Downtown Austin Parks LLC
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The Downtown Austin Parks' mission is to create a vibrant, historic, and active spaces at the hear of Austin, Texas community through quality management of public space and creative programing that is based on historic relevance of Republic Square. Downtown Ausin Parks LLC also recognizes the imprtance of not over-programing the parks; leave plenty of time for people to simply enjoy the space as a piece of respite where they can relax, enjoy the outdoor, meet friends and family, and socialize.
- Income
- $172,322
- Spending
- $191,944
- Spent on programs
- 82%
- Reserves
- 18.2 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 62%
- Employees
- 0
- Volunteers
- 20
Source: Form 990 for the year ending April 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Good: 70 out of 100. Higher than 43% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, under $250k).
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 18.2 months of spending.
Debt
16 of 20It owes 15% of what it owns.
Living within its means
4 of 15Spending exceeded income by 11% of income.
Income trend
0 of 15Income fell 49% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1582% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending April 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Fair: 69 out of 100. Higher than 62% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, under $250k).
Independent board
25 of 255 of 5 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
0 of 8Reports no written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
0 of 7Reports no written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
0 of 10Did not give the board a copy of this return before filing it.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending April 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)
- $156,921 spent. Republic Square has been downtown's central gathering place since Austin's founding. The park provide a shared backyard for those who live and work in the area. Parks and greenspaces are a critical component of the downtown economy. The mental and physical health benefits of the natual world are vital to our humanity. We did coninue hosting the Sustainable Food Center's Downtown Farmers' Market each weekend, which supported local farmers and provided the community with a safe, healthy alternative to grocery stores. Elevate inclusive and engaging programs and experiences in downtown parks and public spaces. Substantially expand and coordinate programming in downtown parks and trails. Regularly sponsor and produce arts, cultural and music events and programs in the public space. Use activation metrics to monitor and improve results. We did extensive lawn beautification and garden restoration process to make Republic Square more resilient to foot traffic and more sustainable in the face of climate change. Improvement included: Lawn re-sodding, Stormwater drainage upgrades, native and climate-adaptive plants added, electrical upgrades, dog waste disposal stations with custom artworks, and park benches and lean-on rail near bus stops.Provided regular horticulture, operations, programming and maintenance and security and clean ambassador program at Republic Square. Republic Square hosted over 90,000 people at events in 2024.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending April 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 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 April 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 May 2017.
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.