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Passes our checks

Neighbors Inc

EIN 41-1360294 · South Saint Paul, MN

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood78 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS BUILD STABILITY TO INCREASE OPPORTUNITY AND WELL-BEING.IN 1972, VOLUNTEERS FROM SIX LOCAL FAITH COMMUNITIES CAME TOGETHER TO HELP THEIR NEIGHBORS SUFFERING FROM AN ECONOMIC CRISIS. THE RESULT WAS NEIGHBORS, INC. AT THE TIME, BOTH THE SWIFT AND ARMOUR PACKING COMPANIES WERE CLOSING THEIR LOCAL MEAT PACKING OPERATIONS, REMOVING 9,000 JOBS FROM THE LOCAL ECONOMY. AN INDEPENDENT NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION WAS FORMED TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO FAMILIES IN NEED, AND THE PHILOSOPHY OF SERVING THE COMMUNITY THROUGH THE TIME AND TALENT OF VOLUNTEERS CONTINUES. TODAY, NEIGHBORS OPERATES WITH THE HELP OF MORE THAN 30 FAITH COMMUNITIES, COUNTLESS LOCAL BUSINESSES, CIVIC GROUPS, FOUNDATIONS, AND GOVERNMENT GRANTS.

Income
$4.0 million
Spending
$4.2 million
Spent on programs
93%
Reserves
4.2 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 96%
Employees
17
Volunteers
350
Highest pay
$137,209, 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: 78 out of 100. Higher than 58% of charities in its peer group (human services, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    20 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 4.2 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 2% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    8 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 3% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 20% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    93% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 3 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 25

    13 of 13 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports 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 (1)
  1. $3.9 million spent. SEE SCHEDULE OAT NEIGHBORS, INC., THE TRUE FORCE DRIVING OUR MISSION IS THE UNWAVERING PASSION OF OUR STAFF, BOARD, VOLUNTEERS, AND COMMUNITY SUPPORTERS. THEIR COMMITMENT NOT ONLY DELIVERS ESSENTIAL RESOURCES FOR 6,000 FAMILIES ANNUALLY, SUCH AS HEALTHY FOOD, AFFORDABLE CLOTHING, COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS, AND FINANCIAL EMPOWERING SERVICES, BUT ALSO CULTIVATES RESILIENCE AND UPLIFTS DIGNITY. OUR WORK IS PERSON-CENTERED, AND WE TAKE A HOLISTIC APPROACH. WE PRIMARILY SERVE RESIDENTS WHO RESIDE IN DAKOTA COUNTY AND HAVE SEEN GROWTH IN HOUSEHOLDS FROM BOTH WASHINGTON AND RAMSEY COUNTIES. OF THOSE SERVED, INDIVIDUALS IDENTIFY WITH THE FOLLOWING RACE/ETHNICITIES: 45% REPRESENT THE LATINE COMMUNITY, 34% WHITE, 13% AFRICAN AMERICAN, 3% IDENTIFY AS ASIAN OR NATIVE AMERICAN AND 2% IDENTIFY AS MULTIRACIAL. ADDITIONALLY, MANY OF OUR SUPPORTIVE PROGRAMS FOCUS ON NOURISHING THE COMMUNITY, ENSURING THEY HAVE CONSISTENT ACCESS TO CULTURALLY APPROPRIATE AND NUTRITIOUS FOOD. ADULTS AGES 18-64 MAKE UP 54% OF OUR FOOD SERVICES, WHILE CHILDREN AGE 0-17 YEARS MAKE UP 32% AND SENIORS AGE 65+ ACCOUNT FOR 14% OF OUR PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS. NEIGHBORS, INC. SERVES AS A SAFETY NET IN OUR COMMUNITY BY PROVIDING A COMPREHENSIVE ARRAY OF HIGH-DIGNITY BASIC NEEDS SERVICES. WHILE ADDRESSING IMMEDIATE NECESSITIES IS CENTRAL TO OUR MISSION, WE ALSO FOCUS ON CONFRONTING SYSTEMIC ROOT CAUSES OF INSTABILITY. MOST NOTABLY, UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT. BY SUPPORTING INDIVIDUALS IN THEIR JOURNEY TOWARD FINANCIAL STABILITY, OUR SERVICES CONTRIBUTE TO THE BROADER WELLBEING OF ENTIRE FAMILIES, FOSTERING LONG-TERM RESILIENCE AND ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT.NEIGHBORS, INC. RESPONDED TO COMMUNITY CHALLENGES BY OFFERING SUPPORT IN THE FOLLOWING KEY AREAS:HUNGER RELIEF PROGRAM:NEIGHBORS, INC. OPERATES A COMPREHENSIVE HUNGER RELIEF PROGRAM DESIGNED TO PROVIDE EQUITABLE ACCESS TO NUTRITIOUS FOOD RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES AND SENIORS EXPERIENCING FOOD INSECURITY WITHIN OUR COMMUNITY. ALL GUESTS AT OR BELOW 300% OF THE FEDERAL POVERTY LEVEL ARE ELIGIBLE. WE ARE COMMITTED TO MINIMIZING BARRIERS TO FOOD ACCESS BY OFFERING INCLUSIVE, PERSON-CENTERED SERVICES THAT UPHOLD DIGNITY AND CHOICE.ALL PERSONS SERVED RECEIVE THE SAME LEVEL OF SERVICE, REGARDLESS OF ADDRESS, LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY, DISABILITY, RACE, COLOR, NATIONAL ORIGIN, RELIGION, SEX, AGE, CITIZENSHIP STATUS, MARITAL STATUS, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENDER IDENTITY, FAMILIAL STATUS, RECEIPT OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE, OR AFFILIATION WITH A LOCAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION. THIS COMMITMENT REFLECTS NEIGHBORS' DEDICATION TO EQUITY AND NONDISCRIMINATION IN ALL ASPECTS OF FOOD SERVICE DELIVERY.TO ACCOMMODATE DIVERSE NEEDS, NEIGHBORS OFFERS THREE PRIMARY METHODS FOR ACCESSING ITS ONSITE FOOD MARKET: IN-PERSON SHOPPING, CURBSIDE PICK-UP, AND HOME DELIVERY. ADDITIONALLY, NEIGHBORS, INC. OFFERS A VITAL ONSITE SERVICE KNOWN AS THE NOOK, WHICH IS A SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD DISTRIBUTION AVAILABLE TWICE WEEKLY DESIGNED TO HELP CLOSE THE GAP IN HUNGER BETWEEN REGULAR FOOD SHELF APPOINTMENTS. IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NINE LOCAL HOUSING COMMUNITIES, NEIGHBORS OPERATES SATELLITE FOOD MARKETS, WHICH BRINGS HEALTHY FOOD DIRECTLY TO RESIDENTS FACING COMPOUNDED BARRIERS SUCH AS LIMITED TRANSPORTATION. ALL SATELLITE LOCATIONS OFFER A PERSON-CHOICE MODEL, ALLOWING INDIVIDUALS TO SELECT FROM A WIDE RANGE OF FRESH PRODUCE, DAIRY, BAKERY ITEMS, MEAT, AND SHELF-STABLE GOODS. EMERGENCY FOOD PACKS ARE AVAILABLE FOR THOSE REQUIRING IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE, AND HOME DELIVERY IS PROVIDED FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH MEDICAL CONDITIONS OR MOBILITY CHALLENGES.WHOLE-PERSON SUPPORT:THRIFT STORE: THE NEIGHBORS THRIFT STORE OFFERS HIGH-QUALITY, DONATED CLOTHING AND HOUSEHOLD ITEMS TO THE PUBLIC AT ACCESSIBLE, AFFORDABLE PRICES. TO ENSURE EQUITABLE ACCESS FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES FACING FINANCIAL HARDSHIP, NEIGHBOR'S PROVIDES SEMI-ANNUAL GIFT CARDS THAT ALLOW RECIPIENTS TO OBTAIN ESSENTIAL ITEMS AT NO COST. THIS SUPPORT IS EXTENDED TO ALL MEMBERS OF THE HOUSEHOLD, REINFORCING OUR COMMITMENT TO DIGNITY AND COMMUNITY WELLBEING.MEANINGFUL REFERRALS: THE FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT TEAM PLAYS A KEY ROLE IN GUIDING INDIVIDUALS TOWARD NEIGHBORS' FULL SPECTRUM OF STABILITY AND FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT SERVICES. THEY ALSO LINK GUESTS TO EXTERNAL COMMUNITY RESOURCES SUCH AS TRANSPORTATION, HOUSING, AND CHILDCARE BY OFFERING THOUGHTFUL REFERRALS THAT ADDRESS THE BROADER NEEDS OF EACH PERSON AND FAMILY.HOLIDAY GIFT PROGRAM: OUR HOLIDAY GIFT PROGRAM FACILITATES CONNECTIONS BETWEEN COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND FAMILIES OR SENIORS CURRENTLY RECEIVING SERVICES THROUGH NEIGHBORS. THROUGH THIS PROGRAM, SPONSORS ARE MATCHED WITH INDIVIDUALS/FAMILIES IN NEED AND PURCHASE GIFTS THAT HELP BRING JOY AND WARMTH DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON.FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT:NEIGHBORS' FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT CENTER IS DESIGNED TO SUPPORT INDIVIDUALS IN BUILDING LONG-TERM ECONOMIC STABILITY THROUGH FREE, PERSONALIZED ONE-ON-ONE COACHING AND EDUCATION. WHILE FINANCIAL LITERACY REMAINS A KEY COMPONENT, THE PROGRAM INCREASINGLY FOCUSES ON EXPANDING ACCESS TO EMPLOYMENT RESOURCES, RECOGNIZING THAT STABLE INCOME IS FOUNDATIONAL TO FINANCIAL WELLBEING.PARTICIPANTS EARN INDUSTRY RECOGNIZED CREDENTIALS THROUGH OUR FORMAL TRAINING PARTNERS, WHICH INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO DAKOTA COUNTY TECHNICAL COLLEGE, INVER HILLS COMMUNITY COLLEGE, CENTURY COLLEGE AND CRESCENT CAREER CENTER. BEYOND EQUIPPING PARTICIPANTS WITH FREE COLLEGE TRAINING, NEIGHBORS, INC. PROVIDES SERVICES SUCH AS CAREER COUNSELING, JOB SEARCH ASSISTANCE, RESUME AND INTERVIEW PREPARATION, AND DIGITAL LITERACY TRAINING TO HELP INDIVIDUALS NAVIGATE TODAY'S WORKFORCE. ADDITIONAL SUPPORT INCLUDES GUIDANCE ON MANAGING MONEY AND DEBT, BUDGET DEVELOPMENT, AND UNDERSTANDING CREDIT REPORTS AND SCORES. THROUGH THIS HOLISTIC APPROACH, NEIGHBORS EMPOWERS INDIVIDUALS TO TAKE MEANINGFUL STEPS TOWARD FINANCIAL SECURITY AND GREATER FREEDOM OF CHOICE BOTH NOW AND IN THE FUTURE.NEIGHBORS, INC. IS COMMITTED TO HELPING CLIENTS ACHIEVE LONG-TERM ECONOMIC STABILITY BY REMOVING BARRIERS

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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since October 1979.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

  6. 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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