Skip to the page content
Your donations
Passes our checks

Green Options Buffalo

EIN 27-2501533 · Buffalo, NY

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthWeak39 out of 100GovernanceFair65 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Promote healthy, environmentally sustainable and community-friendly transportation through advocacy, education, and initiatives to promote healthy lifestyles, civic engagement, economic vitality and improved environments within Greater Buffalo. With realistic bicycle options, we can make our communities healthier, safer, and more connected.

Income
$1.2 million
Spending
$1.3 million
Spent on programs
85%
Reserves
1.3 months of spending
Largest source of income
government grants, 67%
Employees
21
Volunteers
0
Highest pay
$108,400, executive director

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Weak: 39 out of 100. Higher than 14% of charities in its peer group (education, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    10 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 1.3 months of spending.

  • Debt

    5 of 20

    It owes 59% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    4 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 10% of income.

  • Income trend

    5 of 15

    Income fell 13% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    84% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 8 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Fair: 65 out of 100. Higher than 20% of charities in its peer group (education, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    15 of 15 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.

  • Pay set independently

    0 of 5

    Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.

  • Independent check of accounts

    0 of 15

    Its accounts were not audited or reviewed 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, 2024, 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 (3)
  1. $732,390 spent. Healthy Streets Initiatives create healthy, vibrant communities by making our streets safer for those who walk, bike and play. Dunkirk-Fredonia Central Connection:GObike worked with residents of the Dunkirk and Fredonia communities to identify opportunities for design interventions along Central Avenue, in order to help improve safety and accessibility along the corridor for all users, regardless of their mode. This process involved extensive community outreach and a month-long surveying period. Community feedback informed design, and GObike implemented the most high-priority changes to the roadway to improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians, bicyclists, micro-mobility users, and drivers. The implementation utilized temporary infrastructure (painted sidewalk extensions, crosswalks, signage, and bike lane improvements). More than half (51%) of all post-implementation survey respondents agreed or strongly agreed that newly installed crosswalks and road markings make it comfortable to walk, ride a bike, or use an assistive mobility device on Central Avenue, compared to 23% of respondents who disagreed or strongly disagreed with the statement.
  2. $261,363 spent. Throughout 2024, GObike operated two community workshops in the city of Buffalo where people are able to work on their bikes for little or no cost with access to a full array of tools, hundreds of spare parts, and guidance from mechanics. Adult and teenage volunteers also gather at both locations to repair donated bikes that GObike redistributes to children and adults in need through community partners like schools, churches, and community centers.
  3. $125,081 spent. Safety and Youth Education, Future Commuters, and Safe Cycling programs empower students through development of hands-on problem-solving and mechanical skills and access to personal transportation. Each participant receives a donated bicycle and learns how to maintain it with the help of an instructor. Through group rides, students learn road rules and safe riding practices, graduating with all the tools they need to experience the fun and independence of travel on a bicycle they have built themselves.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, 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 October 13, 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 December 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 February 2011.

    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 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.