Transparency

Impact & Annual Report

Where the dollars go, what the volunteers did, and what we got done on the water. We believe transparency is what makes a small nonprofit trustworthy.

Last 12 months at a glance

A year of paddles, partners, and clean launches.

These are aggregate metrics for our most recent reporting year. Detailed breakdowns are in the sections below.

32Programs & paddles led
1,820+Paddlers met on the water
1,440Volunteer hours
240+Active members
Financial transparency

Every dollar, accounted for.

NPA is a small public charity — we file Form 990-N (e-Postcard) each year because our annual revenue is below the IRS Form 990 threshold. The percentages below reflect our most recent fiscal year.

How donations were used

42% 28% 18% 12%
42% — Programs & eventsFestival, community paddles, film festival.
28% — Stewardship & launchesAdopted launch maintenance, future accessible launches.
18% — Education & youthInstruction, youth paddling, safety materials.
12% — OperationsInsurance, ACA dues, hosting, supplies.

Sources of support

  • Memberships (38%) — annual dues from individual, household, and sustaining members.
  • Events & festivals (27%) — Paddle Festival entries, Film Festival tickets, auction proceeds.
  • Individual donations (22%) — one-time and recurring gifts from paddlers across the Northland.
  • Partnerships (13%) — Lillydipper Pale Ale collaboration with Ursa Minor & The Duluth Experience, sponsor support.

Zero paid staff. NPA is entirely volunteer-run. Every donated dollar funds programs, stewardship, and access — not salaries.

Programs & outcomes

What we put on the water this year

Each program is co-designed with members and partners, and tracked against safety, participation, and stewardship goals.

Twin Ports Paddle Festival

320+ attendees, 18 demo craft tested, 4 Voyageur canoe mini-tours, 6 vendor partners. Largest community turnout to date.

Sunset & Sunrise Paddle Series

14 community paddles co-hosted with St. Louis River Alliance and Ski Hut. 220 paddler-trips total, zero safety incidents.

Stewardship cleanups

2 adopted launches maintained year-round. Spring and fall cleanups removed 50+ bags of debris. Launch kiosk installed at Woodstock Bay.

Youth paddling

3 partner sessions with local schools and Scout troops. 78 youth paddlers introduced to canoe, kayak, or SUP for the first time.

Paddling Film Festival

Nine films, one packed theater, an auction that raised funds dedicated to the next accessible launch — design phase now underway.

Advocacy

Comment letters on 3 local planning matters affecting paddler access. Active participation in Twin Ports outdoor coalition.

Public documents

For grantmakers, partners, and curious members

NPA's filings and policies are publicly available. If you do not see what you need below, email [email protected] and we will send it.

IRS Form 990-N

Annual e-Postcard filing. View on the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search with EIN 47-5540742.

IRS Determination Letter

501(c)(3) recognition letter, January 2016. Available on request for grantmakers and corporate giving programs.

Bylaws & conflict of interest policy

Board-approved bylaws and standard conflict-of-interest policy. PDF available on request.

Annual meeting minutes

Last three years of annual member meeting minutes — budget, board elections, priorities.

Non-discrimination policy

NPA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status. Full policy available on request.

Insurance & safety plan

General liability coverage through American Canoe Association's Paddle America Club program. Safety policy reviewed annually.