Skip to the page content
Passes our checks

Valley Shore YMCA

EIN 06-0646979 · Westbrook, CT

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood71 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

The mission of the Valley Shore YMCA, Inc. is to develop and encourage the growth of all individuals in spirit, mind and body in an atmosphere of mutual respect. Our areas of focus are youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

Income
$4.4 million
Spending
$3.9 million
Spent on programs
89%
Reserves
1.5 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 83%
Employees
173
Volunteers
171
Highest pay
$138,555, chief executive officer

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: 71 out of 100. Higher than 47% of charities in its peer group (human services, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    10 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 1.5 months of spending.

  • Debt

    16 of 20

    It owes 19% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 11% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 20% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    89% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 20 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: 100 out of 100. Higher than 65% of charities in its peer group (human services, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    18 of 19 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 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 (3)
  1. $2.5 million spent. HEALTHY LIVING - The Y is a leading voice on health and well-being. We bring families closer together, encourage good health and foster connections through fitness, sports, fun and shared interests. As a result, over 6000 people in our community may receive the support, guidance and resources they need to achieve greater health in spirit, mind and body. This is particularly important as our nation struggles with an obesity crisis, families struggle with work/life balance and individuals search for personal fulfillment and socialization. We typically provide a variety of classes, sports leagues, instruction, weight loss programs and wellness activities, including swimming, to ensure members can maintain an effective lifestyle. We opened a new state-of-the-art fitness center in 2022 and a new family friendly locker room in 2025. Our programs are accessible, affordable and open to all faiths, backgrounds, abilities and income levels. In 2025, we provided $160,000 in financial assistance to people who otherwise may not have been able to afford to participate. Additionally, approximately 26% of our members are active older adults and we provide opportunities for senior members to socialize, improve their physical fitness to be able to lead more active and productive lives in retirement. 60% of our seniors in 2025 were on a no-cost or low cost insurance plan and 40% receive senior discounts subsidized by our membership and donors.
  2. $968,068 spent. YOUTH DEVELOPMENT Our YMCA is committed to nurturing the potential of every child and teen. We believe that all kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. That is why we help young people cultivate the values, skills and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health and educational achievement. Our YMCA programs, such as before and after school care, summer camp, youth sports, youth swim programs, and other youth activities offer a range of experiences that enrich cognitive, social, physical and emotional growth. Our Before and After School programs provided over 380 children in three towns with opportunities to play, socialize and learn with their classmates in a safe and fun environment which enables parents to work with peace of mind that their children are well cared for. We recognize that there is a lack of affordable day care in our area for our community's youngest children. The YMCA believes that camping significantly contributes to the healthy growth of children by teaching them independence, decision-making, creativity and important social skills. Day camp has also become a primary source of childcare for working parents during the summer months and was there was a critical need to get kids back to play and socialization. In 2025 we welcomed over 350 children to play, swim, make friends, and just be a kid during the summer on our multi acre wooded campus. Drowning is the second leading cause of death in children. We are committed to ensuring that the kids who live in our shoreline communities have the basic safety and swim skills to be safe around and within the water. In 2025 we provided over 3000 swim lessons to over 1300 children. In 2025 we also operated our competitive swim team comprised of over 60 young athletes to allow them to learn strokes, develop relationships and be part of a team. In 2025 we continue to expand adaptive swim lesson programs for children and adults with disabilities to improve safe swimming skills.
  3. $11,587 spent. SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY Our YMCA believes in giving back and supporting our neighbors. We have been listening and responding to our community's most critical social needs. YMCA programs, such as the YMCA Community Garden where all produce is delivered to local food pantry, teaching CPR, First Aid and Life Saving classes to our community, Blood Drives and community group access to our facility are examples of how we deliver training, resources and support that empower our neighbors to effect change, bridge gaps and overcome obstacles. We engage YMCA members, participants and volunteers in activities that strengthen our community and pave the way for future generations to thrive.

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 March 1945.

    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.