Young Mens Christian Association of Central Ohio
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
To serve the whole community through programs expressing Judeo-Christian principles that build a healthy spirit, mind and body. The YMCA of Central Ohio realizes its vision of strong communities where all people reach their full potential through our three pillars - Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility - meeting critical community needs across five generations.
- Income
- $68.0 million
- Spending
- $66.9 million
- Spent on programs
- 85%
- Reserves
- -7.5 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- fees for its services, 44%
- Employees
- 2,283
- Volunteers
- 1,166
- Highest pay
- $454,984, president/ceo/board secretary
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: 62 out of 100. Higher than 48% of charities in its peer group (human services, $10m to $100m).
Reserves
0 of 35Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 13% of what it owns.
Living within its means
12 of 15Income exceeded spending by 2% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 4% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1585% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 3 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 2520 of 20 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 (4)
- $29.3 million spent. YOUTH DEVELOPMENT The YMCA of Central Ohio is an expert in youth development programming and the largest child care provider across the region. We hold the prestigious Praesidium Accreditation, confirming our adherence to the highest industry standards for safety and child abuse prevention. Our accessible, high-quality programs empowered over 43,467 youth last year, helping infants through teens build the foundational blocks for lifelong learning, health positivity and critical thinking. This includes 101 licensed child care programs, teen leadership, youth sports and water safety and in-home social services. At the YMCA of Central Ohio, 93% of children are ready for kindergarten, compared to a 35% success rate in Franklin County and a 36.5% success rate in Ohio. The YMCA is a trusted partner in family life. On average, we serve nearly 5,000 families annually so parents and caregivers can have peace of mind while participating in the workforce. (Expenses $ 0 including grants of $)(Revenue $ 34,861) Vending: The YMCA sells small items to members such as water bottles, swim goggles, etc. This amounted to net $34,861in 2025.
- $20.8 million spent. SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY The YMCA of Central Ohio is a trusted community partner implementing national best practices and evidence-based housing strategies, providing housing solutions for over a century to meet our community's evolving needs. Utilizing a person-centered approach, the YMCA addresses housing insecurity through essential programs that provide shelter, housing stability and long-term support. Emergency Shelter: 4,336 individuals (including 885 children) facing homelessness had a safe space and a warm bed while on their path to stable housing. Rapid ReHousing: 1,114 individuals were connected to critical support to obtain stable housing, taking the next step toward long-term security and success through a place to call home. Permanent Supportive Housing: 242 households were empowered and supported to achieve independence and long-term stability through this affordable housing intervention.
- $6.9 million spent. HEALTHY LIVING The YMCA brings deep expertise in strengthening whole-person health throughout the lifespan, serving five generations through programs and services that build a healthy spirit, mind and body. This includes preventing chronic diseases, supporting healthy aging, fostering community connections and encouraging lifelong healthy habits. Across our community centers, over 173,000 members improved whole-person health at our YMCAs last year, visiting our centers over 2.3 million times. Our programs are rooted in accessibility and inclusion, ensuring people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds can improve their health and well-being. We are committed to providing financial assistance to ensure all people can access our services, regardless of financial ability, providing over $1.6M in financial assistance last year. (Expenses $ 0 including grants of $)(Revenue $ 34,861) Vending: The YMCA sells small items to members such as water bottles, swim goggles, etc. This amounted to net $34,861in 2025.
- Vending: The YMCA sells small items to members such as water bottles, swim goggles, etc. This amounted to net $34,861in 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 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 September 1943.
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.