Bobs Free Bikes
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Since opening in 2016 Bob's Free Bikes mission has been simple 'to provide a bike to any child who would otherwise not be able to have one'. To date we have given 4840 bikes to children in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area, in 2022 we gave out 1085 bicycles to those in need of a bicycle. We work with other organizations to determine who needs bikes, be it refugees, school children needing transportation, or parents requesting a bike for their child. Our vision is to collect unwanted bicycles, repair them to safe working condition and give them back to a child or someone in need. We are a 100% volunteer organization. Our staff is mainly retired professional people looking to give back to their community, volunteering their time. Our funds come from the community, either service organizations, local businesses or individuals. Simply put a bike given to a child provides a healthy outdoor activity and the freedom of bike ownership.
- Income
- $79,603
- Spending
- $103,436
- Reserves
- 6.9 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 50%
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Fair: 69 out of 100. Higher than 36% of charities in its peer group (recreation and sports, under $250k).
Reserves
28 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 6.9 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 0% of what it owns.
Living within its means
0 of 15Spending exceeded income by 30% of income.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
This organization files the short tax form, which does not ask about boards, policies or audits. That is normal for a small charity and is not a mark against it.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 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 (2)
- $39,908 spent. Our focus in providing bikes to kids is in the hope of instilling a lifetime of healthy adventure, independence and the wonder of the great outdoors. Bob's Free Bikes generally serves Maricopa County, but we also have worked with other organizations to provide bikes in other areas of Arizona, including Native American Communities, Arizona National Guard families and families at Luke Airforce Base. We serve all populations, working with organization such as Welcome to America, St Vincent de Paul, CASA, schools and churches to find kids and families. In 2024 we gave 1259 bikes to kids, though that number is just of bikes the impact can help the whole family, with kids riding to school or a job. If a parent needs a bike to ride with their child/children we will provide one. which can then be used for transportation. In 2024 we started a new program we call Gear UP for Safety this program provides a new helmet and a cable lock to go with each bike thus ensuring the safety of the child and the security of the bike.
- $39,908 spent. Bob's Free Bikes (BFB) program provides bikes to children 5-18 years old: we focus on getting bikes to children who would otherwise not have one. Our area of distribution is the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. This year we are asking for help with our project, Gear UP for Safety, the aim is to enhance the well-being of underprivileged children by supplying them with essential safety gear for cycling. We look to provide high-quality bicycle helmets and a cable lock with each bike given, fostering a safer environment, and promoting a healthy lifestyle. BFB generally serves Maricopa County, but we have also worked with other organizations to provide bikes in other area of Arizona, including Native American communities, Arizona National Guard families and Luke Airforce Base. We serve all populations, working with different organizations such as Welcome to America, St Vincent de Paul, CASA, schools and churches to find kids and families. In 2023 we gave out 1153 bikes, in 2024 that number was 1255, we continue to grow. Those numbers are bicycles, but the impact can help the whole family, with kids riding their bikes to school or a job. If a parent needs a bike to ride with their child/children we will provide one, which can then be used by them for transportation to work or classes. Bob's Free Bikes relies on donated bikes, which are cleaned up and repaired, replacing parts as needed to make a safe, operational bike for a child. Additionally, a helmet and cable lock are provided upon delivery, where each helmet can be fitted to the child, ensuring the safety of the child, and the security of the bike. Our staff of mechanics and delivery drivers are all volunteers, cycling enthusiasts that value a lifetime of healthy adventure. We here at Bob's believe every child should be able to experience the responsibility, excitement and freedom that comes from owning their own bike. We are immensely proud of what we do, it is truly a labor of love for everyone involved, giving their time to volunteer at Bob's Free Bikes.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 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 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 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 October 2016.
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.