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Austin Foundation for Architecture

EIN 82-2512296 · Austin, TX

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood85 out of 100GovernanceFair62 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

Points to look into

  • Only 43% of its spending went to programs.

These come from the organization's own tax return. There may be a good explanation; ask the charity.

What it says it does

To illuminate the impact of design for all through curated and pop-up programming that expands the understanding and appreciation of design excellence and its myriad applications on behalf of diverse communities.

Income
$187,426
Spending
$118,891
Spent on programs
44%
Reserves
47.3 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 57%
Employees
0
Volunteers
60

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: 85 out of 100. Higher than 67% of charities in its peer group (community improvement, under $250k).

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 47.3 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 0% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 37% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 89% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    0 of 15

    43% 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

Fair: 62 out of 100. Higher than 40% of charities in its peer group (community improvement, under $250k).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    9 of 9 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    0 of 15

    Reports no written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    0 of 8

    Reports no written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    0 of 7

    Reports no written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports 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 (5)
  1. $4,010 spent. Architectural Tours In 2024, the organization provided tours of Austin, including architectural boat tours, bicycle and walking tours based on the mobile website guidetoaustinarchitecture.com These tours had guides knowledgeable about the architecture, history, landscape, mobility, and urban planning of Austin, and gave the public the opportunity to get to know more about the citys unique places and spaces.
  2. $7,642 spent. Design Lectures Design Talks is a lecture series showcasing talented designers from Austin and beyond, with each installment focusing on an individual practitioner and their unique approach to their work. Pecha Kucha is a creative speaking event featuring 10 designers from different fields. The unique format invites presenters to make a short presentation on a creative topic, leading to a fast and furious evening of entertainment and creative inspiration.
  3. $34,877 spent. Exhibitions evolve and change each year. In 2024, the organization participated in several public exhibitions including Las Pinatas ATX & Waterwork. Las Pinatas was a partnership with AIA Austin and the Parks Foundation, and invited the community to engage with pinata-inspired sculptural artworks. WaterWork debuted as a partnership between the Austin Foundation for Architecture and the The Trail Conservancy. The event featured the video artwork of 15 Austin artists projected on the historic Seaholm Intake facility. The immersive experience was visible on land and from Lady Bird Lake. The colossal projection celebrated the many talents of Austins creative community.
  4. $5,183 spent. The Women in Arcitecture annual scholarship is awarded to minority female identifying students attending the University School of Architecture. Students are also paired with a mentor in the profession. In 2024, two scholarship awards were granted totaling $5,000.
  5. The Women in Arcitecture annual scholarship is awarded to 5183. 0. 33300.

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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since October 2017.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

  6. 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.

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.