FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is your organization’s mission?
Our mission is to discover the needs of the community, collaborate to find a solution, and activate a sustainable outcome.
What does it mean to be a 501(c)(3) organization?
As a legal 501(c)(3) non-profit entity, we must operate exclusively for exempt purposes as defined by the IRS and our earnings cannot be used to benefit any private individual or interest and must be used for the advancement of our charitable cause. A benefit of donating to a 501(c)(3) organization is that your donation is tax-deductible. Click here to request a donation receipt.
How can donors help other than making financial contributions?
Volunteer your time or donate supplies for one of A Better Society’s internal projects such as a bike for Project Life-Cycle. Click here to learn how to donate a bike.
Spread the word about our mission. We do not use donations for advertising and rely entirely on word-of-mouth and social media to share our goals with other community efforts.
Share ideas for making our community a better place.
What has your organization accomplished to date?
ABS has impacted thousands of lives over the last decade of active project work. Distributing more than 7,000 bikes to adults and children throughout the Twin Cities region and occasionally overseas. We’ve enhanced our area schools by collecting and distributing large volumes of school supplies.
An additional benefit to our work has been to keep thousands of pounds of school supplies, bikes, and recyclable materials out of landfills. We’ve guided three new non-profit organizations to full 501(c)(3) status and have been fiscal sponsors to several more during their start up journeys.
What types of projects has ABS serviced in the past?
ABS has worked with social entrepreneurs who are passionate about things that have impacted their lives. Each has wanted to give something back based on their experiences. These include: a couple who lost their son to suicide following a severe concussion injury, a cancer survivor who wanted to help other people deal with the disease in a more positive way, a victim of a paragliding accident who wanted to help other physically disabled athletes live a fuller life, and many others like these! Click here to learn more about these projects.
Some projects are full non-profit start up efforts while others simply need fiscal sponsorship to help their new organization get off the ground!
Do I need to know how to fix bikes in order to volunteer for Project Life-Cycle?
No, we train volunteers mainly through a hands-on experience but are currently developing a series of instructional videos to give volunteers a head start on the craft!
How do I donate a gently used bike? Where can I drop it?
You can drop off your bike at our facility anytime. Please pull around behind the building and you will see bikes outside our shop. Our bike repair shop is located at 1453 Park Road, Chanhassen, MN 55317. Click here for more details.
Do you accept all bikes and accessories?
We accept bikes, tag-along bikes, and bike trailers of all sizes in gently-used condition (No rust buckets please!). Bike parts are accepted as well, preferably new or taken from current bikes. We also accept bike locks in good shape with the key or code.
Unfortunately, we cannot accept used bike helmets but will take new helmet donations.
We do not accept big wheel riding toys, wagons, scooters, or motorized carts/scooters/minibikes.
Click here for a longer description of what we accept and how to donate.
I need a bike or bikes for my family. How do I get one from A Better Society?
To get a bike, go to or contact one of the Project Life-Cycle distribution partner organizations (coming soon). We are constantly adding new distribution partners around the Twin Cities area.
Can I get a donation receipt for monetary or other donations?
Yes, we offer donation receipts in person or electronically via email. Click here to get into contact with us.
Who do you serve?
Our philosophy is to provide goods and/or services to whoever needs them! We believe those who ask, are truly in need and we are happy to be able to provide some joy in the community. We do not discriminate on race, religion, language, political affiliation, country of origin, disability, age, marital and family status, sexual orientation, gender, health status, place of residence, economic or social situation.
Are you affiliated with a political party or faith-based organizations?
No, we started ABS simply because we saw the need for help in our community and had the ability to do something about it.
We are human and many of us have strong personal beliefs in how we lead our lives, but when it comes to being a part of the ABS family, we don’t ask or judge!
Is your office space available for rental? If so, who can use it?
Yes, our 1500 square foot gathering space is available by appointment to any group who needs a place to further activities promoted by A Better Society’s mission. We’ve had Boy and Girl Scout Troops, Christian Bible study groups and other nonprofits use our meeting space, conference room, or 1500 square foot shop space. Rates are determined based on the frequency and number of attendees in your group.
How do I contact A Better Society?
The best way to contact us is to use the Contact Us link on our website.
Do you work with other nonprofit organizations?
Yes, we have many partners in the local community as well as working with organizations abroad.
