Whatcom Firefighters Benefits Trust
Public records raise at least one point you should look into before giving.
What it says it does
The organization was formed to administer and source insurance benefits for our members of IAA Local 106 (Bellingham Unit) as outlined in our collective bargaining agreement. The organization does not utilize any self-insured plans from 2023 and beyond.Medical Benefits:As of 2023, the organization only manages enrollment/un-enrollment/COBRA for its members, the invoices are paid for these benefits directly by the City of Bellingham.Dental/Vision Benefits:The City of Bellingham transfers a payment each month to Whatcom Fire Trust and then we purchase benefits and pay those bills. For the plan years involved that will be any invoices for Delta Dental or VSP Vision (Delta Vision).COBRA Administration:The organization pays a company RedQuote to manage COBRA, its a flat monthly fee. If any members are on COBRA, the checks then get sent to us for Deposit once per month and we coordinate paying those benefits to LEOFF Trust (who provides all our medical insurance plans).Retiree Benefits:Retir
- Income
- $401,023
- Spending
- $375,704
- Employees
- 0
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 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 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate
Governance
This return does not answer enough of the governance questions to score.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 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 (1)
- Administered and sourced insurance benefits for members of IAA Local 106 (Bellingham Unit) as outlined in the collective bagaining agreement.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 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)(9) employees' beneficiary association.
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 November 6, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Caution.
The IRS master file records contributions to this 501(c)(9) employees' beneficiary association 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 December 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Worth knowing.
Recognized by the IRS in February 2026. It is too new to have a track record.
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 November 4, 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.