Railroad & Local Young Mens Christian Association of Oneonta
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The Oneonta Family YMCA is a non-profit charitable organization that includes men, women, and children of all ages, abilities, incomes, races, and religions. Its mission is to improve the spiritual, mental, social, and physical condition and well-being of its members. The Y is a positive force in this community, taking on tough challenges that shape the regions future. Every day brings new obstacles that increase the need for the Oneonta Ys important work. Serving Otsego, Delaware, and Schoharie Counties of Central New York State, we are a powerful association united by a shared passion: to strengthen the foundations of our community. With a commitment to nurturing the potential of children and teens through youth development, promoting healthy living, and fostering a sense of social responsibility, the Y ensures everyone has access to the essentials needed to learn, grow, and thrive. We provide quality programs that support a healthy mind, body, and spirit, while also promoting the co
- Income
- $1.9 million
- Spending
- $1.7 million
- Spent on programs
- 78%
- Reserves
- 9.7 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- fees for its services, 78%
- Employees
- 123
- Volunteers
- 60
- Highest pay
- $106,104, executive direc
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: 79 out of 100. Higher than 60% of charities in its peer group (human services, $1m to $10m).
Reserves
28 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 9.7 months of spending.
Debt
16 of 20It owes 16% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 6% of income.
Income trend
5 of 15Income fell 15% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1578% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 8 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 2510 of 10 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)
- $793,540 spent. Youth Development The YMCA is a leader in nurturing the potential of every child and teen. Every day, we help young people build positive values, embrace service, and ignite their motivation to learn. We believe all kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. Our programsJump-Start Preschool, Center Street Child Care, UPK, gymnastics, youth fitness, swim lessons, and youth sportsoffer a wide range of enriching experiences that support cognitive, social, physical, and emotional growth. The YMCA provides programming not just for members, but also to the public. All kids deserve a safe space with caring adults who believe in their potential. Keeping kids active and involved is central to our mission. In 2025, 1,441 youth participated in our sports programming, and 56 children were enrolled in our Jumpstart childcare program at Center Street.
- $350,602 spent. Healthy Living The Y is a leading voice in health and well-being in our community. We deliver holistic health programsby fostering supportive relationships and environments that help individuals achieve wellness. This work is especially important as the nation faces an obesity crisis, families balance hectic schedules, and individuals search for personal fulfillment. We bring families together through recreational, fitness, and social activities that build connections and strengthen bonds. In2025, we continued our partnership with YMCA360, a virtual wellness platform. It offers fitness on demand along with music, cooking, nutrition, and mental health content. With YMCA360, we truly bring the Y to the peopleanywhere, anytime. We began work on our Urban Sports Park. With the support of local businesses and donors, the Y will open a new outdoor sports park at 20 Ford Ave in summer 2026, expanding access to active living for all. The Oneonta YMCA continues to be a vital provider of senior fitness opportunities. We offer specialized classes for older adults and have created a thriving social network of support. Our senior fitness programs became so popular that we partnered with Southside Mall to accommodate growing class sizes. We also host free senior socials that focus on exercise, healthy eating, and connection. These programs are inclusive, affordable, and accessible regardless of faith, background, ability, or income. Additionally, we work with insurance providers such as SilverSneakers, Silver&Fit, and AARP to ensure access for all seniors. In 2025, 19,484 individuals participated in fitness classes.
- $211,172 spent. Social Responsibility Since 1883, the Oneonta Family YMCA has played a vital role in our community. We offer countless ways for people to get involvedwhether by giving, joining, or volunteering. Strong communities require strong leadership and shared values, both of which are embedded in the Ys work. We offer programs that help individuals develop educational, vocational, and leadership skills, and we actively partner with other organizations to meet community needs. A prime example of our commitment to meeting local needs is our longstanding partnership with the City of Oneonta. When the city could no longer offer certain services, they turned to the YMCA for help. Since 2014, the Y has provided all aquatic programming at the Wilber Park Pool. A few of our other long standing partnerships include the Junior Firefighter Program, summer preschool and summer swim lessons. Our collaborative efforts with partners like Bassett Healthcare Network, the City of Oneonta, the school district, and the Southside Mall are often viewed as a model for successful community collaboration. We also offer vital safety training such as CPR/First Aid, lifeguard certification, and swim instruction. In 2025, we certified 18 lifeguardsand administered 32 CPR Certification and Recertifications. Programs like the Junior Firefighter initiative and our Safety Around Water program, which served over 100 children each, reflect our commitment to building a safer, more connected community. We also hosted several blood drives at the Southside Mall. None of this work would be possible without the support of our members, donors, and volunteers. Every swim lesson, fitness session, and moment of personal growth is a direct result of the communitys support. Looking ahead, we are eager to continue growing
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 December 1942.
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.