Skip to the page content
Your donations
Passes our checks

Church of Bible Understanding

EIN 23-7184229 · Scranton, PA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong100 out of 100GovernanceGood70 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

We are a Christian church and a large part of our operation is to fund our missionary work in the impoverished country of Haiti, WI. We have been in Haiti since 1977 and are recognized as an NGO by the Haitian government. For many years we operated an orphanage there, taking in cases of urgent need and providing for them into adulthood. In recent years we have transitioned from the orphanage into supporting children and their families in their own homes, supplying them with food, education and medical care. In addition to this, we have a feeding program, providing food to needy families in the rural mountain regions above Port-au-Prince, as well as to many smaller Haitian-run orphanages. We also have two Christian group homes for young adults, most of whom grew up in our former orphanage, where we are helping them to finish their education and learn trades in order to transition to adulthood. These young people are also instrumental in operating our other works in Haiti, such as distri

Income
$3.0 million
Spending
$2.5 million
Spent on programs
79%
Reserves
64.5 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 46%
Employees
4
Volunteers
7
Highest pay
$44,774, board member

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

Strong: 100 out of 100.

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 64.5 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 0% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 19% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 36% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    78% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 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: 70 out of 100.

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    6 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

    0 of 10

    Did not give 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

    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. $924,877 spent. WELFAREOur church offers the opportunity for serious Christian training for those who desire to live and work together. The Church provides housing, food, medical and living expenses for these members (Acts 2:44).
  2. $858,936 spent. EGLISE DE LA COMPRHENISON DE LA BIBLE" THOMASSIN 32 NO 30 THOMASSIN, Haiti, WIOur church supports our mission in Haiti. We are recognized as a Non Governmental Organization (NGO) by the Departments of Plan, Interior and National Defense,Foreign Affairs and Religious Aairs, acting on behalf of the Government 0f the Republic of Haiti for development assistance since March 15, 1984. Our organization tax identification number (NIF number)is 000-014-783-3. WE PROVIDE CLOTHING, HOUSING, MEDICAL ASSISTANCE, AND SCHOOLING TO FAMILIES AND YOUNG ADULTS. WE ALSO DISTRIBUTE FOOD TO LOCAL ORPHANAGES AND THE POOR IN MORE REMOTE RURALAREAS.
  3. $123,249 spent. TEACHINGOur purpose has always been, as the Bible says, that grace may extend to more and more people. For this reason, we offer bible studies and encouragement in person along with a bible study ministry online. We provide an opportunity for anyone who expresses interest in a new life in Christ. We also preach the Gospel in small groups in various cities with a street preaching ministry. We believe that it is Gods will to come to a correct understanding of the scriptures to live accordingly.
  4. $25,506 spent. In 2023 the US Govt opened the CHNV Humanitarian Parole Program to Haitian citizens to enter the US for a period of up to 2 years to live and work lawfully provided they have a sponsor in the US. Our church has resolved to participate in this program due to the rapidly deteriorating conditions in Haiti where our mission work is located. Several of our church members have elected to sponsor various ones and the Church is willing and able to act as a co-sponsor. The Church will assist in providing safe and appropriate housing for these people. We will also assist in providing basic living needs such as food, clothing, and medical care for the duration of their humanitarian parole period. The Church will also provide for continuing education and/or assistance in finding employment once they have received work authorization through the government.

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 September 7, 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 September 30, 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 September 10, 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 September 7, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since May 1975.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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 7, 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.