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New Disabled South Inc

EIN 88-2606879 · Atlanta, GA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong93 out of 100GovernanceFair68 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

To improve the lives of disabled people and build strong disability justice and rights movements in the South through research & knowledge building, advocacy & policy change, non-partisan voter engagement, and coalition building.

Income
$3.4 million
Spending
$2.7 million
Spent on programs
78%
Reserves
9.1 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 95%
Employees
19
Volunteers
10
Highest pay
$137,180, ceo

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

Strong: 93 out of 100. Higher than 72% of charities in its peer group (diseases, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 9.1 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 2% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 21% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 58% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    78% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 9 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: 68 out of 100. Higher than 15% of charities in its peer group (diseases, $1m to $10m).

  • 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

    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

    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

    0 of 15

    Its accounts were not audited or reviewed 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 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 (1)
  1. $2.1 million spent. Data & ResearchNDS produces original research and plain-language resources that illuminate the experiences and needs of disabled people in the South. Highlights include the continued growth of the Plain Language Policy Dashboard and a co-published report with Data for Progress, Southern Voters Agree Disabled People Have Inclusivity in Their Local Community but Face Discrimination When It Comes to Interacting With Law Enforcement. Through accessible reports and tools, NDS strengthens public understanding and equips advocates, policymakers, and community members with actionable data to drive change.Advocacy & Policy ChangeNDS advances disability justice through advocacy at the local, state, and regional levels, with priorities centered on poverty and care, criminalization, and democracy. This year, NDS expanded its plain-language policy fact sheets, including Accessible Voting in the South, Funding Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers in the South, The Electoral Process, and Voting Rights. By translating policy into clear, accessible formats, NDS ensures that disabled Southerners and their allies can more effectively advocate for equitable laws, funding, and systems of support.Voter Engagement & Democratic InclusionNDS works to ensure that disabled people can fully participate in the democratic process. In partnership with New Disabled South Rising (c4), NDS released voting guides for 14 Southern states and a 2024 electoral calendar as part of its Voting in the South initiative. The Disabled Voters Rising: Political Education and Training Series offered seven sessions, including webinars, trainings, and panels to build civic knowledge and confidence among disabled voters. Additional initiatives like Roll to the Polls and the Plain Language Ballot Measures Tool (with Disability Culture Lab) further strengthen democratic inclusion across the South.OrganizingNDS cultivates a regional network of disability justice advocates, organizers, and organizations. Through partnerships with Disability Culture Lab and collaborations with New Disabled South Rising, NDS fosters shared learning, leadership development, and collective care. These relationships deepen solidarity and coordination across the Souths disability and social justice movements.Service Access & Community SupportNDS advocates for investments in home and community-based services (HCBS), Medicaid expansion, and policies that enable disabled people to live with dignity and independence. The Funding HCBS Waivers in the South brief highlights critical gaps in access and offers solutions for more equitable systems of care. Through policy advocacy and mutual aid support, NDS advances a vision of the South where all disabled people have the resources they need to thrive.

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 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? 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.

  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 October 13, 2026.

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

    Recognized by the IRS since June 2022.

    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.