Optimist International
Public records raise at least one point you should look into before giving.
What it says it does
Optimist Mission: By providing hope and a positive vision, Optimists are dedicated to supporting the youth of our community. The Optimist Club of Bismarck, founded in 1971, conducts positive service projects in our community aimed at providing a helping hand and opportunities to youth. Our Optimist Club members help empower young people to be the best that they can be. The Optimist Club brings out the best in kids
- Income
- $53,534
- Spending
- $52,659
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending September 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate
Financial health
We do not score finances when yearly spending is very small or the return has too little detail. The ratios stop meaning much at that size.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending September 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate
Governance
This organization files the short tax form, which does not ask about boards, policies or audits. That is normal for a small charity and is not a mark against it.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending September 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (6)
- Optimist Impact Grant: A grant to a qualifying local nonprofit group or organization for a project-based initiative that makes a direct or lasting impact on the youth of Bismarck-Mandan. Since its origination, our Clubs Optimist Impact Grant has awarded more than $45,000 to nine local non-profits. This year we awarded two $5,000 grants one to Mystic Smiles and one to Welcome House
- $2,705 spent. Caring for Kids Backpacks: Backpacks are provided to low-income youth in the community. Monthly, backpack supplies are gathered, sorted, and packed by Optimist Club Members at the Missouri Slope Area United Way. The club packs an average of 35 cinch sack-type backpacks each month for kids of all ages infant to high school - living with their family in area homeless shelters.
- $1,970 spent. Easter Egg Hunt: Annually, club volunteers purchase candy and fill over 12,000 Easter Eggs. The Hunt is held at the ND Capitol Grounds each spring for hundreds of children to enjoy. 442 children participated in our Annual Easter Egg Hunt. We were honored to have Governor Armstrong and the First Lady join us for the event and they even helped distribute some of our 1,200 eggs!
- Optimist Essay Contest: The Club proudly sponsors an annual Optimist International Essay Contest at our local club level in the spring of each year. Each years topic is pre-determined by Optimist International and information regarding the oratorical contest is sent to all local public and private high schools. Essays are submitted by local youth for judging by a committee of Optimists. The winning essay writer at our local club level is awarded $500. Club winners advance to the District contest to compete for a $2,500 college scholarship. The District-level scholarships are funded by the Optimist International Foundations.
- $1,137 spent. Funds for the Future Grant: Provides grant money each year to local elementary schools to assist with the completion of a qualifying project. This is not a need-based award. Consideration is given to school involvement in the application process as well as the number of students and community members impacted by the completed project. We awarded two $5,000 Funds for the Future Grants One to Solheim Elementary and one to Northridge Elementary. Funds for the Future has awarded $80,000 to date.
- $1,140 spent. Optimist Club Oratorical Contest: This program gives students under the age of 19 as of October 1 the chance to speak to the world. Bismarck Optimist Club hosts its annual oratorical contest in the spring of each year and information regarding the oratorical contest is sent to all local public and private high schools. The first place contestant at our local club level is awarded $500 and represents our club at the District Oratorical Competition. First place winner at the district level receives a $2,500 scholarship, second place is awarded a $1,500 scholarship and third place receives $1,000. One Optimist District Winner competes at the Optimist Regional Contest for a chance to win a $5,000 scholarship. Each regional winner competes in the World Championship Contest for an opportunity to win a first, second or third place scholarship of $15,000, $10,000 or $5,000 respectively. First conducted in 1928, this is the second most popular Optimist International Program with approximately 2,000 clubs participating in this program each year. Our Bismarck Optimist Club Oratorical Contest Winners were, Tricia Schmitz and Hatley Hetletved. Tricia represented our Club at the regional competition in St. Louis, Missouri.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending September 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Caution.
The IRS master file records contributions to this 501(c)(4) social welfare organization as not deductible.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending September 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since October 1972.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.