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Ecs Ministries

EIN 01-0555559 · Dubuque, IA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood80 out of 100GovernanceGood85 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

To glorify God by providing biblically sound resources and structured study material to teach people from every nation to accept Christ as their Savior and Lord, grow in Christ, and share their faith with others.

Income
$715,543
Spending
$982,752
Spent on programs
71%
Reserves
14.2 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 68%
Employees
15
Volunteers
16
Highest pay
$81,683, executive director

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Good: 80 out of 100. Higher than 58% of charities in its peer group (religion, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 14.2 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 12% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    0 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 37% of income.

  • Income trend

    10 of 15

    Income fell 2% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    71% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 30 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Good: 85 out of 100. Higher than 86% of charities in its peer group (religion, $250k to $1m).

  • 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

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    0 of 5

    Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.

  • Independent check of accounts

    12 of 15

    Its accounts were reviewed or compiled by an independent accountant, but not audited.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 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)
  1. $280,676 spent. Worldwide Bible Study Ministry:Emmaus Worldwide develops and distributes Bible studies designed to deepen understanding of God's Word and encourage a faithful walk with Christ. With over 100 courses available in 86 languages and used in more than 110 countries, our studies foster connection and growth through personal mentorship. At the core of our ministry is a network of over 2,400 Emmaus mentors worldwide who correspond with students, offering encouragement and guidance on their journey with Christ. (Continue on Schedule O)In addition to our traditional paper-based correspondence study, our Emmaus Bible and Courses app provides many of these same studies digitally in more than 30 languages, allowing people to study Scripture wherever they are. In calendar year 2024, 1,408,448 paper courses were distributed in 123 countries. In calendar year 2024, 195,311 digital app courses were started in 198 countries.
  2. $341,573 spent. U.S. Prison Bible Study Ministry:Emmaus Worldwide develops and distributes Bible studies designed to deepen understanding of God's Word and encourage a faithful walk with Christ. For many, that journey begins behind bars. Over the past two decades, we have distributed an average of 200,000 courses per year to prisons and jails across the U.S. We receive a steady flow of testimonies from inmates who have encountered God's Word personally and have experienced transformation and freedom through faith in Christ, even while still incarcerated. (Continue on Schedule O)In fiscal year 2025, approximately 76,085 printed courses were distributed to inmates in the United States.
  3. $79,196 spent. Testimony, Encouragement, and Devotional Ministry:Emmaus Worldwide gathers and shares testimonies of lives transformed through the study of God's Word across its global and U.S. prison ministries. Based on this work, we develop and distribute Scripture-based devotional content informed by real-life discipleship experiences, encouraging individuals to reflect on Scripture, engage in prayer, and grow in their walk with Christ. (Continue on Schedule O)Through testimony-based and devotional resources, this ministry shares accounts of God's faithfulness and transforming work, strengthening believers and fostering spiritual growth, gratitude, and unity among participants and the broader Christian community.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, 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 June 2025.

    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 December 2002.

    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.