Nonprofit · EIN 91-1551087
THE BELLINGHAM PUBLIC SCHOOL FOUNDATION
Tax-exempt · BELLINGHAM, WA 98228
Financials
| Year ended | Form | Revenue | Expenses | Net income | Total assets | Liabilities | Net assets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 30, 2025 | 990 | $679,198 | $557,689 | $121,509 | $1,051,654 | $2,348 | $1,049,306 |
| June 30, 2024 | 990 | $439,101 | $544,227 | -$105,126 | $856,541 | $0 | $856,541 |
| June 30, 2023 | 990 | $551,616 | $589,197 | -$37,581 | $910,768 | $0 | $910,768 |
Financial details: 990 for the year ended June 30, 2025
Revenue
- Contributions, gifts and grants
- $525,605
- Program service revenue
- $0
- Investment income
- $12,695
- Net gain from sales of assets
- $11,256
- Net income from fundraising events
- $140,898
- Other revenue
- $140,898
Expenses
- Grants and similar amounts paid
- $198,001
- Compensation of officers, directors and key employees
- $99,368
- Other salaries and wages
- $51,203
- Salaries, compensation and benefits (total)
- $166,121
- Professional fundraising fees
- $0
- Accounting fees
- $21,000
- Program services (functional)
- $446,870
- Management and general (functional)
- $46,457
- Fundraising (functional)
- $64,362
Balance sheet and other
- Total assets, start of year
- $856,541
- Total assets, end of year
- $1,051,654
- Total liabilities, end of year
- $2,348
- Net assets, end of year
- $1,049,306
- Publicly traded securities
- $654,578
- Net assets without donor restrictions
- $777,156
- Net assets with donor restrictions
- $272,150
- Gross receipts
- $703,822
- Employees
- 4
- Volunteers
- 20
- Year formed
- 1992
- State of legal domicile
- WA
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 June 30, 2025, highest compensation first.
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation | Other / benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SAMUEL GEARHART | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Officer | 40 | $104,033 | $1,353 |
| CHRIS SCHEPPER | PRESIDENT Trustee or director, Officer | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| COURTNEY MURASKI | SECRETARY Trustee or director, Officer | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| LEEZA LORRENCE | AT LARGE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Trustee or director, Officer | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| COREY CHAPLIN | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| KATE DI NITTO | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| LESLIE HAZLEWOOD-SPURR | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| KATE KERSHNER | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| EVE LARNER | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| STEPHANIE MORRELL | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| CHAD NICKISCH | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| AUDEN SCHILDER | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| MICHAEL SIECZKA | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| FLO SIMON | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
990 for the year ended June 30, 2024: 15 people
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAMUEL GEARHART | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Officer | 40 | $87,433 |
| MICHAEL SIECZKA | PRESIDENT/TREASURER Trustee or director, Officer | 2 | $0 |
| ADAM LORIO | PRESIDENT/TREASURER Trustee or director, Officer | 2 | $0 |
| KATE DI NITTO | VICE-PRESIDENT Trustee or director, Officer | 2 | $0 |
| COURTNEY MURASKI | SECRETARY Trustee or director, Officer | 2 | $0 |
| LESLIE HAZLEWOOD-SPURR | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| COREY CHAPLIN | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| TONY FREELAND | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| CHRIS SCHEPPER | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| CAROL COMEAU | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| AUDEN SCHILDER | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| FLO SIMON | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| JEFF GIESEN | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| LEEZA LORRENCE | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| HEATHER SIMPSON | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
990 for the year ended June 30, 2023: 14 people
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAMUEL GEARHART | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Officer | 40 | $53,311 |
| KATE DI NITTO | VICE-PRESIDENT/SECRETARY Trustee or director, Officer | 2 | $0 |
| JULIE BATTEN | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| COREY CHAPLIN | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| ADAM LORIO | PRESIDENT/TREASURER Trustee or director, Officer | 2 | $0 |
| TONY FREELAND | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| JAMES HAYES | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| CAROL COMEAU | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| JON OESTING | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| MICHAEL SIECZKA | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| FLO SIMON | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| JEFF GIESEN | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| LEEZA LORRENCE | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
| COURTNEY MURASKI | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
Address and contacts
- Address (IRS master file)
- PO BOX 28325, BELLINGHAM, WA 98228-0325
- In care of
- % GENNIE CLAWSON
- Mailing address (990-N for 2011)
- 1306 Dupont Street, Bellingham WA 98225
- Principal officer (990 for 2024)
- CHRIS SCHEPPER, 1985 BARKLEY BLVD, BELLINGHAM, WA 98226
- Principal officer (990-N for 2011)
- Genevieve Clawson, 1306 Dupont Street, Bellingham WA 98225
- Signed the 990
- CHRIS SCHEPPER, PRESIDENT
- Phone
- (360) 676-6479
- Return prepared by
- LARSON GROSS ADVISORS LLC
Mission
THE BELLINGHAM PUBLIC SCHOOL FOUNDATION RAISES FUNDS AND STEWARDS COMMUNITY RESOURCES SO THAT EVERY CHILD FEELS HEALTHY, ENGAGED, SUPPORTED AND CHALLENGED.
Program accomplishments
- STUDENT & FAMILY SUPPORT: DIRECT ASSISTANCE TO INDIVIDUALS SO THAT STUDENTS IN OUR SCHOOLS HAVE THEIR BASIC NEEDS MET IN ORDER TO BE ABLE TO LEARN. SUPPORT INCLUDES FOOD, CLOTHING, BEDS, AND PERSONAL CARE ITEMS.Expenses $72,288 · grants $54,123
- FISCAL SPONSORSHIP: EXTENDING NON-PROFIT SPONSORSHIP FOR SOME OF OUR HIGHEST NEED SCHOOLS WHERE THERE IS NO TRADITIONAL PARENT FUNDRAISING GROUP SO THAT FAMILIES CAN RAISE FUNDS AND PROVIDE FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO THOSE SCHOOLS.Expenses $106,398 · grants $79,663
- PARENT GROUP EQUITY: SUPPORTING OUR FOUR MIDDLE SCHOOLS PARENT GROUPS BY ACTING AS FISCAL SPONSOR FOR AN EQUITY-BASED, JOINT FUNDRAISER THAT RECOGNIZES DIFFERENCES IN SOCIOECONOMICS ACROSS SCHOOL POPULATIONS. FUNDS ARE DISBURSED SO THAT MORE RESOURCES GO TO SCHOOLS WITH THE HIGHEST NEEDS. ALSO FACILITATE AN ELEMENTARY FUNDRAISING SHARING PROGRAM THAT SHIFTS RESOURCES TO SCHOOLS WITH THE HIGHEST NEEDS.Expenses $75,737 · grants $56,706
- EQUITY, DIVERSITY, INCLUSION: SUPPORTS PROGRAMS THAT CELEBRATE DIVERSITY INCLUDING FOLKLORICO MEXICAN DANCE CLUB AND LATINX STUDENT GRADUATION CELEBRATION; BACK TO SCHOOL BLOCK PARTY AND WINTER BLAST EVENTS THAT WELCOMES MULTICULTURAL STUDENTS AND FAMILIES INTO OUR SCHOOL COMMUNITY; NATIVE AMERICAN CHILDREN'S BOOK GRANT; SALARY SUPPORT FOR ADDITIONAL STAFFING AT FAMILY RESOURCE CENTERS WHERE FAMILIES RECEIVE BASIC NEEDS SUPPORT SERVICES. ANNUAL EDUCATOR GRANTS: MULTI-LINGUAL BOOKS; LIBRARIES THAT REFLECT EQUITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION; UNIFIED SPORTS ACTIVITIES THAT ENGAGE LIFE SKILLS AND SPECIAL EDUCATION STUDENTS; OUTDOOR EDUCATION FIELD TRIPS; SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING THROUGH ART FOR ELEMENTARY STUDENTS; CELEBRATING NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE THROUGH ART; AFTERSCHOOL TUTORING FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS. SALARY SUPPORT FOR STRATEGIC EMPLOYEES OF BELLINGHAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS: GRANT WRITERS HAVE SECURED MORE THAN $10,000,000 IN ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR OUR DISTRICT.STEM: GRANTS THAT SUPPORT SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATH PROJECTS IN THE CLASSROOM; SALMON IN THE CLASSROOM PROGRAM PROVIDING SALMON EGGS AND AQUARIUMS TO ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS; MIDDLE SCHOOL DRONE PROGRAMING GRANT; HIGH SCHOOL CHEMESTRY FIELD TRIP; PNUEMATICS FOR HIGH SCHOOL ROBOTICS PROGRAM. WELLNESS: SCHOOL BASED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING SERVICES FOR LOW INCOME STUDENTS; ANIMAL THERAPY PROGRAM FOR STUDENTS; HEALTHY EATING AND PHYSICAL WELLNESS SPEAKER. DISTRICT EVENT SUPPORT: PROMISE AWARDS HIGHLIGHT THE OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION THAT STAFF AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS MAKE TO OUR SCHOOLS; ANNUAL STAFF RETIREMENT RECOGNITION. SUPPORTING STAFF MORAL AND GREAT TEACHING THAT LEADS TO THE BEST OUTCOME FOR OUR STUDENTS. STUDENT CLUB GRANTS: AWARDED TO HIGH SCHOOL AND MIDDLE SCHOOL CLUBS WHO SHOWCASE INGENUITY AND GIVE STUDENTS A VOICE. EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION: PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT FOR PRESCHOOL CLASSES.VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS: 6TH GRADE BAND STUDENT COACHING BY OUTSIDE MUSIC TUTORS WHO COME INTO OUR SCHOOLS TO SUPPORT STUDENT SUCCESS.Expenses $192,447 · grants $7,510
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 June, so each return is due on the 15th day of the 5th month after that.
| Tax year | Year ended | Due | IRS public records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | June 30, 2026 | November 16, 2026 | Not due yet |
| 2024 | June 30, 2025 | November 17, 2025 | 990 on file |
| 2023 | June 30, 2024 | November 15, 2024 | 990 on file |
IRS record
- EIN
- 91-1551087
- 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
- 1993
- Accounting year ends
- June
- Files
- Form 990 or 990-EZ
- Category (NTEE)
- Unknown (Z99Z)
- Assets (IRS master file)
- $1,051,654
- Income (IRS master file)
- $703,822
Filing history
| Form | Year ended | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 990 | June 2025 | $679,198 | $557,689 | $1,051,654 | IRS |
| 990 | June 2024 | $439,101 | $544,227 | $856,541 | IRS |
| 990 | June 2023 | $551,616 | $589,197 | $910,768 | XML |
| 990 | June 2022 | $531,138 | $559,339 | $905,588 | IRS |
| 990 | June 2021 | – | – | – | IRS |
| 990-N for 2011 Officer: Genevieve Clawson | December 31, 2011 | ≤ $50,000 receipts | – | – | e-Postcard |
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 91-1551087).
Questions about THE BELLINGHAM PUBLIC SCHOOL FOUNDATION
- What is the EIN of THE BELLINGHAM PUBLIC SCHOOL FOUNDATION?
- The employer identification number (EIN) of THE BELLINGHAM PUBLIC SCHOOL FOUNDATION is 91-1551087.
- Is THE BELLINGHAM PUBLIC SCHOOL FOUNDATION tax-exempt?
- Yes. The IRS lists it as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) since 1993.
- Are donations to THE BELLINGHAM PUBLIC SCHOOL FOUNDATION tax-deductible?
- Yes. It is listed in IRS Publication 78 (Public charity, 50% deduction limit).
- Which annual return does THE BELLINGHAM PUBLIC SCHOOL FOUNDATION 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 THE BELLINGHAM PUBLIC SCHOOL FOUNDATION due?
- The return for tax year 2025 (the year ending June 30, 2026) is due November 16, 2026. Form 8868 extends it by six months; the 990-N cannot be extended.
- When did THE BELLINGHAM PUBLIC SCHOOL FOUNDATION last file with the IRS?
- The latest return in the IRS public files is the 990 for the year ended June 2025.
- Who is the principal officer of THE BELLINGHAM PUBLIC SCHOOL FOUNDATION?
- The 990 for the year ended June 30, 2025 names CHRIS SCHEPPER.
- Who are the officers and directors of THE BELLINGHAM PUBLIC SCHOOL FOUNDATION?
- The 990 for the year ended June 30, 2025 lists 14 people; 1 received compensation from the organization, the highest $104,033 (SAMUEL GEARHART, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR).
- How much revenue does THE BELLINGHAM PUBLIC SCHOOL FOUNDATION have?
- On its 990 for the year ended June 30, 2025 it reported revenue of $679,198, expenses of $557,689 and total assets of $1,051,654 at year end.
Other nonprofits in BELLINGHAM
- WHATCOM CENTER FOR EARLY LEARNING EIN 91-1526226 · last filed 990 for 2025
- LAKE WHATCOM CENTER FOUNDATION EIN 20-3209113 · last filed 990 for 2025
- THE WHATCOM DISPUTE RESOLUTION CENTER EIN 91-1552277 · last filed 990 for 2024
- BELLINGHAM CHILDCARE & LEARNING CENTER EIN 91-1523127 · last filed 990 for 2024
- SEAN HUMPHREY HOUSE A NON-PROFIT CORPORATION EIN 91-1573874 · last filed 990 for 2023
- NORTHWEST THERAPEUTIC RIDING CENTER EIN 91-1556276 · last filed 990 for 2025
- BELLINGHAM POLICE GUILD EIN 91-1728104 · last filed 990 for 2024
- WHATCOM STUDENT ATHLETE FUND EIN 91-1609334 · last filed 990-N for 2025