Young Mens Christian Association of the Capital District
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The YMCA's mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. The YMCA is one of the nation's leading non-profit organizations. At the Capital District YMCA, we strengthen community by supporting the needs of those in every community where we serve around the key areas of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. We nurture the potential in every child, we work to improve the health and well-being of those we serve, and we give back by supporting those in need. Each year, thousands of individuals facing hardships are welcomed to the Capital District YMCA and receive assistance regarding a wide range of programs and services, from swimming lessons to childcare. Our reach covers those living in and around Albany, Bethlehem, Clifton Park, Duanesburg, Lake George, Glenville, East Greenbush, Greene County, Guilderland, Schenectady, and Troy. Our support includes a Men's Residence in Schenectady.
- Income
- $40.5 million
- Spending
- $41.4 million
- Spent on programs
- 90%
- Reserves
- 0.5 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- fees for its services, 83%
- Employees
- 2,054
- Volunteers
- 659
- Highest pay
- $402,429, president and ceo
Source: Form 990 for the year ending March 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Weak: 47 out of 100. Higher than 20% of charities in its peer group (human services, $10m to $100m).
Reserves
4 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 0.5 months of spending.
Debt
10 of 20It owes 47% of what it owns.
Living within its means
8 of 15Spending exceeded income by 2% of income.
Income trend
10 of 15Income fell 0% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1590% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 6 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending March 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 35% of charities in its peer group (human services, $10m to $100m).
Independent board
25 of 2529 of 29 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 March 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)
- $19.7 million spent. Core to the Y's Mission is Healthy Living. Our YMCA believes in giving back and supporting our neighbors. We've been responding to our community's critical health needs for more than 100 years. Y programs deliver resources and support that empower our neighbors to overcome obstacles and effect positive change in their lives. For example, our LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program offers adult cancer survivors a mix of physical and social assistance that helps them find their new "normal". Our Pedaling for Parkinson's program helps those battling Parkinson's disease to regain mobility and slow the progression of their disease. With obesity at epidemic levels in this country, Capital District YMCA programs like Y Fit Kids (a unique 30-minute program that gets kids involved in intense exercise through fun and challenging workouts) are improving children's lives.
- $16.7 million spent. Core to the Y's Mission is Youth Development. The Capital District YMCA is committed to nurturing the potential in every child and teen. We are the largest provider of childcare in the Capital Region, with 4 Early Learning Centers and over 30 childcare locations across the region, serving more than 2,000 children. In addition, each summer we care for more than 3,000 children in our day and overnight camp programs. We provide subsidies and direct financial assistance that make participation possible for the young people we engage. We provide a host of programs and services that address our belief that all youth deserve the opportunity to develop into their best selves. Toward that end, we help young people cultivate values, skills, and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health, and educational achievement. Our programs provide a wealth of experiences that enrich cognitive, social, physical, and emotional growth. Middle and high school students from all backgrounds are welcome in our Black & Latino Achievers program, and benefit from our efforts to help them develop a positive sense of their self-worth; raise their academic standards; and build character. Achievers have the chance to explore career and education options while being mentored by caring adults, attending workshops and workplace tours, college preparation classes, and more. Our Leaders Club is one of our most intensive and comprehensive teen programs. It provides opportunities for leadership training, personal growth, service to others, and social development. Young people meet in small groups, working closely with their peers and a counselor on skill- and character-building activities, as well as on planning and organizing club projects. Students in our Youth & Government program are empowered to make a difference in their communities through education and problem-solving experiences as they navigate New York's legislative process and develop their skills and confidence to serve our communities. Among our unique regional benefits to children is our regional resident camp and outdoor education center, which serves children and adults year round. Our Outdoor Education programs include stream, wetlands, forest, and lake study; composting, gardening, and farm animal care; and low-impact hiking/camping and teambuilding. Campers have the opportunity to develop outdoor living skills, practice environmentally sustainable living, increase self-esteem, improve teamwork and communication skills, and accept personal and group challenges in a safe and supportive environment.
- $746,545 spent. Core to the Y's Mission is Social Responsibility. The Capital District YMCA is a leading charity in New York's capital region. We strengthen our community by providing services and support that focus on the well-being of those who need assistance at every stage of their lives, from infants to teens, to adults and seniors, helping all to enjoy healthier lives. We bring families closer together, encourage good health, and foster connections through shared interests and activities involving wellness, nutrition, sports, and family activities. Our work is particularly important as our nation struggles to address a national obesity crisis, as families struggle to attain work/life balance, and as individuals search for personal fulfillment. Each year, we provide financial assistance to thousands of individuals needing help with a variety of activities, from childcare to swimming lessons to social engagement opportunities for seniors. Our services are accessible, affordable, and open to all faiths, backgrounds, abilities, and income levels. All are welcome at the Y. Our Circle of Champs program helps families with a child who has a life-threatening illness to enjoy family fun time together with a host of fun activities for families to enjoy all year long. Each September, through our Running Start program, we provide low-income students with the opportunity to shop (for free) for new clothes, and we provide backpacks filled with new school supplies for the start of the school year. By building the self-esteem and confidence of our children, we help prepare them to succeed in school and in life. For Thanksgiving over 900 meals were provided to those in need across the region, with the help of our branches in East Greenbush, Southern Saratoga, Troy, Guilderland, Duanesburg, and Albany. Called the Caring Community Basket Brigade, all the items needed to cook a complete Thanksgiving Day meal were collected in baskets and given to those in need.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending March 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 November 6, 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 March 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 May 1991.
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 November 4, 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.