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Passes our checks

Activated Ministries

EIN 33-0857142 · San Diego, CA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood70 out of 100GovernanceFair65 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

Points to look into

  • Only 49% of its spending went to programs.
  • Raising each dollar of donations cost 59 cents.

These come from the organization's own tax return. There may be a good explanation; ask the charity.

What it says it does

ACTIVATED MINISTRIES PRIMARY GOALS INCLUDE HUMANITARIAN AND/OR MISSION-BASED PROGRAMS THAT BENEFIT RECIPIENTS IN PHYSICAL, EMOTIONAL OR SPIRITUAL WAYS SERVING PEOPLE IN NEED AS AN EXAMPLE OF GODS LOVE AND CHRISTIAN GRACE. WE ENDEAVOR TO HELP THOSE IN NEED THROUGH PROGRAMS THAT EFFECTIVELY IMPROVE THEIR STANDARDS OF LIVING, OR DIRECTLY PROVIDE EDUCATION OR SCHOLARSHIPS, MEET HEALTH CARE NEEDS, OR MINISTER SPIRITUALLY THROUGH INSPIRATIONAL MATERIALS.

Income
$1.0 million
Spending
$1.2 million
Spent on programs
49%
Reserves
13.4 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 78%
Employees
3
Volunteers
15
Highest pay
$111,000, president, e.d.

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

Good: 70 out of 100. Higher than 42% of charities in its peer group (religion, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 13.4 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 0% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    0 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 17% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 34% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    0 of 15

    49% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 59 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

Fair: 65 out of 100. Higher than 38% of charities in its peer group (religion, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    5 of 25

    1 of 3 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

    10 of 10

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

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • 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. $400,374 spent. PROJECT GULU-FAMILY CARE, UGANDA: The Family Care Uganda (FCU) school and orphanage in Gulu, Uganda, was established in 2013. Since its founding, FCU students have consistently earned top grades in the non-municipal district. The majority of these children come from extremely challenging backgrounds. The Lords Resistance Army (LRA) severely affected the Gulu area, and a large percentage of the population are returnees from the LRA conflict. Many of the adults still suffer from PTSD, and the children have not always been raised in safe or nurturing environments. Most arrive at the school speaking little to no English, yet they consistently achieve excellent academic results and go on to succeed in secondary school.FCU has also welcomed students from the remote Ik community. Many of these children have since qualified as nurses, medical technicians, agriculturalists, and business professionals. We continue to receive new Ik children each year, thanks to the support of Honorable Lokwang Hilary, Member of Parliament, who funds transportation to bring the Ik pupils to Gulu for us to sponsor, educate, and care for.Additionally, FCU serves children from the South Sudanese Nuer refugee camps. Some of the Lost Boys who walked from Bor, through South Sudan during the war, and later settled in the West, appealed to us to help refugee youth here. Many of these South Sudanese pupils are older due to the complete lack of schooling during the war years. However, they have proven to be especially well-behaved, hardworking, and eager to succeed, now that they have been given this opportunity. GLORY MINISTRIES, ANDHRA PRADESH, INDIAIn 2024, Activated Ministries began supporting and partnering with Glory Ministries in Andhra Pradesh, India, a multifaceted outreach dedicated to meeting the physical and spiritual needs of vulnerable communities. This program provides regular meals for hungry and orphaned children, educational and material support for children living in poverty, and care for widows and individuals living with disabilities, including those who are deaf or mute. Glory Ministries also extends compassion to those affected by leprosy and equips local pastors and leaders through mission training programs aimed at strengthening the church in rural villages. Through this partnership, we are helping bring hope and practical aid to some of Indias most underserved populations.
  2. $120,614 spent. SAN PANCHO RETREAT CENTER: Revenue: In 2024, the San Pancho Retreat Center hosted 21 missionaries and their families, providing a peaceful setting for rest, renewal, and personal retreats. This ongoing program offers a much-needed haven for those currently serving in missions, humanitarian work, or ministry, as well as for alumni who have dedicated many years to volunteer service around the world. Through this initiative, we aim to prevent burnout, strengthen families, and reaffirm our commitment to the well-being of those who pour their lives into helping others. Guests are offered comfortable accommodations and time for spiritual refreshment, reflection, and reconnection in a supportive and restful environment.
  3. $38,200 spent. GOSPEL OUTREACH: In 2024, we made the decision to re-launch The Wine Press magazine, a faith-building publication designed to encourage and spiritually strengthen believers around the world. This magazine serves as a source of biblical teaching, personal testimonies, and practical insights to support readers in deepening their walk with Christ. In addition to the magazine relaunch, we began development on three new websites to expand our digital outreach. One will serve as the online platform for The Wine Press, making current and archived issues easily accessible. A second site will focus on helping individuals grow in their personal relationship with Jesus through devotionals, study guides, and discipleship resources. The third will offer free printable gospel tracts to support evangelism efforts in both local and global communities. These initiatives reflect our continued commitment to spreading the message of the Gospel and equipping believers in their spiritual journey. In 2024, we decided to re-launch the Wine Press magazine, which is a feeding magazine to help encourage believers and strengthen their faith.
  4. $16,540 spent. IN REGOGNITION OF SERVICES (IROS) SCHOLARSHIPS: In 2024, we were able to cover the fall term tuition for 36 students from Family Care Ugandas orphanage in Gulu, Uganda. These students, who completed their elementary and middle school education on-site at the orphanage, were accepted into 11 different institutionsincluding secondary schools (equivalent to high school in the U.S.) and tertiary institutions such as colleges and trade schools. This transition marks a significant milestone in their educational journey and opens the door to greater opportunity and self-sufficiency. In addition to supporting the students in Uganda, the IROS Scholarship Program also awarded four additional scholarships this year to former or active missionaries. These scholarships help cover tuition and other educational expenses, enabling them to pursue further training, certification, or degrees that enhance their capacity to serve and make a lasting impact in their communities.

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 August 1999.

    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.