Bennington Project Independence Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
TO PROVIDE SAFE, CARING AND EXCEPTIONAL ADULT DAY CARE AND HEALTH REHABILITATION SERVICES. THESE SERVICES WILL OFFER MEANINGFUL, INDIVIDUALLY TAILORED PROGRAMS AND CARE DESIGNED TO ENHANCE THE DIGNITY, INDEPENDENCE, JOY AND QUALITY OF LIFE OF OLDER PERSONS, YOUNGER ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES, PROVIDE SUPPORT AND RESPITE FOR THEIR FAMILIES AND CAREGIVERS AND SERVE AS AN INFORMATIONAL RESOURCE FOR OUR COMMUNITIES.
- Income
- $3.4 million
- Spending
- $2.0 million
- Spent on programs
- 88%
- Reserves
- 3.9 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- government grants, 53%
- Employees
- 30
- Volunteers
- 24
- Highest pay
- $102,511, executive director
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Good: 85 out of 100. Higher than 67% of charities in its peer group (human services, $1m to $10m).
Reserves
20 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 3.9 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 4% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 40% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 73% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1588% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 1 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 65% of charities in its peer group (human services, $1m to $10m).
Independent board
25 of 2513 of 13 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
15 of 15Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (3)
- $1.5 million spent. SEE SCHEDULE OSERVICES: BUILDINGAFTER 17YRS, BENNINGTON PROJECT INDEPENDENCE, ADULT DAY SERVICE, WAS FINALLY ABLE TO OBTAIN ENOUGH GRANT FUNDING FROM A VARIETY OF STATE AND LOCAL BUSINESS SOURCES IN ORDER TO RENOVATE OUR ORIGINAL BASEMENT AREA, CREATE AN ESSENTIAL GROUND-LEVEL EMERGENCY EGRESS AND EXPAND THE ENTIRE FOOTPRINT OF OUR BUILDING. THE EXPANSION OF OUR FIRST FLOOR AND THE CREATION OF OUR LOWER ORCHARD LEVEL ALLOWED FOR LARGER AND EXCITING NEW ACTIVITY AND SPECIALIZED PROGRAMMATIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUR MEMBERS.THIS EXPANSION INCLUDES THE CREATION OF ADDITIONAL LARGER ACTIVITY SPACES, A SPECIALIZED MEMORY CARE SUITE FOR INDIVIDUALS FACING THE CHALLENGE OF NAVIGATING LIFE WITH A COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT, AN ADDITIONAL, FULLY EQUIPPED NURSING TREATMENT ROOM, A FITNESS AND EXERCISE STUDIO, OUR ORCHARD CAF (WHICH EXPANDS OUR ABILITY TO PROVIDE CONGREGATE MEAL SERVICES FOR OUR COMMUNITY), AS WELL AS AN RELAXING SPA EQUIPPED WITH A CEILING MOUNTED LIFT SYSTEM AND INNOVATIVE RECLINING, JETTED BATHTUB FOR BETTER SKIN CARE AND HYGIENE ASSISTANCE FOR OUR MEMBERS IN NEED.WE CONTINUE TO RAISE FUNDS TO FULLY EQUIP AND FURNISH THE LOWER, ORCHARD LEVEL OF THE BUILDING IN ORDER TO BRING IT TO ITS FULL POTENTIAL FOR OUR MEMBERS, CAREGIVERS AND OUR COMMUNITIES.THESE ADDITIONS ALSO ALLOWS THE ENTIRE BUILDING, EQUIPPED WITH A STAND-BY GENERATOR, TO BE UTILIZED AS A SPECIALIZED AMERICAN RED CROSS SHELTER FOR BENNINGTON COUNTY IN THE EVENT OF A LOCAL EMERGENCY. OUR BUILDING IS ALSO MADE AVAILABLE TO BENNINGTON'S LOCAL EMERGENCY NETWORK AS BOTH A WARMING AND COOLING CENTER, IF NEEDED.ADULT DAY SERVICE PERSONNEL:HAVING THE RIGHT STAFF IS CRITICAL TO THE SUCCESS OF OUR ADULT DAY PROGRAM. FAMILIES ENTRUST THE CARE OF THEIR LOVED ONES TO BENNINGTON PROJECT INDEPENDENCE EVERY DAY. OUR STAFF TEND TO BECOME AN EXTENSION OF FAMILY FOR MANY OF OUR MEMBERS AND THEIR FAMILY CAREGIVERS. BPI'S STAFF INCLUDES AN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR WHO IS QUALIFIED AS AN ACTIVITY CONSULTANT CERTIFIED AND MASTERS LEVEL EXPRESSIVE ARTS THERAPIST, CERTIFIED DEMENTIA PRACTITIONER; A PROGRAM AND FISCAL OPERATIONS COORDINATOR WHO IS ALSO OUR WEBMASTER; AN ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR WHO OVERSEES OUR BILLING DEPARTMENT AND FOYER STAFF; A MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR; A SOCIAL WORKER; AN ACTIVITY COORDINATOR WHO IS ACTIVITY DIRECTOR CERTIFIED; ACTIVITY ASSISTANTS; A HEALTH COORDINATOR/REGISTERED NURSE; LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE; LICENSED NURSING ASSISTANTS; AN ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT; VAN DRIVERS; A NUTRITION COORDINATOR/COOK; NUTRITION ASSISTANTS; A HOUSEKEEPER; A FACILITIES COORDINATOR; AND PART-TIME FOYER GREETERS. OUR STAFF IS SUPPLEMENTED BY ASSISTANCE FROM A CONSULTING BOOKKEEPER, A CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT, AN ART THERAPIST, AND A YOGA THERAPIST. BPI TAKES PRIDE IN ITS EXCELLENT STAFF-TO-MEMBER RATIO AND OF ALL OF THE PERSON-CENTERED ASPECTS OF CARE AND SERVICE. WITH OUR INNOVATIVE, AND EXPANDED ADULT DAY HEALTH FACILITY, BPI'S STAFFING NEEDS HAVE ALSO INCREASED. THIS HAS CREATED MORE JOBS FOR THE LOCAL ECONOMY. WE KNEW THAT WITH THE FACILITY EXPANSION OUR PERSONNEL BUDGET WOULD NEED TO INCREASE ALSO.BPI HAS HISTORICALLY HAD AN EXCELLENT HISTORY OF LONG TERM STAFF RETENTION. MULTIPLE STAFF MEMBERS HAVE BEEN WITH BPI 38 YEARS OR MORE. STAFF ARE NOT JUST HIRED, THEY ARE ADDED TO OUR "BPI FAMILY" IT GENERALLY TAKES ABOUT A YEAR TO TRULY LEARN THE INTRICACIES OF THE JOB AND THE PERSON-CENTERED PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATION OF OUR ORGANIZATION. ALL OF OUR STAFF MEMBERS ARE EXTREMELY CARING, DEDICATED PROFESSIONALS WHO ARE CROSS TRAINED TO PROVIDE THE UTMOST IN FLEXIBILITY AND SERVICE PROVISION FOR OUR MEMBERS AND THEIR FAMILIES. SOME OF OUR STAFF ARE ALSO CERTIFIED BY THE ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE ASSOCIATION IN THE CARES APPROACH PLUS ADVANCED DEMENTIA CARE. WITH THE DR. RICHARD A. SLEEMAN CENTER AS A SUBSTANTIAL RESOURCE AND WITH ITS PROFESSIONAL AND COMPASSIONATE STAFF, BENNINGTON PROJECT INDEPENDENCE CONTINUES ITS PROUD TRADITION OF HELPING FAMILIES SHARE THE CARE.
- $192,203 spent. SEE SCHEDULE OHEALTH SERVICES: KITCHENS IN DESIGNING OUR ADULT DAY CENTER, THE DR. RICHARD A. SLEEMAN CENTER, THE PROVISION OF FRESH, HIGH QUALITY MEALS FOR OUR MEMBERS WAS PARAMOUNT. MANY OF OUR ELDERLY OR DISABLED MEMBERS ARE NO LONGER ABLE TO PREPARE THEIR OWN MEALS AND HAVE NUTRITIONAL ISSUES THAT CAN AFFECT THEIR HEALTH. THE FOOD WE SERVE FOR LUNCH AT BPI MAY BE THE ONLY WELL-BALANCED MEAL SOME OF OUR MEMBERS HAVE EACH DAY. THE DR. RICHARD A. SLEEMAN CENTER HAS A FULL-FEATURED, MODERN COMMERCIAL KITCHEN. WE RECEIVED DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS FROM SEVERAL ACCOMPLISHED LOCAL CHEFS AND RESTAURANTEURS. THE RESULT IS AN EFFICIENT AND MODERN KITCHEN CAPABLE OF FEEDING NOT ONLY OUR MEMBERS BUT OF SERVING SEVERAL HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE SHOULD OUR FACILITY EVER NEED TO BE USED AS AN EMERGENCY SHELTER FOR OUR COMMUNITY. BPI IS ALSO A CONGREGATE MEALS SITE FOR THE SOUTHWESTERN VERMONT COUNCIL ON AGING. THIS ENABLES THE PUBLIC TO BE ABLE MAKE A RESERVATION TO ENJOY LUNCH AND THE BEAUTIFUL AMBIANCE OF THE DR. RICHARD A. SLEEMAN CENTER.BPI HAS A TALENTED NUTRITION COORDINATOR WHO UNDERSTANDS THE UNIQUE DIETARY NEEDS OF OLDER PERSONS AND YOUNGER ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES. EACH DAY, OUR NUTRITION STAFF PROVIDE WHATEVER DIETARY ACCOMMODATION OUR MEMBERS' HEALTH NEEDS REQUIRES (FROM SUGAR-FREE, TO GLUTEN FREE, TO PUREED, ETC.). BPI IS COMMITTED TO MAKING WELL BALANCED, NUTRITIOUS, HOME-COOKED MEALS AND HEALTHY SNACKS. WE SUPPLEMENT OUR MENUS WITH FRESH VEGETABLES FROM OUR OWN MEMBER'S GARDEN. OUR NUTRITION STAFF WORK CLOSELY WITH OUR ACTIVITY PROGRAM TO ENSURE THAT OUR MEALS DOVETAIL WITH THE ACTIVITY THEMES OF THE DAY. THEY COMPLEMENT EACH OTHER BEAUTIFULLY AND PROVIDE A FLAVORFUL ADDITION.BESIDES THE FULL COMMERCIAL KITCHEN, OUR ORCHARD CAF EXPANSION, BPI INCLUDED A FULL RESIDENTIAL-STYLE KITCHEN THAT IS COMPLETELY HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE. THE COUNTERS AND SINK CAN ACCOMMODATE MEMBERS IN WHEELCHAIRS. AN INDUCTION COOKTOP WAS INCLUDED TO ENSURE THE UTMOST IN MEMBER AND STAFF SAFETY IN COOKING. THE COUNTRY KITCHEN WAS DESIGNED TO PROMOTE INDEPENDENCE AND SAFETY. OUR MEMBERS ENJOY RELEARNING OR POLISHING UP THEIR COOKING SKILLS. OUR HOMEY COUNTRY KITCHEN IS A DELIGHTFUL PLACE FOR OUR MEMBERS TO RELISH THE JOYS OF HOME COOKING AND A PLACE TO SHARE FAMILY MEMORIES AND RECIPES. HAVING OUR OWN KITCHEN HAS BEEN AN INCREDIBLY POSITIVE ADDITION TO THE SERVICES AND COMPREHENSIVE CARE THAT WE ARE ABLE TO PROVIDE FOR OUR MEMBERS.EXERCISE:THE FITNESS AND WELLNESS PROGRAMS AT BENNINGTON PROJECT INDEPENDENCE ARE A PART OF A LARGER INITIATIVE TO ENSURE THAT BENNINGTON PROJECT INDEPENDENCE IS ALSO A RESOURCE FOR THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY. BESIDES THE STRETCH FOR HEALTH, WALKING CLUBS AND INDIVIDUALIZED NUSTEP FITNESS PROGRAMS OFFERED DAILY AT BPI, WE HAVE SEVERAL CLASSES AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC. THIS YEAR, WE HAVE ADDED A KIRTAN KRIYA CLASS FOR STRESS REDUCTION AND ENHANCING RESPIRATORY FUNCTION,A STAY ACTIVE AND INDEPENDENT FOR LIFE CLASS AND DRUM CIRCLE. THESE CLASSES HAVE ALSO RECEIVED EXCELLENT FEEDBACK.CAREGIVER SUPPORT:BPI CONTINUES TO PROVIDE A MONTHLY CAREGIVER GATHERING ENTITLED "FAMILIES TOGETHER". THIS GATHERING DIFFERS FROM THE TRADITIONAL SUPPORT GROUP MODELWITH THE PREMISE OF "WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU LAUGHED WITH A FRIEND?" THIS GROUP IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AND BRINGS CAREGIVERS FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE AND LEVELS OF CAREGIVING EXPERIENCES TOGETHER. THE SHARING, LAUGHTER AND CONNECTIONS HAVE BEEN INCREDIBLY HELPFUL TO MANY CAREGIVERS AND FAMILIES.
- $41,977 spent. SEE SCHEDULE OTRANSPORTATION:A MAJOR FACTOR IN THE SUCCESS OF BPI'S ADULT DAY PROGRAM IS THE ABILITY TO PROVIDE OUR OWN PERSONALIZED DOOR-THROUGH-DOOR TRANSPORTATION FOR OUR MEMBERS AND FAMILIES UTILIZING OUR OWN HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE VEHICLES.OUR SMALL FLEET OF THREE LIFT-EQUIPPED VEHICLES ALLOWS OUR EXPERT TRANSPORTATION STAFF TO BE FLEXIBLY RESPONSIVE TO EVER-CHANGING MEMBER, FAMILY CAREGIVER AND IN-HOME SERVICE PROVIDER NEEDS AND SCHEDULES. OUR HIGHLY TRAINED DRIVERS ARE SENSITIVE TO THE NEEDS OF OLDER AND/OR DISABLED PERSONS. THEY ARE TRAINED IN PASSENGER ASSISTANCE, CPR AND FIRST AID. THEY PROVIDE A VITAL, PERSONAL CONNECTION BETWEEN FAMILY CAREGIVERS AND BPI.OUR VEHICLES PROVIDE SERVICE FOR MEMBERS AND FAMILIES IN THE GREATER BENNINGTON AND SOUTHSHIRE AREA. WE HAVE A VAN REPLACEMENT FUND ESTABLISHED TO ACCEPT DONATIONS TO ASSIST US WITH REPLACING OUR OLDEST VEHICLE. WE WORK WITH THE LOCAL PUBLIC TRANSIT PROVIDER, THE GREEN MOUNTAIN EXPRESS (GMC), TO FACILITATE TRANSPORTATION FOR MEMBERS AND FAMILIES IN THE NORTHSHIRE AREA. THIS COLLABORATION PROVIDES A HYBRID OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SERVICE TO ENSURE THAT EVERYONE HAS ACCES TO SAFE AND RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM OUR ADULT DAY PROGRAM.WITH REPLACING OUR OLDEST VEHICLE. WE WORK WITH THE LOCAL PUBLIC TRANSIT PROVIDER, THE GREEN MOUNTAIN EXPRESS (GMC), TO FACILITATE TRANSPORTATION FOR PARTICIPANTS AND FAMILIES IN THE NORTHSHIRE AREA. THIS COLLABORATION PROVIDES A HYBRID OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SERVICE TO ENSURE THAT EVERYONE HAS ACCES TO SAFE AND RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM OUR ADULT DAY PROGRAM.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 30, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 10, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending June 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since February 1979.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 7, 2026.
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