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Futuresnw

EIN 27-2997677 · Bellingham, WA

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood88 out of 100GovernanceWeak49 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Our mission is to level the socio-economic playing field and empower students from under-served communities to achieve their career and college dreams. We work to eradicate the adverse life consequences of poverty by using education and professional training as a means to secure living-wage careers.

Income
$444,632
Spending
$434,831
Spent on programs
77%
Reserves
6.6 months of spending
Largest source of income
government grants, 54%
Employees
19
Volunteers
140
Highest pay
$70,280, executive director of programs

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Good: 88 out of 100. Higher than 69% of charities in its peer group (education, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 6.6 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 0% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 2% of income.

  • Income trend

    10 of 15

    Income fell 3% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    77% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 4 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Weak: 49 out of 100. Higher than 22% of charities in its peer group (education, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    5 of 25

    0 of 10 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    0 of 7

    Reports no written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    0 of 10

    Did not give the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    0 of 5

    Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.

  • Independent check of accounts

    6 of 15

    Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. 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 (4)
  1. $152,185 spent. FuturesNW partners with local schools and organizations to host financial literacy events in which Financial Aid experts and admissions staff from local higher education institutions provide personalized support for students and families completing the FAFSA or WASFA. This is considered mentoring and pathway navigation work. Our coaches work with low-income, first-generation secondary students to encourage them to plan for success after high school graduation.
  2. $69,297 spent. QuickStart to College is a free summer camp program to uplift and encourage high school seniors as they prepare for college selection, applications, scholarships, and financial aid processes. Students enjoy 4 days and 3 nights at WWU and visits from our friends at BTC, NWIC, SVC, and WCC to help them learn more about the various types of colleges available. By attending QuickStart, our mentors and local college staff members will help students get prepared for milestones throughout their senior year, so they can confidently step into the path that lies beyond it.
  3. $88,464 spent. Learning with Leaders is an event series that connects students with in-demand career pathways by providing exploration that focuses on kinesthetic learning experiences. Students get real-time, tactile training, such as the chance to operate heavy equipment under the guidance of experts, take part in virtual simulations, and engage their potential through touch and movement. Every event includes career workshops featuring different trades within the advanced manufacturing/construction, healthcare, and information technology fields, as well as support services workshops such as financial aid help, college speed-dating, and resume-building. Students will leave events with a better understanding of different career pathway opportunities and how they can get there.
  4. $26,067 spent. Remaining programs: DVR, From One to Many, Website Resources Platform

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.

    Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  2. 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.

  3. Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.

    On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

    Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2024.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since March 2012.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  6. 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.