California Autism Foundation
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
To provide people with autism and other developmental disabilities the best possible opportunities for lifetime support, training and assistance to help them reach their highest potential for independence, productivity and fulfillment.
- Income
- $6.3 million
- Spending
- $6.2 million
- Spent on programs
- 81%
- Reserves
- 19.5 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- fees for its services, 94%
- Employees
- 103
- Volunteers
- 6
- Highest pay
- $183,273, 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: 87 out of 100. Higher than 64% of charities in its peer group (diseases, $1m to $10m).
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 19.5 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 2% of what it owns.
Living within its means
12 of 15Income exceeded spending by 1% of income.
Income trend
5 of 15Income fell 16% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1581% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 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 61% of charities in its peer group (diseases, $1m to $10m).
Independent board
25 of 256 of 6 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.
Independent check of accounts
15 of 15Its accounts were audited 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 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 (4)
- $3.2 million spent. A Better Chance School ("ABC School")ABC School is a non-public school that serves children and young adults from ages 6 to 22 that have autism and other developmental disabilities. ABC School offers community-based programming which provide students the opportunity to learn generalized skills that are transferable to daily real-world settings in addition to the classroom environment. ABC School's highly specialized curriculum and highly trained staff, excel in helping students who have been unable to succeed elsewhere. ABC School's functional skills curriculum includes math, language arts, vocational training, culinary classes, art classes, music classes, travel training and self-help skills. (See continued information on Schedule O). A Better Chance School ("ABC School") (continued) ABC School utilizes Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), TEACCH structured teaching methodologies, Pivotal Response Training, and Community Based Instruction (CBI). ABC School specializes in behavior management, offering a positive behavior support approach to maladaptive behaviors that prevent the student from being successful in a less restricted environment. Utilizing a team approach, students are regularly assessed to determine skill acquisition and maintenance in accordance with the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) goals. ABC provides 1:2 staff to student support unless otherwise specified in a student's IEP.
- $719,854 spent. A Better Chance Adult Day Programs (Age 18+) ("Innovative Choices Day Program")The program's mission is to provide people with autism and other developmental disabilities the best possible opportunities for lifetime support, training and assistance to help they reach your highest potential for independence, productivity and fulfillment. (See continued information on Schedule O). A Better Chance Adult Day Programs (Age 18+) ("Innovative Choices Day Program") (continued) The overarching goal of the Innovative Choices Day Program is to assist people to live active, interesting lives by providing training and support, so they can: -Explore employment options and/or volunteer work that interests them. -Access their community and participate safely in the activities and events they enjoy. -Develop meaningful relationships. -Increase their ability to make personal choices, advocate and communicate for themself. -Build new skills and experiences so they can become as independent as possible in their daily life and/or advance in their career. Innovative Choices Day Program is a 100% community-based program. Individuals will participate in community events and activities that interest them. Skills targeted for instruction will be based on each individual's needs, person centered planning, and abilities and interests. Skills addressed will typically focus in three general areas which include the following: -Employment and Volunteerism: those who wish to explore employment and volunteerism will go through a person-centered discovery process which includes identifying vocational strengths and goals, pre-employment foundational skills training, volunteer experiences and other exploration opportunities based on the expressed interests of individuals served. -Community: Based on personal interest and abilities, skills will be taught on an individualized basis, in the natural environment. Opportunities to explore and access community resources and facilities, learn public transportation, engage in interactions with the general public, community safety and job exploration will build skills and enrich experiences. -Self-Advocacy/Social Skills: Based on individual abilities, choices and interests, skills areas could include appropriate social behavior, making friends, initiating social interactions, advocating for oneself, learning to make informed choices and decisions.
- $702,892 spent. A Better Chance Supported Living ServicesABC Supported Living Services are available to adults with developmental disabilities who are actively receiving services from the Regional Center of East Bay or the Golden Gate Regional Center. The Foundation believes that people with disabilities are entitled to exercise freedom and control over their own housing and must be provided access to supports and services that allow them to live fully rounded lives within their community and ABC Supported Living Services represents the Foundation's commitment and participation in the national movement toward more mainstream living for people with developmental disabilities. (See continued information on Schedule O). A Better Chance Supported Living Services ("ABC Supported Living Services") (continued) ABC Supported Living provides individuals the opportunity to live in their own house or apartment and experience greater independence than is possible in a licensed, residential home environment. Individuals are provided necessary support and assistance while promoting autonomy, independence, inclusion, and empowerment. The services, goals and support are collaboratively planned and developed with each individual and based on their specific needs and desires. Additionally, ABC Supported Living Services teaches individuals how to build healthy, sustainable relationships across many sectors that extend into the community, thus providing them with the emotional, spiritual, physical and service support needed for success. ABC Supported Living Services provides individuals the opportunity to live a fully engage lifestyle within the community and provides information and access to resources including, but not limited to: -Locating and securing affordable housing -Budgeting -Time management/scheduling of medical and dental appointments -Assistance with medication -Routine household chores, personal laundry and hygiene -Grocery shopping, meal preparation, dietary needs -Public transportation -Access to 24-hour Emergency Support System
- $423,145 spent. A Better Chance Industries ("ABC Industries")ABC Industries served as a program within the Foundation, offering comprehensive support, training, and employment opportunities for individuals with developmental and physical disabilities. Through the Educational and Vocational Program, participants were empowered to achieve greater independence, productivity, and personal fulfillment. Additionally, the Supported Employment Program provided job training and placement services to facilitate meaningful workforce integration.In 2023, ABC Industries was phased out, with alternative programs introduced to continue providing these essential services in place of ABC Industries:Educational and Vocational Programs - Built on a foundation of social inclusion through participation in community, the Foundation provides individualized educational, and community based social programs that are a blend of academic, cultural, recreational and environmental instruction leading to increased competencies and skills.ABC Supported EmploymentABC Supported Employment Program provides assistance to participants who are employed at various off-site businesses. The Foundation Job Coaches secure appropriate positions for individuals by assessing skills and interests; coordinating with employers to match jobs to skill sets, and providing ongoing, individualized support. As the liaison between the employer and The Foundation employee, Job Coaches facilitate any necessary accommodations and ancillary services. Utilizing a four-step process that includes (1) Assessment (2) Job Development (3) Pre-vocation Coaching (4) Job Coaching, The Foundation's comprehensive services enables individuals with disabilities to access and succeed in community employment, and opens doors to an inclusive, enriching and fulfilling life.
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 September 7, 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 September 30, 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 September 10, 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 September 7, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since March 1989.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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 7, 2026.
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