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Nonprofit · EIN 52-1697917

BRIGHT BEGINNINGS INC

Tax-exempt · WASHINGTON, DC 20032

Financials

$8.5M$8.7M2022$18.9M$9.8M2023$12.1M$12M2024
Revenue Expenses · by fiscal year end
Financials of BRIGHT BEGINNINGS INC by year, from its e-filed returns
Year endedFormRevenueExpensesNet incomeTotal assetsLiabilitiesNet assets
September 30, 2025990$12,094,505$11,954,115$140,390$16,065,294$2,600,465$13,464,829
September 30, 2024990$18,932,876$9,767,546$9,165,330$13,933,505$609,066$13,324,439
September 30, 2023990$8,522,725$8,673,677-$150,952$19,268,163$7,393,854$11,874,309
Financial details: 990 for the year ended September 30, 2025

Revenue

Contributions, gifts and grants
$9,533,784
of which government grants
$6,682,932
Program service revenue
$2,469,759
Investment income
$90,962
Other revenue
$0

Expenses

Grants and similar amounts paid
$0
Compensation of officers, directors and key employees
$242,584
Other salaries and wages
$6,685,638
Salaries, compensation and benefits (total)
$8,166,569
Professional fundraising fees
$0
Legal fees
$179,750
Accounting fees
$245,017
Occupancy
$622,006
Travel
$34,910
Depreciation
$271,788
Program services (functional)
$10,201,593
Management and general (functional)
$1,223,938
Fundraising (functional)
$528,584

Balance sheet and other

Total assets, start of year
$13,933,505
Total assets, end of year
$16,065,294
Total liabilities, end of year
$2,600,465
Net assets, end of year
$13,464,829
Land, buildings and equipment
$9,929,544
Net assets without donor restrictions
$13,053,295
Net assets with donor restrictions
$411,534
Gross receipts
$12,094,505
Employees
127
Volunteers
100
Year formed
1990
State of legal domicile
DC

From the e-filed returns the IRS publishes as XML (latest three processing years; amended returns replace the original). PDF copies at the IRS.

Officers, directors and key employees

As listed on the 990 for the year ended September 30, 2025, highest compensation first.

NameTitleHours / weekCompensationOther / benefits
ERIN FISHERCHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Officer
40$222,957$12,423
REBECCA RORKEDEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Highest-paid employee
40$120,602$21,474
RENEE SALLYDIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS & COMPLIANCE
Highest-paid employee
40$113,921$11,288
WILLIE GRAYDIRECTOR OF HR
Highest-paid employee
40$108,380$16,293
KAREN HOWARDPRESIDENT
Trustee or director, Officer
1$0$0
LAURIN KELLYSECRETARY
Trustee or director, Officer
1$0$0
DEREK FORDTREASURER
Trustee or director, Officer
1$0$0
ERIKA MAGANA ALEXANDERDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
1$0$0
PAUL BERRYDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
1$0$0
SURAYYAH COLBERTDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
1$0$0
KEVIN DIAZDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
1$0$0
STEVE GLAUDEDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
1$0$0
ANNE GUNDERSON END 42025DIRECTOR
Trustee or director
1$0$0
CHERYL HANKERSONDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
1$0$0
CEMERE JAMESDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
1$0$0
5 more people on this return
NameTitleHours / weekCompensation
MIKE JEFFERSDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
1$0
EBONY JOHNSONDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
1$0
CHARLES LOWERYDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
1$0
CATRIONA MACDONALDDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
1$0
KHADIJAH WILLIAMSDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
1$0
990 for the year ended September 30, 2024: 21 people
NameTitleHours / weekCompensationOther / benefits
ERIN FISHERCHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Officer
40$193,003$10,843
REBECCA RORKEDEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Highest-paid employee
40$112,013$22,838
ANGELA HAMILTONEDUCATION DIRECTOR
Highest-paid employee
40$100,253$1,039
KAREN HOWARDPRESIDENT
Trustee or director, Officer
1$0$0
CHARLES LOWERYSECRETARY
Trustee or director, Officer
1$0$0
DEREK FORDTREASURER
Trustee or director, Officer
1$0$0
ERIKA MAGANA ALEXANDERDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
1$0$0
VALERIA BELIZAIREDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
1$0$0
PAUL BERRYDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
1$0$0
SURAYYAH COLBERTDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
1$0$0
KEVIN DIAZDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
1$0$0
STEVE GLAUDEDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
1$0$0
CHERYL HANDERSONDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
1$0$0
MIKE JEFFERSDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
1$0$0
EBONY JOHNSONDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
1$0$0
CRYSTAL JONESDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
1$0$0
CATRIONA MACDONALDDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
1$0$0
NANCY REGISTERDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
1$0$0
LINDA SCHAKELDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
1$0$0
KHADIJAH WILLIAMSDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
1$0$0
CONNIE WOODLANDDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
1$0$0
990 for the year ended September 30, 2023: 19 people
NameTitleHours / weekCompensationOther / benefits
ERIN FISHERCHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Officer
40$176,350$10,242
REBECCA RORKEDEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Highest-paid employee
40$107,770$21,730
VERNON GUDGERHR DIRECTOR
Highest-paid employee
40$101,974$9,530
NANCY REGISTERPRESIDENT
Trustee or director, Officer
1$0$0
LANEE KITTRELLVICE PRESIDENT
Trustee or director, Officer
1$0$0
DEREK FORDTREASURER
Trustee or director, Officer
1$0$0
CAMERON NORMANDSECRETARY
Trustee or director, Officer
1$0$0
VALERIE BELIZAIREDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
1$0$0
PAUL BERRYDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
1$0$0
STEVE GLAUDEDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
1$0$0
KAREN HOWARDDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
1$0$0
JONATHAN HUNTERDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
1$0$0
CRYSTAL JONESDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
1$0$0
MELLANIE LASSITERDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
1$0$0
CHARLES LOWERYDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
1$0$0
SELERYA MOOREDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
1$0$0
CYNTHIA PRENTISSDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
1$0$0
KISHA WARDDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
1$0$0
CONNIE WOODLANDDIRECTOR
Trustee or director
1$0$0

Address and contacts

Address (IRS master file)
3418 4TH ST SE, WASHINGTON, DC 20032-5486
Principal officer (990 for 2024)
ERIN FISHER, 3418 4TH STREET SE, WASHINGTON, DC 20032
Signed the 990
ERIN FISHER, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Phone
(202) 842-9090
Return prepared by
RUBINO AND COMPANY CHARTERED

Mission

PROVIDE FAMILIES AND CHILDREN EXPERIENCING HOUSING INSTABILITY WITH A SAFE, NURTURING EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENT TO ENSURE CHILDREN ENTER KINDERGARTEN READY TO LEARN AND PARENTS BECOME SELF-SUFFICIENT.

990 for the year ended September 30, 2025

Program accomplishments

  • BRIGHT BEGINNINGS, INC'S CENTER-BASED PROGRAM IS A YEAR-ROUND PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN SIX WEEKS TO FIVE YEARS OLD WHO ARE EXPERIENCING HOUSING INSTABILITY. THE PROGRAM SUPPORTS CHILDREN'S PROGRESS AND DEVELOPMENT THROUGH COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES IN EARLY LEARNING, HEALTH, AND FAMILY WELL-BEING. THE OVERALL GOAL OF BRIGHT BEGINNINGS, INC. IS TO PROVIDE CHILDREN WITH A LEARNING ENVIRONMENT THAT HELPS THEM DEVELOP SOCIALLY, EMOTIONALLY, PHYSICALLY, AND COGNITIVELY TOWARDS SCHOOL READINESS DURING THEIR PROGRAM ENROLLMENT. BBI'S PROGRAM COMPONENTS INCLUDE:EDUCATION - BRIGHT BEGINNINGS' HIGH-QUALITY EDUCATION PROGRAM EQUIPS CHILDREN WITH LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES THAT BUILD LITERACY SKILLS AND PREPARES THEM TO ENTER KINDERGARTEN READY-TO-LEARN AND ON PAR WITH THEIR HIGHER-RESOURCED PEERS. RESEARCH SHOWS THAT CHILDREN EXPERIENCING HOUSING INSTABILITY ARE MORE LIKELY TO FALL BEHIND IN SCHOOL, REPEAT A GRADE, REQUIRE SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES, AND ARE LESS LIKELY TO DEMONSTRATE ACADEMIC PROFICIENCY OR GRADUATE FROM HIGH SCHOOL.BRIGHT BEGINNINGS LARGELY CONCENTRATES ON EARLY LITERACY, AS WELL AS TEACHING CHILDREN HOW TO RECOGNIZE LETTERS, NUMBERS, STORY THEMES, AND MORE. WE USE THE EVIDENCE-BASED HIGHSCOPE CURRICULUM TO FOSTER SKILLS AND QUALITIES SUCH AS CURIOSITY, CREATIVITY, COLLABORATION, AND CRITICAL THINKING. HIGHSCOPE'S PLAN/DO/REVIEW METHOD ENCOURAGES CHILDREN TO PLAN THEIR ACTIVITIES, ASK QUESTIONS, AND MAKE DECISIONS BASED ON THE INFORMATION THEY HAVE GATHERED. THIS METHOD ALLOWS EACH CHILD TO DEVELOP AT THEIR OWN PACE IN A SUPPORTIVE AND ENCOURAGING ENVIRONMENT.
    Expenses $6,917,914 · revenue $1,296,937
  • HEALTH & WELLNESS - BRIGHT BEGINNINGS KNOWS THAT HEALTH AND WELLNESS ARE CRITICAL IN PREPARING CHILDREN TO LEARN AND HELPING PARENTS ACHIEVE THEIR EDUCATIONAL AND CAREER GOALS TO TRANSITION OUT OF POVERTY. THUS, BRIGHT BEGINNINGS OFFERS A COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH AND WELLNESS PROGRAM THAT FOCUSES ON ENSURING THAT THE FAMILIES WE SERVE ARE IN THE BEST POSITION POSSIBLE TO LEARN, ACHIEVE, AND THRIVE. OUR PROGRAM PROVIDES SCREENINGS TO ALL ENROLLED CHILDREN, WHETHER THEY ARE IN OUR HOME-BASED OR CENTER-BASED PROGRAM. THESE SCREENINGS EVALUATE CHILDREN'S HEARING AND VISION, MEASURE HEMOGLOBIN LEVELS AND MONITOR GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. THE HEALTH SERVICES TEAM REVIEWS EACH CHILD'S HEALTH DOCUMENTATION AND PROVIDES ONE-ON-ONE CONSULTATIONS TO PARENTS REGARDING ANY MEDICAL CONCERNS. THEY ALSO TRAIN PARENTS ON HOW TO PROPERLY ADMINISTER MEDICATION TO CHILDREN. THE HEALTH SERVICES TEAM COLLECTS AND REVIEWS ALL MEDICAL DOCUMENTATION AND HELPS TRACK AND MONITOR EACH CHILD'S INDIVIDUAL HEALTH PLAN. AN ON-SITE NUTRITIONIST PROVIDES NUTRITIONAL GUIDANCE TO PARENTS, CHILDREN, TEACHERS, AND FOOD SERVICE WORKERS. THE NUTRITIONIST REVIEWS GROWTH ASSESSMENTS COMPLETED BY THE NURSE TO ENSURE THAT CHILDREN IN THE PROGRAM MAINTAIN A HEALTHY WEIGHT. WHEN NUTRITION PROBLEMS ARE IDENTIFIED, THE NUTRITIONIST PROVIDES SUPPORT TO THE FAMILY AND ASSISTS THEM WITH DEVELOPING A PLAN OF ACTION.
    Expenses $809,944
  • HOME BASED - BRIGHT BEGINNINGS' HOME-BASED PROGRAM OFFERS EARLY HEAD START SERVICES TO CHILDREN (BIRTH TO THREE) AND THEIR FAMILIES IN WHATEVER ENVIRONMENT THEY CALL HOME. DURING A 90-MINUTE WEEKLY VISIT, HOME VISITORS MEET WITH PARENTS AND CHILDREN IN THE FAMILY'S HOME ENVIRONMENT, COACHING PARENTS ON STRATEGIES TO BE THE CHILD'S FIRST TEACHER, SCREENING AND ASSESSING EACH CHILD AND PROVIDING WRAP AROUND SUPPORT SERVICES. BRIGHT BEGINNINGS TREATS FAMILIES AS ACTIVE PARTNERS IN THEIR CHILD'S SUCCESS AND CREATES SYSTEMS TO SUPPORT THE ROLE OF PARENTS AS THE PRIMARY EDUCATORS OF THEIR CHILDREN. BRIGHT BEGINNINGS' HOME-BASED PROGRAM USES THE PARENTS AS TEACHERS (PAT) FOUNDATIONAL CURRICULUM, WHICH ASSERTS THAT PARENTS ARE THEIR CHILDREN'S FIRST AND BEST TEACHERS. IN ADDITION TO HOME VISITS, TWICE-MONTHLY SOCIALIZATION EVENTS SUPPORT PARENT-CHILD DEVELOPMENT WHILE ALSO FOSTERING A SENSE OF COMMUNITY AMONGST FAMILIES WHO ARE NOT ENROLLED IN THE CENTER-BASED PROGRAM. BBI ENGAGED MOTHERS EXPERIENCING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, MOTHERS OVER AGE 40, TEEN MOTHERS, AND FIRST-TIME MOTHERS, PROVIDING SERVICES SUCH AS SAFE SLEEP COACHING, LACTATION CONSULTING, DOULA SUPPORT, NUTRITION SUPPORT, PRENATAL YOGA SESSIONS, AND MORE TO IMPROVE HEALTH OUTCOMES FOR BLACK MOTHERS AND INFANTS.
    Expenses $191,114
  • FAMILY SERVICES - BRIGHT BEGINNINGS REGULARLY HOSTS PARENT EVENTS, WORKSHOPS, AND CLASSES THAT COVER A WIDE RANGE OF TOPICS. BRIGHT BEGINNINGS OFFERS PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS PROGRAMS, FAMILY FORUM MEETINGS, PARENTING CLASSES, A MOTHERS-ONLY SUPPORT GROUP, A FATHERHOOD PROGRAM,A DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SUPPORT GROUP, AND MORE.BRIGHT BEGINNINGS' FAMILY SERVICES AND EVENTS KEEP PARENTS ENGAGED IN OUR EXTENSIVE PROGRAMMING. PARENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO VOLUNTEER IN THE CLASSROOMS AND SERVE AS CHAPERONES ON FIELD TRIPS. THEY ALSO SERVE ON OUR PARENT POLICY COUNCIL, WHICH REVIEWS AND APPROVES ALL PROGRAMS AND OPERATING BUDGETS, AND INTERVIEWS KEY PERSONNEL. THROUGH ITS FAMILY SERVICES PROGRAM, BRIGHT BEGINNINGS SUPPORTS THE DAY-TO-DAY SOCIAL SERVICE NEEDS OF THE FAMILIES WE SERVE AND ENCOURAGES ACTIVE ENGAGEMENT.THERAPEUTIC SERVICES - BRIGHT BEGINNINGS' THERAPEUTIC SERVICES PROGRAM IDENTIFIES AND TREATS MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES AND DEVELOPMENTAL DELAYS IN CHILDREN, AND STAFF WORK TO ENSURE THAT THEY ARE WELL-POSITIONED TO REACH AGE-APPROPRIATE DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES. STAFF ALSO PROVIDE COMPREHENSIVE SUPPORT TO THE ENTIRE FAMILY, OFFERING INTERVENTIONS THAT HELP ALLEVIATE THE STRESS FACING FAMILIES WITHOUT HOMES.CARE TEAM ENGAGES PARENTS IN ALL ASPECTS OF THEIR CHILDREN'S DEVELOPMENT. BRIGHT BEGINNINGS' WHOLE CHILD, WHOLE FAMILY APPROACH ENSURES THAT BOTH CHILDREN AND PARENTS ARE SUFFICIENTLY SUPPORTED TO CREATE LASTING POSITIVE CHANGE. BY INTERVENING EARLY AND OFTEN, BRIGHT BEGINNINGS ENSURES THAT CHILDREN ENTER KINDERGARTEN READY TO LEARN. ALL BRIGHT BEGINNINGS STUDENTS RECEIVE THERAPEUTIC AND HEALTH SCREENINGS WITHIN 45 DAYS OF ENROLLMENT. THESE SCREENINGS HELP STAFF DEVELOP INDIVIDUALIZED CURRICULA AND SOCIAL SERVICE PLANS. CARE TEAM ALSO WORKS WITH PARENTS WHO ARE IN CRISIS. THE TEAM MEETS BI-WEEKLY TO DEVELOP ACTION PLANS TO SUPPORT PARENTS IN BEING ABLE TO COPE WITH WHATEVER SITUATION THEY ARE IN.CAREER SUPPORT - IN 2025, BRIGHT BEGINNINGS SERVED 50 PARENTS OF YOUNG CHILDREN EXPERIENCING HOUSING INSTABILITY THROUGH OUR CAREER SUPPORT PROGRAM. THIS PROGRAM INCLUDES EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT, TRAINING, AND EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE. BY OFFERING A FULL RANGE OF CAREER SUPPORT SERVICES, BOTH INDEPENDENTLY AND IN CONCERT WITH OTHER LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS, BRIGHT BEGINNINGS HELPS PARENTS FIND JOBS AND ENROLL IN EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS, SUPPORTS INTEGRATED AND COLLABORATIVE CAREER SUPPORT ACROSS DC AND INCREASES THE LIKELIHOOD THAT PARENTS WITHOUT STABLE HOUSING ARE ABLE TO ACCESS HIGH QUALITY AND COMPREHENSIVE ASSISTANCE IN ALL AREAS OF THEIR PROFESSIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT. BRIGHT BEGINNINGS PROVIDES A NUMBER OF CAREER SUPPORTIVE SERVICES AND WORKSHOPS CREATING DIRECT IMPACTS IN PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT, FINANCIAL LITERACY, RESUME BUILDING, CAREER FAIRS AND MORE.EVENING CARE- BBI HAS FREE EVENING CHILDCARE PROGRAM TO BETTER SUPPORT FAMILIES WITH CAREGIVERS WHO WORK OR ATTEND SCHOOL DURING THE EVENING HOURS. BBI BEGAN OFFERING EVENING CARE HOURS AGAIN BECAUSE PARENTS, PARTICULARLY MOTHERS, EXPRESSED THE NEED TO HAVE CHILDCARE DURING ALTERNATIVE HOURS AS THEY RE-ENTER THE WORKFORCE. BBI NOW OFFERS ADDITIONAL HOURS OF CHILDCARE FOR UP TO 25 CHILDREN AGES BIRTH-3, FROM 4PM - 11PM, MONDAY - FRIDAY. BRIGHT BEGINNINGS IS ONE OF THE FEW LICENSED CENTER-BASED CARE FACILITIES IN WARDS 7 OR 8 TO PROVIDE FREE CHILDCARE AFTER 7PM.
    Expenses $2,282,621 · revenue $1,172,822

What it must file and when

IRS records say it files Form 990 or 990-EZ. Based on its last return; a smaller organization may file the 990-N. Its accounting year ends in September, so each return is due on the 15th day of the 5th month after that.

Tax yearYear endedDueIRS public records
2025September 30, 2026February 16, 2027Not due yet
2024September 30, 2025February 17, 2026990 on file
2023September 30, 2024February 18, 2025990 on file

IRS record

EIN
52-1697917
Tax-exempt status
501(c)(3): Charitable, religious, educational or scientific organization
Foundation status
Publicly supported organization (170(b)(1)(A)(vi))
Donations deductible (Pub 78)
Public charity, 50% deduction limit
Exempt since
1991
Accounting year ends
September
Files
Form 990 or 990-EZ
Assets (IRS master file)
$16,065,294
Income (IRS master file)
$12,094,505

Filing history

FormYear endedRevenueExpensesAssetsReturn
990September 2025$12,094,505$11,954,115$16,065,294XML
990September 2024$18,932,876$9,767,546$13,933,505XML
990September 2023$8,522,725$8,673,677$19,268,163XML
990September 2022$8,429,912$8,080,873$13,539,369IRS
990September 2021–––IRS
990September 2020–––IRS
990September 2019–––IRS
990September 2018–––IRS

990-N: the IRS bulk file holds only the latest e-Postcard per organization; earlier years come from archived copies of that file since 2020 and can have gaps (the IRS e-Postcard search lists every one). 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF, 990-T: every e-filed return in the IRS e-file index since 2019; XML for the latest three processing years, amounts from the IRS Statistics of Income extracts before that. PDF copies and determination letters at the IRS (search EIN 52-1697917).

Questions about BRIGHT BEGINNINGS INC

What is the EIN of BRIGHT BEGINNINGS INC?
The employer identification number (EIN) of BRIGHT BEGINNINGS INC is 52-1697917.
Is BRIGHT BEGINNINGS INC tax-exempt?
Yes. The IRS lists it as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) since 1991.
Are donations to BRIGHT BEGINNINGS INC tax-deductible?
Yes. It is listed in IRS Publication 78 (Public charity, 50% deduction limit).
Which annual return does BRIGHT BEGINNINGS INC file?
Form 990 or 990-EZ. Based on its last return; a smaller organization may file the 990-N.
When is the next return of BRIGHT BEGINNINGS INC due?
The return for tax year 2025 (the year ending September 30, 2026) is due February 16, 2027. Form 8868 extends it by six months; the 990-N cannot be extended.
When did BRIGHT BEGINNINGS INC last file with the IRS?
The latest return in the IRS public files is the 990 for the year ended September 2025.
Who is the principal officer of BRIGHT BEGINNINGS INC?
The 990 for the year ended September 30, 2025 names ERIN FISHER.
Who are the officers and directors of BRIGHT BEGINNINGS INC?
The 990 for the year ended September 30, 2025 lists 20 people; 4 received compensation from the organization, the highest $222,957 (ERIN FISHER, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER).
How much revenue does BRIGHT BEGINNINGS INC have?
On its 990 for the year ended September 30, 2025 it reported revenue of $12,094,505, expenses of $11,954,115 and total assets of $16,065,294 at year end.

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