Downtown Ministries of Goshen Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
Points to look into
- Only 44% of its spending went to programs.
These come from the organization's own tax return. There may be a good explanation; ask the charity.
What it says it does
THE PURPOSE OF THE CORPORATION IS TO PROVIDE NEEDED MINISTRY TO SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES, TO ENGAGE IN EDUCATION AND TRAINING TO EMPOWER INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES, AND COMMUNITIES TO PLAN THEIR JOURNEY AND FOLLOW THEIR PATH TO HOLISTIC TRANSFORMATION AND PROGRESSIVE FULFILLMENT OF THEIR GOD-GIVEN POTENTIAL AND TO PROVIDE COMMUNITY EDUCATION, SUPPORT GROUPS, PROGRAMS, AND OUTREACH PROGRAMS
- Income
- $844,146
- Spending
- $311,611
- Spent on programs
- 44%
- Reserves
- 7.2 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 95%
- Employees
- 6
- Volunteers
- 30
- Highest pay
- $63,000, executive director
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Good: 78 out of 100. Higher than 55% of charities in its peer group (human services, $250k to $1m).
Reserves
28 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 7.2 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 10% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 63% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 148% on the year before.
Spending floor
0 of 1544% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 1 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Fair: 56 out of 100. Higher than 26% of charities in its peer group (human services, $250k to $1m).
Independent board
25 of 256 of 6 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
0 of 15Reports no written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
0 of 8Reports no written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
0 of 7Reports no written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
0 of 5Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.
Independent check of accounts
6 of 15Its accounts were not audited or reviewed 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, 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)
- $80,187 spent. The Downtown Ministries Transitional Housing Program for Women provides stable housing and supportive services to help women with children achieve self-sufficiency. During the 2025-2026 program year, the program served multiple households in Elkhart County. The following case example illustrates the program's impact. In summer 2025, Downtown Ministries placed a single mother and her toddler in the Clinton Street Home. At program entry, the participant was unemployed, lacked reliable transportation, had a suspended driver's license, did not have childcare, and had no savings plan. She also had limited community support systems. The participant enrolled in the program's 12-month transitional housing model and actively engaged in required classes, mentoring, and case management. Within seven months, she demonstrated significant progress toward stability for herself and her child. Outcomes achieved during this period include: Completion of workforce development and financial education courses offered through Downtown Ministries Securing full-time employment with a local employer Establishing consistent, reliable childcare for her toddler Reinstatement of her driver's license and acquisition of a vehicle through a ministry-supported program Development of a savings plan with the goal of long-term housing stability upon program completion The participant attributes her progress to the coordinated support provided by program staff, volunteer mentors, and community partners, including housing support, employment readiness training, transportation assistance, and relational support. This example reflects the program's mission to reduce housing instability and support families as they work toward economic independence.
- $45,021 spent. Employment Program. Jobs for Life is a 10 week workforce development program that provides job readiness, life skills, and character development to support sustainable employment. During the reporting year, a participant completed the program, obtained employment, and subsequently advanced into a supervisory role, demonstrating increased job stability and career progression. Financial Education Program. Faith and Finances is a 10 week financial education program that helps participants develop budgeting, saving, and money management skills. One participant reduced discretionary spending, established an emergency savings fund for the first time, and demonstrated improved financial stability. Trauma Recovery Program. This 10 week trauma focused program uses guided discussion to help participants identify unhealthy thought patterns and cycles resulting from past experiences. Participants work toward emotional healing and healthier relationships. During the year, one participant reported significant personal growth after addressing unresolved family trauma, contributing to long term emotional restoration. Addiction Recovery Program. Ready Now Recovery, offered in partnership with Adult and Teen Challenge, is a 36 week addiction recovery program providing group support and personalized growth planning. During the reporting year, a participant gained insight into underlying factors contributing to substance use and began the recovery process, supporting progress toward long-term sobriety.
- $11,324 spent. DriveWise is a transportation assistance program that helps individuals overcome barriers to employment and stability by providing access to safe, reliable vehicles and basic vehicle education. Through the program, participants receive necessary vehicle repairs and maintenance, with labor provided at no cost and participants responsible only for parts. During the reporting year, a participant received a low cost vehicle through DriveWise. With support from donated resources and volunteer mechanics, the vehicle was repaired and made roadworthy, enabling the participant to obtain dependable transportation appropriate for her needs.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, 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 2025.
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 September 2020.
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.