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Mercys Gate

EIN 84-1093341 · Colorado Spgs, CO

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong93 out of 100GovernanceStrong94 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

For people in crisis, we offer relief, the hope of the Gospel, and a vision for restoration.

Income
$1.5 million
Spending
$1.5 million
Spent on programs
79%
Reserves
11.6 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 97%
Employees
10
Volunteers
600
Highest pay
$134,426, exec director (thru 5/30/25)

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 80% of charities in its peer group (human services, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 11.6 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 14% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 4% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 3% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    79% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 11 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: 94 out of 100. Higher than 58% of charities in its peer group (human services, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    6 of 7 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

    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 (1)
  1. $1.2 million spent. Mercy's Gate serves anyone living in EL Paso County who's facing a financial or life crisis. We offer short-term relief to stabilize their circumstances. Our services are practical housing assistance, utilities assistance, food, etc. A neighbor meets one-on-one with a volunteer advocate, who can give them a full range of services. This assistance often opens a door to share the gospel of Jesus and gives neighbors a hope and vision for a restored future.(Continued on Schedule O)Mercy's Gate Mission: For people in crisis, we offer relief, the hope of the gospel, and vision for restoration. In 2025 we fulfilled this mission, serving 17,940 people and providing 41,722 points of service to our Neighbors in El Paso County.Mercy's Gate Services:I. Financial Assistance - 2,748 Neighbors received assistance in 2025a. Housing Assistance: Mercy's Gate provides help with rent or mortgage one time per year.b. Utility Assistance: Mercy's Gate administers the Utility Company grant to pay the neghbors utility bill one time per year. 2. Food Pantry - 16,803 Neighbors received assistance in 2025a. Food Pantry: Mercy's Gate provides a three day supply of food for the household. Open 5 days, weekly.3. Vouchers - 7,045 Neighbors received assistance in 2025a. Medical: Mercy's Gate provides vouchers to help with Medical Expenses, Medical Needs and Vision Assistance.b. Clothing and Household: Mercy's Gate provides ARC or Goodwill Vouchers. c. Transportation: Mercy's Gate provides Bus Tokens and Gas Vouchers. 4. Compassion Services - 4,267 Neighbors received assistance in 2025a. Prayer and Counselingb. Hope of the Gospel c. Community Referrals to meet Neighbors' needs5. Seasonal Services - 10,859 Neighbors received assistance in 2025a. VITA: Volunteer Income Tax Assistanceb. Backpack Bash: Facilitate new backpacks & resource distribution to students from local school districtsc. Thanksgiving Baskets: Facilitate Thanksgiving meal distribution to families in need through local churches

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 September 1998.

    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.