses

    Fundraising Expense Ratio: Standard 9

    Description
    Spending should be no more than 35% of related contributions on fundraising. Related contributions include donations, legacies, and other gifts received as a result of fundraising efforts.

    The organization meets this standard.

  3. Accumulating Funds

    Ending Net Assets: Standard 10

    Description
    Avoid accumulating funds that could be used for current program activities. To meet this standard, the charity's unrestricted net assets available for use should not be more than three times the size of the past year's expenses or three times the size of the current year's budget, whichever is higher.

    The organization meets this standard.

  4. Audit Report

    Financial Statements: Standard 11

    Description
    Make available to all, on request, complete annual financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. When total annual gross income exceeds $1 million, these statements should be audited in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. For charities whose annual gross income is less than $1 million, a review by a certified public accountant is sufficient to meet this standard. For charities whose annual gross income is less than $250,000, an internally produced, complete financial statement is sufficient to meet this standard.

    The organization meets this standard.

  5. Detailed Expense Breakdown

    Detailed Functional Breakdown of Expenses: Standard 12

    Description
    Include in the financial statements a breakdown of expenses (e.g., salaries, travel, postage, etc.) that shows what portion of these expenses was allocated to program, fundraising, and administrative activities. If the charity has more than one major program category, the schedule should provide a breakdown for each category.

    The organization meets this standard.

  6. Accurate Expense Reporting

    Accuracy of Expenses in Financial Statements: Standard 13

    Description
    Accurately report the charity's expenses, including any joint cost allocations, in its financial statements. For example, audited or unaudited statements which inaccurately claim zero fundraising expenses or otherwise understate the amount a charity spends on fundraising, and/or overstate the amount it spends on programs will not meet this standard.

    The organization meets this standard.

  7. Budget Plan

    Budget: Standard 14

    Description
    Have a board-approved annual budget for its current fiscal year, outlining projected expenses for major program activities, fundraising, and administration.

    The organization meets this standard.

Fundraising & Info

  1. Truthful Materials

    Misleading Appeals: Standard 15

    Description
    Have solicitations and informational materials, distributed by any means, that are accurate, truthful and not misleading, both in whole and in part. Appeals that omit a clear description of program(s) for which contributions are sought will not meet this standard. A charity should also be able to substantiate that the timing and nature of its expenditures are in accordance with what is stated, expressed, or implied in the charity's solicitations.

    The organization meets this standard.

  2. Annual Report

    Annual Report: Standard 16

    Description
    Have an annual report available to all, on request, that includes: (a) the organization's mission statement, (b) a summary of the past year's program service accomplishments, (c) a roster of the officers and members of the board of directors, (d) financial information that includes (i) total income in the past fiscal year, (ii) expenses in the same program, fundraising and administrative categories as in the financial statements, and (iii) ending net assets.

    The organization meets this standard.

  3. Website Disclosures

    Web Site Disclosures: Standard 17

    Description
    Include on any charity websites that solicit contributions, the same information that is recommended for annual reports, as well as the mailing address of the charity and electronic access to its most recent IRS Form 990.

    The organization meets this standard.

  4. Donor Privacy

    Privacy for Written Appeals & Internet Privacy: Standard 18

    Description
    Address privacy concerns of donors by (a) providing in written appeals, at least annually, a means (e.g., such as a check off box) for both new and continuing donors to inform the charity if they do not want their name and address shared outside the organization, (b) providing a clear, prominent and easily accessible privacy policy on any of its websites that tells visitors (i) what information, if any, is being collected about them by the charity and how this information will be used, (ii) how to contact the charity to review personal information collected and request corrections, (iii) how to inform the charity (e.g., a check off box) that the visitor does not wish his/her personal information to be shared outside the organization, and (iv) what security measures the charity has in place to protect personal information.

    The organization meets this standard.

  5. Cause Marketing Disclosures

    Cause Related Marketing: Standard 19

    Description
    Clearly disclose how the charity benefits from the sale of products or services (i.e., cause-related marketing) that state or imply that a charity will benefit from a consumer sale or transaction. Such promotions should disclose, at the point of solicitation: (a) the actual or anticipated portion of the purchase price that will benefit the charity (e.g., 5 cents will be contributed to abc charity for every xyz company product sold), (b) the duration of the campaign (e.g., the month of October), (c) any maximum or guaranteed minimum contribution amount (e.g., up to a maximum of $200,000).

    The organization meets this standard.

  6. Complaints

    Complaints: Standard 20

    Description
    Respond promptly to and act on complaints brought to its attention by the BBB Wise Giving Alliance and/or local Better Business Bureaus about fundraising practices, privacy policy violations and/or other issues.

    The organization meets this standard.

Conclusion

Community Connection of Northeast Oregon Inc meets the 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.

Purpose

  • Year, State Incorporated

    1969, OR

  • Stated Purpose

    The mission of Community Connection of Northeast Oregon, Inc. is to advocate for and assist senior citizens, children, low-income persons, and persons with disabilities in attaining basic human needs and in becoming more self-sufficient.


Programs

Community Connection of Northeast Oregon, Inc. (CCNO) provides direct client services for low and moderate income persons, seniors, children and individuals with disabilities to assist in attaining basic human needs and achieving self-sufficiency. Programs and services include:Programs for Low-Income-Emergency Programs provide rent, motel and utility assistance including security deposits. The goals are to prevent evictions, to prevent utility shut-offs and to establish permanent housing in addition to emergency lodging. Assistance is usually limited to one time a year per household.Energy Assistance helps low-income households with their home heating costs, particularly their winter heating burden. In most cases, a single payment per year is all that a household can receive although in rare cases a second payment may be justified. Some programs also include energy conservation education.Northeast Oregon Regional Food Bank distributes food across Baker, Grant, Union and Wallowa counties through 18 food pantries and 11 Harvest Share sites.Self-Sufficiency Programs assist households with security deposits and partial rental payments; some programs require a copayment from the tenant. The adults must participate in monthly meetings and trainings designed to make the family self-supporting.Home Weatherization Assistance Program improves comfort, energy efficiency, and safety for eligible low-income residents. Qualified, selected applicants can expect a full home weatherization energy audit. Their auditors inspect everything from your crawlspace to your attic and every space in between. Auditors will inspect heat systems, insulation, air infiltration, combustion appliances, refrigerator energy usage, some aspects of air quality especially carbon monoxide and give energy-related education to help the homeowner live more comfortably and efficiently. Clients can be renters or homeowners and live in mobile homes or site built homes.Programs for Everyone-The Housing Resource Center exists to help homeowners and prospective homeowners with a variety of services directly related to obtaining or retaining a primary residence. Their goal is to provide information and education and to workout options to make the process of homebuying and home retention easier and less stressful. A trained housing counselor works one-on-one with clients to maximize the opportunities by working through the steps available to produce positive results.Transportation provides rides for senior citizens, persons with disabilities and members of the public to their employment, job training, schools, grocery stores, banks, medical appointments and other destinations. Options include fixed route trolleys, inner city public transportation services, paratransit, CAT link, Dial-A-Ride and summer shuttles.Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program is available to low and moderate homeowners for taking care of health, safety and maintenance issues with their existing homes through a no-interest deferred home loan. Repairs may include, but are not limited to, plumbing, electrical, structural repair, roof repair/replacement, siding, paint, windows/door, insulation, heat system, floors.Legal Aid may be available to anyone over 60 years of age on a referral basis. Community Connection contracts with Oregon Law Center and Oregon Legal Aid to provide legal counseling on many topics.The Summer Food Service Program offers a free, nutritional lunch to children 1 – 18 years of age during the summer months at the Riveria Activity Center. Adults may eat with children for $4.00 per meal. Entrees are served with vegetable, fruit, milk and salad bar.Programs for Seniors-Health Programs: CCNO offers several programs to promote health and well being. Their senior centers host health clinics including blood pressure clinics, cholesterol clinics, foot clinics, eye screening and hearing aid screenings. Professionals in each field perform these services for the senior population, usually on a monthly basis. These professionals set up their clinics inside CCNO's senior centers and seniors are assisted on a first-come, first-serve basis. These services are provided free of charge.Oregon Project Independence (OPI) is a statewide program designed for non-Medicaid eligible, elderly, Oregon residents and individuals that have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or a related condition. This program provides participants with supervision in their homes, as well as assistance with their Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs), which includes mobility, grooming, preparation of food, shopping for essentials, and more.Options Counseling is offered from CCNO's senior center offices in each county for seniors and their family members. Clients often have many needs and are unsure of where to turn for help. Community Connection staff help the senior and/or family member sort out their needs and identify options for filling those needs, as well as ongoing support throughout the process.Education, Recreational and Social Activities provide seniors the opportunity to get out and get involved, including bus trips to nearby places, craft bazaars, Old Time Fiddlers Shows, information on hot topics, bingo, cards and other games, as well as other activities throughout the year.The Family Caregiver Support Program acknowledges and encourages the vital role caregivers play in our country’s home and community-based services through support in a coordinated and responsive manner by taking care of those who take care of others. Services to support the needs of caregivers on a limited basis may include: respite care, including adult day care, to provide a caregiver with a temporary or brief period of relief from the demands of daily care giving; information about services and assistance accessing services minor home modifications and/or adaptive aids; and training for caregivers such as Powerful Tools for Caregivers.Senior Meals serves adults over age 60 and their spouses, a hot, nutritious meal up to five days a week at CCNO senior centers.Meals on Wheels is open to persons aged 60 or over and their spouse, regardless of age or condition, offering home-delivered meals if one or the other is homebound by reason of illness, incapacitating disability or is otherwise isolated. Hot, nutritious noon meals are delivered up to five days per week. Frozen meals may be delivered for the weekends.

For the year ended June 30, 2020, Community Connection of Northeast Oregon Inc program expenses were:

Senior / Nutrition and Homecare Programs $1,647,739
Weatherization and Rehab Programs $364,329
Emergency Assistance and Self-Sufficiency Programs $865,347
Energy Assistance Programs $1,008,034
Transportation Programs $1,640,472
Housing Programs $125,539
Community Services $178,300
Food Bank Program $1,891,130
Youth Programs $152,197
PPP Loan and Cost Pools $432,224
Program Expenses $8,305,311

Governance & Staff

  • CEO

    Ms. Margaret Davidson, Executive Director

  • Compensation*

    $0.00

  • Board Chair

    Mr. Steve McClure, Former County Commissioner

  • Chair's Profession / Business Affiliation

    Union County, Oregon

  • Board Size

    13

  • Paid Staff Size

    95

Fundraising

Method(s) Used:
Direct mail appeals, Invitations to fundraising events, Grant proposals, Internet, Appeals via Social Media (Facebook, etc.).

% of Related Contributions on Fundraising: 0.01%

Tax Status

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.


Financial

The following information is based on Community Connection of Northeast Oregon Inc's Audited financial statements for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2020

Source of Funds
Grants and Awards from Governmental Agencies $7,100,847
In-kind Goods and Services $1,674,174
Program fees $433,532
Contributions $220,631
Other $29,304
Fundraising $27,235
Depreciation $-167,649
Total Income $9,318,074

Breakdown of Expenses

Total Income $9,318,074
Total Expenses: $8,995,502
Program Expenses $8,305,311
Fundraising Expenses $1,238
Administrative Expenses $661,432
Other Expenses $27,521
Income in Excess of Expenses $322,572
Beginning Net Assets $6,039,879
Other Changes In Net Assets $167,649
Ending Net Assets $6,362,451
Total Liabilities $1,404,779
Total Assets $7,767,230

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