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Bike Works Seattle

EIN 91-1753062 · Seattle, WA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair69 out of 100GovernanceGood85 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Bike Works promotes the bicycle as a vehicle for change to empower youth and build resilient communities.

Income
$2.2 million
Spending
$2.7 million
Spent on programs
72%
Reserves
7.9 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 54%
Employees
33
Volunteers
250
Highest pay
$161,412, executive director

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

Fair: 69 out of 100. Higher than 39% of charities in its peer group (recreation and sports, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 7.9 months of spending.

  • Debt

    16 of 20

    It owes 21% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    0 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 20% of income.

  • Income trend

    10 of 15

    Income fell 2% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    72% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 20 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

Good: 85 out of 100. Higher than 65% of charities in its peer group (recreation and sports, $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

    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

    10 of 10

    Gave 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 (4)
  1. $476,940 spent. Bicycle Recycle & Reuse Program - Our bicycle recycle & reuse program provides a means for unwanted bikes to be donated refurbished by volunteers and program participants and turned into affordable carbon-free transportation. We process 5,000 - 7,000 donated bicycles every year and strip the unusable bikes for parts before sending the remainder to be responsibly recycled through partnerships. We give our volunteers meaningful opportunities to make a tangible difference while increasing their knowledge of bicycle maintenance and riding. Bike Works brings together diverse groups in a collaborative environment. We divert 250,000 pounds of waste from landfills annually and provided transportation through bicycle giveaways to those who cant afford to buy one our community bike shop.
  2. $491,706 spent. Youth Programs - Through bicycle riding and mechanics we provide opportunities for youth to build self-confidence and transferrable skills explore the world give back to their community and be physically active. Bike Work programs are rooted in the belief that young people thrive when they are valued value themselves and feel a sense of belonging. Our youth program include: 1 Earn-A-Bike EAB Programs and Drop-In community service hours; 2 Partnerships with schools and community organizations to reach youth where they are with a focus on BIPOC youth; 3 The job skills training for young people aged 15-24 with limited resources. Participants are learning hard and soft skills and are encouraged to apply for paid apprenticeships at Bike Works; 4 Bicycle camps and clubs allow you to be active.
  3. $472,533 spent. Community Resources Programs - Bike Works community programs reduce the barriers to bicycling due to cost lack of knowledge and lack of neighborhood resources. Through these programs Bike Works serves more than 1,000 people annually and include: 1 Bike-For-All! Bike giveaways giving youth and adults access to bikes helmets lights and locks who cant afford to buy them; 2The BikeMobile our mobile bike repair shop visits neighborhoods where people dont have access to bike repair and cycling education services; 3All-ages community rides bringing people together to have fun ride safely and raise money to support BIPOC led organizations in our community.
  4. $479,756 spent. Social Enterprise Community Bike Shop: The Bike Works bicycle shop is an earned revenue stream for Bike Work committed to servicing Seattle with affordable bicycle sales and professional service in a welcoming inclusive environment. Were a full service repair shop that also sells quality used bikes and a full range of new and used bike parts and accessories. All the profits for the bike shop go to support our free and sliding scale programs.

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 February 1997.

    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.