Betterlife
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Fraternal Benefit Society - As a fraternal benefit insurance society, our mission is to help our members protect their families' financial futures, build better lives, and better their communities.
- Income
- $63.5 million
- Spending
- $69.2 million
- Employees
- 88
- Volunteers
- 28,677
- Highest pay
- $623,138, board chair/ceo/president
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate
Financial health
We do not score finances when yearly spending is very small or the return has too little detail. The ratios stop meaning much at that size.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate
Governance
This return does not answer enough of the governance questions to score.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. 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 (2)
- $2.1 million spent. FRATERNAL ACTVITIES AND PROGRAMS - BetterLife provides activity funding to fraternal groups, varying in amount. Funds support various initiatives: A. Community Benefit: BetterLife members organize projects aiding scholarship programs, blood drives, and more. B. Fundraisers and Matching Funds: Grants are offered for fundraising events supporting members in need. C. Family Activities: Events like picnics and holiday parties foster family bonds. D. Educational Leadership: Seminars train volunteers for community outreach. E. Patriotic Programs: Support for Flag Day observances, veteran and school initiatives. F. Fraternal Support: Activities maintaining group cohesion and development. G. Fraternal Services: Resources for national mission implementation. 2024 Statistics for A-G: $378,831 Activity Payments; 28,677 Volunteer Hours; $41,727 Corporate Donations; $120,899 Fundraising Funds Raised; $22,015 Fundraising Funds Matched by BetterLife. FRATERNAL BENEFIT PROGRAM: BetterLife offers non-contractual fraternal benefits to members at no extra cost, alongside their life insurance coverage: A. Disaster Benefit: Grants of up to $1,500 for expenses incurred from natural disasters. B. Health Benefit: Grants of up to $1,500 for specific disease expenses. C. Family Fraternal Benefit: Includes newborn death benefit and guaranteed insurance. D. Family Benefit: Offers twenty $1,000 awards yearly for various family expenses. E. Member Magazine: Quarterly publication covering member activities and services. F. Orphan Income Benefit: Monthly allowance for orphan care until age 18. G. Orphan Scholarship Benefit: Up to $3,000 yearly for orphaned child education. H. National Scholarship Program: Awards scholarships to young members involved in community service. I. Members in Action: Grants up to $200 twice yearly for local service projects. 2024 Statistics for A-I: $0 (A), $24,500 (B); $5,000 (C); $14,000 (D); $155,556 (E); $9,600 (F); $2,000 (G); $73,500 (H); $8,172 (I). LODGE SYSTEM: BetterLife operates through local fraternal lodges known as Member Groups. Each member belongs to a specific group, which hosts planning meetings, biennial elections, and conducts activities within an assigned area. These groups adhere to Society bylaws and organize various benevolent, charitable, educational, and patriotic initiatives within their communities.
- $67.1 million spent. INSURANCE ACTIVITIES: The primary purpose of the insurance activities of BetterLife is to accomplish the tax-exempt purpose of the fraternal benefit society rather than to produce income. Number of members: 55,187
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. 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)(8) fraternal beneficiary society.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 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 November 6, 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 October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2024.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since September 1940.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 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 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.