Lake Whatcom Center Foundation
Lake Whatcom Center Foundation consistently grows assets with no reported officer compensation.
EIN: 203209113 · Bellingham, WA · NTEE: Z99 · Updated: 2026-03-28
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $3.7M |
| Total Expenses | $932K |
| Program Spending | 90% |
| Net Assets | $20.0M |
| Transparency Score | 92/100 |
Is Lake Whatcom Center Foundation Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Lake Whatcom Center Foundation directs 90% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Lake Whatcom Center Foundation
Lake Whatcom Center Foundation (EIN: 203209113) is a nonprofit organization based in Bellingham, WA, classified under NTEE code Z99. The organization reported total revenue of $3.7M and total assets of $28.5M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Lake Whatcom Center Foundation's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
Lake Whatcom Center Foundation is a mid-size nonprofit that has been operating for 19 years, with 12 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2012–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of -6.4%.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $1.1M |
| Total Expenses | $932K |
| Surplus / Deficit | +$147K |
| Total Assets | $27.3M |
| Total Liabilities | $7.3M |
| Net Assets | $20.0M |
| Operating Margin | 13.6% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 26.9% |
| Months of Reserves | 351.5 months |
Financial Health Grade: A
In 2023, Lake Whatcom Center Foundation reported a surplus of $147K with revenue exceeding expenses, holds 351.5 months of operating reserves (strong position), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 26.9% (moderate leverage).
Financial Trends
Over 12 years of filings (2012–2023), Lake Whatcom Center Foundation's revenue has declined at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -6.4%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | -12.8% | +3.4% | +18.5% |
| 2022 | +3.9% | +2.0% | +4.1% |
| 2021 | -10.3% | +13.1% | +4.4% |
| 2020 | -25.2% | +10.5% | +6.4% |
| 2019 | +64.0% | -6.0% | +11.9% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 1000 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 2007 |
Classification data from ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. Additional BMF data may be available after enrichment.
AI Transparency Report
Mission Effectiveness Score
NonprofitSpending's AI analysis rates Lake Whatcom Center Foundation with a Mission Score of 92 out of 100 (Excellent). This score reflects the organization's overall financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance indicators derived from IRS 990 public filings.
Spending Breakdown
- admin: 5%
- programs: 90%
- fundraising: 5%
According to IRS 990 filings, Lake Whatcom Center Foundation allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 5%, programs: 90%, fundraising: 5%. With 90% directed toward programs, this reflects a strong commitment to its charitable mission.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
- The organization reported a surplus of $147K, with revenue exceeding expenses.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 26.9%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
The organization reports 0% officer compensation across all available filings, suggesting that executive leadership may be volunteer-based or compensated by an affiliated entity, which is highly favorable for donor perception regarding resource allocation.
Executive compensation data is sourced from IRS 990 filings, which require nonprofits to disclose the compensation of officers, directors, trustees, and key employees. NonprofitSpending analyzes this data relative to the organization's total revenue and sector benchmarks to assess whether executive pay is reasonable.
Red Flags
The following concerns were identified during AI analysis of Lake Whatcom Center Foundation's IRS 990 filings:
- NTEE code Z99 (Unknown) could indicate a lack of specific categorization, potentially making it harder for donors to understand their exact programmatic focus without further investigation.
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Lake Whatcom Center Foundation:
- Consistent asset growth, from $14.4 million in 2014 to $28.5 million currently, demonstrating strong financial management.
- Revenue consistently exceeds expenses, indicating financial stability and sustainability.
- Zero reported officer compensation across all filings, suggesting highly efficient use of funds for mission-related activities.
- Strong program spending ratio, with an estimated 90% of expenses directed towards programs.
- Excellent transparency with 12 years of consistent IRS 990 filings.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lake Whatcom Center Foundation
Is Lake Whatcom Center Foundation a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Lake Whatcom Center Foundation (EIN: 203209113) some concerns. Mission Score: 92/100. 1 red flag identified, 5 strengths noted.
How does Lake Whatcom Center Foundation spend its money?
Lake Whatcom Center Foundation directs 90% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to Lake Whatcom Center Foundation tax-deductible?
Lake Whatcom Center Foundation is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 203209113). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
What percentage of Lake Whatcom Center Foundation's spending goes to programs?
Lake Whatcom Center Foundation directs 90% to programs, 5% to fundraising. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark for efficient nonprofits.
How does Lake Whatcom Center Foundation compare to similar nonprofits?
With a transparency score of 92/100 (Excellent), Lake Whatcom Center Foundation is above average for NTEE category Z99 nonprofits. The score reflects financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance quality based on IRS 990 data.
Where is Lake Whatcom Center Foundation located?
Lake Whatcom Center Foundation is headquartered in Bellingham, Washington and files with the IRS under EIN 203209113. It is classified under NTEE code Z99.
How many years of IRS 990 filings does Lake Whatcom Center Foundation have?
Lake Whatcom Center Foundation has 12 years of IRS 990 filings on record at NonprofitSpending. This extensive filing history provides a strong basis for evaluating long-term financial trends. The most recent filing shows $3.7M in total revenue.
Is Lake Whatcom Center Foundation a good charity?
Based on the available financial data, Lake Whatcom Center Foundation appears to be a very good charity. It consistently operates with a surplus, has significantly grown its assets, and reports no officer compensation, indicating a strong focus on mission and efficient use of funds.
How has the organization's financial health changed over the last decade?
The organization's financial health has significantly strengthened over the last decade. Assets have more than doubled from $14.4 million in 2014 to over $28.5 million currently, and revenue has consistently exceeded expenses, leading to substantial net asset growth.
What is the trend in their revenue and expenses?
Revenue has generally fluctuated but remained strong, consistently exceeding expenses. For instance, in 2023, revenue was $1,078,248 against expenses of $931,513, continuing a trend of positive net income.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Lake Whatcom Center Foundation showing financial trends over 12 years of public records:
Over 12 years of IRS 990 filings (2012–2023), Lake Whatcom Center Foundation's revenue has declined by 51.8%, moving from $2.2M to $1.1M. Total assets increased by 127.6% over the same period, from $12.0M to $27.3M. Total functional expenses rose by 194.1%, from $317K to $932K. In its most recent filing year (2023), Lake Whatcom Center Foundation reported a surplus of $147K, with revenue exceeding expenses. The organization holds $7.3M in liabilities against $27.3M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 26.9%), resulting in net assets of $20.0M.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $1.1M | $932K | $27.3M | $7.3M | — | — |
| 2022 | $1.2M | $901K | $23.0M | $3.4M | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $1.2M | $883K | $22.1M | $2.3M | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $1.3M | $780K | $21.2M | $2.4M | — | View 990 |
| 2019 | $1.8M | $706K | $19.9M | $1.6M | — | View 990 |
| 2018 | $1.1M | $751K | $17.8M | $587K | — | View 990 |
| 2017 | $1.3M | $585K | $17.4M | $796K | — | View 990 |
| 2016 | $1.3M | $593K | $15.9M | $620K | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $1.2M | $553K | $15.0M | $143K | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $1.2M | $445K | $14.4M | $10K | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $1.2M | $446K | $13.0M | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $2.2M | $317K | $12.0M | $0 | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $1.1M, expenses of $932K, and assets of $27.3M (revenue -12.8% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $1.2M, expenses of $901K, and assets of $23.0M (revenue +3.9% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $1.2M, expenses of $883K, and assets of $22.1M (revenue -10.3% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $1.3M, expenses of $780K, and assets of $21.2M (revenue -25.2% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $1.8M, expenses of $706K, and assets of $19.9M (revenue +64.0% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $1.1M, expenses of $751K, and assets of $17.8M (revenue -17.4% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $1.3M, expenses of $585K, and assets of $17.4M (revenue +2.1% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $1.3M, expenses of $593K, and assets of $15.9M (revenue +11.5% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $1.2M, expenses of $553K, and assets of $15.0M (revenue -3.2% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $1.2M, expenses of $445K, and assets of $14.4M (revenue +1.2% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $1.2M, expenses of $446K, and assets of $13.0M (revenue -47.4% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $2.2M, expenses of $317K, and assets of $12.0M.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for Lake Whatcom Center Foundation:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Lake Whatcom Center Foundation is generated by NonprofitSpending's AI analysis engine. The data is sourced from publicly available IRS 990 filings accessed through the ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer API and IRS electronic filing records. The Mission Score, spending breakdown, and other analytical insights are produced by artificial intelligence and should be used as one of multiple factors when evaluating a nonprofit organization.
IRS 990 forms are annual information returns that most tax-exempt organizations must file with the IRS. These forms provide detailed financial information including revenue, expenses, assets, liabilities, and compensation of officers. NonprofitSpending processes this data to provide accessible transparency reports for donors, researchers, and the general public.
Disclaimer
AI-generated analysis based on IRS public records. Not financial or legal advice. Verify information directly with the organization.