Better Eugene-Springfield Transportation
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The mission of BEST is to build a successful community by bringing people together to promote transportation options, safe streets, and walkable neighborhoods. BEST pursues this mission by conducting research, engaging the public, convening community leaders, helping forge consensus, and advocating in the public interest.
- Income
- $184,104
- Spending
- $177,165
- Spent on programs
- 88%
- Reserves
- 2.6 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 55%
- Employees
- 7
- Volunteers
- 48
- Highest pay
- $59,400, 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
Good: 75 out of 100. Higher than 54% of charities in its peer group (youth development, under $250k).
Reserves
10 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 2.6 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 0% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 4% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 16% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1588% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 10 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
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 92% of charities in its peer group (youth development, under $250k).
Independent board
25 of 258 of 9 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.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports 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)
- $113,887 spent. Safe Streets: In 2015 and 2016, Lane County had more traffic fatalities than any other county in Oregon. BEST is promoting coordinated government efforts to save lives and reduce life-changing injuries for everyone in Lane County. Although BEST does not provide direct services, our efforts benefit roughly 300,000 people. Transportation Options: BEST is promoting bus rapid transit, bike share, and other transportation options in the Eugene-Springfield area. Although BEST does not provide direct services, our efforts benefit roughly 200,000 people. Walkable Neighborhoods: BEST is working collaboratively with partners to increase housing affordability, diversity and supply in Lane County, in particular, in areas well served by transportation options. Although BEST does not provide direct services, our efforts benefit roughly 300,000 people.
- $40,786 spent. Nexus for Eugene Sustainable Transportation (NEST): BEST is supporting sustainable transportation efforts by managing a collaborating work space at 455 West 1st Avenue in Eugene used by BEST and other nonprofits to provide the community with bike share and other micromobility services, valet bike parking for community events, educational and fun rides, a bicycle courier service, and more. Although BEST does not provide direct services, our efforts benefit roughly 200,000 people.
- $570 spent. Salem Bike Vision (SBV), a fiscally sponsored project of BEST, believes Salem needs a safe and efficient transportation system for all residents to get around the city including those who bike, roll, or use mobility devices. Although SBV does not provide direct services, their efforts benefit roughly 200,000 people.
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
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.
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.
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 2005.
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 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.