Cooperating/Interpretive Associations Unified Reporting Form; DD: 08/01/2009

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20240
http://www.blm.gov
April 22, 2009

In Reply Refer To:
8362 (172) P

EMS TRANSMISSION 04/23/2009
Instruction Memorandum No. 2009-110
Expire: 09/30/2009

To: All FOs

From: Director, Office of National Landscape Conservation System and Community Partnerships

Subject: Cooperating/Interpretive Associations Unified Reporting Form
DD: 08/01/2009

Program Area: Recreation, Interpretation, Education, National Landscape Conservation System, Partnerships

Purpose: The purpose of this Instruction Memorandum is to request 2008 information to document the monetary and non-monetary contributions that Cooperating/Interpretive Associations provide to the BLM. The BLM and other Federal agencies have worked with the cooperating association community to develop a unified reporting form. This consolidated Federal financial form provides a standard format and consistent reporting requirements for non-profit cooperators that may have agreements with one or more Federal agencies. This form was developed by a committee with representatives from the Federal agencies and the cooperating/interpretive association community.

Policy/Action: The partners that should respond are non-profit, private organizations that help government agencies serve the public through interpretation and educational outreach by running sales areas within government facilities such as visitor centers, interpretive information centers, and BLM public rooms. The net profits from the sales are used to develop interpretive and educational products. Interpretive Associations also enhance the agencies’ interpretive and educational efforts through supplying materials for special events and helping to develop interpretive products. See Cooperating Association Handbook; H-8362-1.

These organizations contribute to the agencies’ programs through donations of funds, time, and materials. The reporting form is designed to account for both direct financial and non-financial donations. The financial contribution reporting is based on the IRS Form 990, which is the non-profit tax form. There is also a section of the form designed to report program services that are not direct financial aid. The form was designed to follow normal business operating procedures. The electronic form and instruction sheet are attached. Please forward the attached files to your partners and encourage them to fill out the form electronically and return by e-mail to Amy Galperin at amy_galperin@blm.gov. If necessary, the forms can also be printed out, filled in manually, and sent by regular mail to Ms. Galperin at the address below.

The BLM is requesting all partners that meet the above criteria to fill out the form using their 2008 tax reporting forms and records. The attached letter can be used to contact partners.

Timeframe: The completed forms are due August 1, 2009. They can be sent to Amy Galperin WO-172 by e-mail (amy_galperin@blm.gov) or regular mail c/o BLM Colorado State Office, 2850 Youngfield Street, CO 80215.

Contact: If you have any questions, please call Amy Galperin, National Lead for Interpretation, WO-172, at 303-239-3960.

Signed by: Authenticated by:
Carl Rountree, Robert M. Williams
Director, Office of National Landscape Division of IRM Governance,WO-560
Conservation System & Community Partnerships

3 – Attachments
1 - Letter to partners (1p)
2 - 2008 Non-profit Organization Reporting form (3pp)
3 - 2008 Reporting form instructions (5pp)