Passes our checks

Discerning Deacons

EIN 93-1419293 · Durham, NC

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

What it says it does

To engage and educate Catholics to promote roles of women in the church.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Good: 82 out of 100. Higher than 61% of charities in its peer group (religion, $1m to $10m).

Reserves
20 of 35
Spendable reserves would cover 4.5 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20
It owes 4% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15
Income exceeded spending by 44% of income.
Spending floor
15 of 15
71% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 10 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Good: 75 out of 100. Higher than 51% of charities in its peer group (religion, $1m to $10m).

Independent board
25 of 25
4 of 6 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
0 of 10
Did not give 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
0 of 15
Its accounts were not audited or reviewed 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, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (1)

$433,212 spent. We engaged over 150 catholic organizations, parishes and institutions in hosting educational gatherings, worship services, and opportunities to participate in the global Churchs synod process; these efforts reached an estimated 65,000 Catholics across the country. 1400 people participated directly in a spring educational workshop to advance the vision for a synodal, prophetic diaconate which serves those most in need. Hundreds of facilitators were trained throughout the year to host conversations in the spirit and dialogue sessions. Monthly prayer services helped to grow the leadership and community of this network of ministers who minister and support each other; over 400 people participated in 2024. We gathered case studies of women in ministry, educated participants in the global synod, answered their questions, and offered a ministry of prayerful accompaniment while the synod was underway in October, 2024. We led 55 pilgrims to Rome to be present to offer prayer, educational resources and support of the global assembly. We led an international delegation to meet with Pope Francis, to offer prayers and share our hopes.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

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 February 2024.
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.