Young Mens Christian Association of Greater Cincinnati
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The mission of the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Counting members and program participants, the Y reaches more than 114,000 people annually with 10 membership locations, 32 before and after school child care sites in 18 school districts, and three stand alone early learning centers across Hamilton, Highland, Clermont, Boone, Kenton, and Campbell counties. The Y provides programs and services that nurture the potential of individuals and families, promote healthy living and foster a sense of social responsibility. Every day, we work to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income, or background, has the opportunity to become healthier, more confident, and secure. Financial assistance, supported by our generous Annual Campaign donors and partners, enables the Y to provide membership and program scholarships to more than 30,000 people in the Greater Cincinnati area.
- Income
- $46.5 million
- Spending
- $45.5 million
- Spent on programs
- 84%
- Reserves
- 10.2 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- fees for its services, 69%
- Employees
- 2,411
- Volunteers
- 4,300
- Highest pay
- $421,032, ceo
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
Strong: 93 out of 100. Higher than 58% of charities in its peer group (philanthropy, $10m to $100m).
Reserves
28 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 10.2 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 12% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 2% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 2% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1584% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 9 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 37% of charities in its peer group (philanthropy, $10m to $100m).
Independent board
25 of 2533 of 33 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)
- $18.9 million spent. Youth Development: Our YMCA is committed to nurturing the potential of every child and teen. We believe that all kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. That is why we help young people cultivate the values, skills and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health and educational achievement. Our YMCA programs, such as child care, day and specialty camp programs, resident camp, arts and humanities, and 21st century learning offer a range of experiences that enrich cognitive, social, physical and emotional growth. As one of the largest providers of child development services in the Greater Cincinnati area, the YMCA is acting on its commitment to support family life, as a core education program for the future. Focusing on the diversity of the community, 7 early learning programs, two of which provide infant care, thirteen 21st century learning sites, and 32 before and after school programs together provide a safe, educational, and enriching environment for 2,500 children each week. Like all Y programs, child care is open to all, with financial assistance available. The YMCA provides financial assistance to needy families to help defray the cost of participation. A major portion of the cost of child care program expenses, over related revenue in this area, is covered by government grants and contributions. In 2025, over 1,700 children and teens enjoyed amazing experiences at 9 summer day camp locations including Camp Ernst. An excellent option for working parents, many families find this character-building time as important as a critical source of summer child care. At Camp Ernst, 540 children and teens participated in the Summer Day camp program. Traditional summer overnight camp programs served 3822 children and teens, and non-summer sessions at camp served 422 individuals.
- $17.0 million spent. Healthy Living : The YMCA is a leading voice on health and well-being. We bring families closer together, encourage good health and foster connections through fitness, sports, fun and shared interests. As a result, people in our community are receiving the support, guidance and resources they need to achieve greater health in spirit, mind and body. This is particularly important as our nation struggles with an obesity crisis, families struggle with work/life balance and individuals search for personal fulfillment. YMCA membership engages over 109,000 individuals annually, providing an inclusive approach to connectedness among families and individuals in our community through youth and adult sports, education, and wellness programming. YMCA programs are open to the general public with options for scholarship funding. A YMCA membership provides access to information, facilities, and programs. The YMCA encourages a healthy lifestyle that connects people for healthier and happier living from family yoga to toddler swim instruction to April Pools Day. The YMCA provided opportunities to develop healthy lifestyles to youth and adults, serving over 6,400 individuals in swim lessons, and 4,300 in youth sports.
- $2.3 million spent. Social Responsibility : Our YMCA believes in giving back and supporting our neighbors. We have been listening to and responding to our community's most critical social needs. YMCA programs, such as Achievers, Senior programs, and the Y Marketplace food pantry are examples of how we deliver training, resources and support that empower our neighbors to effect change, bridge gaps and overcome obstacles. We engage YMCA members, participants and volunteers in activities that strengthen our community and pave the way for future generations to thrive. Over 4,300 individuals volunteered for the Y, serving over 109,000 hours to strengthen community and support the YMCA. The YMCA Achievers program, a college readiness and career exploration program which provides teens with the essential tools to pursue higher education and to identify different career opportunities, served 60 teens. The YMCA's Music Resource Center provided music production and enrichment activities to 203 youth in the area, and provided approximately 98 music lessons. The YMCA managed and provided programs for four senior centers, serving over 1,600 seniors by supporting their physical, social, and emotional health, as well as offering daily meals and day trips. Leaders Club, a teen character and leadership development program designed to equip teens with the knowledge, training, and experiences to become strong community leaders while fostering a spirit of service and healthy lifestyles in mind, body, and spirit, had 22 participants in 2025.
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 June 1942.
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.