The goal of the Multi-Employer Plan (MEP) is to provide low-cost retirement benefits to non-profits that are members of the Columbia Basin Non-Profit Association. This is accomplished through pooling of resources of small non-profits and standardization of retirement options. This should allow non-profits, especially smaller non-profits, to provide competitive retirement benefits to their employees.
In order to be eligible to participate in the Multi-Employer Plan the following conditions must be met.
Be a registered 501(c)3 providing services in Benton and Franklin Counties.
Be a current dues paying member of the Columbia Basin Non-Profit Association.
Meet annual reporting and compliance requirements as identified by the Multi-Employer Plan provider and Third Party Administrator.
Enrollment Process
Organizations that are interested in joining the Multi-Employer Plan will need to reach out to the Multi-Employer Plan provider (currently Petersen Hastings) or the Multi-Employer Plan Administrator (cbnainfo@gmail.com) to inquire about details. Organizations will complete a Multi-Employer Plan Intent to Participate form as a way of determining if they are of a size that is feasible for Multi-Employer Plan Participation.
Open enrollment for MEP is available on January 1st and July 1st of each year. There is a $150 fee to the organization for joining the Multi-Employer Plan to offset the cost of redoing the summary plan description.
In order to successfully enter the Multi-Employer Plan during an open enrollment window, it will require 2-4 months of planning for a successful onboarding and inclusion in the plan.