Skip to the page content
Your donations
Passes our checks

Dream Center Bismarck

EIN 85-0943567 · Bismarck, ND

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair50 out of 100GovernanceGood80 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Our mission is to connect people to a community of support by offering free resources and services that address immediate and long-term needs. Partner agencies and the Dream Center will work in many different areas including nutrition, employment, and health & dental as well as areas of poverty, addiction, abuse, and generational dysfunction. The Dream Center serves as a resource center focused on working together with others in our community to find creative solutions through community outreach programs.

Income
$4.6 million
Spending
$3.6 million
Spent on programs
95%
Reserves
-5.3 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 94%
Employees
14
Volunteers
2,000
Highest pay
$66,502, president/executive director

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

Fair: 50 out of 100. Higher than 19% of charities in its peer group (human services, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    0 of 35

    Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.

  • Debt

    5 of 20

    It owes 53% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 22% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 46% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    95% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 2 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: 80 out of 100. Higher than 31% of charities in its peer group (human services, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    7 of 7 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

    7 of 7

    Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave 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

    0 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, 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 (1)
  1. $3.4 million spent. The Dream Center is a faith-based charitable organization dedicated to supporting the Bismarck-Mandan community. Our mission is to bridge the gap for those in need by providing free food in the form of prepared meals and groceries, while offering essential resources and support. Through collaboration with partner agencies, we offer comprehensive assistance in areas such as nutrition, employment, healthcare, addiction recovery, and family education. Our goal is to foster life-changing transformation while meeting immediate needs. Our Adopt-a-Block mobile grocery distribution program provides food to high-need neighborhoods while our facility provides on-site meals and groceries. Supported by local donations from local grocery and retail stores and distribution programs, Dream Center Bismarck is open 365 days a year.Beyond meals, we connect people with critical services, including health screenings, job assistance, and recovery programs, in partnership with organizations like Northland Health, AARP Tax Aide, Job Service ND, and Bridging the Dental Gap. The impact of these efforts is reflected in testimonies from community members who have found stability, employment, and hope through our programs.Block Parties were started in June of last year. These fun events are meant to bring families from the neighborhood to the Dream Center and build community. Activities include crafts, outdoor fun (weather permitting), live music, a free meal, games, prizes and an opportunity for our partnering organizations to take part and eductate our guests about their free services.

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

  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 November 6, 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 2025.

    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 2021.

    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 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.