Apex Youth Connection
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Apex is dedicated to enriching the lives of youth through hands-on activities and outdoor adventure, while fostering meaningful mentorships in an environment where every child feels safe and valued.
- Income
- $417,738
- Spending
- $500,589
- Spent on programs
- 53%
- Reserves
- 8.3 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 66%
- Employees
- 15
- Volunteers
- 30
- Highest pay
- $82,194, 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
Good: 71 out of 100. Higher than 45% of charities in its peer group (youth development, $250k to $1m).
Reserves
28 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 8.3 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 8% of what it owns.
Living within its means
0 of 15Spending exceeded income by 20% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 73% on the year before.
Spending floor
8 of 1553% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 17 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: 97 out of 100. Higher than 92% of charities in its peer group (youth development, $250k to $1m).
Independent board
25 of 257 of 7 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
12 of 15Its accounts were reviewed or compiled by an independent accountant, but not audited.
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)
- $266,209 spent. Apex Bike Programs is the umbrella term for all of Apex's cycling and biking initiatives, including Earn a Bike, Open Shop, the Apex Pre-Apprenticeship Program, Bike Bus, Summer Rides, and Mountain Bike Rides. These are among our most impactful offerings, allowing us to distribute hundreds of low- or no-cost bicycles to youth annually. Through these programs, young people gain access to positive mentorship, learn hands-on mechanical skills, develop community navigation abilities, and cultivate a lifelong appreciation for physical activity and nature. On average, these programs serve over 200 youth each year.
- Apex Aftercare is a completely free after-school program offered in partnership with the Biddeford and Saco school systems. Open to middle school students at both Biddeford Middle School and Saco Middle School, each site has a dedicated space within the school and can accommodate up to 25 youth. The program was developed in response to a clear need for accessible, affordable aftercare options for local families. Participants are cared for from school dismissal until 5:00 PM, with transportation home provided afterward.
- Apex Summer Camp is a low-cost, high-impact summer program offering 15 spots each year for youth 5th grade and up. Running four days a week for eight weeks, the camp features a wide variety of enriching experiences, including educational classes, field trips, group activities, hiking, and sports. With a base cost of just $25 per week, the camp is intentionally designed to be accessible to families of all income levels. Apex uses the lowest-barrier financial aid approach possibleany participant who cannot afford part or all of the fee can simply speak with a staff member, and the cost will be waived, no questions asked. The program has reached full enrollment every year it's been offered, and with increased funding, we hope to expand capacity to serve even more youth.
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 March 2006.
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.