2021-11-10T16:15:41-08:00 2021-06-30 366055558 Grant Thornton LLP 515 S Flowr Street Los Angeles CA 90071 990 2020-07-01 951641426 BRAILLE INSTITUTE OF AMERICA INC BRAI 3236631111 741 N VERMONT AVENUE LOS ANGELES CA 90029 Rezaur Rahman CFO 2021-11-10 true Rezaur Rahman 999009999 Qi Wen Liang P01270238 2136271717 3 AAL1 IAL1 FAL1 2020 2022-09-23 18:48:47Z Peter A Mindnich 43162462 false X www.brailleinstitute.org X 1961 CA "To eliminate barriers caused by blindness and severe sight loss". See Attached Federal Supplemental Information 15 15 209 171 0 13159855 18049445 0 41437094 12528620 1960116 1476656 56557065 32054721 0 0 14949467 13625446 93500 102000 3047923 7456729 6570987 22499696 20298433 34057369 11756288 220484593 282084911 5551657 5499314 214932936 276585597 "To eliminate barriers caused by blindness and severe sight loss". See Attached Federal Supplemental Information false false 11317434 See Attached Federal Supplemental Information Page 1, Part III - Line 4a 2747122 See Attached Federal Supplemental Information Page 1, Part III - Line 4b 912530 See Attached Federal Supplemental Information Page 2, Part III - Line 4c 14977086 true true false true false false false false false true true false false false true true false true true false false false false true false false false false false true false false false false false false false false true false false false false true false false false true 44 0 true 209 true false false false false false true true false 0 false false false false false false false false false false X 15 15 false false false false true true false true true false true true true true true true true true true true false AK AL CA CO CT FL GA HI IL KS KY MA MD ME MI MN MS NC ND NH NJ NM NY OH OK OR PA RI SC TN UT VA WA WI WV X X Jamie Aung Controller 3236631111 741 NVermont Ave Los Angeles CA 90029 X Peter Mindnich President 38.00 0.00 X 364622 0 49518 Rezaur Rahman CFO 38.00 0.00 X 212637 0 46919 Anthony Taketa Secretary 38.00 0.00 X 207616 0 41739 Gary Jimenez VP Development 38.00 0.00 216834 0 27790 Sandy Shin VP Mark. & Commun. 38.00 0.00 171455 0 52578 Maria Valdivia VP Technology 38.00 0.00 155013 0 34985 Lisa Jimenez VP Program & Serv. 38.00 0.00 137337 0 27103 Jamie Aung Controller 38.00 0.00 131918 0 26804 Cindy Chan Dir.Planned Giving 38.00 0.00 136747 0 17729 Michael C Corley Chairman 1.00 0.00 X X 0 0 0 George E Thomas Director 1.00 0.00 X 0 0 0 Patricia Bramhall Director 1.00 0.00 X 0 0 0 James J Rhodes Director 1.00 0.00 X 0 0 0 Jeanne Olenicoff Director 1.00 0.00 X 0 0 0 James H Jackson Director 1.00 0.00 X 0 0 0 Linda A Lam Director 1.00 0.00 X 0 0 0 John F Llewellyn Director 1.00 0.00 X 0 0 0 Richard A Nelson Director 1.00 0.00 X 0 0 0 William J Link Director 1.00 0.00 X 0 0 0 Percy Duran III Director 1.00 0.00 X 0 0 0 John G Nuanes Director 1.00 0.00 X 0 0 0 Harvey Strode Director 1.00 0.00 X 0 0 0 Lester M Sussman Director 1.00 0.00 X 0 0 0 Diane Wilkinson Director 1.00 0.00 X 0 0 0 1734179 325165 20 false true false AB Data LTD 600 AB Data Drive Milwaukee WI 53217 Direct Mail Services 611284 Olympic Maintenance 12030 Clarkson Road Los Angeles CA 90064 Cleaning Services 203444 Grant Thornton LLP 515 S Flower Street Los Angeles CA 90071 Audit and Tax Service 137722 Datasparc Inc 13223-1 Black Mountain Road 152 San Diego CA 92129 Software Maintenance Serv 125012 Keyston System Inc 8016 Glenwood Ave Raleigh NC 27612 Library Patrons Service 110622 5 2135 747500 17299810 5006086 18049445 0 3888850 3888850 0 1425081 1425081 25448 25448 25448 25448 14671101 5076410 6101654 5006087 8569447 70323 8639770 8639770 2440 2135 2440 2440 0 0 Miscellaneous Income 23687 23687 23687 32054721 14005276 0 0 0 0 1167506 798204 369302 0 9516564 7713667 561202 1241695 651818 522180 45075 84563 1529898 1217323 118360 194215 759660 541654 97451 120555 0 69259 69259 104534 104534 57727 57727 102000 102000 30657 30657 177679 67239 107940 2500 0 72677 47153 19541 5983 489415 339922 94911 54582 0 1452891 1371533 53818 27540 0 0 130509 42395 41697 46417 0 0 1163125 1125150 21314 16661 223899 205987 11195 6717 Equipment & Facility Maintenan 1236971 1070789 92681 73501 Direct Mail 681815 681815 Instructional Program Supplies 257801 257801 Community Relations 188688 182688 6000 233340 213878 5585 13877 20298433 14977086 2273424 3047923 908061 712573 1348666 766388 889036 453856 20986 14312 0 0 0 36185 27148 87315 64645 66882280 43883258 23636732 22999022 188714064 252651726 2352575 1471788 0 0 2490973 2923453 220484593 282084911 2484523 2702524 3067134 2796790 5551657 5499314 X 173723198 230195586 41209738 46390011 214932936 276585597 220484593 282084911 X 11756288 50117080 -220707 X false true X true false X RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED false false false false false false false false true 57727 false false 57727 false false Part II-B, Line 1i - Other Activities Description In December 2019, the organization retained a lobbying firm for purposes of restoring and/or increasing funding for its library operations from the California Legislature. The lobbying activities involved meeting and informing members of the legislature about the organization's library services benefitting visually impaired and other disabled patrons. Through the end of FY 2020-2021, the organization has expended $57,727. 29249471 59514 376425 29685410 29312902 25025 -88456 29249471 29169692 121470 21740 29312902 23903663 5185743 80286 29169692 19797179 3952386 154098 23903663 1.00000 false false false 53883 6484582 6538465 42951615 29747447 13204168 6443732 3847403 2596329 10948468 10288408 660060 22999022 Gift Annuity Liabilities 2796790 2796790 X 82171801 50117080 50117080 32054721 32054721 20519140 220707 220707 20298433 20298433 Part V, Line 4: Intended uses of the endowment fund. These are net assets resulting from contributions and other inflows of assets whose use by the Institute is limited by donor-imposed stipulations. All permanently restricted net assets are available for endowment. The ending balance on part V, line 1g excludes $5.2 million of interest & earnings and investment appreciation, which is released to Temporarily Restricted funds, to provide specific program support to improve the lives of blind or visually impaired people. Part X : FIN48 Footnote TaxesThe Institute follows guidance that clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return, including issues relating to financial statement recognition and measurement. This guidance provides that the tax effects from an uncertain tax position can only be recognized in the financial statements if the position is more-likely-than-not to be sustained if the position were to be challenged by a taxing authority. The assessment of the tax position is based solely on the technical merits of the position, without regard to the likelihood that the tax position may be challenged.The Institute was organized pursuant to the General Nonprofit Corporation Law of the State of California. The Institute is exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, though it is subject to tax on income unrelated to its exempt purpose, unless that income is otherwise excluded by the Code. The Institute has also been recognized by the California Franchise Tax Board as an organization that is exempt from California franchise and income taxesunder Section 23701d of the California Revenue and Taxation Code. The Institute has processes presently in place to ensure the maintenance of its tax-exempt status; to identify and report unrelated income; to determine its filing and tax obligations in jurisdictions for which it has nexus; and to identify and evaluate other matters that may be considered tax positions. The Institute has determined that there are no material uncertain tax positions that require recognition or disclosurein the financial statements. Part XII, Line 2d: Other expenses and losses per audited F/S Change in Split - Interest $220707 true true true true false true true false false false false false false false false true false true Schedule E, Line 3 - Racially Nondiscriminatory Policy Publicized The organization has no set periods of solicitation or registration. Nevertheless, its policy is posted on its website. Schedule E, Line 4 - Explanation of Records and Materials Not Maintained Part 1, 4b - Is not applicable to Braille Institute of America, Inc.All instruction is provided free of charge. Schedule E, Line 5 - Explanation of Organization Discrimination by Race Schedule E, Line 6 - Explanation of Aid or Assistance from Governmental Agency Our financial assistance comprises an appropriation from the State of California which reimburses Braille Institute for a portion of the operating expenses of the Library Services. This appropriation has been awarded annually. X X X X X true AB Data LTD 600 AB Data Drive Milwaukee WI 53217 D. Mail Consult false 878800 102000 776800 878800 102000 776800 AL AK AR CA CO CT FL GA HI IL KS KY ME MD MA MI MN MS NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC TN UT VA WA WV WI Part I, Line 2b - Fundraiser Additional Information The Institute entered into separate agreements with A.B.Data LTD to cover professional fundraising services and professional fundraising expenses, such as printing, paper, envelopes and postage. Amounts calculated on Schedule G can be supported by the agreements and the expenses paid to A.B.Data LTD. X X X X X false false false false false false false false false Anthony Taketa Secretary 206270 1346 14350 27389 249355 Cindy Chan Dir.Planned Giving 136747 8009 9720 154476 Gary Jimenez VP Development 216834 14844 12946 244624 Jamie Aung Controller 131449 469 7932 18872 158722 Lisa Jimenez VP Program & Serv. 136868 469 8698 18405 164440 Maria Valdivia VP Technology 154136 877 10092 24893 189998 Peter Mindnich President 362031 2591 19692 29826 414140 Rezaur Rahman CFO 211291 1346 14781 32138 259556 Sandy Shin VP Mark. & Commun. 170578 877 11728 40850 224033 X 4 5006086 Market Value false true false Client Note 1 Client Note 1 - Braille Institute of America, Inc.Employer I.D.# 95-1641426Attachment to (Form Number 990 Part III - Line 1) for Tax year 2020What is the Organization's primary exempt purpose?Braille Institute of America, Inc., was founded in 1919 in Los Angeles, California, and is one of the largest and most comprehensive blind services organizations in the country. The Institutes mission is to positively transform the lives of those with vision loss. In addition to operating a nationally recognized Library for patrons who are blind or print disabled, we offer braille publishing services, child development services, youth independence-building programs, low vision rehabilitation services, adult educational classes, and we are a leader in the promotion of braille literacy throughout North America. Services are available through our Los Angeles headquarters and six regional centers: Anaheim, Coachella Valley, Laguna Hills, Riverside, San Diego, and Santa Barbara. A nonprofit organization, Braille Institute is operated and funded almost entirely through private donations. In a year of social distancing and quarantines, staying connected was especially important. While Braille Institute could not hold in-person classes due to the pandemic, we pivoted so programs and services could be delivered remotely, continuously and free of charge. Students, clients, and families received support and stayed connected from the comfort and safety of their homes. It was remarkable to see the resilience, enthusiasm, and positivity demonstrated by our entire community.We continued to provide free programs and services that help children and adults who are blind or visually impaired to gain adaptive living skills and build self-confidence so that they may live independent and satisfying lives. Part III - Line 4a:A.Through Braille Institutes Educational Services, 1,241 adults who are blind or visually impaired attended online group classes, receiving instruction in independent living skills, home management, cooking, and creative arts; 428 adults received Orientation & Mobility training; 1,510 adults participated in online public education seminars and workshops; 173 participated in professional training programs; and 153 adults received one-on-one instruction in areas where they needed extra help.B.Braille Institutes Youth program helped 117 young people (ages 7-19) build independent living skills through guided instruction to meet individual performance goals. C.Braille Institutes Child Development program for blind and visually impaired children ages birth to 6 provided remote one-on-one services online and over the phone to 167 children and their families.D.Braille Institutes Low Vision Rehabilitation Services staff from our seven centers provided 1,651 one-on-one consultations to 961 adults. E.Braille Institutes Connection Pointe staff from our seven centers provided 3,315 one-on-one training sessions via telephone and online in the use of mainstream devices with adaptive features and specialized technologies designed for people with a vision impairment to 829 adults. F.Braille Institutes award-winning national Braille Challenge competition, which tests braille competency skills, reached 738 students in grades 1-12. Our national Cane Quest orientation & mobility competition reached 176 students in grades 3-12. G.Due to COVID-19, programs and services were provided over the phone and via telephone, Microsoft Teams, email, and YouTube instructional videos. All services were provided free of charge.Part III - Line 4b:Braille Institutes award-winning Library is the official Southern California branch of the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, a division of the Library of Congress. With a collection of more than 110,000 book titles in digital cartridge, braille, electronic, and large print formats, the Library is Braille Institutes largest department and most-used service. This year we served 9,055 direct Library patrons and 7,950 patrons were served by our partner institutions. 547,888 books were circulated. Braille Institutes comprehensive Library Services are available through the main library in our Los Angeles headquarters and through our six centers (Anaheim, Coachella Valley, Laguna Hills, Riverside, San Diego and Santa Barbara) and through more than 1,300 partner institutions, which include senior living residents, public schools and public libraries across the 10 counties of Southern California. Part III - Line 4c:Braille Institute's Special Collection this past year, the program had 7,632 subscribers. There were 3,370 "Dots for Tots" storybook kits (for pre-school children ages 2-5) mailed free to subscribers. Form 990, Part VI, Line 6: Explanation of Classes of Members or Shareholder The Institute is a non-stock, nonprofit corporation with members, no shareholders. Form 990, Part VI, Line 11b: Form 990 Review Process The accountants at Braille prepare and review an initial draft Form 990, which is reviewed by an external accounting firm before it is finalized for review by the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee will then meet to review and discuss the Form 990. The Audit Committee approves the Form 990 before it is filed with the IRS. The Audit Committee consists of directors and one non-director. The final draft of the 990 is provided to the Braille board members and management prior to its filing with the IRS. Form 990, Part VI, Line 12c: Explanation of Monitoring and Enforcement of Conflicts All of the Institute's directors and officers, i.e. the governing body, are required annually to sign the Braille Institute of America, Inc.'s Conflict of Interest Policy. The policy states that these individuals "should avoid placing themselves in positions in which their personal interests are, or may be, in conflict with the interests of Braille Institute,X and continues on to provide certain guidelines on which to consider actual or potential conflict situations. The policy requires directors and officers to disclose, to the best of their knowledge, any of these interests. "In the event of an actual conflict of interest, the Board shall investigate the material facts and the affected director's, officer's or key employee's interest in the transaction or activity. * * * * After the Board's investigation is concluded, the Board shall vote on whether to authorize or approve or disapprove of the conflict of interest, excluding the vote of the interested director. If a Board vote is not reasonably practicable, a committee of three (3) directors appointed by the Board or Executive Committee may conduct the investigation and report to the Board at the Board's next meeting whereupon the Board will vote on the conflict of interest, excluding the vote of the interested director." The individual signing the policy is taking responsibility to adhere to the Conflict of Interest Policy, which includes notifying the Board if he/she becomes aware of any actual or potential conflict situation. Form 990, Part VI, Line 15b: Compensation Review and Approval Process for Officers and Key Employees The Executive Compensation Committee shall review the performance and compensation of the President, Chief Financial Officer and other executives, as deemed appropriate, and make recommendations to the board as such. Accordingly, the Executive Compensation Committee meets annually to review the performance and compensation of not only the President but other top management officials. The Committee met in June 2021 to determine the compensation for the top management officials of the Institute. Form 990, Part VI, Line 19: Other Organization Documents Publicly Available The Institute makes the annual Audited Financial Statements available to the public by posting the published document on its website, www.brailleinstitute.org. The completed final Form 990 is available for public inspection through the Braille Institute, GuideStar and Foundation Directory websites. Additionally, the Institute's governing documents, the annual Audited Financial Statements and the Conflict of Interest Policy are available by written request and free of charge. If ever an inspection at an office of the Institute ensues, all such documents will be promptly provided upon request within a reasonable time.Form 990, Part VI, Line 1a.- Composition of the Executive Committee The organization does maintain an Executive Committee consisting of the Board Chair and four other board members. All members of the Executive Committee are directors. The Committee has all the powers of the Board except the power to fill Board vacancies and amend the bylaws. Other Changes In Net Assets Or Fund Balances - Other Decreases Change in Split-Interest = -$220707 Anita A Mackenzie Trust POBOX 803878 Chicago IL 60680 946720255 Supporting Organization IL 501(c)(3) 12-III-O N/A false false false true false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false