Passes our checks

Upfront Theatre

EIN 86-1337799 · Bellingham, WA

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

What it says it does

To entertain, educate and connect our community through the art of improvisation and the gift of play.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending August 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Good: 78 out of 100. Higher than 53% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, under $250k).

Reserves
20 of 35
Spendable reserves would cover 5.6 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20
It owes 8% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15
Income exceeded spending by 3% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15
Income rose 4% on the year before.
Spending floor
8 of 15
69% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 43 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending August 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Fair: 65 out of 100. Higher than 60% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, under $250k).

Independent board
25 of 25
8 of 8 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15
Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
0 of 8
Reports no 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.
No reported misuse
10 of 10
Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending August 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (5)

$82,692 spent. Live Performances: The Upfront Theatre maintains a skilled group of professional and amateur improvisers, performance artists and comedians, who create unique improvised experience accessible to a diverse audience. The theatre provides high-quality improv performances, which includes 1-2 shows each night on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and specialty holiday shows such as Valentines Day and New Years Eve performances.
$31,807 spent. Improv Classes: The Upfront Theatre offers a full range of improv classes. for all ages and experience levels. These claases help students develop as performers and also teach useful life skills such as active listening, learning through failure, and the power of yes, and. Classes are taught by local community members and Upfront Theatre performers. Classes are offered on-site at The Upfront Theatre.
$16,001 spent. Workshops: Using a fun, creatively developed curriculum, The Upfront Theatre helps companies and organizations establish a yes, and culture where people are connected, say yes, listen, support one another, and make each other look good. These workshops teach individuals how to be stronger, positive communicators, say yes, adapt in the moment, have confidence, and strengthen interpersonal skills.Workshops are custom tailored for businesses, organizations and corporations.
$16,369 spent. Theatre Concessions
Expenses: $16369.00 including grants of: $0.00 Revenue: $21623.00

Source: Form 990 for the year ending August 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

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 August 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 January 2023.
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.