Knights of Columbus
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
We are a Catholic, family, fraternal, service organization dedicated to the values and faith of the Roman Catholic Church through the activities of members and their councils that promote charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism.
- Income
- $917,599
- Spending
- $828,631
- Employees
- 0
- Volunteers
- 8
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate
Financial health
We do not score finances when yearly spending is very small or the return has too little detail. The ratios stop meaning much at that size.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate
Governance
This return does not answer enough of the governance questions to score.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. 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)
- $412,254 spent. Local councils participate in fundraisers, such as the annual fundraisers where candy, often a Tootsie Roll, is offered to the public and free-will donations are received. The high visibility of this program has led to the campaign being referred to as the Tootsie Roll Drive. The local councils pass these donations on to the Council and can designate these contributions to Special Olympics and other qualifying charities. During fiscal year 2025 contributions were made to support intellectual disabilities of $325,200, Pennies for Seminaries which support the education of seminarians to the priesthood of $33,250, the Jim Campbell Scholarship program of $20,800, wheelchair mission of $300, and Gods gift of life of $3,125.
- $365,964 spent. The general program expenses relate to member activities including state and national meetings, ceremonies and incentives, newsletters, service projects, support, and planning activities.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. 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)(8) fraternal beneficiary society.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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 September 30, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Worth knowing.
Not individually listed by the IRS as eligible, which is usual for local chapters covered by a parent organization's exemption. The master file records contributions to it as deductible.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
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 September 7, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since October 1940.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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 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.