Open Access Connections

Mission Statement

Open Access Connections develops strong community connections to deliver communication services and civic engagement in order to encourage self-determination for people in need.

Impact and Programs

Accomplishments In the previous year we provided free Community Voice Mail to 2,727 homeless and low-income Minnesotans, assigned 400 Lifeline supported cell phones, trained 6 formerly homeless and low-income people to complete 110 shifts of Grassroots Outreach, engaged older homeless people through 12 in-person and online Generation 50+ Group meetings, engaged 1,800 typically undercounted communities about completing the 2020 Census, and registered and pledged 120 homeless and low-income people to vote in the 2020 Election.
Current Goals In 2021 we aim to provide free Community Voice Mail to 2,800 homeless and low-income Minnesotans, adding 400 Lifeline supported cell phones, complete 100 shifts of Grassroots Outreach, engage 80 older people through 12 Generation 50+ Group meetings, and register and pledge 200 homeless and low-income people to vote for the 2021 St. Paul and Minneapolis Municipal Elections.
Community or Constituency Served Homeless and low-income Minnesotans lacking reliable phone access.
Geographic Area Served State of Minnesota.

Reports & Finances

If you have additional questions regarding a nonprofit's financials, visit their website, or call and ask to review their IRS Form 990, Annual Report, or Audit for a more complete picture of their financial story.
Major Program Expenses
Community Voice Mail:
$87,914
Grassroots Outreach:
$39,690
Non-Partisan Civic Engagement:
$23,814
Generation 50+ Group:
$15,876
3 Year Average Expenses
Program Services
$191,258
84.3%
Management
$22,139
9.8%
Fundraising
$0
0%
Unrestricted Net Assets
End of Year:
Beginning of Year:
Difference:
2020
$12,506
$-6,761
$19,267
2019
$0
$0
$0
2018
$35,821
$45,543
($9,722)

Notes from the Council

Organization Last Reviewed on 06/25/2021

This date is representative of when we completed our initial Accountability Wizard® nonprofit review, and provided the organization with their results. This review is good for three years from the date provided
Return to List of Reviewed Nonprofits

Connect

Address:
1821 University Ave, W
St. Paul, MN 55104
Phone: 651-643-0883

General Information

Alternative Name: Twin Cities Community Voice Mail
EIN: 41-1821890
Principal Staff: Mark Erpelding
Number of Full-Time Equivalents (FTE): 2
Volunteer Opportunities: Yes
Number of Clients: 3800
Ruling Year: 1995

Board

Board Chair: Kim Carpenter
Number of Board Members: 15
Board Meetings with Quorum: 9
Average Member Attendance: 11

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Charities Review Council

Our mission is building donor and nonprofit relationships for strong, vibrant and just communities. We envision healthy communities for all, benefiting from effective and trustworthy nonprofits that are supported by a well-informed public’s generosity.

Let’s Connect

1915 Highway 36 W Ste 133 • Roseville, Minnesota 55113-2709
Phone: (651) 224–7030 • E-mail: info@smartgivers.org

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