Y M C a of Westfield N J
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
Points to look into
- Raising each dollar of donations cost 88 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 WESTFIELD AREA YMCA IS A NONPROFIT HUMAN SERVICE ORGANIZATION DEDICATED TO DEVELOPING THE FULL POTENTIAL OF EVERY INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY IN THE COMMUNITIES IT SERVES THROUGH PROGRAMS THAT BUILD HEALTHY SPIRIT, MIND AND BODY FOR ALL.
- Income
- $16.0 million
- Spending
- $15.2 million
- Spent on programs
- 90%
- Reserves
- 2.1 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- fees for its services, 90%
- Employees
- 609
- Volunteers
- 56
- Highest pay
- $249,979, 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
Fair: 56 out of 100. Higher than 39% of charities in its peer group (human services, $10m to $100m).
Reserves
10 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 2.1 months of spending.
Debt
16 of 20It owes 26% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 5% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 11% on the year before.
Spending floor
0 of 1590% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 88 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 35% of charities in its peer group (human services, $10m to $100m).
Independent board
25 of 2532 of 32 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 (2)
- $10.6 million spent. The Westfield Area YMCA provides a wide range of stimulating, safe, and developmentally appropriate year-round and/or school year child care programs. The curriculum offers a well-balanced blend of social interaction and self-discovery through free play, art, music and learning centers. Full-day kindergarten is available and expands upon the public school curriculum and follows the public school calendar. The school age child care program provides a fun, active and nurturing learning environment for elementary school students before and/or after school in Cranford, Garwood, Mountainside and Westfield. Programs are offered at YMCA facilities and school sites. 935 children were served in 2025. The Westfield Area YMCA provides ACA-accredited summer day camps for children ages 3-15 for one week or the whole summer. (SEE ON SCHEDULE O) The YMCA summer camps teach positive values, enhance social competencies, increase self-confidence and boost understanding of behavioral boundaries and consequences. An inclusion program for campers with special needs is included. In 2025, the Y provided 828 youth with 3660 weeks of camp. From basketball to Taekwondo to dance to t-ball, the Westfield Area YMCA youth sports programs offer children of every ability the opportunity to exercise, develop skills and have fun. For example, Y Flyers Track Club served approximately 575 youth, about 175 youth participated in the Dance Academy program, 325 youth participated in the Y's developmental and competitive Devilfish Swim Team and 210 youth participated in t-ball. The Y also provided aquatic lessons for all ages and abilities in Cranford and Westfield and in 2025, about 805 children participated each week. The Westfield Area YMCA is proud of its role in helping thousands of area youth develop skills and learn sportsmanship each year. With the growth of the active older adult and senior population, the YMCA continues to enhance offerings with a variety of health and wellness programs including lunchtime lectures and events, land and water fitness classes, and classes specifically for people with special health needs such as arthritis, Parkinson's, osteoporosis and stroke survivors. Seniors also appreciate the socialization opportunities offered in programs and classes at the Y.
- $3.1 million spent. The Westfield Area YMCA welcomes people of every age, ability and life stage and supports those who need us most. At the Y programs are offered to strengthen people physically while sharpening their minds, helping them achieve wellness in spirit, mind and body. Throughout the year, the Y continued to serve the community as a food pantry drop-off site, hosted several clothing and hygiene product drives, and offers an angel tree in December so less fortunate children and families receive holiday gifts thanks to the generosity of our members. The Main Y Facility offers more than 170 pieces of cardio and strength training equipment, two pools, a double gym, racquetball courts, fitness classes and a free-weight room. The Cranford YMCA opened in 2024 and features over 50 pieces of fitness equipment and free weights, a multi-purpose room and indoor pool. The Westfield Area YMCA is a great place for everyone in the community to improve their health and wellness of spirit, mind and body.
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 September 7, 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 September 30, 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 September 10, 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 September 7, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since December 1937.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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 7, 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.