Better Atx
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
To transform the lives of children and adults through philanthropic programs.
- Income
- $2.1 million
- Spending
- $1.8 million
- Spent on programs
- 78%
- Reserves
- 14.8 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 94%
- Employees
- 0
- Volunteers
- 365
Source: Form 990 for the year ending May 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 90% of charities in its peer group (community improvement, $1m to $10m).
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 14.8 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 2% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 11% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 3% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1578% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 18 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending May 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 68% of charities in its peer group (community improvement, $1m to $10m).
Independent board
25 of 2511 of 11 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Independent check of accounts
15 of 15Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending May 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 (9)
- $868,274 spent. Better ATX Clothes for Kids provides new school clothing, shoes, and toiletries to underserved students, helping them feel confident, prepared, and ready to succeed in the classroom and beyond.
- $140,515 spent. Better ATX Toy Cart brings joy to children and their families at Dell Children's Medical Center with volunteer-delivered toys, books, and games-offering comfort during hospital stays.
- $120,471 spent. Better ATX Scholars covers tuition, books, and fees for Austin Community College students with financial need and pairs each with an advocate for ongoing support to increase success outcomes.
- $105,235 spent. The Organization donated a van wrap and rolling book carts to Austin ISD. The van will be used to deliver books used for the district's summer reading program. Additionally, the Organization selected five surrounding school districts to provide one-time donations to decrease students' school lunch debts.
- $87,337 spent. Better ATX School Communities is a two-year partnership with two underserved schools, providing volunteer and financial support to boost student success, teacher satisfaction, and family engagement.
- $82,053 spent. Better ATX Families delivers essential household items to families experiencing hardship or transition, offering practical support and hope as they rebuild.
- $23,554 spent. Better ATX WasteNot supports the environment by redistributing surplus Thrift House donations to local nonprofits, ensuring useful goods reach families and individuals who need them most.
- $562 spent. Better ATX Assault Survivors supports young assault survivors at Dell Children's with comforting items like clothing, stuffed animals, and journals-restoring dignity and a sense of safety.
- The Organization's programs are conducted by unpaid volunteer members who provide valuable services to individuals within the community.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending May 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
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.
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.
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.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending May 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since January 1974.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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 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.