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Spitzer-Magis Center

EIN 54-2075888 · Garden Grove, CA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood81 out of 100GovernanceFair64 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Magis Center exists to turn the rising tide of unbelief in our culture through contemporary, rational, and science-based evidence. We seek to answer the conflict of science and faith with scientific research and communicate the reasonability and truthfulness of the Catholic faith.

Income
$2.4 million
Spending
$2.3 million
Spent on programs
67%
Reserves
5.3 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 94%
Employees
13
Volunteers
1
Highest pay
$183,423, executive dir.

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: 81 out of 100. Higher than 60% of charities in its peer group (religion, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    20 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 5.3 months of spending.

  • Debt

    16 of 20

    It owes 24% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 6% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 18% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    67% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 5 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: 64 out of 100. Higher than 38% of charities in its peer group (religion, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    14 of 15 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    0 of 15

    Reports no written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    0 of 8

    Reports no 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

    9 of 15

    Its accounts were reviewed or compiled by an independent accountant, but not audited.

  • 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. $558,282 spent. Magis Center General Program: The Magis Center works to spread faith & science content to schools and parishes across the United States and internationally through direct outreach to school, parishes and communities. This requires creation and content, production, team and department coordination, marketing, and follow-up to further the Magis Center mission.
  2. $478,576 spent. MagisAI App: The MagisAI App is designed to answer tens of thousands of questions concerning science, reason, faith, scripture, morality, Church doctrine, spiritual life, and much more. It provides comprehensive answers that are consistent with the Catholic faith and the latest peer-reviewed science, philosophy, social science, history, and scriptural exegesis. This App is ideal for inquiring minds (middle and high school students), teachers, priests, pastors, religious leaders, parents, and anyone who is confronted by questions on how to reconcile science, reason, faith, Scripture, Catholic doctrine, and Catholic morality. It is an easy to use, catechetical apologetics tool that can answer young peoples questions immediatelywhen they are in a discussion, an argument, or just plain curious. The app is available at no cost.
  3. $228,972 spent. Magis Center Middle and High School Curriculum:Speak the Faith (middle school); The Catholic Faith and Science (high school); Challenges of the Modern World (high school) were created and disseminated in partnership with Sophia Institute for Teachers. Each set has a student workbook, a teachers guide, and an array of online teacher resources (student activities, lesson plans, etc.). Speak the Faith and The Catholic Faith and Science are compelling faith and science courses designed to help students come to know and confidently defend the Catholic Faith. These courses explore the scientific evidence for God as well as philosophical proofs of His existence, the historicity of Jesuss miracles and Resurrection, the reasons to be Catholic, why an all-loving God would allow suffering, and medical evidence for our transphysical soul. Challenges of the Modern World is a course that gives students the understanding they need to respond to the important and difficult moral issues of our time. Students will become equipped to defend the Catholic position on todays toughest topics, including abortion, homosexuality, gender ideology, and the virtues we must cultivate in our response.
  4. $228,972 spent. Magis Center Parish Programs : The Catholic Faith and Science Video Series: This series explores the scientific evidence for God as well as philosophical proofs of His existence, the historicity of Jesuss miracles and Resurrection, the reasons to be Catholic, why an all-loving God would allow suffering, and medical evidence for our transphysical soul. This series is for parish use and is great for ministries of faith formation for men and women, outreach, youth ministry, RCIA, diaconate formation, and educators! This series is available in the Magis Center store for $49.99 for individuals. There is also a group licensing option for diocesan-wide or parish-wide adoption and use. All-Access Catholic Video Series: This is Magis Centers comprehensive collection of 7 Magis Center video series designed for parishes, individuals, and groups. Whether you're exploring theological concepts, understanding the intersection of faith and science, or seeking guidance on living a virtuous life, our series cater to diverse interests and needs. This series is available in the Magis Center store for $99.99 for individuals. There is also a group licensing option for diocesan-wide or parish-wide adoption and use. The Confirmation and Catechesis Faith and Science SeriesScience and the Catholic Church: How Science Validates God, Jesus, the After Life, and the Catholic Faith: This is a dynamic new supplemental series developed by Fr. Robert Spitzer, S.J. Ph.D. to help young adults prepare for the sacrament of Confirmation and their faith life beyond by introducing science-based apologetics. The course provides contemporary scientific evidence supporting the existence of God, Jesus, the afterlife, and the Catholic Faith. This series is an additional resource to existing confirmation programs that will help students better appropriate the sacramental formation. This series includes videos, a student takeaway book summarizing each of the four main topics and a facilitators manual which includes instructions for using the videos in retreats or as supplements to Confirmation and Catechetical classes. The facilitators manual also includes discussion questions and group activities. This series is available in the Magis Center store for $99.99. There is also a group licensing option for diocesan-wide or parish-wide adoption and use.
  5. $31,675 spent. Journey to Excellence: A 16-module program delivered by Father Robert Spitzer, S.J., Ph.D. via recorded video. It includes facilitated, weekly, one-hour cohort meetings online. Attendees receive access to the video content, a workbook and Father Spitzers book The Spirit of Leadership, Optimizing Creativity and Change in Organizations. The program has three sections: Personal Excellence, Ethical Excellence, and Organizational Excellence.

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 November 6, 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 August 2003.

    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 November 4, 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.