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Denver Institute

EIN 46-1031175 · Centennial, CO

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong93 out of 100GovernanceStrong93 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

To prepare people to serve God and others in their daily work so that workplaces and cities are transformed.

Income
$6.2 million
Spending
$1.3 million
Spent on programs
79%
Reserves
6.2 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 94%
Employees
8
Volunteers
30
Highest pay
$154,586, ceo

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

Strong: 93 out of 100. Higher than 78% of charities in its peer group (religion, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 6.2 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 79% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 348% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    79% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 2 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

Strong: 93 out of 100. Higher than 78% of charities in its peer group (religion, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    8 of 8 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

    0 of 7

    Reports no 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

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited 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, 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 (5)
  1. $506,928 spent. Women, Work, and Calling- This program is an ecosystem of individuals and organizations committed to equipping Christian women for godly influence in public life. It consists of a large annual event with a local and international audience, quarterly professional development webinars and networking events, 5-month leadership intensives, and various small group learning opportunities.
  2. $331,055 spent. Public events - The Denver Institute hosts public events in partnership with churches, businesses, and nonprofits on topics related to theology, work, calling, culture, and a wide array of professional industries.
  3. $72,418 spent. Educational resources - This program includes over 27 courses on Denver Institute's Faith and Work Classroom platform, hundreds of blog posts, multiple books, and episodes of two regularly released podcasts. The program also includes training and speaking engagements at churches, businesses, and other organizations. Through these avenues, the Denver Institute equips participants with resources to develop their vocational discipleship, deepen connections with others, and change their workplaces and cities.
  4. $72,419 spent. CityGate - This initiative connects leaders and organizations similar to The Denver Institute from across the country who are committed to a Christian vision for their cities. CityGate hosts annual gatherings, regular training webinars, and supports the development of vocational discipleship programs like the 5280 Fellowship in other cities. Supported by a significant multi-year grant, CityGate also produces and distributes a nationwide library of stories and resources designed to inspire faithfulness, vocational imagination, and cultural renewal through work.
  5. $51,727 spent. 5280 Fellowship - This is a rigorous and selective nine-month leadership program for emerging leaders in Denver, Colorado. The program consists of theological study, spiritual formation, professional development, and learning from senior leaders in the city.

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

  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 October 13, 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 October 13, 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 October 13, 2026.

  4. 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.

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

    Recognized by the IRS since June 2014.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 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 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.