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Mcgaw YMCA

EIN 36-2169194 · Evanston, IL

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair61 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

The McGaw YMCA cultivates the whole person, strengthens community, and provides equitable access to transformational experiences that uplift the mind, body, and spirit. McGaw YMCA will be a place of belonging for all people at every stage of life. We are committed to strengthening community. Every day, we work in partnership with our neighbors to make sure that everyone in our diverse and vibrant community has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.

Income
$19.7 million
Spending
$18.9 million
Spent on programs
84%
Reserves
-1.8 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 83%
Employees
704
Volunteers
195
Highest pay
$299,943, president and 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

Fair: 61 out of 100. Higher than 46% of charities in its peer group (human services, $10m to $100m).

  • Reserves

    0 of 35

    Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.

  • Debt

    16 of 20

    It owes 26% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 4% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 9% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    84% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 23 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 25

    20 of 20 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

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.

  • 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, 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)
  1. $9.3 million spent. YOUTH DEVELOPMENT: McGaw 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. We help young people cultivate the values, skills, and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health, and educational achievement. Our Y programs such as Child Care, Early Learning, Head Start, STEM education for middle school children, youth sports, day camp, and residential camp, offer a range of experiences that enrich cognitive, social, physical, and emotional growth. Last year, McGaw provided $615,559 in scholarship assistance to make our youth development programs accessible to the community.
  2. $5.5 million spent. HEALTHY LIVING: McGaw YMCA is a leading voice on improving individual and community well-being. We bring families closer together, encourage good health and foster connections through fitness, sports, fun, and shared interests. As a result, thousands of families 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. Our programs are accessible, affordable and open to all people. Last year, McGaw provided $417,771 in scholarship assistance to make our healthy living programs accessible to the community.
  3. $1.2 million spent. SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: McGaw YMCA believes in giving back and supporting our neighbors. We have been listening and responding to our community's most critical social needs for more than 140 years. Y programs such as the men's residence and food programs are examples of how we deliver training, resources, and support that empower our neighbors to effect change and overcome obstacles. Last year, we engaged 250 YMCA members, participants, and volunteers in activities that strengthen our community and pave the way for future generations to thrive. Last year, McGaw provided $30,001 in scholarship assistance to make our social responsibility programs accessible to the community.

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

  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 October 13, 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 2025.

    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 June 1946.

    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 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.