Bikes for the World is a self-financing sponsored project of the Washington Area Bicyclist Association.

BfW began in January 2005.  BfW covers its expenses principally from three sources:

• Individual donations accompanying the donation of bicycles.  During the three years 2005-2009 an average of almost $8 came in with each donated bicycle.
• Payments from overseas partners covering all or part of the direct shipping costs of bicycles.  During 2009 partners paid all or part of each shipment’s direct costs, reflecting the quality and desirability of the items donated.  BfW  A conservative estimate of the total value of shipments in 2009 -- 8,900 bikes @ $40 apiece, plus spare parts and accessories -- comes to over $400,000.
• Program grants and individual and corporate donations unrelated to the donation of bicycles.  Donors include Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI), Potomac Pedlers Touring Club, International Monetary Fund CPAC, and the Vienna (VA) Rotary Club.  From 2007 - 2010, the City of Rockville Department of Recreation contracted Bikes for the World to do bike & pedestrian safety training in Rockville schools.  A once-a-year appeal is mailed or e-mailed to supporters. Fundraising events during 2010 included a combination live and silent auction at the vintage collector's weekend Cirque du Cyclisme, heled in Leesburg VA, and opening night for Biketastic, an art show celebrating bike culture and themes, in Vienna VA.    

A fourth and lesser source of income is the sale of "vintage" road, classic BMX and other bikes and donations either with a premium value here in the United States, or deemed unsuitable for overseas use. An informal technical committee establishes criteria, monitors donations, and handles sales with “transparency” to protect BfW's and the public’s interests.

BfW expenses include international shipping of donated goods, office and administration, website and communications, truck rental and fuel purchases associated with the collection of bicycles. Salaries are now the largest element after shipping: executive director (beginning April 2005), Rockville Youth Project Director/program associate (beginning March 2007); and half-time office manager (beginning March 2010).  Through its first five years (2005-2010), storage costs have been minimal (provided in-kind by corporate supporters).  Five percent of BfW income compensates the sponsoring agency—Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA)--for board oversight, financial administration, audit, and use of WABA’s non-profit status.

Bikes for the World has been managed conservatively during its initial five years, ending each year with a surplus.  2009 income exceeded $200,000.  BfW's financial management is audited as part of an overall audit of WABA.  Income and expense statements will be posted (and if not, just ask). The 2009 annual report is expected to be available by mid-September 2010. 

The cost per bicycle delivered during 2005-06 was in the range of $16, rising to $20/bike in 2007 as a result of initiation of the Rockville Youth Bike Project.