Better Together Central Oregon
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Our mission is to improve educational outcomes for children and youth from cradle to career in Central Oregon. They do this by fostering cross-sector collaboration bringing together partners from education, business, health, philanthropy, government, and community organizations to align efforts, share data, and collectively support children and families.
- Income
- $2.8 million
- Spending
- $2.8 million
- Spent on programs
- 82%
- Reserves
- 1.8 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- government grants, 65%
- Employees
- 0
- Volunteers
- 15
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Fair: 57 out of 100. Higher than 27% of charities in its peer group (human services, $1m to $10m).
Reserves
10 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 1.8 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 7% of what it owns.
Living within its means
12 of 15Income exceeded spending by 2% of income.
Income trend
0 of 15Income fell 37% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1582% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 3 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Good: 84 out of 100. Higher than 36% of charities in its peer group (human services, $1m to $10m).
Independent board
25 of 2516 of 16 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
0 of 15Its accounts were not audited or reviewed 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 June 30, 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 (1)
- $2.3 million spent. Better Together's general operations support the backbone functions of the regional cradle-to-career partnership, which includes convening cross-sector partners, aligning strategies across institutions, and supporting shared data practices to improve outcomes for youth. A key accomplishment within this work is the sustained coordination and facilitation of Latinx Family Councils in multiple communities across Central Oregon. Through Latinx Family Councils, Better Together elevates the voices of Latinx families in educational decision-making, ensuring systems are more responsive and equitable. This work aligns with our mission by centering community voice and advancing racial equity across the cradle-to-career continuum. Juntos Aprendemos A bilingual early learning program for Latinx families with children ages 3-5. It promotes school readiness, family leadership, and cultural identity. By preparing children for kindergarten and supporting parent engagement, Juntos Aprendemos advances Better Together's mission to close opportunity gaps early in life. Papalaxamisha is a Warm Springs-based initiative focused on early childhood education, family engagement, and Indigenous language and culture revitalization. Better Together provides operational and strategic support to ensure the sustainability and growth of this community-led effort.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 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 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 June 2025.
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 March 2015.
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.