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Youth Development Network

EIN 26-1364376 · Sacramento, CA

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood89 out of 100GovernanceStrong94 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Founded in 2007, Youth Development Network (YDN) is dedicated to creating environments where individuals are valued and encouraged to become their best. Its mission is to foster cultures that support personal and professional growth through training, networking, and development opportunities.YDN believes that comprehensive training, networking, and professional development are essential to achieving its vision. The organization's programs, resources, and policy initiatives work together to enhance service quality and provide customized developmental solutions across diverse communities, including youth-serving organizations, educational institutions, faith groups, juvenile justice agencies, government entities, and businesses. YDN facilitates sustainable organizational change, aiming to strengthen individuals and teams by recognizing their talents and emphasizing the importance of positive relationships and role models.YDN's vision is to cultivate communities where individuals can achi

Income
$1.2 million
Spending
$888,784
Spent on programs
82%
Reserves
11.1 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 66%
Employees
5
Volunteers
11
Highest pay
$144,309, executive dir.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Good: 89 out of 100. Higher than 76% of charities in its peer group (youth development, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 11.1 months of spending.

  • Debt

    16 of 20

    It owes 28% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 24% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 10% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    82% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 16 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 94 out of 100. Higher than 59% of charities in its peer group (youth development, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    9 of 10 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    9 of 15

    Its accounts were reviewed or compiled by an independent accountant, but not audited.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, 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)
  1. $480,966 spent. YDN offers tailored development solutions to educational, business, and government entities. Its services and programs motivate participants, facilitate change, and garner support from key staff and managers.Areas of Expertise:Strength-Based Development - Group Dynamics: YDN fosters positive engagement, collaboration, and personal growth within businesses, organizations, and youth programs. It focuses on building well-rounded teams, leading with strengths, and maximizing youth potential. The organization's strength-based approach aims to establish a foundation of positive engagement and collaboration, enabling individuals and teams to flourish and achieve their goals. YDN supports growth and success across various sectors, emphasizing effective leadership and the realization of potential.Youth Development - Youth Engagement: YDN provides critical experiences for youth, creating optimal environments for their growth and development. Its facilitators foster engagement and collaboration, encouraging youth to take on leadership roles. YDN offers training and support for successful collaboration and provides organizational development support to elevate organizations to high functioning levels. The organization's focus on human development integrates youth development principles into programs, transitioning youth from service recipients to valuable resources.Organizational Development - Cultural Relevancy & Inclusion:YDN offers expertise in organizational development, promoting cultural relevancy, inclusion, and diversity. It integrates asset-based development principles into organizational culture, focusing on core values and mission statements that support engagement and growth. YDN's workshops and sessions encourage a shift in thinking and provide supports for optimal development for all employees.Core servicesTraining Workshops: YDN's dynamic workshops cultivate an asset-based development mindset, providing practical tools and renewed energy for participants' work and team engagement.Coaching, Consulting & Technical Assistance: YDN offers customized coaching and consulting services to support the implementation of new strategies across various sectors.Networking EventsYDN organizes events that promote collaboration, share best practices, and facilitate connections within the community.Direct Youth Leadership Programs: YDN facilitates high-impact programs directly with youth, including leadership camps, youth engagement circles, student leadership programs, peer conflict mediation, and 21st-century skill-building programs.
  2. $247,214 spent. Creciente Latinx Leadership Program (Formerly Nueva Epoca Career Development Program):Established in 2021, as a program of YDN, the Creciente Latinx Leadership Program has been instrumental in empowering Latinx leaders in the Sacramento Region. Cohort VI, which participated in the program through 2024, contributed significantly to this mission. With over 93 graduates since its inception, these leaders are actively engaged, leveraging their knowledge, skills, and confidence to impact the economic and civic landscape of the region. Building on this success, YDN-Creciente is excited to launch its 7th cohort of Fellows, the class of 2025-2026, in July 2025.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2024.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since February 2008.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  6. 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.

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