Center for Spiritual Imagination Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Our organization has developed a formation program for those seeking to commit to a new monastic life. This three-year formation program helps prepare participants to devote themselves to a life of prayer and service. We interpret the Christian contemplative tradition for people who are living in the world. This activity is conducted by the cofounders listed as officers in this document. Most of the formation happens online with weekly hour long sessions for three different cohorts. We also have a monthly Saturday intensive and two in-person retreats which take place at spiritual retreat centers around the country. We also offer a companion formation program that is less rigorous for those who are interested in engaging with our teaching but cannot commit to the full formation program. This involves a monthly online gathering and individual mentoring.
- Income
- $626,978
- Spending
- $456,530
- Spent on programs
- 72%
- Reserves
- 12.4 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 85%
- Employees
- 5
- Volunteers
- 0
- Highest pay
- $86,330, program director
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: 100 out of 100. Higher than 87% of charities in its peer group (religion, $250k to $1m).
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 12.4 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 0% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 27% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 100% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1572% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 13 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
Good: 76 out of 100. Higher than 74% of charities in its peer group (religion, $250k to $1m).
Independent board
25 of 253 of 5 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
0 of 8Reports no written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
0 of 7Reports no written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
6 of 15Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports 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 (4)
- $93,911 spent. Through engagement in contemplative practices rooted in Blackness we foster a deeper understanding of the Black diasporic contemplative tradition. By delving into rich texts honoring the African Diaspora and fostering a shared practice we empower personal growth and collective healing.
- $12,019 spent. We provided formation for 25 people on the path to becoming new monastics as well as 10 people on the path to becoming companion members. Our rigorous formation program is offered by donation only so that all may participate regardless of financial status.
- $5,312 spent. Hundreds of people attended our public events classes and meditations featuring contemplative authors practitioners and academics. Offered to the public by donation only.
- $218,355 spent. General operations and administration of our programs including salaries and supplies for overall support.
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
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 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 churches. 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? Worth knowing.
The IRS does not require this organization to file annual returns.
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 June 1972.
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.