The New Canaan Community Young Mens Christian Association Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
Points to look into
- Raising each dollar of donations cost 93 cents.
These come from the organization's own tax return. There may be a good explanation; ask the charity.
What it says it does
THE NEW CANAAN COMMUNITY YMCA'S MISSION IS TO ENRICH ALL PEOPLE IN SPIRIT, MIND AND BODY. WE ARE COMMITTED TO PROVIDING PROGRAMS AND SERVICES THAT PROMOTE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, HEALTHY LIVING, AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AMONG OUR MEMBERS AND OUR COMMUNITY. WE ARE FOUNDED ON CHRISTIAN PRINCIPLES AND ARE GUIDED BY OUR CORE VALUES OF CARING, HONESTY, RESPECT, AND RESPONSIBILITY.
- Income
- $12.2 million
- Spending
- $12.6 million
- Spent on programs
- 89%
- Reserves
- -4.3 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- fees for its services, 91%
- Employees
- 445
- Volunteers
- 389
- Highest pay
- $353,071, executive 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
Weak: 39 out of 100.
Reserves
0 of 35Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.
Debt
16 of 20It owes 29% of what it owns.
Living within its means
8 of 15Spending exceeded income by 4% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 5% on the year before.
Spending floor
0 of 1589% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 93 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.
Independent board
25 of 2522 of 22 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a 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
15 of 15Its accounts were audited 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 (3)
- $7.0 million spent. YOUTH DEVELOPMENT ENCOMPASSES CHILDCARE, EDUCATION AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT, AQUATICS, SPORTS, CAMP, AND RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS. THE NEW CANAAN YMCA OFFERS: FULL-DAY CHILDCARE SERVING 78 PARTICIPANTS, AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMMING SERVING APPROXIMATELY 37 PARTICIPANTS, AND SCHOOL VACATION DAY PROGRAMMING SERVING AN AVERAGE OF 20 CHILDREN ON EACH OF THE 14 PUBLIC SCHOOL VACATION DAYS IN 2025. OUR CHILDCARE SERVES CHILDREN 6 WEEKS OLD THROUGH AGE 12, PROVIDING A SAFE AND NURTURING ENVIRONMENT. SEE CONTINUATION ON SCHEDULE O THE NEW CANAAN YMCA'S INCLUSION AND SUPPORT PROGRAMS ARE ADAPTED TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE ALLOWING MEMBERS WITH DIVERSE ABILITIES TO PARTICIPATE IN PROGRAMS WITHIN OUR Y. IN 2025, WE OFFERED PROGRAMS AND SUPPORT SERVICES FOR OVER 130 KIDS AND TEENS TO HELP INDIVIDUALS BUILD CONFIDENCE, MAKE FRIENDS, AND DEVELOP INDEPENDENCE IN A SUPPORTIVE AND WELCOMING ENVIRONMENT. THE NEW CANAAN YMCA OFFERS NUMEROUS SUMMER CAMP OPTIONS. IN 2025, 535 CHILDREN ATTENDED Y SUMMER CAMP. FORTY FOUR TEENS PARTICIPATED IN THE Y'S LEADER-IN-TRAINING AND COUNSELOR-IN-TRAINING PROGRAMS. NINETEEN TEEN & YOUNG ADULTS WITH VARYING ABILITIES PARTICIPATED IN Y CAMP JAM WHICH WAS SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR YOUTH WHO REQUIRE ADDITIONAL DIRECTION AND SUPPORT, BUT DO NOT REQUIRE 1:1 OR INTENSIVE BEHAVIORAL AND/OR PHYSICAL INTERVENTION. THE Y'S SPECIAL CARES CAMP PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN WITH VARYING ABILITIES (E.G., DOWN SYNDROME, AUTISM) MAINSTREAMED 16 CHILDREN WITH A TRADITIONAL SUMMER CAMP EXPERIENCE BY PROVIDING ONE-ON-ONE STAFF AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO THEIR FAMILIES. IN 2025, 7 CHILDREN PARTICIPATED IN THE ESY (EXTENDED SCHOOL YEAR) CAMP PROGRAM. ALL CAMPERS LEARN CONSIDERATION AND COOPERATION WITH OTHERS, FAIRNESS, INDEPENDENCE, AND LEADERSHIP. SUMMER CAMP HELPS TO BUILD SELF-CONFIDENCE, SELF-ESTEEM, AND A HEALTHY ATTITUDE. YMCA AQUATIC PROGRAMS PROVIDE SWIMMING AND WATER SAFETY SKILLS, WHILE PROMOTING GOOD HEALTH THROUGH REGULAR EXERCISE. IN 2025, 636 CHILDREN LEARNED TO BECOME SAFER AND MORE CONFIDENT IN THE WATER THROUGH SWIM LESSONS. APPROXIMATELY 250 CHILDREN AND YOUNG ADULTS PARTICIPATED IN THE YMCA'S TWO COMPETITIVE AQUATIC TEAMS AND PROGRAMS. OUR TEAMS FOCUS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF PROPER MECHANICS, GOAL SETTING, LEADERSHIP, TIME MANAGEMENT SKILLS, SELF-ESTEEM, AND THE YMCA'S FOUR CORE VALUES WITHIN THE REALM OF A SAFE AND MOTIVATING ENVIRONMENT. OUR TEAM MEMBERS GROW TO BECOME RESPONSIBLE STUDENT-ATHLETES AND ARE GREAT ROLE MODELS FOR OUR COMMUNITY. IN ADDITION TO ATHLETIC AND PERSONAL CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT, THE COMPETITIVE PROGRAMS PROVIDE BOTH YOUTH AND ADULT COMMUNITY MEMBERS THE OPPORTUNITY TO DEVELOP FRIENDSHIPS BY BRINGING FAMILIES TOGETHER IN SOCIAL GATHERINGS AND VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCES. DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR, THE YMCA OPENED ON ONE SATURDAY NIGHT EXCLUSIVELY TO YOUTH IN GRADES FIVE THROUGH EIGHT. THE PROGRAMS ARE OPEN TO ALL IN THE COMMUNITY, REGARDLESS OF MEMBERSHIP STATUS. THE YOUTH UTILIZE THE WELLNESS CENTER, GYM, AND POOL, AND PARTAKE IN SPECIAL EVENTS IN A SAFE, SUPERVISED ENVIRONMENT UNDER THE DIRECTION OF Y VOLUNTEERS AND STAFF. ATTENDANCE WAS 46 CHILDREN (AGES 10-13) FOR THE EVENT. IN 2025, 765 CHILDREN IN GRADES KINDERGARTEN THROUGH HIGH SCHOOL PARTICIPATED IN THE NEW CANAAN YMCA'S RECREATIONAL BASKETBALL LEAGUE TO LEARN SPORTSMANSHIP, TEAMWORK, AND HAVE FUN WHILE EMPHASIZING COMMUNITY AND DEVELOPING SOCIAL SKILLS AND THE Y'S CORE VALUES. THE NEW CANAAN YMCA'S SKI AND BOARD CLUB TRANSPORTS MIDDLE SCHOOL-AGE YOUTH OF ALL SKIING ABILITY BY BUS FROM OUR Y TO A LOCAL SKI MOUNTAIN FOR AN EVENING OF WINTER FUN. LESSONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR BEGINNERS AND THOSE WHO WANT TO IMPROVE THEIR SKILLS. THE PROGRAM RUNS FOR THREE MONTHS EACH WINTER, AND IN 2025, 50 CHILDREN PARTICIPATED. THE NEW CANAAN YMCA'S BOUNCING BEARS PROGRAM IS OFFERED IN OUR KIDS' ZONE. THE PROGRAM IS OFFERED TO CHILDREN AGES 1-5. WHILE PLAYING ON THOUGHTFULLY ARRANGED AND CURATED EQUIPMENT, CHILDREN DEVELOP THEIR COORDINATION AND MOTOR DEVELOPMENT IN SWINGING, BALANCING, CLIMBING, RUNNING, JUMPING, ROLLING AND MORE. CLASSES INCLUDE EXPLORATION TIME AND CIRCLE TIME, WHICH INCLUDES MUSIC AND PROPS. IN 2025, APPROXIMATELY 400 PRESCHOOL AGE CHILDREN PARTICIPATED IN OUR BOUNCING BEARS PROGRAMS.
- $3.2 million spent. THE NEW CANAAN YMCA IS A COMMUNITY RESOURCE DEDICATED TO PROMOTING WELLNESS AMONG PEOPLE OF ALL AGES THROUGH GOOD HEALTH AND EXERCISE HABITS. OUR PROGRAMS ARE DESIGNED TO HELP PEOPLE SET REALISTIC GOALS FOR SELF-IMPROVEMENT AND DISEASE PREVENTION THROUGH AN ACTIVE LIFESTYLE, PROPER NUTRITION, AND HEALTH EDUCATION. MEMBERS AGES 12 THROUGH ADULTHOOD PARTICIPATE IN A VARIETY OF CARDIOVASCULAR, STRENGTH TRAINING, MIND-BODY AND NUTRITION PROGRAMS. SEE CONTINUATION ON SCHEDULE O THE NEW CANAAN YMCA OFFERS APPROXIMATELY 110 ADULT GROUP FITNESS CLASSES PER WEEK. CLASSES INCLUDE STRENGTH TRAINING, CARDIO, CYCLING, AQUATICS, DANCE, BARRE, YOGA, AND PILATES AND ARE AVAILABLE TO MEMBERS AGES 14+ AT ALL FITNESS LEVELS. APPROXIMATELY 105 CHILDREN LEARNED HOW TO SAFELY ACHIEVE A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE AT THE Y THROUGH OUR FAMILIES IN TRAINING PROGRAM, WHICH ENCOURAGES FAMILIES TO WORK-OUT TOGETHER AND HELPS KIDS AGES 12 AND OLDER TO BEGIN MAKING HEALTHY CHOICES. THE NEW CANAAN YMCA MAINTAINS A LONG-STANDING PARTNERSHIP WITH STAMFORD HEALTH THAT INCLUDES ON-SITE PHYSICAL THERAPY OFFICES AND A NURSE COORDINATOR AVAILABLE FOR MEMBER SCREENINGS, ADVICE, AND QUICK REFERRALS. STAMFORD HEALTH ALSO CONDUCTS HEALTH LECTURES OPEN TO THE COMMUNITY AT NO CHARGE. NEW CANAAN YMCA OFFERED OPEN PLAY PICKLEBALL FOUR DAYS PER WEEK IN OUR GYM. APPROXIMATELY 100 PLAYERS OF ALL LEVELS OF ABILITY GATHERED EACH WEEK TO IMPROVE THEIR SKILLS, PHYSICAL HEALTH AND PARTICIPATE IN A FUN SOCIAL SETTING. THE NEW CANAAN YMCA'S ADULT VOLLEYBALL PROGRAM CONSISTENTLY ENGAGES AN AVERAGE OF 70 PARTICIPANTS PER SESSION, FOSTERING AN INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENT FOR ATHLETES OF VARIOUS SKILL LEVELS WITH AN EMPHASIS ON TEAMWORK, PHYSICAL FITNESS, AND SKILL DEVELOPMENT. THE NEW CANAAN YMCA'S MEN'S BASKETBALL LEAGUE IS OPEN TO THE COMMUNITY AND INCLUDES A 10-GAME REGULAR SEASON INCLUDING PLAYOFFS. IN 2025, 40 PLAYERS PARTICIPATED. THE MASTERS SWIM PROGRAM IS FOR ADULT SWIMMERS LOOKING TO IMPROVE THEIR ENDURANCE AND STROKES IN THE POOL, WHETHER FOR TRIATHLONS, MASTERS COMPETITION, OR PERSONAL WELL-BEING. THE PROGRAM IS OPEN TO NEW CANAAN YMCA MEMBERS AND NON-MEMBERS AGES 18+. 24 SWIMMERS PARTICIPATED IN 2025.
- $966,794 spent. THE YMCA STRIVES TO PROVIDE A WELCOMING, AFFIRMATIVE ENVIRONMENT WHERE ALL INDIVIDUALS CAN FEEL COMFORTABLE AND RECEIVE THE SUPPORT THEY NEED TO IMPROVE THEIR OVERALL WELLNESS REGARDLESS OF ECONOMIC CIRCUMSTANCES. THE NEW CANAAN YMCA REMAINED COMMITTED TO SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY MEMBERS WHO REQUIRE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO BENEFIT FROM THE Y'S SERVICES. IN 2025, NEW CANAAN YMCA AWARDED FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE OF OVER $326,500 TO APPROXIMATELY 729 INDIVIDUALS FOR MEMBERSHIP AND OVER $81,000 TO 101 INDIVIDUALS TOWARD PROGRAM ASSISTANCE. SEE CONTINUATION ON SCHEDULE O IN 2025, THE YMCA PROVIDED APPROXIMATELY $10,500 IN ASSISTANCE FOR 2 CHILDREN ENROLLED IN THE Y'S CHILDCARE CENTER AND MORE THAN $118,500 IN FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO 129 CAMPERS TO ATTEND SUMMER CAMP. APPROXIMATELY $10,180 WAS APPROPRIATED FROM THE PROCEEDS OF Y'S ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT TO COVER THE EMPLOYMENT COSTS OF AIDES AND A NURSE FOR SUMMER CAMP. IN 2025 THE NEW CANAAN Y'S INCLUSION AND SUPPORT DEPARTMENT COORDINATED WITH STAR, A LOCAL NONPROFIT, TO PROVIDE SPECIALIZED PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES. IN 2025, THE NEW CANAAN YMCA HOSTED A VARIETY OF EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR FAMILIES IN THE COMMUNITY. APPROXIMATELY 250 PEOPLE ATTENDED A FREE WINTER WONDERLAND FAMILY EVENT IN DECEMBER AIMED AT BRINGING FAMILIES TOGETHER. IN 2025, APPROXIMATELY 20 INDIVIDUALS PARTICIPATED IN A FAMILY CAMP-IN EVENT. THE INDOOR FAMILY CAMP EVENT OFFERED A COZY, ENGAGING EXPERIENCE FOR ALL AGES. ACTIVITIES INCLUDED SQUARE DANCING, SWIMMING, MAKING S'MORES, LIVELY SING-ALONGS, AND A VARIETY OF FUN GAMES DESIGNED TO BRING EVERYONE TOGETHER. PARTICIPANTS WERE INVITED TO SLEEP ON-SITE IN TENTS, CREATING AN IMMERSIVE CAMPING ATMOSPHERE. THE EVENT FOSTERED BONDING AND ENJOYMENT THROUGH SHARED EXPERIENCES. IN 2025, THE NEW CANAAN YMCA AND 21 STRONG PARTNERED TO HOST THEIR 13TH ANNUAL WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY CELEBRATION WITH OVER 250 PARTICIPANTS AND 65 VOLUNTEERS. THE DAY AIMS TO RAISE AWARENESS AND UNDERSTANDING OF DOWN SYNDROME TO CREATE A SINGLE GLOBAL VOICE ADVOCATING FOR THE RIGHTS, INCLUSION, AND WELL-BEING OF PEOPLE WITH DOWN SYNDROME AROUND THE WORLD. THE COMMUNITY EVENT FEATURED A VARIETY OF FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES INCLUDING FUN IN THE KID ZONE, MUSIC, A PHOTO BOOTH, CRAFTS, SPORTS, MARTIAL ARTS, DANCE JAM, GAMES, AND MORE, CELEBRATING THE ABILITIES OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DOWN SYNDROME IN THE COMMUNITY. THE NEW CANAAN YMCA'S FOREVER WELL PROGRAM ADDRESSES THE NEED TO ENHANCE THE PHYSICAL AND SOCIAL LIVES OF INDIVIDUALS OVER 55. IN 2025, THE Y HELD 10 FOREVERWELL LUNCHES HOSTING AN AVERAGE OF 20 PARTICIPANTS AT EACH LUNCH. PARTICIPANTS ENGAGED IN SOCIAL CONVERSATION, MET NEW PEOPLE, AND ENJOYED VARIED ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES. THE YMCA'S NATIONAL DIABETES PREVENTION PROGRAM RAN AT THE NEW CANAAN YMCA FOR THE THIRD YEAR IN 2025. THE PROGRAM CONNECTS PARTICIPANTS WITH A LIFESTYLE COACH AND A GREATER COMMUNITY OF PEOPLE SEEKING A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE. THE PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO HELP PARTICIPANTS EAT HEALTHIER, FIND NEW WAYS TO ENGAGE IN REGULAR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, AND LOSE WEIGHT, IN ORDER TO DELAY OR PREVENT THE ONSET OF TYPE 2 DIABETES. IN 2025 WE HAD 9 PARTICIPANTS IN THE DIABETES PREVENTION PROGRAM. IN 2025, 26 INDIVIDUALS PARTICIPATED IN ONE OR MORE SESSIONS OF A CANCER SURVIVOR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PROGRAM CALLED LIVESTRONG AT THE YMCA. LIVESTRONG AT THE YMCA IS A SMALL GROUP PROGRAM DESIGNED FOR ADULT CANCER SURVIVORS. THE PROGRAM IS OFFERED AT NO CHARGE TO ANY CANCER SURVIVOR IN THE COMMUNITY. IN ADDITION TO THE PHYSICAL BENEFITS, THE PROGRAM PROVIDES PARTICIPANTS A SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT AND A FEELING OF COMMUNITY WITH THEIR FELLOW SURVIVORS, YMCA STAFF AND MEMBERS. TO MAINTAIN THE LEVEL OF QUALITY OF THE PROGRAM AND SERVICE TO OUR PARTICIPANTS, OUR INSTRUCTORS ARE REQUIRED TO STAY CURRENT ON THEIR TRAININGS AND ENCOURAGED TO GAIN KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE CANCER SURVIVOR POPULATION. ALSO IN 2025, 13 INDIVIDUALS PARTICIPATED IN A PROGRAM DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR PEOPLE AFFECTED BY PARKINSON'S DISEASE. THIS 6-WEEK EXERCISE PROGRAM IS TAUGHT IN A SMALL GROUP SETTING UNDER THE DIRECTION OF A PERSONAL TRAINER WHO HOLDS A NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED CERTIFICATION IN PARKINSON'S EXERCISE INSTRUCTION. PARTICIPANTS ARE INSTRUCTED THROUGH A PHYSICAL AND COGNITIVE EXERCISE PROGRAM THAT IN SOME CASES HAS BEEN SHOWN TO SLOW DISEASE PROGRESSION, BOOST MOOD, BUILD INDEPENDENCE, AND IMPROVE STRENGTH, MOBILITY, GAIT, AND BALANCE. IN 2025, AN EMPLOYMENT INITIATIVE SUPPORTED BY THE Y'S ENDOWMENT FUND, CONTINUED WITH THE GOAL OF PROVIDING COMPETITIVE WORK OPPORTUNITIES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH VARYING ABILITIES. IN 2025, THE Y EMPLOYED SEVEN INDIVIDUALS IN ROLES INCLUDING A CAMP MINI ASSISTANT, WELLNESS ASSISTANT, AQUATICS ASSISTANT AND A CHILDREN'S PROGRAM ASSISTANT. THE NEW CANAAN YMCA CONTINUED ITS PARTNERSHIP WITH FACING THE FUTURE, AN ORGANIZATION LOCATED IN THE KENYAN SLUM OF KIBERA, NAIROBI, AFRICA. DURING 2025, THE ORGANIZATION SERVED APPROXIMATELY 420 NEEDY CHILDREN. IN 2025, $42,300 IN RESTRICTED DONATIONS WERE RECEIVED FROM GENEROUS DONORS AND SPONSORS. 100% OF CONTRIBUTIONS PROVIDE DIRECT SUPPORT TO FACING THE FUTURE OPERATIONS, INCLUDING MEDICAL SUPPLIES, EDUCATIONAL SUPPLIES, MEALS, AND BUILDING EXPENSES. THE NEW CANAAN YMCA APPROPRIATED OVER $40,510 TOWARDS THE FACING THE FUTURE ORGANIZATION IN 2025 IN ADDITION, THE YMCA SUPPORTS CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR QUALIFIEDSTUDENTS AT THE HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL.
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 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 July 1961.
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.