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Washington Area Bicyclist Association

EIN 23-7305477 · Washington, DC

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair65 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

WABA empowers people to ride bikes, build connections, and transform places. We envision a just and sustainable transportation system where walking, biking, and transit are the best ways to get around.

Income
$3.6 million
Spending
$3.3 million
Spent on programs
76%
Reserves
2.1 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 47%
Employees
53
Volunteers
300
Highest pay
$159,716, 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: 65 out of 100. Higher than 33% of charities in its peer group (recreation and sports, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    10 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 2.1 months of spending.

  • Debt

    10 of 20

    It owes 45% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 10% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 25% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    76% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 8 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

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 82% of charities in its peer group (recreation and sports, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    13 of 13 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

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited 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 (7)
  1. $713,751 spent. Adult and Youth Education - WABA's education program delivers high quality, inclusive education experiences that empower adults, youth and families to ride confidently, move freely, and achieve their personal goals ' on and off bike. We envision a region where people of all ages and abilities have the skills, information and experience necessary to make informed decisions about how to get around safely.
  2. $565,113 spent. Trail Rangers - WABA's Trail Ranger program is putting a fresh set of eyes on DC trails to support and encourage a growing community of trail users. Trail Rangers are a consistent and helpful presence on DC's mixed-use, paved trails, charged with assisting trail users, improving trail conditions, and working with city agencies to keep the trails clean, welcoming, and clear of obstacles. They carry tools and are able to help patch a flat, provide a quick fix, dish out maps and directions, or clear up glass and debris before it causes trouble. Their presence means less ducking around branches, and more reasons to enjoy the area's trail network.
  3. $528,271 spent. Advocacy and Promotion of Cycling: WABA's Advocacy Team works to advance safer streets and better bicycling across the Capital region by facilitating grassroot and stakeholder engagement, collaborating with regional partners, and supporting community-led efforts.
  4. $251,528 spent. Membership and Development: Members and stakeholders directly support WABA's advocacy for infrastructure and policy to make biking, walking, and transit the best ways to get around the region.
  5. $174,014 spent. Events - Bicycle rides exploring trails, bike lanes and neighborhoods in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC.
  6. $253,630 spent. Gearin' Up Bicycles - Gearin' Up Bicycles is a community bike shop that has been established for more than 10 years. Gearin' Up has relaunched with WABA, repairing and selling donated bikes as well as doing job training and Earn-A-Bike programs for youth.
  7. $3,008 spent. Sponsored Projects

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 September 7, 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 September 30, 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 September 10, 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 September 7, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since August 1973.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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 October 7, 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.