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Bellingham Queer Collective

EIN 92-3183105 · Bellingham, WA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong92 out of 100GovernanceGood81 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Bellingham Queer Collective builds community and support for LGBTQIA+ individuals through inclusive programs affirming spaces and collective care while intentionally working to expand access and equity across diverse and marginalized communities.

Income
$209,432
Spending
$114,635
Spent on programs
73%
Reserves
9 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 95%
Employees
0
Volunteers
130

Source: Form 990 for the year ending April 30, 2026, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Strong: 92 out of 100. Higher than 81% of charities in its peer group (public benefit, under $250k).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 9.0 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 45% of income.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    73% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 7 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending April 30, 2026, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Good: 81 out of 100. Higher than 75% of charities in its peer group (public benefit, under $250k).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    6 of 6 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

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

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

Source: Form 990 for the year ending April 30, 2026, 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 (5)
  1. $29,614 spent. WELLNESS PROGRAM: We partner with community providers to bring free support to those whove historically been excluded from health and wellness systems. These activities include support groups facilitated by queer-competent trauma-informed mental health providers mindfulness and meditation classes group health and well-being coaching workshops and events led by wellness experts and volunteer-led wellness affinity groups.
  2. $28,898 spent. BQC CENTER: Our downtown Bellingham community center is a free affirming third space for LGBTQIA+ adults ages 18 and older-a place outside of home and work where people can gather build relationships access resources participate in programs and simply be themselves. Since opening in June 2024 the BQC Community Center has grown into a vibrant hub for LGBTQIA+ community life in Whatcom County. BQC is the first and only nonprofit LGBTQIA+ community center between Seattle and Canada providing a unique and vital resource for LGBTQIA+ individuals throughout the region.
  3. $22,902 spent. VOLUNTEER PROGRAM: When people feel connected they are better equipped to navigate lifes challenges. Social connection supports emotional resilience reduces loneliness builds confidence and creates opportunities for people to become leaders volunteers mentors and advocates within their communities. We believe that belonging is preventative care-and that investing in connection today helps build healthier more resilient communities tomorrow. Every volunteer opportunity is intentionally designed to strengthen social health and wellness. We create opportunities for people to build trusted relationships develop support networks and experience the everyday moments of connection that make communities stronger.
  4. $2,250 spent. AFFINITY GROUPS: Affinity Groups are a wonderful way to connect with the queer community based on common interests or shared identities. They are facilitated by a team of volunteer leaders are free and meet monthly or more often at the BQC Center.
  5. $76 spent. GENERATIONS OF PRIDE: Generations of Pride is our monthly intergenerational community dinner that BQC hosts collaboratively with LGBTQIA+ Western and PFLAG Whatcom Bellingham. Generations of Pride brings LGBTQIA+ people and allies together on the last Wednesday of each month for a free catered dinner. Each gathering includes a discussion topic and small-group breakouts designed to foster connection across generations.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending April 30, 2026, 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 April 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 June 2023.

    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.