Caring for Bethlehem Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The spirit of Caring for Bethlehem comes from a long history of people giving time and resources selflessly to build the community of Bethlehem, CT as we know it today. Recognizing that local response to local needs makes sense, and recognizing the constraints of time in today's world and the desires of people to make a difference locally, Caring for Bethlehem builds community, develops programs to meet local needs, and makes it possible for volunteers to match their talents with opportunities to serve. Bethlehem Food Bank, Bethlehem Fuel Bank, Bethlehem Assistance Fund, and other programs of Caring for Bethlehem make it possible for financially insecure individuals and families to live productive lives in Bethlehem, CT. Caring for Bethlehem is an all-volunteer organization serving our neighbors with kindness and respect.
- Income
- $484,509
- Spending
- $454,994
- Spent on programs
- 97%
- Reserves
- 7.8 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 100%
- Employees
- 0
- Volunteers
- 50
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Strong: 93 out of 100. Higher than 79% of charities in its peer group (human services, $250k to $1m).
Reserves
28 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 7.8 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 0% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 6% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 13% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1597% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Good: 83 out of 100. Higher than 66% of charities in its peer group (human services, $250k to $1m).
Independent board
25 of 2511 of 11 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
0 of 7Reports no written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Independent check of accounts
6 of 15Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, 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 (7)
- $322,607 spent. Bethlehem Food Bank: A selection of healthy foods including non-persishable food, fresh produce, dairy products, meat products, and personal care items is provided for those in need in the Bethlehem Community. Over 300 people from more than 100 financially insecure households were served throughout the year.
- $42,900 spent. Bethlehem Scholarship Fund: College Scholarships for graduating seniors, continuing college students, and adults returning to school.
- $24,618 spent. Caring for Bethlehem Holiday Gifts for Kids: A local gift tree solicits gift donations from the community and toy drives by CT State Police Troop L and others provided holidays gifts of toys and clothing for 72 children in low income families.
- $22,755 spent. The Bethlehem Assistance Fund provides assistance with household and car repairs, appliance, replacement, etc.
- $21,228 spent. Bethlehem Fuel Bank: Provides fuel and utility assistance to those in need in Bethlehem serving 30 households this year.
- $5,000 spent. The Caring for Bethlehem Community Fund assists low income households with capital expenses. This year a furnace and a well pump were replaced. Payments are made directly to vendors on behalf of families.
- $2,712 spent. Other: The organization provides for variety of assistance for individuals, children, and families in need in Bethlehem.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. 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)(3) charitable 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? 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.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 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 August 2017.
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.