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Arc Thrift Stores

EIN 84-0515942 · Lakewood, CO

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair63 out of 100GovernanceStrong90 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

As one of the nations largest employers of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, we believe in the power of employment to foster independence and fulfillment. By providing enriching job opportunities and educational programming, we empower people with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other intellectual and developmental disabilities to thrive and live their best lives.Every year, our programs positively impact thousands of individuals and their families. We celebrate diversity, individuality, equity, and the potential within every person, striving to create a more inclusive society where everyone can reach their full potential.When you shop at arc Thrift Stores, youre not just saving moneyyoure contributing to a larger cause. Youre supporting sustainability efforts by giving new life to gently used items and helping to fund essential programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in your community.

Income
$139.6 million
Spending
$141.4 million
Spent on programs
94%
Reserves
4.1 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 94%
Employees
3,594
Volunteers
10,954
Highest pay
$560,996, president & ceo

Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Fair: 63 out of 100. Higher than 61% of charities in its peer group (human services, over $100m).

  • Reserves

    20 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 4.1 months of spending.

  • Debt

    5 of 20

    It owes 68% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    8 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 1% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 2% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    94% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 90 out of 100. Higher than 10% of charities in its peer group (human services, over $100m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    10 of 10 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    0 of 10

    Did not give the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 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)
  1. $132.8 million spent. THE ASSOCIATION SERVES AS A FUND RAISING ORGANIZATION FOR VARIOUS NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS (ALL 501(C)(3) ORGANIZATIONS), WHICH SPONSOR PROGRAMS FOR DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED CITIZENS. THE ASSOCIATION DISTRIBUTES ITS THRIFT STORE PROFITS TO ASSOCIATIONS ON A MONTHLY BASIS. PROGRAM SERVICE EXPENSES INCLUDE THE COST OF OPERATING THE THRIFT STORES.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 30, 2025, 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 October 13, 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 October 13, 2026.

  3. Are donations tax-deductible? Worth knowing.

    Not individually listed by the IRS as eligible, which is usual for local chapters covered by a parent organization's exemption. The master file records contributions to it as deductible.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending September 2025.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

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

    Recognized by the IRS since January 2006.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 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 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.