Chattanooga Free Store
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The Chattanooga Free Store is a mutual aid organization. We operate a storefront where anyone can access things like clothing, food, sexual health items, harm reduction supplies, and more, all for free, and without having to show any form of ID. Our organization is non religious and volunteer run. We're funded through donations from community members throughout the area. Donations go to purchasing diapers and hygiene items for community members to access for free. We also accept clothing and household item donations which are also given away for free.
- Income
- $87,870
- Spending
- $58,056
- Reserves
- 7.3 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 99%
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
We do not score finances when yearly spending is very small or the return has too little detail. The ratios stop meaning much at that size.
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 (3)
- $12,655 spent. Hygiene Product Program: We gave away 23,389 hygiene items to the 13,677 people who visited us. This includes shampoo, soap, household cleaner, laundry detergent, toothpaste, deodorant. This program is designed to help our visitors maintain their health and home so they can meet their needs and continue to work with dignity.
- $18,172 spent. Diaper Program: We gave away 83,844 diapers and packages of wipes to 13,677 people through our diaper program. This program allows parents to meet other essential needs and helps keep their kids in daycare so they can continue to work.
- $4,526 spent. Personal Health Program: We gave away 36,025 period products and pregnancy tests to the 13,677 people who visited us. These products allow our visitors to maintain dignity, safety, and health so they can achieve their goals.
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 October 13, 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 January 2022.
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 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.