Financial Management Rollout Resources and Contacts
Master Gardener volunteer groups will be transitioning funds from bank accounts to the University Enterprise Financial Management System (EFS) Sept. 2022 through June 2023.
There cannot be a separate entity that manages the finances and/or programs of a University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener County program.
All funds raised and spent on behalf of the Extension Master Gardener program need to be part of the University of Minnesota financial system (EFS).
Why
The U of M is responsible and accountable for making sure that funds are raised and used in a transparent manner for University programming as expected by the public. In order to make this happen, the U of M accounting system is a process of built-in checks and balances.
Benefits
Reduced risk to individuals; the University assumes the risk
Ability to accept gifts through the University of Minnesota Foundation
Eliminates the need for separate tax returns because the funds are held, processed, and reported by the University of Minnesota
Access to University registration systems (payment linked to EFS account)
Access to credit card machines for plant sales (linked to EFS account)
Ability to make tax exempt purchases and set up automatic payment using a University purchasing card (P-card), eliminating the need for volunteer reimbursement processes.
Background resources
Contacts
Answers questions and approves reimbursements for volunteer-led groups
Primary contact for volunteers
Diane Greiwe, State Volunteer Coordinator
p. 612-625-9864; c. 612-7601217
MN Landscape Arboretum 3675 Arboretum Blvd Chaska, MN 55318
Facilitates volunteer reimbursements
Supports contracts and grants
Kristi Martini Starzynski, Executive Office & Administrative Specialist
marti987@umn.edu
p. 763-767-3837
UM Extension Regional Office Andover
Bunker Hills Act Ctr L-1, 550 Bunker Lake Blvd NW
Andover, MN 55304
Provides account numbers and answers general accounting questions
Andy Bartus, Extension/AFNR accountant/finance professional
bart0466@umn.edu
p. 612-625-9162
U of MN Extension
415 Coffey Hall, 1420 Eckles Ave
St. Paul, MN 55108-1030
Provides monthly expense/revenue EFS and foundation reports
Melinda Dontje, executive office and administrative specialist
p. 507-389-6714
U of MN Extension
UM Extension Rgnl Ofc Mankato
1961 Premier Dr STE 110
Mankato, MN 56001
Supports foundation accounts
Joy Mahova, Extension foundation finance professional/finance and planning
p. 612-624-8781
U of MN Extension Development
405 Coffey Hall
1420 Eckles Ave
St. Paul, MN 55108
Sets up foundation accounts and processes for groups who would like to raise funds
Bradley Starbuck, Extension development officer
p. 612-625-2180; c. 612-500-8896; f. 612-625-2555
U of MN Extension Development
405 Coffey Hall, 1420 Eckles Ave
St. Paul, MN 55108
Supports online giving, crowdfunding, data and lists, annual giving
Ryan Thibodeau, Extension operations associate
thibo016@umn.edu
p. 612-626-2717
U of MN Extension Development
405 Coffey Hall, 1420 Eckles Ave
St. Paul, MN 55108
Oversees the University of Minnesota Extension Foundation
Jane Johnson, Chief Development Officer Extension
p. 612-626-3717; f. 612-625-2555
U of MN Extension Development
405 Coffey Hall, 1420 Eckles Ave
St. Paul, MN 55108
How to move funds to the University system
The state leadership team reviews the transition rationale, process and timing with county program staff and volunteer leaders.
2. The state leadership team meets with county program staff and volunteers for a Q & A session.
Step-by-step transition process
3. County program staff and volunteer leaders meet with volunteers to preview the transition
State team available for meetings
4. The group leader or treasurer closes the bank account and mails the check to Kristi Martini Starzynski for deposit. Treasurer makes the check payable to the Regents of the University of Minnesota with the group noted in supporting documentation.
Primary contact: Kristi Martini Starzynski
UMN Extension, Regional Office, Andover
Attn: Kristi Martini Starzynski
550 Bunker Lake Blvd NW, Ste L1
Andover, MN 55304
marti987@umn.edu
p. 763-767-3837
Secondary contact: Mary Jane Stearns
UMN Extension, Regional Office, Rochester
Attn: Mary Jane Stearns
140 Elton Hills Lane, NW, Suite 201
Rochester, MN 55901
mstearns@umn.edu
p. 507-258-8786
5. The state team confirms via email that the university account has been established and that the funds have been deposited.
University Financial Management Roll-out Plan
Groups currently using the University and/or University of Minnesota Foundation system:
Anoka, Benton, Carver-Scott, Chisago, Cook, Crow Wing, Dodge, Douglas, Fillmore, Goodhue, Hennepin, Houston, Hubbard, Isanti, Kanabec, Kandiyohi, Le Sueur, Lake of the Woods, McLeod, Meeker, Nicollet, Olmsted , Otter Tail East and West, Pine, Polk, Ramsey, Sibley, St. Louis, Stearns, Steele, Washington, Winona, Wright.
Statewide Roll-Out Timeline:
Phase 1; Jan. 2020/2021; COMPLETE: Program coordinator-supported counties and select volunteer-led counties.
Phase 2; Oct. - Dec. 2022; COMPLETE: Extension educator-supported counties.
Phase 3; Jan. - June 2023: IN PROGRESS: Remaining counties