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Yes Nature to Neighborhoods

EIN 03-0458294 · Richmond, CA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong95 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

In partnership with nature, YES nurtures leaders who champion the wellbeing of our community.

Income
$5.1 million
Spending
$3.6 million
Spent on programs
70%
Reserves
13.2 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 86%
Employees
20
Volunteers
80
Highest pay
$163,489, executive dir.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending August 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Strong: 95 out of 100. Higher than 89% of charities in its peer group (youth development, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 13.2 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 6% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 31% of income.

  • Income trend

    10 of 15

    Income fell 8% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    70% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 10 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending August 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 64% of charities in its peer group (youth development, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    10 of 11 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

    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 August 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)
  1. $877,951 spent. YES continued to build strong partnerships with local schools through the Richmond Outdoors Coalition (ROC), of which YES is the fiscal sponsor. The ROC completed year two of a three-year pilot program in two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school this past school year. Through this partnership, YES has collaborated with WCCUSD teachers, administrators, and counselors to engage students and their families in multiple, repeated, and reinforcing outdoor experiences all year. In Year 2 of implementation (July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025), the ROC reached 1,414 Richmond children, youth, and adults, including 43 families, through outdoor programming. On average each individual participated in 34 hours of programming across an average of 5 different program experiences during the year.
  2. $825,311 spent. A total of 80 youth ages 8-18 participated within YES's Youth Leadership Pathway programs. Youth ages 8-13 learned about their responsibility to the natural environment through regular outdoor and camping trips. Youth visited locations such as Point Reyes National Seashore and the East Bay Regional Park District, learning about diverse wildlife and ecosystems.Teens ages 14-18 continued an ongoing park enhancement project at Nicholl Park, and they organized awareness campaigns to prevent pet waste pollution from entering San Pablo Creek Watershed. Their efforts helped to protect and preserve local outdoor spaces, ensuring that Richmond youth and families are able to access the benefits of nature for years to come.
  3. $467,603 spent. Adult programs support adults aged 18 and older in developing into civic-minded community members. 38 adults participated in adult programming in 2024-25. Adult programs support adults in developing and harnessing their strengths and passions to achieve their personal goals and grow as leaders. Participants gain leadership skills, individualized mentoring, and engage in community-based action projects.
  4. $314,361 spent. 234 youth and families participated in 3 Family Camps experiencing weekend-long family camps. Campers participated in hiking, archery, ziplining, environmental education, and traditional camp games. In the process, they built their self-confidence and social and leadership skills; they were challenged in a new environment; and they formed new friendships and relationships with peers, older youth role models, and adult mentors. 61 youth and families explored outdoor spaces within their own communities at Nature Day Outings.YES supported 9 adults with Wellness Community Care Circles, 9 youth in a Wellness Club.13 received 1:1 counseling support, monthly mentor-ship, and regular wellness checks. 8 families received a small Resilience Fund with emergency cash during times of hardship, and 120 gift cards were distributed to 34 YES families during the December holiday.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending August 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 September 7, 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 September 30, 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 September 10, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending August 2025.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

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

    Recognized by the IRS since July 2002.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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 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.