Episcopal Church Foundation
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The Episcopal Church Foundation (ECF) is an independent, lay led organization that helps congregations and other Episcopal groups develop leadership and raise financial resources for ministry. ECF's practical, innovative, and spiritually grounded programs, products and services include endowment management services, planned giving and annual stewardship support, leadership resource development, the fellowship partners program, and web based resources and publications. ECF is also involved in a variety of collaborative projects and partnerships to provide new kinds of solutions to help address the changing needs of the Episcopal Church.
- Income
- $5.2 million
- Spending
- $4.6 million
- Spent on programs
- 77%
- Reserves
- Over 10 years of spending
- Largest source of income
- investment income, 54%
- Employees
- 21
- Volunteers
- 16
- Highest pay
- $368,794, president (part year)
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: 60 out of 100. Higher than 27% of charities in its peer group (religion, $1m to $10m).
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover more than ten years of spending.
Debt
2 of 20It owes 93% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 11% of income.
Income trend
0 of 15Income fell 67% on the year before.
Spending floor
8 of 1577% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 42 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
Strong: 90 out of 100. Higher than 75% of charities in its peer group (religion, $1m to $10m).
Independent board
25 of 2515 of 15 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
0 of 10Did not give the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
15 of 15Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports 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 (2)
- $1.9 million spent. Financial and Strategic Resources - The Episcopal Church Foundation (ECF) provides a holistic approach to visioning, planning and financial resource development for Episcopal organizations and services and support including endowment management, planned giving, and stewardship consultation. These programs help congregations identify goals and raise resources to enhance and grow their local ministries and their wider mission.
- $1.7 million spent. Adaptive Ministries - The Episcopal Church Foundation (ECF) understands that church leaders must be fully equipped with effective resources. ECF's comprehensive visioning, training and information resources help empower lay and ordained leaders with the tools they need to strengthen and grow their congregations, including publications, web-based resources (ECF Vital Practices), and other collaborative leadership initiatives. ECF consulting services assist dioceses and congregations in making strategic decisions in a practical and spiritually grounded way. Additionally, through the Fellowship Partners program, ECF supports Episcopal scholars leaders pursuing advanced academic degrees and individuals involved in transformational ministries.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since December 1969.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
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.